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River Cruises - United StatesRiver Cruises - United States

Wilmington Cruise Port

Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of the state.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#25
of 71 ports in the River Cruises - United States
Today · high / low
93° / 40°
October normals
Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port
River Cruises - United States
Wilmington, North Carolina
// Wilmington cruise port overview

The cruise port in Wilmington,
explained

Lat: 34.2°NLong: 77.9°WTimezone: America/New_YorkINTN code: ILM

Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of the state. It is the county seat of New Hanover County and is home to a population of over 120,000 people.

The city is known for its historic downtown area, which is home to many shops, restaurants, and attractions. Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, which is a public research university.

The city is known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Wilmington is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.

The city is also home to a number of parks and outdoor recreation areas, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches, Wilmington is a great place to live and visit.

// Wilmington Cruise Port location

Where is Wilmington Cruise Port?

Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is located on the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. It is just a few blocks away from the historic downtown district and the Riverwalk, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The port is also close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport.

General location
River Cruises - United States
Coordinates
34.21°N, 77.89°W
Time zone
America/New_York
Cruise port · 34.21°N, 77.89°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Wilmington cruise port guide

What to do in Wilmington

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Dining

Wilmington, North Carolina is a great place to enjoy a variety of delicious cuisine. From seafood to Italian, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a bite or a fine dining experience, Wilmington has something for everyone. There are also plenty of bars and pubs to enjoy a night out with friends. With a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, Wilmington is sure to have something to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Theme 2

Outdoor Activities

Wilmington, North Carolina is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With a variety of parks, trails, and beaches, there is something for everyone. From kayaking and fishing to hiking and biking, there are plenty of ways to explore the area. The nearby Wrightsville Beach is a great spot to relax and soak up the sun. With plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, Wilmington is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Theme 3

Shopping

Wilmington, North Carolina is a great place to go shopping. With a variety of stores, boutiques, and malls, there is something for everyone. From the historic downtown area to the modern Mayfaire Town Center, shoppers can find everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or just want to browse the latest trends, Wilmington has something for everyone.

Wilmington cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
C
Carolina Beach (illustrative photo)

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a popular beach near Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. It is a great place to spend a day or two while visiting Wilmington.

K
Kure Beach (illustrative photo)

Kure Beach

Kure Beach is a popular beach near Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and bird watching. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. It is a great place to spend a day or two while visiting Wilmington.

W
Wrightsville Beach (illustrative photo)

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular beach near Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. It is a great place to spend a day or two while visiting Wilmington.

// Wilmington fun facts

Beaches

Wilmington is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach are all popular destinations for visitors and locals alike. The beaches offer a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds.

Hollywood East

Wilmington, North Carolina is often referred to as 'Hollywood East' due to its long history of film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many popular films and television shows, including Iron Man 3, Dawson's Creek, and One Tree Hill. It is also home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios, the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of Hollywood.

Historic Downtown

Wilmington's historic downtown is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The downtown area is home to many historic buildings, including the Bellamy Mansion, the Burgwin-Wright House, and the Latimer House. The downtown area also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries, as well as the Riverwalk, a scenic walkway along the Cape Fear River.

Wilmington cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
M
Mayfaire Town Center (illustrative photo)

Mayfaire Town Center

Mayfaire Town Center is a great shopping option near the Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port. It is a large outdoor shopping mall with over 70 stores, including popular retailers like Macy's, Dillard's, and JCPenney. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, as well as a movie theater. It's a great place to find souvenirs, as well as clothing, jewelry, and other items.

T
The Cotton Exchange (illustrative photo)

The Cotton Exchange

The Cotton Exchange is a great shopping option near the Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port. It is a historic shopping center located in the heart of downtown Wilmington. It features a variety of unique stores, including clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and gift shops. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, as well as a movie theater. It's a great place to find souvenirs, as well as clothing, jewelry, and other items.

T
The Forum (illustrative photo)

The Forum

The Forum is a great shopping option near the Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port. It is a large shopping center located in the heart of downtown Wilmington. It features a variety of stores, including popular retailers like Macy's, Dillard's, and JCPenney. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, as well as a movie theater. It's a great place to find souvenirs, as well as clothing, jewelry, and other items.

// Wilmington Cruise Port Terminals

Which Wilmington cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Wilmington
Pier 1 of 3

Port of Wilmington

1 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412

The Port of Wilmington is a major cruise ship terminal located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the largest port in the state and is home to a variety of cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. The port offers a variety of amenities, including a full-service marina, a shopping center, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Port of Wilmington)
Pier 2 of 3

Wilmington Cruise Center

2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401

The Wilmington Cruise Center is a major cruise ship terminal located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the third largest port in the state and is home to a variety of cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. The center offers a variety of amenities, including a full-service marina, a shopping center, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Wilmington Cruise Center)
Pier 3 of 3

Wilmington Cruise Terminal

10 Harnett St, Wilmington, NC 28401

The Wilmington Cruise Terminal is a major cruise ship terminal located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the second largest port in the state and is home to a variety of cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. The terminal offers a variety of amenities, including a full-service marina, a shopping center, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Wilmington Cruise Terminal)
Wi-Fi

The Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port does not offer free public wifi access. However, there are several nearby restaurants and cafes that offer free wifi access, such as Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Dunkin' Donuts. Additionally, many hotels in the area offer free wifi access to their guests.

Safety

Wilmington, North Carolina is generally considered a safe port for cruise ships. The port is located in a secure area and is monitored by the US Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the port has a security team that is responsible for the safety of passengers and crew.

Port address

1 Harnett Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Wilmington cruise port car rental

The Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is located near several car rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a variety of car rental options, including economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury, and SUV vehicles. Most of the companies also offer special discounts and packages for cruise passengers. Additionally, many of the car rental companies offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Wilmington Cruise Port Weather

River Cruises - United States·30-year historical averages
Oct averages · Wilmington
68°
Avg · °F
Hot, frequent showers
High
93°F
Low
40°F
Rain
4.4 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Wilmington

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Wilmington cruise ship schedule

Wilmington Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Wilmington today, Saturday, October 24, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the River Cruises - United States

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// Questions

Wilmington cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Wilmington.

Where is Wilmington cruise port located?

Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is located in River Cruises - United States. Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is located on the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. It is just a few blocks away from the historic downtown district and the Riverwalk, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The port is also close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport.

Is Wilmington a good cruise port to visit?

Wilmington, North Carolina is not a cruise port. However, nearby ports such as Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida are popular cruise ports.

How safe is Wilmington cruise port for passengers?

Wilmington cruise port has a safety score of 7.6 out of 10, ranking #25 of 71 ports in River Cruises - United States. Wilmington, North Carolina is generally considered a safe port for cruise ships. The port is located in a secure area and is monitored by the US Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the port has a security team that is responsible for the safety of passengers and crew.

What is the weather like at Wilmington cruise port in October?

In October, Wilmington cruise port has average high temperatures of 93°F (34°C) and average lows of 40°F (4°C).

How many excursions are available at Wilmington cruise port?

There are currently 75 excursions and tours available at Wilmington cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Wilmington cruise port?

Wilmington cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Dining, Outdoor Activities, Shopping. Wilmington, North Carolina is known for its many outdoor activities and attractions. From the beautiful beaches to the lush forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the area's many parks, trails, and waterways, or take part in a variety of water sports. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Wilmington has something for everyone.

Can I rent a car at Wilmington cruise port?

The Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is located near several car rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a variety of car rental options, including economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury, and SUV vehicles. Most of the companies also offer special discounts and packages for cruise passengers. Additionally, many of the car rental companies offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port.

What is the WiFi situation at Wilmington cruise port?

The Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port does not offer free public wifi access. However, there are several nearby restaurants and cafes that offer free wifi access, such as Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Dunkin' Donuts. Additionally, many hotels in the area offer free wifi access to their guests.

Where is the cruise terminal at Wilmington cruise port?

The address of Wilmington, North Carolina cruise port is 1 Harnett Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

What is the Wilmington Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Wilmington today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Wilmington on any past or future date.

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