Cruise lines from Los Angeles

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.

While cruises from Los Angeles don’t venture too far, you can cruise through the Panama Canal, visit the islands of Hawaii, and venture to the glaciers of Alaska on some more adventurous itineraries.

Best cruises from Los Angeles

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.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card, JCB

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.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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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.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque

Price ($-$$$):

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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.

• No free room service
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, American Express, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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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.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, Cheque

Price ($-$$$):

Book now

When is the best time to cruise from Los Angeles?

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.

• Alaska and the West Coast. The sun is almost always shining along the West Coast. That’s until you hit the northern state of Alaska. If a trip to The Last Frontier is on your bucket list, book between May and August for the best chance of blue skies and calm seas.
• Panama Canal and South America. Cruising season through the Panama Canal begins in October and ends in April when temperatures are comfortable, and rain isn’t as frequent. Visit the rest of the continent at this time, though it’s worth being prepared for colder weather in the south.
• Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands. December to April is the peak season for cruising from LA to these idyllic islands, though cruises can be found throughout the year. Consider visiting during shoulder season, which falls in May, June, October and November to benefit from fewer crowds and lower rates.

Getting to the port for your cruise from Los Angeles

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.

Bottom line

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Do you need to take a passport on a cruise from Los Angeles?

  If your cruise sails round-trip from Los Angeles, you’ll just need to bring your passport card with you. Otherwise, if you’re visiting destinations outside of the US, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda, you’ll need your passport book. It’s always worth checking with the cruise line to see what the exact requirements are for your specific cruise.

• Where do Princess cruises leave from in Los Angeles?

  Princess Cruises leave from San Pedro’s World Cruise Terminal, not Long Beach.

• Can you cruise the West Coast from Los Angeles?

  Yes, LA’s strategic position along the West Coast means it can offer a number of different cruise itineraries lasting from four to 10 days that visit ports along the Pacific Coast.