carnival mexico cruise from long beach

4 - Day Baja Mexico from Los Angeles, CA

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: catalina island, day 4: ensenada, day 5: long beach (los angeles).

Get to Know Carnival Radiance

The warmth of being together — it's just so nice, right? It fact, it inspired us to create Carnival Radiance, to delight folks like you and your closest travel buds. And wouldn't you believe it, Carnival Radiance makes it all happen with a little help from some friends… For starters, can we just say how excited we are to be tipping things off with the culinary influence of Shaq? This man knows his fried chicken, and in case you have any doubt, every meal we serve at Big Chicken puts the proof on your plate. Still on the taste tip, there's two delicious spots on Carnival Radiance from Mr. Fieri himself: Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. We're not going to apologize for all the bragging about our famous friends. Not when there's so much onboard fun for kids courtesy of Dr. Seuss ® favorites like The Cat in the Hat… who you'll meet! And with all the flavor from our own homegrown RedFrog and BlueIguana spots — like tacos, pub grub and great drinks — you'll be thrilled to get acquainted with such colorful creatures. (And the cuddly ones at Build-A-Bear Workshop ® At Sea!) Big names aren't all there is to know about Carnival Radiance. There's amazing entertainment up on stage at Playlist Productions ™ , so many chances to be a champion at SportSquare ™ featuring our Ropes Course, and potentially unlimited relaxation potential for grown-ups at Serenity ™ Adult-Only Retreat. Plus the adults have plenty of spots for a drink, like the fan-favorite Alchemy Bar ™ and Heroes Tribute ™ Bar, which refreshes everyone while paying tribute to men and women of the military. For the kids, don't worry — there's three youth spaces where you can hang out with others your age, plus we've got real Zumbini ™ classes for the even-littler ones. But since we're talking together-time, your whole bunch will never run out of stuff to do on Carnival Radiance! Let's highlight some of the togetherest: Dive-In Movies ™ screens flicks everybody loves poolside, while at mini-golf you're always guaranteed to sink a hole-in-some… and really, who doesn't love select family-friendly comedy shows at Punchliner ™ Comedy Club? We're so excited about Carnival Radiance bringing all this fun together… emphasis on the “together.” (And the fun!) So come join us!

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

change your itinerary

Trending Post : 52 Best Things to do in Ireland

3 Day Baja Mexico Cruise from Long Beach with Carnival

Thinking of booking a weekend cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada in 2024? This article is everything you need to know about cruising from Long Beach to Ensenada with Carnival Cruises. It’s the perfect weekend getaway cruise from long beach to Mexico!

My husband, son, and I sailed with Carnival for this 3 Day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach . It is a great long weekend vacation, especially for anyone within easy driving distance of Long Beach, California.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

It is a super fun way to spend a weekend and what my husband and I found out, is we truly had a vacation. Because of the teen club, which my son loved, we found we had lots of time to relax and enjoy the cruise to Mexico as adults. 

Below you’ll find some helpful tips for cruising and some of our favorite moments on our 3-Day Baja, Mexico cruise from long beach to Ensenada.

Save Big on Your Dream Cruise

Check out the Best deals for cruises leaving from Los Angeles

Read Reviews of the Best Mexico Cruises

Cruise to Mexico on the Carnival Radiance

As vacations or weekend getaways go, a cruise is a much simpler trip compared to any other type of travel. One of my favorite things about a cruise is once you board, you have arrived at your home away from home. Simply unpack and you are done!

Unlike a road trip where you are moving from location to location — on a cruise, there is no need to constantly unpack and pack again, change hotels, or drive from place to place.

So if you’re interested in a fun cruise for a weekend getaway, and are interested in what  Carnival has to offer, this post is for you! When we sailed with Carnival we were on the Imagination ship, but the Radiance is the newest ship in their line for this weekend cruise.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

When you cruise out of Long Beach with Carnival, you’ll depart via the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, which is the busiest port in North America with ships docking five days a week.

The 146,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Long Beach Cruise Terminal has been totally renovated and is beautiful. The palm tree-lined terminal, is huge and allows for quick and easy embarkation.

To enter the terminal, you’ll need to provide a boarding pass and a passport because it’s an international cruise.

Fun Fact: The terminal encompasses the world’s largest, free-span geodesic dome, which was originally built for  Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose plane . I’m probably dating myself here, but the Spruce Goose was located here in Long Beach until the mid-1990’s when it was then moved to Oregon.

Our Mexico 3 Day Carnival Cruise Itinerary on Carnival

Carnival Radiance is a Fantasy-class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. We departed on this Mexico 3 day cruise from Long Beach and visited Ensenada, Mexico. Our cruise itinerary:

• Day 1 – depart Long Beach
• Day 2 – fun day at sea
• Day 3 – Ensenada
• Day 4 – arrive Long Beach

This is a fun itinerary for a weekend getaway, but after experiencing a 3-day cruise, we all agreed that we’d love to try a longer cruise. Between the teen club for my son and all the fun things to do onboard, there just wasn’t enough time to experience it all plus enjoy some downtime.

Boarding The Ship in Long Beach (Embarkation on Carnival) for our Cruise to Ensenada

The cruise to Ensenada sets sail at 5:30 PM and everyone must be aboard 60-minutes before sailing. Staterooms are ready at 1:30 PM, so, make your first day onboard more fun by arriving at the earliest boarding times!

Guests who are scheduled to arrive before 1:30 PM can check their bags curbside so they can be free to enjoy lunch, which will be served on Lido Deck 10 until 4:00 PM.

Tip! Bring a Carry-On Bag: When you first board your cruise ship, it can be a few hours before your luggage is delivered to your stateroom. Pack a few essentials like swimwear, sunscreen and a change of clothes in case you want to go to the pool or water slides.

Carnival Staterooms

There are three stateroom categories on the Carnival Radiance; Interior, Ocean View, and Suite. There are two types of suites; junior and grand. We had an ocean view room, which is listed as sleeping up to five people.

This would be an extremely tight fit. Our room was set up with a king-size bed and a Pullman (a bed attached to the wall — like an upper bunk– that can be pushed up for more space when it’s not being used for a bed).

We found we spent very little time in our room and used it mostly for sleeping and ‘getting ready’ for the day or dinner.

There is so much to do on the Carnival cruise and with a three-day cruise, we found we spent very little time in our room and preferred lounging at the pool to the stateroom.

Planning Your Day Onboard

Each day on the cruise you will receive a “Fun Times” itinerary that includes everything there is to do onboard. It shares sections for “top entertainment’, “food”, “drinks”, “spa”, “music”, “movies”, “casino”, “shopping”, “kids & teens” as well as a schedule for everything happening with the times and locations.

It’s your cruise ship bible and we carried it with us and constantly referred to it throughout the day and evening.

Sailing With Children or a Teenager

When we sailed on the Carnival Imagination, it offered three clubs for kids; Camp Ocean for 2–11 year-olds, Circle C for 12-14 year-olds and Club O2 for 15-17 year-olds. Our son had just turned 16 and loved the teen club.

It opened around noon daily and closed at 1 A.M. As I shared above, my husband and I found that our son wanted to hang out with the other teens and for the most part planned his days and nights around the club.

The teens in Club O2 hung out in the club room, went to onboard shows, the video arcade and met for meals. Our son had a great time and loved connecting with other teens and my husband and I found we were on our own for most of our cruise — having dinner on our own and enjoying many of the onboard shows.

I’m sure if we did a longer cruise, there would be more family time, but with just three days my son opted to hang with the other teenagers on board.

So you know: The kids and teens clubs are all included in the price of the cruise.

Food On Board the Carnival Cruise

There are lots of eating options onboard Carnival for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night munchies and snacks including these options incorporated in your cruise price:

• Main dining room
• Blue Iguana (Mexican Cantina)
• Guy’s Burger Joint
• Pirate Pizza (24 hours)
• Carnival Deli (24 hours)
• Lido Restaurant (Buffet)
• Soft-serve ice cream (24 hours)
• 24 Hour Room Service

The most notable of the restaurants is best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint which strives to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack as the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries.

The busiest spots for lunch seemed to be the Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Mexican Cafe, both located on the Lido Deck. These two are quick and easy and located near the pool.

You can also head inside on the same deck to check out made to order pizza and deli sandwiches as well as the Lido Deck buffet.

Dinner has many options as well, but we opted for the dining room each evening, which includes a three-course meal. You have a choice of two seatings– 6pm or 8:15pm.

If there’s one thing about cruises, it’s that you have lots and lots of choices and you’ll certainly never go hungry! You can eat at all these places  on the Carnival cruise.

Food Allergies: If you have dietary restrictions like I do (gluten-free) they are more than willing to accommodate you. I ordered my meal for the following evening during dinner and they would create whatever dish I wanted gluten-free.

Pool & Outdoor Bars

There is one resort-style pool on the Carnival cruise to Mexico and it is located on the Lido Deck. On either side of the pool, you’ll also find a Jacuzzi.

The main pool area is one of the most popular spots on the cruise during the day. There are lots of spots in both sun and shade to relax and enjoy the views of the Pacific ocean.

You’ll also find lots of fun activities happening on the Lido Deck — we caught a hairy chest contest that was fun and funny to watch.

Also on the Lido Deck, you’ll find the Red Frog Rum Bar and Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.

There is also an adults-only (21 years+)  outdoor space on the Promenade level called Serenity with a large hot tub and lounge area with chaise recliners.

WATER WORKS

Carnival has a waterpark called WaterWorks and it includes a twister waterslide, a double straight slide, two mini slides and a spray park. We traveled in March, which can be hit or miss as far as weather.

During our cruise, we had a bit of rain on day one and it was a tad chilly for the waterslides for us.

That didn’t stop loads of other cruisers from enjoying the slides. I’d love to head back during a warmer month and spend a good deal of my day here!

Evening Shows & Entertainment

The evening schedule regularly offers 20+ options of shows, art auctions, comedy, karaoke, trivia, meet & greets and so much more.  On a three day cruise, it’s really impossible to do it all, so you’ll want to choose wisely!

We really enjoyed the comedy on board and made a point to go to one of the three nightly shows in the Xanadu Lounge. They offer PG and adult versions (18+) of the comedy shows. Our son really enjoyed the comedy as well and joined us most evenings for the PG show.

We were really impressed by the comedy shows, musicians and the entertainers for the “Showtime” extravaganza shows in the Dynasty Lounge.

Onboard, you’ll also find the Mirage Piano Bar, Illusions Nightclub (18+), Shangri La Lounge, Dream Bar, Atrium Lobby Bar, Alchemy bar where they specialized in martinis and cocktails and have a casino.

Ensenada: A Day In Port

Day two of the cruise is spent docked in Ensenada. The ship arrives at approximately 8:15 am and doesn’t depart until 5:30 pm. You can spend your day onboard the ship, on an organized excursion or explore the town of Ensenada on your own.

There are more than 20 shore excursions you can book when you buy your cruise or while you are on the cruise ship. Excursion options range from nearby wine country tours of Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley), to surfing, kayaking, food tours and lots more.

During our day in port, we chose to explore the town on our own. We’ve visited Ensenada and the wine country many times, so we enjoyed visiting a local museum, lunch at Muelle 3 and strolling through town.

Don’t Miss the Sunset

The sunrise and sunset can be spectacular sailing on the pacific coast. I caught a gorgeous sunset on night two of our cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada. Make sure to plan to be outside for sunset at least one night to truly enjoy mother nature at her best!

Planning Your Carnival Cruise to Mexico

Booking your cruise.

You can book your 3 Day Baja Mexico cruise from long beach with Carnival via our affiliate link with  Cruise Direct   for as little as $154 and you’ll never have to pay a booking fee.

They also have a “best price guarantee” to get your best Carnival Cruise deals and cruise from Long Beach deals, offer flexible payment plans, and have options for lots of Carnival Cruises to Mexico .

Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies and events such as trip cancellation, lost, stolen or damaged luggage by an airline or cruise line, and other related losses incurred while traveling.

I’m a fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance .

Getting to and from Long Beach to Your Cruise

Long Beach Carnival cruise terminal is 23 miles from Los Angeles International Airport; travel time is approximately 50 minutes. It’s 12 miles from Long Beach Airport; travel time is approximately 20 minutes.

There’s a garage right next to the terminal and the daily rate is $20. You can also get dropped off by taxi or shuttle.

Taking a Carnival Cruise? Here are a few tips:

Need a hotel the night before or after your cruise? There are many places to stay in Long Beach. There is a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. For a luxury hotel that won’t break the bank, I recommend the  Westin Long Beach , which is currently the  #1 hotel on Tripadvisor .

For a mid-level hotel, I suggest the iconic Queen Mary .  Finally, for a budget hotel, try the Royal Inn Motel Long Beach . You can also check HotelsCombined for the best Long Beach Hotel Rates .

Hotels in Long Beach: Check Trip Advisor reviews for all Long Beach Hotels .

What to pack:  The temperatures each season vary greatly, but even in summer it can be chilly at night and very warm during the day. I visited in March and was very happy to have a light down jacket , warm socks (I love Ice Breaker ), a waterproof outer layer and rain jacke t, and some hiking boots (I love Keen ). If you are visiting in Winter, you’ll want to bring heavy-duty layers.

Best Time of Year for the Long Beach to Ensenada Cruise: My favorite months for the cruise are October and November. The weather tends to be warm, but not hot. Spring can be hit or miss. You may have summer-like weather or some rain. Early summer may bring foggy mornings, but they should burn off by about 10am.

6 Indispensable Items to Pack for a Carnival Cruise Vacation

• Get the Cruising Guide to Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico .
• I always bring Bonine on a cruise. It’s for motion sickness and similar to  Dramamine but doesn’t make me drowsy.
• Bring a good quality mirrorless camera for getting those beautiful photos of the ship and Mexico. I use the Sony Alpha a6000 .
• You’ll get a lot of sun on board and it can be deceiving with the cool breeze, so make sure to bring Neutrogena Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45
• A great cross body travel bag . Crossbody bags are great for your day in Mexico. The bag hangs across your chest to keep all your valuables safe!
• Don’t forget sunglasses for the beautiful sunny days at sea. A.J. Morgan Unisex Sunglasses are a great choice and very affordable!
• Water shoes are a great item to pack for any pool or beach vacation. They take up little room when packing and great if you end up at a beach that is rocky or with very hot sand.

Pin it for Later!

Read More About Cruise Vacations

• Oahu’s Eco-Friendly Cruise for Dolphin Lovers
• How to Spend a Perfect Port Day in Cozumel
• How to Choose the Right Viking River Cruise in Europe

————————————————————————————————————————————-

A huge thank you to Carnival Cruise Line for their generous hospitality. We enjoyed this cruise as professional bloggers, but as always, all opinions are our own.

Follow  52 Perfect Days  on   Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

• Facebook 353
• Pinterest 1.5K

Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

11 Comments

Ah, yes, memories. I remember when the dome was built for the Spruce Goose. Now, it’s where folks can depart for weekends or weeks! Thanks for the share about this quick trip.

It has literally been a decade since I last did a cruise, but it was with Carnival and seeing your photos certainly brought back fond memories. I was the one on the Pullman bed and the teen club kept me occupied leaving my parents with lots of free time too!

Wow I never realised you could book such a short cruise (never thought of it actually). It might be the perfect trial for me as I am not sure if a cruise would be my thing but I could probably do three days to check it out 😀 How does it work with passport control on the cruise if you’re going to Mexico?

Gorgeous sunset! I’m impressed that they have a club for teens that’s obviously interesting enough for them that they prefer it.

I lived in Southern California for a while and had quite a few friends who went on this cruise. They all loved it and reading this now makes me understand why! It sounds like a great break from things. And I have been to Ensenada which is a good place to spend the day!

We have friends who have done this cruise but we never have tried one. I think a short one like this would be a good introduction. Not having to continually pack and unpack as you move from place to place sounds inviting, and so many dining and entertainment options. Hmmm…..

It always blows my mind how much can get packed into these ships! They truly are entertainment destinations on the move! Awesome guide for the Carnival cruises.

I absolutely love the sunsets one can capture from a cruise! The Carnival Imagination cruise looks pretty awesome and it is nice that they had a teen’s club – that kept your teenager entertained! I love cruises – especially the pools, the dining options and the activities on board. Good that you also went to explore the city when the cruise was docked on port even though you had visited Ensenada earlier – many people do not explore the city and choose to stay on board!

A short cruise is just what I may need to get over my cruise hangup. Somehow I have a feeling it would be too ‘tied-down’ as compared to a land trip. So much food on board!

I have been wanting to take these short cruise. We love cruising and it is such an easy and affordable way to getaway for the week. I’d actually like to do the one that stops at Catalina as well.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Florence in California: Carnival launches new Italian-style cruise ship

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing a touch of Italy to Southern California.

The line launched Carnival Firenze, inspired by its namesake city, this week. The vessel sailed its maiden voyage from its Long Beach homeport on Thursday.

“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” Christine Duffy, the line’s president, said in a news release . “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”

The ship is the second in the Carnival Fun Italian Style concept after sister ship Carnival Venezia joined the fleet last summer. Both were originally part of Costa Cruises – also owned by parent company Carnival Corp. – before being rehomed.

Where will Carnival Firenze sail?

The roughly 5,000-guest ship will offer Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises ranging from three to seven days. Stops include destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Catalina Island.

What can guests expect ?

Built in 2020, Firenze was refurbished this year to add Carnival-specific touches. Those include staple venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and JavaBlue Cafe.

But the line leans into the ship’s Italian motif. The ship’s atrium was designed with Florence’s Piazza del Duomo in mind, and the Lido deck takes influence from the Italian Riviera. There’s even a replica of Michelangelo’s David on board that used to be on Carnival Pride (the real sculpture is in Florence’s Accademia Gallery).

The theme extends to the food and drink options, with eateries like Italian specialty restaurant Il Viaggio, Mexican-Italian fusion venue Tomodoro and La Strada Grill serving Italian street food. Frizzante specializes in bubbly drinks, and passengers can sip craft cocktails and Italian coffee at Amari.

Other features include the WaterWorks water park and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

How long should I take a cruise?: Here's how short and long cruises compare

How much does Carnival Firenze cost?

Prices vary based on sailing date and other factors, but a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise departing on May 30 now starts at $409 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival’s website . The fare includes much of the food on the ship, drinks like regular coffee and iced tea and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 15 best chicago tours for 2024.

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024

John Rodwan April 24, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Mexican Riviera cruises from $214*

Carnival Hawaii cruises from $1,319*

27 Ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Ship:  .

• Destinations
• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Carnival Radiance Overview

Carnival Victory went into dry dock in 2018 and emerged in 2020 as the Carnival Radiance. The ship will house all of the classic Carnival onboard activities, with upgrades, of course. At the WaterWorks aqua park aboard Carnival Radiance, there are two water slides over 200 feet long. And with room for nearly 3,000 passengers, there will be something fun for everyone! While sailing on this beautiful ship, you're guaranteed to not only have fun, but to be well-fed. Big Chicken, the fast casual eatery owned by Carnival's Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal, opened its first location at sea on Carnival Radiance, along with favorite Carnival dining options like Guy's Burger Joint, Cucina del Capitano, and the Seafood Shack. For more information on Carnival Radiance and Carnival Cruise Line, call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 to speak with one of expert consultants.

• Passenger Capacity: 2,984 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2000
• Last Refurbished: 2021

• Serenity Adults-only Retreat Let the fun experts at Carnival take care of the kids while you kick back and relax by this pool, with a drink in hand and not a care in the world.  

• Seuss at Sea Dive into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss on Carnival Radiance. Seuss at Sea is an immersive experience, complete with crafts, readings, character parades and a classic Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.  

• WaterWorks Wet and wild fun awaits at the onboard waterpark, Carnival WaterWorks. Complete with two waterslides with over 200 feet of slipping and sliding action, this waterpark isn't just for the kids.  

• Make It with Michaels In a partnership with Michaels craft store, guests of all ages can create and design their very own souvenir of their cruise. Crafts include key chains, picture frames and more.  

• SportSquare A little competition never hurt anyone, right? SportSquare makes it easy to have a little friendly competition at sea with soccer, volleyball, mini-golf, ping-pong and more!  

• CLUE: The Murder Mystery Was it Miss Scarlet in the Atrium with the trophy? Join Officer Ocean and your fellow cruisers for a murder mystery on the high seas. Crack the case before time runs out and you'll be entered to win a special prize from The Captain!  

• Shaq's Big Chicken Shaq is bringing his home-style recipes to Carnival Radiance at Big Chicken. Juicy chicken, tangy slaw with a kick of jalapeno, and all day breakfast will be available at this quick service onboard restaurant.  

Carnival Radiance Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Volcano crater golf, dolphin encounters, helicopter tours and so much more—cruise to Hawaii.

Mexican Riviera

Cruise to Mexico, and discover a culturally rich region with everything from dune buggies to soothing string music.

Carnival Radiance Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

Long Beach, California

A beautiful, trendy city in coastal Southern California, Long Beach is the ultimate playground perched on the Pacific Ocean. Cruise to or from Long Beach and enjoy its rich history and adventurous excursions.

Carnival Radiance Deck Plans

Riviera deck, atlantic deck, promenade deck, empress deck, verandah deck, panorama deck, carnival radiance staterooms.

Balcony (8A)

Balcony (8b), balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8m), balcony (8n), balcony (8p), balcony (8s), balcony (9b), balcony (9c).

Balcony (BL)

Any balcony stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Inside (1A)

Inside (4a), inside (4b), inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g), inside (4h), inside (4j), inside (4s), inside (pt).

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Oceanview (6D)

Oceanview (6A)

Oceanview (6b), oceanview (6c), oceanview (6j), oceanview (6k).

Oceanview (OV)

Any ocean view stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Any suite, depending on availability.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Radiance Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Test your investigative skill with a game of CLUE

Be an artist for a day with Michael's!

Carnival Radiance Serenity Retreat

Seuss at Sea on Carnival Radiance

SportSquare on Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance WaterWorks aqua park

Top 10 Carnival Radiance Cruises

• Carnival Radiance 4-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Radiance 3-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Jan 2026)
• Carnival Radiance 2-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (Sep 2024)
• Carnival Radiance 6-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Carnival Radiance Journeys - 14-day Hawaii Departing From Long Beach, California (Dec 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Radiance 5-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Oct 2025 - Apr 2026)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

We make vacation planning easy.

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Your Profile
• Your Subscriptions
• Your Business
• Support Local News
• Payment History
• Sign up for Daily Headlines
• Sign up for Notifications

Hot deal: You can fly from Vancouver to L.A. and cruise to Mexico for a steal

• Share by Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Text Message

Vancouverites looking to spend time in the sunshine without breaking the bank have an all-inclusive option at sea.

While you may think that the cheapest option is staying at a resort in Cuba, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic, holidays at sea may cost less per diem than these packages. 

Travellers who can hop on a last-minute cruise next month can pair low-cost flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with cruises in ports across the United States, including hot spots such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

A sailing departing from California on Monday, May 6 offers an all-inclusive package.  

Carnival Cruise Line , known for its laid-back, joyful onboard experience, has a four-day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach (Los Angeles), that visits Catalina Island in California and Ensenada in Mexico before returning to L.A. 

The cruise also includes one day at sea for guests to enjoy the onboard activities. 

Cruise with Carnival out of Los Angeles

An interior stateroom for two people costs US$747.30, which converts to roughly C$1,029.11 or C$514.56 per person. The per-diem, per-person cost is about C$128.64 (see slide two)

Not only does that cost include transportation on a beautiful ship, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package that can reduce the cost of your spending.

Prices for ocean view and balcony staterooms don't cost much more and may provide a more comfortable or pleasurable experience. 

Flights from Vancouver to Los Angeles with Flair Airlines

While travellers may prefer to pair their trip with a couple of days in Los Angeles before or after the cruise, Flair Airlines has an itinerary with direct flights that allows Vancouverites to fly the day the cruise disembarks and returns to the city. 

Flairs's outbound flight from Vancouver departs at 7 a.m. on May 6 and arrives in Los Angeles at 10 a.m. The return flight departs Los Angeles at 10:45 a.m. and arrives in Vancouver at 1:45 p.m. However, travellers must depart from the ship and immediately catch their flight (see slide three).

The total cost for the non-stop option with Flair is $167 if the tickets are booked separately. With the cruise, the total of the holiday is $681.56.

To provide some time post-cruise, travellers may prefer to catch a flight departing later that night or the following day; these options cost around $100 more. 

• Oldest Newest

This has been shared 0 times

Featured Flyer

Carnival Firenze Arrives in Long Beach Ahead of Inaugural Cruise

• April 24, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Firenze has arrived in California ahead of its inaugural cruise. After a month-long repositioning voyage that started in Spain, the 2021-built vessel docked in Long Beach for the first time on April 23, 2024.

Sailing around South America, the Carnival Firenze also made technical stops in the Canary Islands, Argentina, and Chile before arriving in California. The ship is fresh off its conversion from Costa to Carnival at Navantia (pictured).

The Vista-Class ship is now scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage from the port on April 25, 2024. On that day, the Carnival Firenze kicks off a program of three- to seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera, California and Baja Mexico.

Ports of call include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, in addition to Catalina Island.

For its maiden voyage, the Firenze is scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera. The itinerary features three full days at sea, as well as visits to Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

Previously operated by Costa Cruises, the Carnival Firenze joins Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Fun Italian Style concep.

The product combines the company’s traditional venues, service, and experiences with an Italian vibe and atmosphere.

With a design inspired by the Italian city of Florence, the 4,232-guest ship offers themed public areas and staterooms. One of the main dining rooms is named after Michelangelo, the Renaissance sculptor and painter that was born in the city.

The Carnival Firenze also offers signature venues of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, including an Italian-themed version of Guy’s Burger Joint, a European-themed Limelight Lounge and a complete Hero’s Tribute Bar.

Also unique to the vessel and its sister ship Carnival Venezia is a customized livery, which combines Costa’s funnel with Carnival’s new hull design. As a nod to the ship’s roots, however, the red stripe on the hull was painted yellow.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

54 Ships | 122,002 Berths | $36 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

More From Forbes

Carnival firenze officially christened in long beach.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Carnival Firenze

Carnival Cruise Line has officially christened its newest ship, Carnival Firenze , at Long Beach in California.

Hollywood actor Jonathan Bennett, godfather of Carnival Firenze, hosted the ceremony alongside Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy.

Bennett is well known for appearing in the 2004 movie Mean Girls and has since gone on to star in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and Love Wrecked and hosting programs for the Food Network.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said, “Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival.

He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies the Carnival-style of fun.”

“After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival Firenze’s sister ship, Carnival Venezia, last May, he told me it would be his dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a request for such a terrific friend to Carnival” Duffy added.

Jonathan Bennett said: “This is a fantastic honor, and I’m so proud to know I’ll always be a part of the Carnival Firenze family.

When I told Christine I’d love to be a Carnival cruise ship godfather, I never thought she’d take my request seriously.”

Microsoft Warns Windows Users Of Ongoing Russian Hack Attack

Security warning as apple forces password resets on iphone ipad mac users, new ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users.

“I have so much respect for the Carnival team and how they’re dedicated to caring for their guests, the ocean, and each other,” Bennett added.

Carrying 5,000 guests, Carnival Firenze is sailing year-round from Long Beach, offering three to seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera sailings.

She will also feature new Italian concepts from a brand new specialty restaurant for Carnival, Il Viaggio, Italian for ‘The Voyage’ — to Festa Italiana , a top-deck street party.

Carnival Firenze is the first ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet to utilize new technology and artificial intelligence to create energy-saving routes on each sailing, which will be rolled out across the entire fleet later this year.

Christine Duffy said: “We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now Carnival Firenze is allowing us to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach.

The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto.”

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions