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Mexico and Central America: Baja Cruise

4-night carnival legend cruise.

From $429 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $180 - $190

Carnival Cruise Line

Ensenada will give you plenty of postcard-worthy moments and it couldn't be easier to get there. 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. 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. Have your fill of fresh oysters and sip a rich Baja merlot. Soak up the richness of the local culture as you enjoy the journey.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Carnival Cruise Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

San Francisco

San Francisco is a golden dream come true, a place where heart, mind and soul embrace, lost in the simplicity of delightful deliverance. Fog and sun mingle playfully above America's favorite city; the cool, cloudy comfort of early morning slowly dissolving into the peaceful warmth of a gentle afternoon glow. Touch it....it is real. Feel it.....it is the essence of escape. Savor it.....it is one of a kind. Little wonder why San Francisco has been named the world's top city twice by readers of Condé Nast Traveler; the top U.S. city seven times since 1988. San Francisco's neighborhoods comprise its inner beauty, enhancing daydreams, opening doors to new and exciting visions. The City is a cultural wonderland, an ethnic treasure chest where custom, tradition and history are preserved, celebrated, shared. So take your time and explore The City. You'll find that the Gold Rush days have never really ended here; there's still plenty of gold to be found. The restless spirit of The City's Barbary Coast past lives on, fueled by a desire to be different, nurtured by infinite viewpoints, personalities, styles. Magical moments abound. The echo of cable car bells from atop great hills. The rejuvenation of the soul upon crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The splendor and elegance of a boat cruise on San Francisco Bay. The soft touching of wine glasses over a gourmet meal. The views. The people. The sights. The sounds. The City. So come and share the wealth. Let your heart, mind and soul wander. Stay as long as you like. San Francisco encourages lingering. It was designed with adventure, romance and pleasure in mind. It is one of life's great indulgences, so indulge. It is one of the world's most gratifying escapes, so escape. It is where the world comes to unwind. It is America's preeminent playground.

Hey, there's more to this town than it just being the finish line for the annual Newport-Ensenada Race! The City of Ensenada has completed a total renovation of Primera, the main street downtown. Enjoy a stroll down the cobblestone sidewalk complete with outdoor cafes, interesting shops, strolling musicians and street vendors. The malecon (harbor boardwalk) renovation was completed last year and provides a beautifully landscaped walk along the harbor front to the Ventana Del Mar Plaza with its huge Mexican flag. From there, you can look across the rio at the new small craft harbor nestled in the middle of the new cruise ship docks. It will be interesting to watch the progress on this new endeavor. The story is that in order to expand the cargo port on the north side of the harbor, the developers had to relocate the passenger ships' dock and provide some type of recreational asset for the city. It looks to be a good solution. Ensenada is also a swell place to take possession of your new boat (more on that later), get a new bottom job for your old boat or set as your destination for an extended coastal cruise, a fun weekend road trip or the start of some long distance cruising! The people of Ensenada are trying hard to improve their city, both for turistas, a big part of their income and for themselves and their families. We have seen improvements which are good, and yet some loss of the "Mexico-ness" in some of the tourist areas. We have met a lot of the residents and business people and want to thank them for their hospitality. As visitors, it is our obligation to live up to the Bienvenidos and the Mi Casa es Su Casa that have been extended to us.

Onboard the Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2002
• Year Refurbished: 2018

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2124

Carnival Legend is certainly deserving of its name. Legendary features include the RedFrog Pub, with its mythical mascot and Caribbean ambience; the Green Thunder waterslide, which offers a saga you’ll recount for ages; and Bonsai Sushi, which proves that you needn’t teach a man to fish for him to enjoy delicacies from the sea. Take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for fortune at Club Merlin Casino, and taste something savory at Truffles Restaurant. There’s more than one way to dine at Lido Deck’s Unicorn Café, and at The Golden Fleece Steakhouse, the great multi-course meal is no myth. Music lovers who go for the classics will love Billie’s Piano Bar. Kids will tell and retell tales of their favorite vacation, spent hanging out and meeting new friends at one of three supervised youth areas. And adults can get lost in a good book, or just one another’s company, at the legendarily kid-free Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and then dance the night away at Medusa’s Lair Dance Club. This is one vacation that’ll go down in your history books.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

Red Frog Pub

• Disco/Nightclub
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Educational Programs
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Water Park Arena
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Internet Center
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Game Arcade
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Spa Services/Massage
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Bars/Lounges
• Babysitting
• Conference Center
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Self-Service Laundromat
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  Carnival's Main Dining Room brings you a full three-course menu in an experience that’s satisfying, but never stuffy. Drop in nightly and enjoy a rotating menu of delectable favorites like steak, roasted duck, scallops, prime rib, and, of course, sinfully delicious desserts.

Bonsai Sushi

Specialty Dining

Bonsai Sushi:  Dine amidst expertly pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable catches, plus soups, sides, sakes, and desserts. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coffee Bar:  Treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a specialty coffee drink or freshly-brewed tea with some delicious homemade pastries. Or, for an even sweeter option, stop by for a milkshake, slice of cake or cookie. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast:  Sit down to a truly fantastical feast at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends™. Bright colors and patterns decorate your table, which features fun and unique menus. Feast! Feast! Feast! Lose yourself exploring a delicious menu where you'll find "Green Eggs and Ham," brightly colored fruit, gravity-defying pancake stacks, funky French toast, "Moose Juice" 'n' "Goose Juice"… and much more. (Classic breakfast offerings are available as well.) Breakfast is also the perfect time to meet and greet the stars of Dr. Seuss — characters will be around for special photo opportunities and fun interactions, making this a meal to remember. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

RedFrog Pub:  Get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog Pub is Carnival's laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively, Key West-inspired pub. Sample Caribbean fare, dominate at the foosball table, enjoy live music and try the signature private-label brew, ThirstyFrog Red. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse Selections:  Whoever said you can’t always get what you want certainly never said it on a Carnival cruise. Odds are that something from our steakhouse sounds good — filet mignon, New York Strip, lobster, or surf and turf. Now you can get these signature steakhouse dishes anytime you’re enjoying dinner in the main dining room. This option is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse:  The menu features premium cuts of beef cooked to your specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. Like any destination restaurant, reservations for Steakhouse are highly recommended. Your meal includes an appetizer, salad, entrée, side and dessert. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Chef’s Table:  Treat your taste buds to a unique culinary event hosted by one of Carnival's master chefs. Your VIP experience begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a galley tour. The evening’s highlight is a full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular menus. Seating is limited, so reserve early at the ship’s Guest Services desk. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

24-Hour Room Service:  There’s a menu of salads, sandwiches and sweet stuff — completely free — during the day, plus hot food options available for a small fee. Late-night menu options (after 10 p.m.) are also available for a small fee.

Guy’s Burger Joint

Casual Dining

BlueIguana Cantina:  The BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos. Throw homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will have you coming back for more.

Guy’s Burger Joint:  Carnival has teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy's Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy's way, or take it off-road to the toppings bar and truly make it your own.

Lido Marketplace:  Featuring an amazing variety of casual dining spots, each just a few flip-flopped steps from the last, Lido Marketplace always has a special something ready to satisfy your latest craving spectacularly. Here Carnival does it with dozens of what-to-eat options... great choices like BBQ, a deli counter, salad bar, an Asian station and a pasta bar... plus one spot where the chef serves up a different surprise daily! At Lido Marketplace, there's tons of indoor and outdoor seating made for gathering around, so you can enjoy your personal faves in your favorite company for lunch or dinner, or even breakfast! Lido's also where you can find soft serve, frozen yogurt and fresh pizza 24-hours a day.

Pizza Pirate:  Ahoy, matey! Pizza Pirate offers mouth-watering Margherita, Funghi, Prosciutto, Pepperoni or Quattro Formaggi pizza served with a delicious Caesar salad.

Seaday Brunch:  At Seaday Brunch, you can sleep in and still enjoy breakfast favorites, while early risers get a head start on lunch. You’ll enjoy huevos rancheros, special French toast, loaded mac-n-cheese and more ways to cook eggs than you may have thought possible.

Swirls:  Swirls ice cream entices with sweet frozen treats around the clock! Choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Open on Lido deck 24/7, frozen yogurt and soft-serve ice cream is a great way to beat the heat all day, or the perfect nightcap after a long evening of fun.

The Carnival Deli:  Craving a little taste from the old neighborhood? Enjoy old-time favorites like a hot pastrami on rye, a grilled Reuben or roasted turkey breast on a country roll. Sandwiches and wraps are always hand-carved, and served fresh with coleslaw or relish and a kosher dill pickle.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

An Interior stateroom is a comfortable retreat, featuring a full private bathroom. Some rooms also feature pull-down beds – ideal for families.

Interior (Category: 4A)

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• In-room safe for valuables
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Stateroom climate control
• Bathrobes upon request

Interior (Category: 4B)

Interior (category: 4c), interior (category: 4d), interior (category: 4e), interior with french door (obstructed views) (category: 4k).

Guarantee - Inside (Category: IS)

Category: IS This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

These rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

Ocean View (Category: 6A)

Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: OV)

Category: OV This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Relax and admire the passing scenery from your stateroom’s private balcony.

Balcony (obstructed views) (Category: 7A)

Balcony (Category: 8A)

Balcony (category: 8b), balcony (category: 8c), balcony (category: 8d), balcony (category: 8e), balcony (category: 8f), premium balcony (obstructed views) (category: 9a).

Extended Balcony (Category: 8J)

Extended balcony (category: 8k), aft-view extended balcony (category: 8m), aft-view extended balcony (category: 8n), premium balcony (category: 9b), guarantee - balcony (category: bl).

Category: BL This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

A spacious room, that includes priority check-in during embarkation.

Junior Suite (Category: JS)

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority dinner reservations for select specialty restaurants
• Priority main dining room time assignment (Early, Late, or Your Time Dining)
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 AM
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattresses

Ocean Suite (Category: OS)

Vista suite (category: vs), grand suite (category: gs).

Guarantee - Suite (Category: ST)

Category: ST This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Carnival Legend
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2002
• Ship Class: Spirit Class
• Maximum Capacity: 2,680
• Number of Passenger Decks: 12
• Number of Crew: 930
• Officers' Nationality: Italian
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 103
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 632
• Total Inside Staterooms: 277
• Tonnage (GRT): 88,500
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,124
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 1,062
• Suites with Balcony: 50
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 05/08/2025, departure date - 05/22/2025, departure date - 06/05/2025, departure date - 06/19/2025, departure date - 07/03/2025, departure date - 07/17/2025, departure date - 07/31/2025, departure date - 08/14/2025, departure date - 08/28/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's Registry: Bahamas

Images of ship are an artist rendering.

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Carnival Family Cruising

Carnival Mexican Riviera cruises from $214*

Carnival Holiday cruises from $164*

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Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Hop on a Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera or Baja Mexico cruise for a vacation filled with fun for everyone. You may find yourself competing to scale the canyon canopies of Cabo San Lucas, or taking a 4X4 into the desert for some exciting sand-dune exploring. While at port in Puerto Vallarta, go deep sea fishing for some wet and wild fun, or discover a vibrant and unique culture with some time in town. Days spent dancing on the beach, tasty Mexican cuisine and so much more with a cruise to Mexico onboard Carnival Cruise Lines.

Things to Do on a Mexican Riviera & Baja Cruise with Carnival Cruise Line

Say “Ole” to a vacation filled with activities that will live on as indelible memories for years to come. On a Carnival cruise to Mexico you’ll be able to parasail, swim with dolphins and learn about the local lore.

• Cabo Parasailing (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) Get an incredible vista of Cabo with a thrilling excursion in the sky. The breeze will awaken your spirit as you see the scenery of this exotic destination from the air.  

• Dolphin Encounter (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) You’ll never forget your first interaction with the playful dolphins of Cabo San Lucas. Learn about the wonderful creatures from an expert, educate yourself on how to interact with them and then head into the water for a Dolphin Encounter filled with smiles, laughs and memories.  

• Pirate Ship Encounter (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Get ready for some swashbuckling, high-flying, wild excitement with the Pirate Ship Encounter in Puerto Vallarta. With this excursion you’ll watch pirates walk the plank, fight with swords and jump their way around the ship. You’ll stop at Majahuitas Beach afterwards for watersports and relaxation, or even a treasure hunt.  

• Rhythms of the Night (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Get lost in a night of pagan mysticism and legends of long ago with a night in Banderas Bay. The sound of the jungle will move you as you follow a path lit by torch, highlighted by incredible ritual re-enactments and visualization of customs. Then enjoy a performance depicting an ancient journey for a night of mystery and eccentricity.  

• Golf Adventure VIP with Equipment (Catalina Island, CA) The Southern Coast of California is the perfect place for a relaxing day on the links. Try the Golf Adventure VIP on Catalina Island for a day of serene competition and beautiful weather.  

• Blow Hole and Winery Tour (Ensenada, Mexico) While at port in Ensenada, spend a day visiting La Bufadora and the tranquil Bodegas de Santo Tomas. The blowhole will explode with water and create an astounding sight, and then you’ll head to Baja California’s oldest winery where you can taste diverse wines and buy some for a take-home souvenir.  

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

• Carnival Radiance 3-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (Jun 2024 - Jan 2026)
• Carnival Firenze 4-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Panorama 6-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Jul 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Panorama 7-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Jul 2024 - May 2025)
• Carnival Panorama 5-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Nov 2024)
• Carnival Firenze 6-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Firenze 7-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Nov 2024)
• 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 Firenze 3-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (Nov 2024 - Dec 2025)

Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Your Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

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.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Mexican Riviera cruising photos from Carnival Cruise Lines. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera cruise vacation.

The beach town of Mazatlan, Mexico

Sunset in Cabo San Lucas

The rocks of Cabo San Lucas

Mayan Ruins at dusk in Uxmal

Weathered tree in Manzanillo Bay, Mexico

Parasailing in Cabo

Family enjoying interacting with a dolphin

Golfing near Santa Catalina Island

Ocean sunset in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta skyline in Mexico

Rocky coast of Ensenada, Mexico

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• Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze ™

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Long Beach is fun, but it isn't known as a hotspot of Italian culture… yet! In spring 2024, Carnival Firenze will debut, setting sail from this homeport towards south-of-the-border fun along Mexico's Pacific coast! 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. To get a taste for onboard flavor and flair, check out spots like the elegant three-course Michelangelo and Medici Restaurants , traditional Italian foods, cocktails and more at Il Viaggio , plus Italian street food spot La Strada Grill ™ . 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. And since we're always authentic… most of the time, you can enjoy the fusion-y goodness of Mexican-Italian Tomodoro ™ plus Guy's Burger Joint , which now features classics and burgers with Italian twists. For refreshment served up in a glass, look to cocktail bar Amari ™ , frozen drinks with a bit of attitude at Rococó ™ , Frizzante ™ with its three specialties (bubbly drinks, snacks and coffee!), plus classic Italian cocktails and martinis with surprising and fashionable twists (and live music too!) at Moda Bar and Lounge ™ . 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. Let's not forget Terrazza staterooms — we could never! — which give you a stylish, comfy place to unwind from all the fun… near a private deck featuring exclusive amenities like all-day lounging at Terrazza Moda home to great views, drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more. While we're excited about the Italian side of this ship, it's not the whole story. Carnival has some true fan-favorites we knew folks would be asking for. ( ) That's why Carnival Firenze also includes familiar flavors 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. And if active/splashy fun is your thing, that's honestly a great thing and we can tell you're going to be spending time at WaterWorks ™ and SportSquare ™ , home to a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf course and outdoor fitness center. Long Beach! Carnival Firenze is sailing now from your sweet shores. Andiamo!

• 135,156 Gross Tonnage
• 4,126 Guest Capacity
• 1,061 Length In Feet
• 1,425 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Terrazza interior.

A cozy, classic stateroom decked out with Italian flair… plus amenities like exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Amenities exclusive to Terrazza staterooms:

• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools, and more
• Daily continental breakfast at the nearby lounge
• Sailaway event featuring live music
• Comfy Terrazza-branded robes and towels for your use

Plus, every room includes:

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• In-room safe for valuables
• Stateroom climate control

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

Every room includes:

Interior with Portholes

Interior upper/lower with portholes, interior upper/lower, deluxe ocean view.

Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom.

Deluxe Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Terrazza premium vista balcony.

If you’re all about living the Terrazza life while you cruise… we like your style, and have just the room for you. There’s tons of Italian flair on the inside, but what’s outside counts too! And in this case it’s an incredible wraparound balcony for luxurious private lounging with a sea breeze. But don’t spend all your time here: you also have exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more

Terrazza Premium Balcony

When you want the most sea breeze and the amazing views — but you also want Italian style to match — a Terrazza Premium Balcony might be just the thing. An extra-wide balcony is just one of the perks… but don’t forget exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Aft-View Extended Balcony

A balcony made for watching the ship’s calm wake as we sail along, plus an interior with Italian style on the inside. That’s your Terrazza Aft-View Extended Balcony! Well, that and exclusive access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Cabana

A Terrazza Cabana stateroom gets you real estate on one of the most desirable addresses on the ship: your very own lounging patio complete with deck chairs. Plus, you'll have easy access to the exclusive private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more.  (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Premium Balcony

We designed balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony for extra outdoor space.

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best views. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon the ship's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony staterooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location, for one amazing up-close view of the wake and sea foam as the ship cruises along.

Ocean Suite

An Ocean Suite lets you experience a private, spacious relaxation... more space for stretching out indoors, including a walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 AM
• Access to private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more (guests 12 or older only)
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Ocean Suite (Obstructed View)

Onboard activities, onboard dining, which way to mexico.

Carnival Firenze gives you options for exploring Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast, sailing from Long Beach.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

10 Cheap Cruises Ranked By Their 2024 Prices

• Cruising offers an affordable and all-inclusive vacation option, with prices as low as $27.25 per person per night.
• Travelers can explore beautiful destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas on budget-friendly cruises.
• These cheap cruises provide luxury amenities, including open bars, water parks, multiple restaurants, and entertainment options.

The cruising world is one that travelers find hard to leave. With 24/7 food and restaurant opportunities, water parks, gyms, infinity pools, casinos, bars, and more, cruising is like going to a floating, all-inclusive hotel. While some cruise lines can be expensive, there are a few out there with some unbelievable deals that take their passengers on cruise ship voyages through Iceland's untamed beauty , cruises in the U.S. Virgin Islands , unique cruises in Greece , and the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, just to name a few.

The average cost per hotel room (excluding food) is predicted to be around $155 per person, per night, in 2024 . Still, in the land of cruising, travelers can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation for just $27.25 per person per night (the cheapest cruise on this list) or $95 per night (the most expensive 'cheap' cruise on this list).

For travelers looking to set sail and explore the world on a budget, these are the cheapest cruises to go on in 2024 (ranked by their 2024 prices), listed from cheap to 'super cheap'.

Related: 20 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World As Of 2023

7-Night Alaska Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $669.

This 7-night cruise departs from Seattle, Washington, and takes its passengers to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia. This is the cheapest cruise on offer for exploring the Alaskan waters.

The Norwegian Encore cruise line is one of the only ships that offer an open bar as part of the total price. It boasts an impressive 16 passenger decks, making it a cheap yet luxurious Alaskan vacation alternative.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Encore
• Book it here: 7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Encore

10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total cost per person for 10 nights: $509.

This 10-night cruise is the ultimate Caribbean getaway; offering the cheapest way to experience the length of the Eastern Caribbean, including stops in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (the Cruiseline Private Island), Grand Turk Island in Turks & Caicos, and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic.

This cruise comes in at just $51 per night, making it one of the cheapest Caribbean cruises (and vacations) to go on. The Carnival Venezia also offers more restaurants (8), outside rooms (1249), and passenger decks (15) than other cruise ships for the same price, making it one of the most cost-effective options.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Venezia
• Book it here: 10 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Related: Three Super Cheap Cruises Worth Booking In 2024

7-Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $479.

This 7-night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise around the Caribbean is the cheapest cruise line with an all-inclusive mini-water park in 2024.

The ship houses 2 pools and 5 whirlpools, a Kids Aqua Park, which includes a kid-size pool and slide, splash area, fountains and sprays, and 3 multi-story water slides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge.

• Cruise Ship: Norwegian Epic Cruise Line
• Book it here: 7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Total cost per person for 7 nights: $469.

This 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise that takes passengers to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is the cheapest cruise departing from California.

The average price to visit and tour Mexico is $997 per person for 7 days , making this cruise an excellent all-inclusive alternative, costing half of the average price, with luxury amenities.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Panorama
• Book it here: 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

The cheapest cabin for this cruise is the interior cabin - bear this in mind when booking.

6-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Total cost per person for 6 nights: $451.

This 6-night Pacific Coastal Cruise is another one of the cheapest 2024 cruises; it takes its passengers on a cost-effective journey one-way to discover the West Coast of Canada and the United States from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California. The cruise explores sights in Vancouver before moving on to Victoria, British Columbia, San Francisco, California, Catalina Island, California, and ending in Los Angeles, California.

On the route, this affordable cruise ensures that entertainment, food, exercise, and more are all covered with its state-of-the-art facilities that aim to cost less than what passengers usually spend at home.

• Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
• Book it here: 6 Night Pacific Coastal Cruise

Related: 10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

11-Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

Total price per person for 11 nights: $369.

Easily rivaling even the best Caribbean island hopping cruises , this cheap, extensive cruise takes its passengers to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Cozumel, Mexico, Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas (a Cruise Line Private Island) and Miami, Florida for just $34 per person per night.

Dining, entertainment, bars, and sports zones are all included in the price, making it one of the amazing yet cheap family cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Meraviglia
• Book it here: 11 Night Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise

5-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Total for 5 days per person: $349.

This cheap almost-week-long Eastern Caribbean voyage takes passengers from Port Canaveral in Orlando to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands before heading to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and ending back in Port Canaveral.

The cruise includes amazing stage shows, live musical performances, stand-up comedy, clubs, bars, and lounges featuring DJs spinning, karaoke, piano sing-alongs, and more. On board, guests can also enjoy parties, game shows, and trivia contests.

There are also great options for all six meals — breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night snacks at the full-service Main Dining Room or the casual Lido Restaurant. These amenities make it one of the cheapest entertainment-filled cruises for 2024.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Freedom
• Book it here: 5 Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise

4-Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

Total cost for four days per person: $229.

The Carnival Radiance takes its passengers on the cheapest trip to Mexico from Los Angeles they'll ever find. Stops along the way include Catalina Island, Ensenada, and Long Beach in Los Angeles.

From endless taco trains to never-ending burrito buffets and all-one-can-drink tequila, this all-inclusive Mexican fiesta is the cheapest way to spend a vacation in Mexico.

• Cruise Ship: Carnival Radiance
• Book it here: 4- Day Baja Mexico Cruise From Los Angeles

2-Night Margaritaville At Sea Paradise Cruise

Total cost for 2 nights per person: $148.50.

This 2-night cruise through the Florida seas departs from Palm Beach, Florida, and takes its passengers on an all-inclusive, relaxing getaway. This cruise doesn't have any island extras that passengers need to budget for, making it one of the cheapest cruises to book in 2024.

Passengers won't need to worry about paying for anything more once they're on board.

• Cruise Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
• Book it here: 2-Night Florida Cruise 2024

4-Night MSC Bahamas Cruise

Total cost for 4 nights per person: $109.

Not only is this one of the most affordable Bahamas cruises , but it also comes in as the cheapest cruise for 2024. This ultimate budget-friendly cruise is the 4-night MSC Seashore Bahamas Cruise, which takes its passengers on a journey to the luscious Bahamas. The ship departs from Miami and stops over at Nassau and Freeport before heading back to Miami.

The only thing not included in this all-inclusive vacation is a Wi-Fi and on-board credit package. The MSC Seashore is one of the biggest MSC cruise ships, with multiple amenities while also being the cheapest to offer such amenities.

• Cruise Ship: MSC Seashore
• Book it here: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise 2024

Carnival is taking on Royal Caribbean with its own $600 million private resort — see Celebration Key's planned features

• Carnival Cruise Line is set to launch its new private destination, Celebration Key , in 2025.
• The $600 million project has amenities similar to Royal Caribbean's private island.
• Carnival is "clearly following Royal Caribbean's footsteps," one analyst told Business Insider.

Step aside, CocoCay. Royal Caribbean's private island could soon face some serious competition.

About 140 miles east of Miami, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay receives thousands of eager families virtually every day of the year, drawn to the private Caribbean island's irresistible waterpark, beach clubs, and family-friendly amenities.

The tropical destination has become a massive hit with the cruise line's guests. And it seems Carnival, which also targets cruising families, wants a slice of its competitor's winning pie.

Carnival already operates its own private island, Half Moon Cay.

But what's better than one exclusive port? Two of them.

The cruise giant is now building another destination just for its guests: Celebration Key, a mile-long resort-like getaway on Grand Bahama Island .

The $600 million project, Carnival Corp's largest, is set to open in 2025 — a sign that the company is "clearly following Royal Caribbean's footsteps," Patrick Scholes, lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in March.

Carnival’s promises for its private destination might sound familiar.

Royal Caribbean's private island has a waterpark with 14 slides and children's play areas.

Similarly, according to Carnival's recent announcement, Celebration Key will have a large, family-friendly freshwater lagoon with two 350-foot-long waterslides and a children's water playground.

It's a scaled-back version of CocoCay's popular feature — for now. Looking ahead, Carnival said it plans to build a waterpark and zipline course, too.

Celebration Key would also offer amenities like ping-pong, basketball, and volleyball.

As you might've guessed, these activities are also available on Royal Caribbean's island as well.

Looking to escape the sound of screaming children? Carnival says Celebration Key will have a separate adult-only section, again with frills reminiscent of CocoCay's recently opened pool club (as in, a swim-up pool bar, a DJ, and no kids in sight).

It wouldn’t be a cruise-owned private island without up-charged amenities.

Travelers at Perfect Day at CocoCay can splurge on private beach clubs, cabanas, shopping, food, and alcohol.

The same goes for Celebration Key. In fact, "You'd be surprised at how much people are willing to pay to rent cabanas for the day," Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, told investors in late March.

Like CocoCay, Carnival expects its private destination to be a big money maker with increased ticket revenue and "incremental in-port spending," Weinstein said. Plus, it'll be near Florida's major cruise ports, allowing Carnival to save money on fuel — another major benefit to owning private Caribbean properties.

Celebration Key is already included in over 500 of Carnival’s itineraries across 18 ships.

We're still a year from its debut, but that's not stopping the company from planning the expansion of its upcoming property.

Carnival said it'll spend $100 million extending Celebration Key's pier, which, when completed in 2026, will allow it to accommodate four of Carnival's largest cruise ships.

By 2028, the cruise line says the destination will be able to accommodate 4 million travelers annually.

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