San Diego

San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal stands at 1140 North Harbor Drive on B Street Pier. Its convenient downtown San Diego position is a short walk from countless attractions.

For air arrivals, the cruise terminal is a 10-minute trip from San Diego International Airport. A dedicated taxicab collection area stands immediately outside baggage claim for the airport's two main terminals and its commuter terminal.

A new option for passengers on selected cruise lines lets them bypass airport baggage claim. Cruise representatives collect guests' checked belongings and take them straight to the ship. Ask the cruise line or travel agent to arrange the service.

Take a printable map along.

The San Diego Historical Society links past and future so that every generation can understand and value the richness of the region's history.

Southern California's leading dining, retail and entertainment district is the Gaslamp Quarter, where an exceptionally eclectic blend of food, fun and culture fills one of San Diego's most historic neighbourhoods.

See some of the world's rarest wildlife at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Visiting San Diego Wild Animal Park feels like taking a safari through many of the world's most exotic places.

USS Midway Museum: a short walk from the cruise terminal, this museum occupies an aircraft carrier and displays numerous exhibits and aircraft.

World-renowned Balboa Park contains fifteen museums, assorted arts and international cultural associations, and San Diego Zoo. Together they make it one of the country's largest cultural and entertainment complexes.

SeaWorld San Diego aims to entertain, amaze and educate while creating lifelong memories. Since opening in 1964, SeaWorld has welcomed more than 100 million guests.

Downtown is very compact and easy to walk.

Use the hop-on/off buses.

The Online Transit Information System explains how to travel around San Diego using Metropolitan Transit System buses, trolleys or trains.

Ferry route across San Diego Bay, between Coronado and San Diego:

From Broadway Pier beside the cruise terminal, ferries leave daily for Coronado starting at 9:00 a.m., then every hour on the hour until 9:00 p.m. Coronado departures begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue every hour on the half-hour through 9:30 p.m.

Boutiques and restaurants can be found in historic Gaslamp Quarter and in Seaport Village, reached by walking south from the cruise terminal along the harbour.

The United States dollar is the official U.S. currency (symbol: $). ATMs are everywhere.

Major cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, even for purchases of only a few dollars; in some cases, a card may be the sole way to complete a transaction. Overseas visitors should note that goods and services always seem cheaper than they really are because tax and gratuities are rarely included.

Most states charge sales tax of 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price, with 4-6% typical. Posted prices almost never include it, except for gasoline and, in most states, alcoholic drinks consumed on the premises; instead, the tax is calculated and added when paying.

Tipping is widely practised and expected in America. Americans themselves often discuss the correct amounts and exactly who should receive tips, but the generally accepted standard rates are:

• Full-service restaurants: 15-20%. This is often the waiter's or waitress's only income. Leave cash or add the tip to the credit-card slip. Few restaurants include an automatic service charge; where they do, any extra amount is your choice. Check the bill!
• Taxi drivers, hairdressers and other personal services: 10-15%.
• Bartenders: $1 per inexpensive drink is suitable, as is 15% on the total.
• San Diego bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a $3-5 minimum applying regardless.
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag when assistance is given and $1 for calling a taxi.
• Tour guides: depending on tour duration, group size and overall quality, give $5-10 per person for a half-day tour or less and $10-20 per person for longer tours.
• Private car and limousine drivers: 15-20%.
• Hotel housekeeping: $1-2 each day on long stays or a $5 minimum for very short visits; this is optional.
• Food delivery, including pizza: $2-5, and possibly more for very large orders.

As a service to cruise passengers, the Port has enabled Wi-Fi internet within B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal to direct them towards local attractions and businesses.

Call 911 in an emergency.

In major metropolitan districts such as New York and Los Angeles, many pharmacies and supermarkets routinely trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Department stores, shopping centres and most other large retailers usually open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., often using shorter Sunday hours of generally 11 a.m. or noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Shops tend to remain open on holidays, except the most important, such as Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when they are generally closed.