Catalina & Ensenada, Mexico Carnival cruise » The Rambling Raccoon

Table Of Content

• Plan a Vacation to Ensenada, Mexico
• Baja Mexico
• Formal night

For dinner, we headed up to Cucina del Capitano because why not start with your favorite restaurant on the 1st night. I looked at John and told him we are going to have to book this room for an Alaska Cruise and a Panama Canal cruise it is that amazing. If you are not in the best of shape be prepared to take your time. It is not a long walk but the incline makes it a little more fun. Who would have thought having my husband take his mom on a couple of cruises would bump him up ahead of me.

Plan a Vacation to Ensenada, Mexico

Big names aren't all there is to know about Carnival Radiance. 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. Win big at the casino – You don’t have to go to Vegas to gamble!

Baja Mexico

Carnival has some true fan-favorites we know folks will be asking for. () That's why Carnival Firenze also includes familiar flavors… starting with special dining spots like Bonsai Teppanyaki™ and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse™. Places to celebrate absolutely anything (or just nothing!) include Piano Bar 88 and Serenity Bar, while you can seriously kick back at Cloud 9 Spa™ and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™. Kids are going to love Camp Ocean™, Circle “C”® and Club O2® — each one is perfectly designed for a different age group. Even more spots for entertainment include the classic-theater vibe of Teatro Rosso featuring Playlist Productions shows, and Tuscan Lounge paying tribute to Florence's iconic home region. The two-and-a-half-hour Pacific ATV tour offers riding on a four-wheeler along the coast.

Formal night

Watch some great shows – Looking for something to do after an amazing dinner? Enjoy one of the live musical shows, watch some comedy, sing (or just watch) at the karaoke bar – there are endless entertainment options. Cruise to Baja Mexico for some south-of-the-border flavor with a coastal twist. Don’t be confused — the Baja California peninsula is actually in Mexico, and cruises to Mexico are a great way to explore this area. Getting there’s a snap, because it’s just south of California (California, USA, that is) and it’s all just a short trip when you cruise from Los Angeles. While the region features a geography not unlike SoCal, it’s a different world… one that attracts American expats, and especially retirees, who call coastal resort towns like Ensenada their home.

Cruise Ship

It’s a great option for an extended weekend getaway since lodging, meals and entertainment are all included in the cost. You won’t have to worry about driving anywhere and you can have fun all night long and be just a few flights of stairs away from your room. (Unlimited drinks included for an additional fee. Click here for details) So feel free to relax, grab some food and explore the ship. The Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico Carnival Cruise is one of the most affordable cruises and vacation options out there!

We also ordered a pizza delivered to the room which tasted amazing. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. If you love fish tacos, Ensenada (the dish's birthplace) is the place for you to be — try the spate of stalls near the pier where your cruise ship arrives. You can also enjoy food from all around Mexico, from more traditional varieties of tacos and burritos, to tangy ceviche made with locally caught fish. You might've just gotten off a ship, but the sea is a sizable source of enchantment in Ensenada.

When we say that Carnival Miracle takes you to another world, we mean that in every sense. Not only does this ship visit stunning destinations, but features incredible onboard spaces inspired by elements of fantasy. Escape from reality as you take in a show at the Phantom Lounge or a dance at Dr. Frankenstein's Lab. You'll find great food all over the place, from the casual fare of Horatio's to the artful eats of the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms... Not to mention the world-class cuts at Nick & Nora's Steakhouse. Enjoy world-class customer service – If there’s anything I can really rave about the Carnival cruise, it’s the service!

Often referred to as the "Love Port," Ensenada, Mexico, attracts more than 4.5 million vacationers every year. Some come to sample the fresh seafood cuisine, while others enjoy shopping for crafts and whale-watching. If you are cruising from Long Beach, California, to Ensenada, compare excursion itineraries and allow time to explore the port. While we're excited about the Italian side of this ship, it's not the whole story.

Day Baja Mexico Cruise sailing on the Carnival Firenze

Holland America Eurodam Balcony Stateroom - Check out a room tour of a balcony stateroom on the Holland America Eurodam. Carnival Miracle Extended Balcony Stateroom - Check out a room tour of an extended balcony stateroom on the Carnival Miracle. We managed to pack everything just in time to enjoy an epic sunset from the balcony. I have to tell you we are madly deeply in love with the Premium Vista Balcony Stateroom we booked. Since we were near the aft pool bar we ended up relaxing with some epic tropical cocktails. I can't wait to make a creamsicle cocktail, The Twilight Zone Cocktail, and a Sunburn Cocktail when we get home.

There’s fine dining for dinner where you can enjoy a beautiful 3-course meal or a casual buffet, depending on your mood. The port is at the south end of the Long Beach Freeway, also known as Interstate 710. Take the 710 South and follow the signs leading toward the Queen Mary tourist attraction.

While it is barely 60 degrees it feels like heaven compared to the icy temperatures at home. I am not sure how many Carnival Cruise Ships we have been on but this breakfast was epic! Every single item was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. I have to tell you that sea day brunch on the Carnival Radiance was the best we have had on any Carnival ship. I finished my 2nd or 3rd book on this cruise while savoring the sun coming in our balcony window. We decided to spend another day on the ship enjoying all of the amenities.

Tropical Development Set to Impact Mexican Cruise Ports - Cruise Hive

Tropical Development Set to Impact Mexican Cruise Ports.

Posted: Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. Thanks to its stunning coastline, Ensenada will give you plenty of postcard-worthy moments…, and it couldn’t be easier to get there.

If you want to spend your entire cruise in bed watching the world go by you can do that. We felt like we had to push to get the most done to get the value for the price we paid. Now we realize that for us the value is in relaxing, having meals taken care of, having time together without the interruptions that happen on land. You can also order pizza delivered to where ever you are relaxing on the ship for a small charge. One of the great things about the Carnival Hub App is you can sign in anytime and see which restaurants and bars are currently open. I have to say that it was so relaxing watching the sun come up from bed and seeing Catalina Island come into view.

The air and ocean water is expelled through the only exit, launching it several stories into the air. This blowhole is an amazing natural marine geyser that is capable of shooting water well over 60 feet in the air. La Bufadora is considered to be the second-largest marine geyser in the world. You’ll take another small boat from the cruise ship to the shoreline of Ensenada. My (now) husband and I had only been dating for a few short months when I bought him this cruise as a surprise for his birthday. If you are stopped for any reason, follow the officer to the nearest precinct to pay the fee.

For the Carnival Cruise terminal, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary. As of March 2011, the price is $15 per day, payable upon exit. The cruise terminal is approximately 23 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport and 12 miles from Long Beach Airport. There is no shortage of meaningful things to do on a getaway cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. I can't say enough about the service in the main dining room of the Carnival Radiance.

During a visit to the Bodegas de Santo Tomás you can tour the winery, learn about its history, and even taste some of its famous wines. 7 Day Mexico Cruise Guide - What to expect on a longer 7 day cruise from West Coast Long Beach to Mexico that include Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas as part of the Itinerary. There was a couple of people in front of us waiting to scan their cruise card one more time and then we walked down to Customs. John told me he would happily stay onboard for the next few weeks to enjoy these views.

A Weekend Getaway Guide: Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island & Ensenada

Table Of Content

• Day Baja Mexico Cruise sailing on the Carnival Firenze
• Enjoy Magical Marine Ecotourism
• Get to Know Carnival Radiance
• THINKING ABOUT BAJA MEXICO?
• Cruise Itinerary – Day 1: board the ship
• Where Carnival Radiance sails

For dinner, we headed up to the Carnival Deli which is near the Lido Buffet. I think this is one of the hidden gems onboard Carnival Cruise Ships. Even though we have been to Ensenada a few times I am always amazed at just how big this port city is. With that being said we spent our evening ordering room service and watching more movies. If you want to spend your entire cruise fitting in as many activities as you possibly can that is totally amazing also. The best part of being on a cruise is you get to decide what you want to do or not do.

Day Baja Mexico Cruise sailing on the Carnival Firenze

I had to have a Kiss on the Lips to toast to an amazing cruise. It is a tradition I am happy to uphold on every Carnival Cruise we take. He had been eye-balling the barbecue menu the past few days and knew just what he wanted. I need to work on making baked beans similar to what they had they looked so good. It made me wish we would have gone to the dining room the past few mornings for breakfast.

Enjoy Magical Marine Ecotourism

This has become our go-to hotel when we fly into LA and are heading out on a cruise. It is quick and easy to grab an Uber/Lyft to the port the next morning. We also filled out a health assessment 2 days prior to the cruise and took a covid test.

Get to Know Carnival Radiance

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary. At Alchemy Bar® we make drinks into art, while the laid-back RedFrog Pub™ has "Caribbean cool" down to a science. And up in SkyBox™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line.

One thing we have realized is how differently we cruise now compared to when we started 12 years ago. 25+ cruises later we are much more focused on relaxing and savoring the small moments versus running around all over trying to do it all. The Pasta Bella Pasta Bar at Cucina del Capitano allows you to customize your lunch order. You can pick the pasta, sauce, and added ingredients you want including grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and more. We had breakfast at Big Chicken to check out their biscuits and chicken. It was not the best breakfast which I am hoping is because we were later in the day and the biscuits had sat out for a while.

Carnival Adjusting Itineraries for Three Cruise Ships - Cruise Hive

Carnival Adjusting Itineraries for Three Cruise Ships.

Posted: Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

We woke up to the sun streaming in the cabin windows as we pulled into Ensenada. I hopped out on the balcony to get some video and photos and had to laugh with sheer delight at all of the sea lions making noises greeting us into port. We ended up watching Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds and also Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller.

Cruise Itinerary – Day 1: board the ship

The crew is really service-oriented and will go out of their way to make your trip the best one ever. From our room steward, Ketut, who always made sure we had enough towels, to Ian, the senior maitre’d, and his assistant Rod, who made sure our food was always impeccable, the attention blew us away. Dine at the Chef’s Table – For fellow foodies, I highly recommend experiencing the Chef’s Table dinner. This dinner is limited to only 15 guests and you will be personally escorted by the chef to the galley where you’ll see where over 20,000 meals are prepared each day.

Where Carnival Radiance sails

Escape to Mexico’s original seaside getaway with Carnival cruises to Ensenada. Once a favorite hideaway for high-rolling Hollywood stars, Ensenada is now one of Mexico’s most popular ports of call. You can sightsee, shop or kayak at Punta Banda… but the true pleasures of this festive city are culinary. That’s why a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico should top every foodie’s wish list. Soak up the richness of the local culture as you enjoy the journey. Eat to your heart’s content –  On Carnival Imagination, there’s no shortage of food since there are dining options 24/7.

The mountain tour takes you on rugged dirt trails that lie just outside of the city. In winter, Sergio's Sport Fishing offers a four-hour tour during which you can often spot migrating gray whales. If you're looking to travel solely to Ensenada from Long Beach, Carnival Cruise is your only option. The company offers two- and three-day trips, listed as departing from Los Angeles. The two-day excursion on the Carnival Inspiration offers a twisting pool waterslide and serves cocktails at the Grand Atrium Bar.

Guests on board the Carnival Paradise for the three-day adventure can lounge in the adults-only section on the top deck or test their strokes at the miniature golf course. So, Long Beach, you're wondering what to expect from Fun Italian Style™? Grab your movie star sunglasses and throw on a scarf — just for style — as you make your entrance at Piazza Duomo, named for Florence's iconic domed cathedral. You're even going to find an Italian market, Il Mercato, featuring faves like sauced-up meatballs, sandwiches with inspiration from Italy and beyond, plus sausages and salads.

There’s a casino onboard and you’ll get to play your favorite table games and maybe even win a jackpot on the slots. The shops onboard feature souvenirs, fine jewelry, cosmetics, liquors, accessories and more! They have lots of sales and promos going on all the time, so make sure you drop by a few times. There’s no point in worrying about getting bored on the cruise because there’s literally a million things to do. Since I don’t want this blog post to go on forever, I’ll only highlight my top 13 things to do on a Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada. This marine geyser phenomenon is caused by ocean waves being forced into a partially submerged sea cavern, causing large amounts of air and water pressure to build.

After breakfast, it was time to visit the Fun Shops and see what new things Carnival has brought onboard. There are so many fun items in the shops it is hard not to shop and shop and shop. It has been so nice just relaxing in the room with a new movie every night and no stress. Turning off our internet connection and just spending time relaxing has been rejuvenating and so needed. We spent the rest of the night relaxing and watching the new James Bond movie. Room service has a great variety of sandwiches and snacks that are great for movie watching.

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. Eat local Mexican cuisine – During our time in Ensenada, my mom and I had an incredible lunch featuring fresh oysters, steamed clams, abalone pasta and a panna cotta to finish. Travel to another country – The second stop on this cruise is to Ensenada, Mexico. If you’ve never been, this will be your chance to experience a little bit of local Mexican culture.

Though you do not require a tourist card in Ensenada if your stay does not exceed 72 hours, you must present your passport upon re-entry into the United States. Visit the Estero Beach Museum, where you can see artifacts and Mexican folk art. Enjoy a picnic in the Plaza Civica, a picturesque, landscaped park that houses golden statues of Benito Juarez, Venustiano Carranza and Miguel Hidalgo, three important figures in Mexico's history. Shop in the craft galleries and clothing boutiques that line the Avenida Lopez Mateos. Sample the fresh shrimp, lobster and tuna that are served in the restaurants.