Marco Polo Cruise Terminal
A convenient gateway to Saint John, offering essential amenities and a vibrant local market just steps away.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Marco Polo Cruise Terminal
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A convenient gateway to Saint John, offering essential amenities and a vibrant local market just steps away.
"Friendly staff, great amenities, and a lively container village make this a pleasant cruise port."
⏳ Be Patient with Boarding
Some visitors experienced long waits to board or disembark. Factor in extra time!
🛍️ Explore the Container Village
Don't miss the unique local vendors and food trucks just outside the terminal!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Container Village Vendors
Outside the terminal
Discover local crafts, delicious food trucks, and unique souvenirs from numerous small vendors. A true taste of local Newfoundland!
Downtown Saint John Access
Short walk from terminal
Conveniently located near downtown, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and city attractions.
Terminal Amenities
Inside the terminal
Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and helpful tourist information are readily available for travelers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Terminal
Exploring Beyond the Port
Downtown Saint John is also easily accessible, making it convenient for a quick exploration or a meal.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Be Patient with Boarding
Some visitors experienced long waits to board or disembark. Factor in extra time!
🛍️ Explore the Container Village
Don't miss the unique local vendors and food trucks just outside the terminal!
📶 Free Wi-Fi Available
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi inside the terminal.
🚶 Easy Walk to Downtown
The terminal is conveniently located for a short stroll into Saint John's city center.
Cruising in September
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Be Patient with Boarding
Some visitors experienced long waits to board or disembark. Factor in extra time!
🛍️ Explore the Container Village
Don't miss the unique local vendors and food trucks just outside the terminal!
📶 Free Wi-Fi Available
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi inside the terminal.
🚶 Easy Walk to Downtown
The terminal is conveniently located for a short stroll into Saint John's city center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal well-organized with helpful staff and convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and restrooms. Its close proximity to downtown Saint John and the vibrant container village with local vendors are frequently praised. However, some travelers have experienced significant delays during embarkation and disembarkation.
"Very well organized building with enough space for cruise attendees to get through. Bathrooms, wifi, brochures, and quick access to downtown Saint John made this terminal so helpful. Kind and helpful staff. Clean building and parking lot."
Rebecca
"I would Not take another cruise out of this port again. Took 2 1/2 hours to get on the ship to begin our cruise. Getting off the ship at the end of our cruise was no better. Took 1 1/2 hours. Only good thing was there was parking right across the street."
Mary Kay DeRubeis
"🗺️Wi-fi, Bathrooms, Tourist Info + Outside Vendors🗺️
If you're taking a cruise up the eastern coast of North America into Canada, you'll likely stop at this Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. Within, you'll find free wi-fi, bathrooms, and lots of tourist information supplied by helpful staff (maps, guides, etc.). There are also many chairs available if you need to rest for a moment or wait on family.
Outside of the terminal is the container village, which hosts numerous small vendors (shoutout to Kennedy Maple Farms and their delicious syrup!), food trucks, and activities prior to entering the city. This was probably my favorite cruise terminal out of all the ones I visited during my trip."
Casey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Marco Polo Cruise Terminal is conveniently located within a 5-10 minute walk to downtown Saint John. For those with mobility challenges, the proximity makes it a manageable distance.
Yes, parking is available right across the street from the terminal, offering convenient access for those driving.
Besides walking, taxis are typically available at the terminal for transport to various points in Saint John.
The terminal is generally accessible, and its close proximity to downtown Saint John is a significant advantage for visitors with mobility concerns.
While not explicitly mentioned, taxis are readily available. It's always a good idea to check with your cruise line or local tourist information for any specific shuttle arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The terminal itself is generally accessible to passengers and those meeting them. Specific cruise ticket requirements apply for boarding the ship.
The terminal operates based on cruise ship schedules. It's best to check your cruise itinerary for specific times.
Facilities like restrooms and Wi-Fi are typically free for cruise passengers. Any vendor purchases within the container village are separate.
Yes, the container village outside the terminal hosts numerous vendors selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Yes, the terminal provides ample seating for passengers to rest or wait for family members.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, tourist information brochures, and seating areas.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers within the terminal building.
Outside the terminal, you'll find a container village with various small vendors selling local products, crafts, and food.
Yes, food trucks and various vendors are located in the container village just outside the terminal. Downtown Saint John also offers numerous dining options within walking distance.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as friendly and welcoming, with helpful staff and a pleasant view.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the cruise ships docked, the vibrant container village, and the scenic views of the harbor. The proximity to downtown also offers urban photography opportunities.
Generally, yes, but always be mindful of other passengers and any posted restrictions.
The terminal offers views of the harbor and the city skyline of Saint John, providing a picturesque backdrop.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light for photography, with fewer crowds.
From the dockside area and the surrounding waterfront, you can get excellent vantage points for photographing the ship.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short walk to downtown Saint John also means families can easily access parks or kid-friendly attractions without long travel times.Keep in mind that embarkation and disembarkation can involve waiting. Bringing along snacks, drinks, and entertainment for children can help make these periods more comfortable. The terminal's amenities, like restrooms and Wi-Fi, are also useful for families on the go.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Since downtown Saint John is within easy walking distance, you can save on taxi fares and explore the city at your own pace. This makes the terminal an excellent hub for experiencing local culture and amenities without significant expense.
♿ Travelers with Mobility Issues
While the terminal is accessible, it's always wise to confirm specific accessibility features with your cruise line or the terminal management if you have particular needs. The availability of parking directly across the street is also a significant convenience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Embarkation and Disembarkation
To potentially mitigate long waits, consider arriving during off-peak hours if your schedule allows. Weekday mornings might offer a smoother experience compared to weekend embarkations. Similarly, disembarking later in the day, after the initial rush, could lead to shorter queues.
Exploring the Container Village and Local Flavors
This unique area hosts a variety of small vendors offering local crafts, artisanal products, and delicious food truck fare. It's a fantastic opportunity to sample Newfoundland specialties and pick up authentic souvenirs.Travelers have praised the variety and quality of goods available, making it a highlight of their port visit.
From maple products to handmade crafts, there's something for everyone. The proximity of the container village to the terminal means you can easily explore it before or after your cruise activities, adding an extra layer of local flavor to your experience.Accessibility and Downtown Proximity
For those with specific accessibility needs, the short distance to downtown Saint John means that many restaurants and shops are within a comfortable walking range.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit