CRUISE TERMINALS

The Port of Los Angeles is home to the World Cruise Center, one of the busiest cruise terminals on the United States West Coast. From its origins in the 1950s as the Matson Navigation Company Cruise Terminal in Wilmington, the Port of Los Angeles has served as a focal point for travelers looking to relax on an ocean journey. Originally, the Matson Navigation terminal serviced cruises between Hawaii and Los Angeles, and passengers would travel on the same ships as cargo. In recent years, the terminal has undergone major renovations to include upscale modern amenities and is now located in San Pedro. Over 1 million passengers travel to and from the Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center each year to reach exotic destinations around the world.

Home of “The Love Boat” television series from 1977 to 1986, the World Cruise Center is the premier pleasure cruise gateway for Los Angeles and Southern California. The cruise terminal’s $15 million renovation brought the Port of Los Angeles to the forefront of cruise terminal amenities with its ability to handle the world’s largest cruise ships carrying over 3,000 passengers with streamlined luggage handling and customs and immigration servicing. The facility upgrades have also supported the World Cruise Center’s role as a national model for enhanced security at the passenger complex.

Matson Navigation Cruise Terminal, c. 1950s.	World Cruise Center, c. 2000s.

Fun Facts

• 1.2 million cruise ship passengers sailed from the Port of Los Angeles in 2006
  
  
• #1 ranking on the U.S. West Coast
  
  
• Consumers spend an estimated $60 million annually while visiting the World Cruise Center
  
  
• More than 15 cruise lines visit the Port each year with homeport agreements with Princess, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Lines
  
  
• Awarded the “Most Improved Terminal Facilities” in 2003 by Dream World Cruise Destinations Magazine for the $15 million renovation and expansion project that was completed in 2002
  
  
• The World Cruise Center’s Visitor Information Kiosk opened in Fall 2006 and is staffed by guides who provide maps and brochures about local attractions around the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles
  
  
• The Port signed environmental agreements with Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises to adhere to several Port-related environmentally friendly initiatives, including the use of Alternative Maritime Power™ (AMP™) for cruise ships