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Outside of all of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, you’ll find two cruise terminals in LA — one in San Pedro that serves most major cruise lines and one in Long Beach, which is only used by Carnival.
Over 10 cruise lines depart from Los Angeles in total, but to help streamline your planning we’ve narrowed it down to five that are known for offering stellar value, delicious food and top-notch service. From LA you can cruise up and down the West Coast, visiting cities like San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. If you’re ready for a longer adventure, sail through the Panama Canal, visit the islands of Hawaii or venture to the glaciers of Alaska.
Right now, cruises are scheduled to resume from Los Angeles in the spring of 2021. However, this is subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic evolves, so be sure to check in with each cruise line to confirm the exact dates.
Take your pick of the best cruise liners sailing out of the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, and check out what Carnival has to offer from Long Beach.
Best for mini-breaks: Princess
Set on the Pacific Coast, Los Angeles is the perfect jumping-off point for a short break exploring the wonders of California, Oregon and Washington. Princess has one of the largest selections of West-Coast itineraries to choose from and doesn't skimp on the amenities onboard. To make things easier, round trips are on offer for most short cruises.
Price ($-$$$):
Best for the Mexican Riviera: Norwegian
Whether you've got five days or three weeks to spare, one of Norwegian's cruises will have you exploring the smells, sights and sounds of Mexico and the Panama Canal in no time. With some cruises focusing on the big cities and others on the beautiful beaches, you'll find a route that suits you.
Best for for senior: Oceania
Boasting a fleet of small to midsize luxury liners, Oceania satisfies cruisers aged 50 and older. Culture heavy entertainment options range from art history lectures and language classes to wine tastings and cooking lessons. Those who find mobility on large ships an issue will be glad to know that these smaller liners are equipped with elevators, hydraulic lifts and cabins large enough for wheelchairs.
Best for all-inclusive luxury: Regent
Fares may be expensive for a suite on a Regent cruise liner, but they include absolutely everything you'll need for your vacation, including business class international flights, unlimited shore excursions, spacious suites with private balconies, top-shelf drinks and gourmet cuisine.
Best for lengthy cruises: Viking Ocean Cruises
Most cruises departing from LA tend to stay local, which is why Viking's round-the-world voyages are so exciting. Spend two months at sea exploring the South Pacific Islands before jumping off in Sydney, or settle in for the long run and head across Australia, Indonesia, Asia and the Middle East before jumping off in London 140 days later.
The Los Angeles cruise terminal is one of the busiest in the world, with countless cruises leaving its waters each year. Most of the big-name companies cruise from the terminal, so we took a look into their itineraries, onboard facilities, daily entertainment, and offshore excursions to single out the best ones out there.
We conducted our research through first-hand experiences, as well as trusted travel websites and unbiased review sites to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Cruises from Los Angeles depart at any time of the year and, with itineraries varying so wildly, you’ll want to time your vacation with the best season for your destination.
If you’re catching a flight to your cruise from Los Angeles, fly into LAX, which is around 22 miles north of the World Cruise Center. The easiest option, if you’re traveling in a group of three or more, is to grab a taxi straight from the airport for around $100. Uber and Lyft are also available here and will charge around half of that price.
Jump on one of the shuttle buses that sit outside of the arrivals lounge and cost $30 a person one way. If you’re driving from a nearby state, parking is available at the cruise terminal and costs $17 a day for a standard vehicle.
Spot A-list celebs on Rodeo Drive, snap a picture of the Hollywood sign and relax on Santa Monica’s beaches before setting off on the cruise of a lifetime. It’s worth checking out these deals and discounts before you book anything to see if you can save on your fare.
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Flexible payment options for smooth sailing on your next getaway.
Sail through Europe, Africa, Egypt or Asia and enjoy local wine and beer with meals.
