Gulfport, Mississippi, USA
Mississippi's Secret Coast delivers Civil War history, pristine barrier island beaches, world-class seafood, and a waterfront park steps from the pier — all anchored by Southern hospitality.
Mississippi's Secret Coast delivers Civil War history, pristine barrier island beaches, world-class seafood, and a waterfront park steps from the pier — all anchored by Southern hospitality.
Ships dock at the Port of Gulfport, an active commercial terminal; a short shuttle runs to Jones Park at the port entrance.
💡 Pro move: Ship Island ferry departs from Gulfport Yacht Harbor next to Jones Park — buy tickets in advance, especially on summer weekends.
All cruise ships dock directly at the Port of Gulfport; no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines (American Symphony) | Port of Gulfport terminal📍 | Docked |
| Other cruise lines | Port of Gulfport terminal📍 | Docked |
From a pristine Civil War island to Gulf seafood and a world-class aquarium, Gulfport packs a full day into a compact, walkable footprint.
Ferry 11 miles offshore to West Ship Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Crystal-clear emerald water, white sand, and the brick Civil War fort of Fort Massachusetts. The 50-minute ferry ride often passes dolphin pods.
Book Ship Island ferry tours →A world-class mostly outdoor aquarium steps from the port, featuring a 360° shark tunnel, dolphins, otters, and American crocodiles. Dolphin and penguin encounter upgrades available.
Find Mississippi Aquarium tickets →On Ship Island, this intact masonry fort — begun in 1859 — housed Confederate and then Union troops. Ranger-led tours reveal the strategic role of the Gulf Islands in the Civil War.
Find Ship Island history tours →Explore a revitalized historic downtown with murals, local art galleries, boutiques, and the Gulfport Museum of History in the old Railroad Depot. Fishbone Alley is a photogenic brick lane with local graffiti art.
Find Gulfport walking tours →A clean, wide white-sand beach runs along Highway 90 just minutes from the port. Calm, protected waters ideal for wading and sunbathing. Shaggy's Gulfport Beach serves cold drinks and fish tacos with water views.
Find Gulfport beach activities →Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins are resident in Mississippi Sound year-round. Dedicated dolphin-watching boat tours depart from Gulfport Yacht Harbor alongside the Ship Island ferry.
Find Gulfport dolphin tours →Downtown Gulfport is flat and walkable once through the port gate — most highlights sit within a 10-minute radius.
From the port shuttle drop-off at Jones Park, walk past the lighthouse replica to the waterfront promenade, then head up 25th Avenue into Historic Downtown. Detour through Fishbone Alley before returning along the beach.
A simple flat walk from Jones Park along the waterfront to the Mississippi Aquarium entrance on East Beach Drive.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Gulfport, Mississippi, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F / 15°C | 45°F / 7°C | 10 | 6:53 AM | 5:18 PM |
| Feb | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 12 | 6:36 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Mar | 68°F / 20°C | 57°F / 14°C | 11 | 7:06 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Apr | 74°F / 23°C | 62°F / 17°C | 11 | 6:28 AM | 7:24 PM |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | 12 | 6:02 AM | 7:43 PM |
| Jun | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 18 | 5:54 AM | 7:59 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 20 | 6:05 AM | 7:59 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 21 | 6:23 AM | 7:37 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | 14 | 6:41 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Oct | 78°F / 26°C | 65°F / 18°C | 8 | 6:58 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Nov | 68°F / 20°C | 54°F / 12°C | 8 | 6:22 AM | 4:59 PM |
| Dec | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 10 | 6:45 AM | 4:57 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. A ride to downtown Gulfport or the beach strip runs roughly $15–$25; flat rate to the airport is around $19.
Both Uber and Lyft are active in Gulfport and are typically cheaper than taxis. Open the app dockside — coverage is reliable in the city.
CTA runs the Beachcomber trolley and Casino Hopper routes along the Gulf Coast strip, connecting beaches, casinos, and attractions in Gulfport and Biloxi. A day pass is $6 and can be purchased on the bus.
The Gulfport waterfront and Jones Park are a short walk from the cruise terminal. Downtown and the beach are accessible on foot if you do not mind a 10–15 minute walk.
Upcoming cruises that call at Gulfport, Mississippi, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.