Fun & Value On A Carnival Cruise
Mimi Slawoff, Updated April 22, 2022
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Among Carnival Cruise Lines numerous sailings are several that depart from Long Beach, California and travel to the Mexican Riviera. The cruises offer terrific value for extended weekend sailings to Baja, California, and week-long cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. Whats included: Accommodations, food, entertainment and childrens programs.
A Carnival Cruise to the Mexican Riviera is one of the best ways to see the family-friendly port cities of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Although weve sailed several times to Mexico, we never tire of these cruises. Different ships and shore excursions make each cruise a new and fun experience. The convenience of sailing from our home port in Los Angeles means no airfare, offering further savings for a week in Mexico. Sometimes we travel as a family of five. Most recently, my two daughters and I left the boys at home while we enjoyed a relaxing seven-night cruise with just the girls.
Our cruise aboard the Carnival Miracle included three days at sea, two formal nights and two ports Cabo San Lucas for two days, Puerto Vallarta for one. Some Mexican Riviera itineraries include Mazatlan. Starting in spring 2016, the newly renovated Carnival Inspiration takes the helm on Mexican Riviera sailings.
The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles
Part of the Bloc shopping and entertainment centre, this upscale high-rise hotel is a minute’s walk from a metro station, and less than a mile from the Crypto.com Arena.
Sophisticated rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers microwaves and minifridges are available on request. Suites add separate sitting areas. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Part of the Bloc shopping and entertainment centre, this upscale high-rise hotel is a minute’s walk from a metro station, and less than a mile from the Crypto.com Arena.
Sophisticated rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers microwaves and minifridges are available on request. Suites add separate sitting areas. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.
There’s a hip restaurant featuring farm-to-table fare, and a lobby bar serving cocktails. Other amenities include a gym, plus 35,000 sq ft of meeting space.
Phone: 488-3500
Bellman gratuitiesTransfers between Hotel and Pier
Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.
Cruises To Mexico From Los Angeles
Multiple cruise lines offer Mexico cruises from Los Angeles. Some of the trips are very short, but others are a week long. Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera are good destinations for a cruise getaway. See the full schedule of departures below.
Ensenada is at the northern edge of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, only a short cruise from California. The seafood and wine are big attractions. Things to do include shopping for silver and pottery, kayaking, horseback rides, and watching the La Bufadora natural water spout.
Cabo San Lucas is way down at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. It boasts 18 miles of shoreline. Kayak to El Arco rock arch. Fish for marlin and tuna in the Sea of Cortez. Scuba dive. Ride an ATV through the desert to an oasis. Or ride a camel.
For other options, check out the nearby Mexico cruises out of San Diego.
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Los Angeles Cruise Guide
Due to its location along the Pacific Coast, many cruise itineraries to Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, the Transpacific and Hawaii depart from the city of Los Angeles. This is the best port to find affordable getaways to the Mexican Riviera.
The port itself is actually located in Long Beach, which is a short drive away from the big-city L.A., but also has its fair share of attractions. You can stay overnight at the Queen Mary, a retired vintage luxury ocean liner that is rumored to be haunted and offers ghost tours. Take a dip in the calm waters at the beach, or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific Ocean. Once youve seen it all at the port, a short ride by car, Uber or the L.A. Metro brings you to the star-studded city of Los Angeles, where you can easily spend a week exploring all that it has to offer.
There are many ways to snap a picture of the infamous Hollywood sign, depending on the angle youd like. If you have a car you can make a pit stop along Deronda Drive, and take a quick walk over to the sign. If youre looking for more of a challenge, take the 6-mile hike along the Brush Canyon Trail, where youll eventually get that picture-perfect shot. You can also see the sign from outside of the Griffith Observatory, where for a small fee you can go up to the top of the observatory and take in the best panoramic views of the city of Los Angeles.
Learn From Our Guests Ask & Answer
Even the most seasoned travellers have questions. With Ask & Answer, you don’t have to go far to get those questions answered. The bonus – the questions and answers come from fellow cruisers!
Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.
Real questions. Real answers. All from real cruisers.
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Day Cruise Packing List: Los Angeles To Mexico
Cruise, North America Packing Lists, Packing Lists
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Are you taking a cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico? Find out exactly what you need to bring and leave behind with this 3 day cruise packing list!
Hilton Checkers Los Angeles
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas.
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Some include patios and/or fireplaces.
There’s a polished bar and an elegant restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a business centre and a rooftop terrace, plus meeting and event space.
Distance/Airport: 18 miles
Bellman gratuitiesTransfers between Hotel and Pier
Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.
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Carnival Cruises To Mexico
East Coast or West Coast? Thatâs a decision you have to make when considering one of Carnival Cruisesâ Mexican trips.
Offering a different look at North America, Carnivalâs vacations present two experiences: the Riviera itinerary bordering the Pacific Ocean, and east on the Caribbean. With each, however, youâll spend time in the sun and surf, close to the beach but within distance of Mayan ruins to explore, culture to experience, and foods to taste.
Mexico Cruises Travel Tips
- Don’t worry so much about drug cartels and missing individuals. These things do happen, but usually not in the tourist areas you will be visiting.
- Check out cenotes, which are natural swimming holes nestled in little caves.
- Bring pesos with you, not dollars because this will make buying things easier overall.
- The weather can change considerably from region to region, so keep this in mind when planning when to go to Mexico.
- Always try the unique Mexican food, because this is the one time you have the chance! Street is by far one of the best.
- Mexican bathrooms have an M on the door for women, not for men. There may also be baskets next to the toilets in some of the areas. This is for your toilet paper, so it does not cause clogs in the system.
- Learn basic Spanish and connect with the locals to learn something new.
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Featured Ports Of Call
Cabo San Lucas
Nature lovers will fall in love with Cabo San Lucas, a small fishing village with stunning rocky landscapes and golden sand beaches. Snorkel or go fishing in its transparent waters full of colorful species. Take a family photo in front of the striking Arco de Cabo San Lucas, one of the most beautiful views on the Pacific coast. Spend a romantic day swimming at the secluded Lovers Beach, or see if you can spot humpback whales in the water.
Ignite Your Sense Of Wonder On A Luxury Cruise To Mexico
Theres no better way to discover the joys of Mexico than on a luxury cruise with Celebrity. Whether youre looking for a short and sweet four-night escape or a long 10- to 11-night journey through the Caribbean, we have plenty of options for you to choose from.
On Celebrity Apex® or Celebrity Edge®, the newest ships in our fleet, embark on an unforgettable vacation to Costa Maya, Cozumel, and some of the Caribbeans most coveted destinations. Spend days at sea exploring cutting-edge venues, including the Magic Carpet, a moving cantilevered platform and Eden, a restaurant, lounge, and bar that will tantalize all of your senses.
On the West Coast, set sail around the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles aboard Celebrity Millennium, a recently revolutionized ship with modern design and state-of-the-art technology. Discover the wonders of Mazatlán, a town known as the Pearl of the Pacific, the gorgeous beaches of Puerto Vallarta, the wine country near Ensenada, and the unforgettable sunsets of Cabo San Lucas. After your days at port, relax onboard and spend afternoons drinking a tropical cocktail by the pool, unwinding in the serene Spa, or watching a thrilling music and dance show in the theater.
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Do You Need A Passport To Go To Mexico On A Cruise
Passengers on a closed-loop cruise, meaning that the cruise begins and ends at the same port, don’t need to bring a passport with them. They will need to bring other proof of citizenship, however. Check before you leave to make sure that you bring the right documentation many government-issued documents are acceptable.
How To Organize A 3 Day Cruise Packing List
Once you have chosen your outfits for this exciting trip, we recommend using packing cubes to organize. We designed these ourselves and theyre the only ones that have a unique color and numbering system, so its easy to remember where youve packed everything on your wardrobe list which is demonstrated in the video below!
Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What are your tips on what to bring on a cruise to Mexico? Share your own 3 day cruise packing list below!
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Cruise From La To Mexico Sample Itinerary
*Please take note that this is a simplified sample itinerary that outlines the brief idea of a trip Drift Destinations can plan. When you book your trip with us, we will go into much more detail, taking all of your dream trip desires into account, to design a destination getaway that will go above and beyond your expectations.
Day 1: Arrive in LA and board the ship
Depending on where you are flying in from, some guests may prefer to arrive the morning of the cruise, whereas others may choose to arrive a day early. If you live close enough, you can drive and park at the port.
Upon arrival to LAX airport, you will follow instructions as to where to meet for pick-up .
Once you arrive at the port, you will board the ship and be directed to your room, where you have a chance to settle in and complete a safety briefing.
Now the fun can begin. Take some time to explore the ship and get to know what is offered. Make sure to download Royal Caribbeans app on your phone so you have access to the deck plans and all of the activities and dining options that are offered onboard.
Day 2: Day at Sea
Today is your day to decompress and enjoy everything that the Navigator of the Seas has to offer.
Start the day off with either room service or breakfast at one of the restaurants onboard .
Day 3: Explore Ensenada, Mexico
TIP: If planning to join a shore excursion, make sure to register early, as some of the excursions may fill up quickly!
Day 4: Back to LA
Unforgettable Luxury Cruises To Mexico From California
Embark on an unforgettable cruise to Mexico from California that visits some of the countrys top destinations. On our 7-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera, youll have the chance to discover heavenly beach towns, delicious and authentic cuisine, and a treasure trove of underwater sights.
Enjoy a relaxing vacation at sea while aboard one of our award-winning cruise ships. Spend days under the sun in ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, where you can swim with dolphins and go snorkeling. Wander through Mazatlans colorful Old Town or go fishing in the deep Pacific Ocean. Later, unwind onboard with an indulgent afternoon at the spa or a family dinner at one of our world-class restaurants. Our cruises to Mexico from California provide exactly the kind of tropical escape youve long been dreaming of.
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Camp Carnival For Kids
For families with young kids, the complimentary childrens program entertains Penguins , Stingrays and Sharks with pirate games, crafts and other ocean-themed activities. In addition, Seuss at Sea features various Dr. Seuss-themed activities including a Seuss a-palooza parade, story time, Green Eggs and Ham Character Breakfast , and Dr. Seuss Bookville stocked with the authors literature.
Discover The Best Cruise From Los Angeles
How can I find a cheap Los Angeles cruise?
With Expedia, you can find plenty of Los Angeles discount cruises and cruise deals from Los Angeles to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Los Angeles, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, youll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Los Angeles cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2023 cruise from Los Angeles in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Los Angeles can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.
How can I find good deals on cruises from Los Angeles?
You can search cruise ships leaving from Los Angeles throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Los Angeles cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure youre getting the right price at the right time. Los Angeles cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2023 cruises out of Los Angeles in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Los Angeles by looking for last-minute deals.
What to look out for when you book your Los Angeles cruise?
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Cruise To Mexico On One Of Our Newest Ships
Experience the beauty and splendour of this romantic region with a cruise aboard one of our newest and most exciting ships, Norwegian Bliss. Witness Cabo’s gorgeous sunsets from the Observation Lounge or while enjoying a delectable dinner on The Waterfront, exclusively on Norwegian. Once you’re ready for more excitement, head to the outdoor laser tag arena, or go for some laps at the thrilling race track.
- Balboa Park’s Casa de Balboa
- Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta
- Visit beautiful Puerto Vallarta
- Dive below to meet the locals
- Tostadas de ceviche
- Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Acapulco
- 4×4 Rhino Cart Experience in Cabo San Lucas
- La Jolla San Diego
- Horseback riding in Cabo San Lucas
Enjoy Magical Marine Ecotourism
You might’ve just gotten off a ship, but the sea is a sizable source of enchantment in Ensenada. Book a whale watching trip to ride out into the Pacific, where whales migrate down the coast to Baja California during certain months of the year. Or, for a less season-dependent ocean tourism experience, watch La Bufadora blowhole shoot water high into the sky.
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