Beaufort is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, and the county seat. Beaufort is North Carolina’s fourth oldest municipality, having been established in 1713 and incorporated in 1723. The population was 4,464 during the 2020 census. Beaufort is included in North Carolina’s “Inner Banks” region. According to the United States Census Bureau, Beaufort has a total area of 5.6 square miles (14.5 km2), of which 4.6 square miles (12.0 km2) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), or 17.75%, is water.

Overview of Beaufort NC Port Cruise
Beaufort, North Carolina is a historic coastal town located on the Crystal Coast, known for its maritime heritage, waterfront dining, and barrier islands. The port is a popular stop for small cruise vessels and yacht expeditions exploring the Outer Banks and the Atlantic coast. Visitors enjoy charming streets, maritime museums, and access to wild horses and pristine beaches.
Beaufort NC Port Cruise’s overview is shown in the table below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Region | North Carolina – Crystal Coast |
| Coordinates | 34°43′13″ N, 76°39′35″ W |
| Port Type | Small-scale cruise and yacht port |
| Draft Depth | 10–13 feet (3–4 meters) |
| Harbor Type | Sheltered waterfront harbor |
| Vessel Arrivals | ~180 small vessels annually |
| Cruise Season | March – November |
| Key Attractions | Maritime Museum, Cape Lookout, wild horses on Shackleford Banks |
| Facilities | Marina docking, fuel, restrooms, limited services |
| Accessibility | Accessible by road; nearest airport: Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) |
| Currency Used | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language Spoken | English |
What are the Port of Beaufort NC Cruise Terminals?
The Port of Beaufort, NC, primarily functions as a commercial shipping port (Morehead City) and a historic/recreational harbor, rather than a major cruise terminal, with NC Ports focusing on cargo at Wilmington & Morehead City; cruise activity is minimal, with occasional small vessels, but major cruises typically depart from bigger ports like Charleston or Florida, so there isn’t a dedicated “Cruise Terminal” building in Beaufort like you’d find in larger cities.
The following are the Beaufort NC Cruise Port Terminals:
- Beaufort NC Cruise Terminal AA
- Cruise Terminal A
- Beaufort NC Cruise Terminal B
- Cruise Terminal C
- Terminals D, E, as well as F
- Beaufort NC Cruise Terminal G
- Cruise Terminal J
- Beaufort NC Cruise Terminal V
Which are the Beaufort NC Cruise Lines?
Beaufort, NC, hosts local tour operators like Lookout Cruises, Crystal Coast Lady Cruises, and Island Express Ferry Service for dolphin watching, wild horse tours to Shackleford Banks, and sunset cruises, while larger American Cruise Lines (ACL) ships frequently visit, offering multi-day itineraries through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and coastal regions.
The following list contains Beaufort NC Cruise Lines and other related information:
| Cruise Line | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines | 741 Boston Post Rd, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437, USA | +1 800-814-6880 |
| Pearl Seas Cruises | 741 Boston Post Rd, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437, USA | +1 800-983-7462 |
| Victory Cruise Lines | 16595 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507, USA | +1 888-898-0950 |
| Lindblad Expeditions | 96 Morton St, New York, NY 10014, USA | +1 800-397-3348 |
Does the Cruise Port in Beaufort NC have Accessible Facilities?
While Beaufort, NC, isn’t a major cruise hub with massive terminals, its smaller port and reliance on tender boats often mean limited port accessibility, but cruise lines themselves, like Royal Caribbean, offer wheelchair assistance from check-in to ship, but conditions like gangway steepness or tender use can affect access; you’ll need to contact your specific cruise line well in advance (30+ days) for tailored assistance requests.
In case of the requirement of the following, the agents can help:
- Information in an accessible format
- An ADA-related concern
- Accommodation for a program or service
Additionally, Beaufort NC Cruise Port offers accessible parking for people with disabilities.
- Throughout at Beaufort NC Cruise Port Terminals, TTY/TDD phones are available.
- From here, callers who are deaf/hard of hearing can dial 711 to the North Carolina Relay Service.
- Along with these, at Beaufort NC Cruise Port, transit services and ground transportation are available for disabled persons.
Is There Parking Available at Beaufort NC Cruise Ship Port?
Yes, parking is available at the cruise port in Beaufort, NC, but it’s important to note that this refers to the town of Beaufort, South Carolina, not North Carolina. There are public parking spaces downtown and long-term, metered options at the marina lot. Reservations are not required, but a fee applies.
Beaufort NC Port Parking at the South Side
- Multi-Level Garage J
- Multi-Level Garage K
Northside Beaufort NC Port Parking
- Multi-Level Garage AA
- Multi-Level Garage B
- Multi-Level Garage D
- Surface Lot D
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Surface Lot E
- Multi-Level Garage A
- Multi-Level Garage C
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Multi-Level Garage G
How to Reach Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
There are various transportation options available to reach Beaufort NC Port Cruise with ease. These include public transportation and private transit. Bus, Metrorail or metromover, and rail/train are some forms of public transportations. Further, rental cars, taxis, etc., are private transit available to reach Beaufort NC Cruise Port on time. In addition, shuttles and limos are accessible.
Note: For every transit, different rates and schedules are available.
How to Check the Port of Beaufort NC Cruise Schedule?
To check the most up-to-date Port of Beaufort NC Cruise schedule, online and offline ways are available. With an offline way, a passenger can make a call to the specific cruise line for details. Further, to check schedules online, one needs to visit the official website of the particular cruise line. Here, different schedules are available with varying locations and costs. One can make the same reservation based on necessity and budget.
What is the Map of Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
The configuration of the Port of Beaufort NC is depicted visually in the map of Beaufort NC Cruise Port. It displays its buildings and terminals. Travelers can use this map to plan their cruise experience, find amenities, and navigate the port. Additionally, it highlights parking amenities, transit choices, and neighboring attractions. This can make it a vital tool for them to leave Beaufort NC to take a cruise.
View All: Ports
Which Destinations are Served by Cruise Port in Beaufort NC?
The Beaufort NC port serves as a hub for local excursions and smaller vessel trips to nearby Crystal Coast destinations like Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harkers Island, and Emerald Isle, focusing on nature, history (Maritime Museum), and barrier island exploration rather than international routes.
Below are some destinations served by the Cruise Port in Beaufort NC:
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Cape Lookout | Famous lighthouse, beaches, and scenic dunes |
| Shackleford Banks | Wild horses, nature trails, coastal wildlife |
| Morehead City | Fishing harbor and waterfront dining |
| Ocracoke Island | Historic Outer Banks village with beaches |
| Harkers Island | Gateway to Cape Lookout National Seashore |
| Atlantic Beach | Wide sandy beaches and resort areas |
How to Contact a Cruise Port in Beaufort NC?
There are different ways available to contact a Beaufort NC Port Cruise. Visiting the port is one of the straightforward ways. This way is more suitable for domestic customers. Further, telephone numbers, FAX, emailing, and other ways are available to connect to Cruise Port in Beaufort NC. For disabled persons as well, specific contact numbers are accessible.
| Port Authority | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Town of Beaufort – Port & Marina | 500 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA |
| Phone | +1 252-728-2141 |
| Fax | +1 252-728-2750 |
| marina@beaufortnc.org | |
| Website | https://www.beaufortnc.org |
| Emergency Contact | +1 252-726-1911 (Carteret County Sheriff) |
| TTY | +1 800-735-2962 (North Carolina Relay) |
In Sum,
One of the main entry points for cruise travel is Beaufort NC Cruise Port. Sometimes referred to as PortBeaufort NC provides convenient access to the Caribbean as well as cutting-edge terminals. It is among the busiest and most well-liked cruises in the globe because of its ideal locations, contemporary amenities, and effective operations. This can give passengers a smooth and thrilling beginning to their trips.
Frequently Asked Questions on Beaufort NC Cruise Port
Does Beaufort NC Cruise Port provide luggage storage lockers?
Is there a lost and found in Beaufort NC Port Cruise?
To which locations do ships depart from the Cruise Port in Beaufort NC?
What is the annual passenger volume of Beaufort NC Cruise Ship Port?
How does the Beaufort NC Cruise Port check-in procedure work?
Does Beaufort NC Cruise Port have any facilities for kids?
Where is Beaufort NC Cruise Port located?
What are the primary destinations for cruises departing from Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
Which cruise lines operate from Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
How far is Beaufort NC Cruise Port from Beaufort NC International Airport?
Which bridge connects Beaufort NC Cruise Port to downtown Beaufort NC?
Which terminal at Beaufort NC Cruise Port is specifically designed for mega cruise ships?
What facilities are available for travelers at Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
Can you park your vehicle at Beaufort NC Cruise Port?
What is the best way to reach Beaufort NC Cruise Port from downtown Beaufort NC?
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