CRUISES FROM LOS ANGELES

Cruises Departing Los Angeles, CA

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Ask a Question Or Get a Quote

Cruises from Los Angeles are a convenient option for travelers who want to enjoy a cruise vacation without traveling to a distant cruise port. Southern California offers a variety of cruises to Mexico, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and other destinations.

For travelers throughout Southern California and the western United States, cruising from Los Angeles can also eliminate the need for airfare to a distant departure city. Whether you're looking for a short getaway to Mexico or a longer cruise vacation, there are plenty of options to consider.

Epix Cruise and Travel can help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, departure dates, staterooms, and pricing to find a cruise that fits your travel plans.

Two Cruise Ports Serve the Los Angeles Area

One important thing to know when searching for cruises from Los Angeles is that there are two different cruise ports serving the Los Angeles area.

The Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal is located in San Pedro, which is part of the City of Los Angeles.

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located in the neighboring city of Long Beach.

The two ports are relatively close to each other, but they are separate cruise terminals. Always check your cruise documents to confirm which port and terminal your cruise uses. When booking a cruise from Los Angeles, make sure you know which terminal your cruise uses. The two ports are separate, and the cruise line generally determines which port you'll use.

Cruise terminals can change, and individual ships or special situations can occasionally result in the use of a different terminal. Always check your cruise documents for the exact departure terminal before arranging transportation or parking.

Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal

Address:

100 Swinford Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

The Port of Los Angeles operates the World Cruise Center, which handles cruise ships departing from San Pedro. The terminal is located near the San Pedro waterfront and is easily accessible from major Southern California freeways.

Cruise Lines Served:

  • Princess Cruises

  • Royal Caribbean

  • Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Virgin Voyages

  • Celebrity Cruises

  • Holland America Line

  • Disney Cruise Line, on select sailings

  • Viking, on select sailings

  • Other premium and luxury cruise lines on selected itineraries

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Address:

231 Windsor Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located next to the Queen Mary in downtown Long Beach. It is a separate cruise facility from the Port of Los Angeles.

 Cruise Lines Served:

  • Carnival Cruise Line

 

Cruises from Los Angeles to Mexico

Mexico cruises are among the most popular choices for travelers departing Southern California. Cruising from Los Angeles to Mexico can provide an easy way to visit several destinations without having to change hotels or arrange transportation between cities.

Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, Mexico cruises from Los Angeles can include:

  • Ensenada

  • Cabo San Lucas

  • Mazatlán

  • Puerto Vallarta

  • Other Mexican Riviera destinations

Short cruises may focus on Ensenada or combine Ensenada with another destination. Longer Mexican Riviera cruises can visit Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and other ports.

Cruises departing Los Angeles are available in a variety of lengths, including three-day, four-day, five-day, six-day, seven-day cruises, and longer itineraries.

For travelers who want a Mexico vacation without flying to another state, a cruise from Los Angeles can be an especially convenient option.

Other Cruises That Depart Los Angeles

Mexico isn't the only destination available from Southern California. Depending on the cruise line, ship, season, and departure date, cruises from Los Angeles can also visit:

  • Hawaii

  • California Coast

  • Baja California

  • Sea of Cortez

  • Pacific Coast destinations

  • Panama Canal

Some cruises are designed around one region, while longer itineraries combine multiple destinations.

If you have flexibility with your travel dates, comparing several itineraries can help you find differences in cruise length, destinations, ships, stateroom availability, and pricing.

Parking at the Port of Los Angeles

If you're driving to the cruise terminal in San Pedro, passenger parking is available near the World Cruise Center.

The Port of Los Angeles currently lists approximately 2,560 parking spaces for cruise passengers. The parking area is located at 100 Swinford Street, with access from Harbor Boulevard.

Current parking information includes:

  • First hour: Free

  • Standard vehicles: $23 maximum per day

  • Oversized vehicles: $40 maximum per day

  • Overnight parking is available

Courtesy passenger shuttles are available between the parking area and the cruise terminal.

Parking rates and policies can change, so it's a good idea to verify the current information with the Port of Los Angeles before your sailing.

Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

The Long Beach Cruise Terminal has a parking garage for cruise passengers at the terminal complex near the Queen Mary.

Current information indicates parking is approximately $23 per day, although cruise-line rates and policies can vary. Carnival currently lists a pre-cruise parking rate of $23.80 per day for the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

The parking garage has a 7-foot vehicle height restriction. Oversized vehicles may need to use alternate parking arrangements.

Because parking availability and pricing can change, check the latest information from your cruise line before driving to the terminal.

Flying to Los Angeles for Your Cruise

Not everyone taking a cruise from Los Angeles will live within driving distance. If you're flying to Southern California, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport to consider.

LAX is approximately:

  • 18 miles from the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro

  • 23 miles from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Actual travel time can vary substantially depending on traffic, particularly during weekday commute periods.

Travelers arriving at LAX can use several transportation options to reach either cruise port:

  • Uber or Lyft

  • Taxi

  • Private car or limousine service

  • Rental car

  • Cruise-line transportation, when available

  • Public transportation

LAX has a designated pickup area for taxis and rideshare services. Travelers using Uber or Lyft generally need to follow airport signs to the LAX-it pickup area.

Some cruise lines also offer transportation between LAX and the cruise terminals on embarkation and debarkation days. Check with your cruise line when making your arrangements.

If you're traveling with several people or have multiple pieces of luggage, a private car or rideshare may be a convenient option.

Hotels Near the Los Angeles Cruise Ports

If you're flying into Southern California or driving a considerable distance, staying at a hotel the night before your cruise can give you additional time and flexibility on embarkation day.

Three hotels to consider are:

Hyatt Regency Long Beach

200 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802

The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is located in downtown Long Beach near the waterfront, restaurants, attractions, and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. It can be a convenient choice for passengers sailing from Long Beach.

Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor

601 South Palos Verdes Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

Located in San Pedro near the Port of Los Angeles, the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor provides convenient access to the World Cruise Center. The hotel also offers cruise-terminal transportation for a fee.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro – Port of Los Angeles

2800 Via Cabrillo Marina
San Pedro, CA 90731

This hotel is located near Cabrillo Marina and is approximately two miles from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center. It offers a complimentary shuttle to the World Cruise Terminal, subject to hotel policies and availability.

Hotel rates and availability can vary considerably by date, so compare options before making your reservation.

Los Angeles Weather by Month

Los Angeles has a mild climate throughout the year, with relatively warm, dry summers and cooler winters when most of the area's rainfall occurs. Because the cruise ports are near the coast, temperatures around San Pedro and Long Beach can be somewhat cooler than temperatures farther inland.

Here is a month-by-month look at typical conditions in the Los Angeles coastal area:

  • January: Average high: 66°F | Average low: 49°F
    January is one of the cooler months, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Rain is possible, making a light jacket or rain layer useful.

  • February: Average high: 66°F | Average low: 50°F
    February remains mild, although it is typically one of the wetter months of the year. Days are generally comfortable for sightseeing before or after a cruise.

  • March: Average high: 66°F | Average low: 52°F
    March brings slightly warmer temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Comfortable daytime conditions are common, although evenings can still be cool.

  • April: Average high: 68°F | Average low: 54°F
    April is generally mild and increasingly dry. It can be a pleasant month for spending time in Los Angeles before or after your cruise.

  • May: Average high: 70°F | Average low: 58°F
    May is typically comfortable, with warmer days and relatively little rainfall. Coastal mornings can sometimes be cloudy or overcast.

  • June: Average high: 72°F | Average low: 61°F
    June is warm but generally not excessively hot along the coast. Morning cloudiness is common in some coastal areas, with sunshine often developing later in the day.

  • July: Average high: 75°F | Average low: 64°F
    July is warm and very dry. Coastal temperatures are generally more moderate than temperatures farther inland, making summer a popular time to visit Southern California.

  • August: Average high: 77°F | Average low: 65°F
    August is typically the warmest month at LAX, although coastal conditions remain relatively moderate. Rain is extremely uncommon.

  • September: Average high: 77°F | Average low: 64°F
    September remains warm and dry and can provide excellent conditions for travelers extending their cruise vacation with time in Southern California.

  • October: Average high: 74°F | Average low: 60°F
    October brings gradually cooler temperatures while remaining comfortable for most outdoor activities. Rainfall is still relatively limited.

  • November: Average high: 71°F | Average low: 54°F
    November is mild during the day but noticeably cooler in the evenings. Rain becomes more likely as Southern California moves toward its wetter season.

  • December: Average high: 66°F | Average low: 49°F
    December is one of the cooler months, with mild afternoons and cooler evenings. Rain is more common than during the summer, but extended periods of rain are not typical.

What Should You Pack?

For most cruises departing Los Angeles, packing layers is a good approach. Even during the warmer months, mornings and evenings near the coast can be cooler than expected.

Consider bringing:

  • Lightweight clothing for daytime

  • A light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • A slightly warmer layer during the winter months

  • A compact rain jacket or umbrella if traveling between November and March

Keep in mind that the weather in Los Angeles is only part of the picture. Conditions at your cruise destinations can be considerably different, particularly on Mexico cruises, Mexican Riviera itineraries, and cruises to Hawaii.

The temperatures above are climate averages, not forecasts for a specific cruise date.

 

Cruises from Los Angeles for Groups

Los Angeles can also be an excellent departure point for groups, particularly when many travelers live in Southern California or elsewhere in the western United States.

Group cruises can be organized for:

  • Family reunions

  • Friends and extended families

  • School and alumni reunions

  • Clubs and organizations

  • Social groups

  • Businesses

  • Employee groups

  • Special-interest groups

Depending on the cruise line and sailing, qualifying groups may have access to group rates, onboard benefits, or other group amenities.

Working with a group cruise specialist can also make it easier to coordinate staterooms, reservations, payments, cruise information, and communication among multiple travelers.

Start Planning Your Cruise from Los Angeles

Whether you're searching for Mexico cruises, a Mexican Riviera vacation, a short cruise to Ensenada, or a longer cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii or another destination, Southern California gives you many choices.

The right cruise depends on more than the advertised fare. Your cruise line, ship, itinerary, departure date, cruise length, stateroom, and overall travel preferences can all affect the experience and total cost.

Epix Cruise and Travel can help you compare cruises from Los Angeles and find options that fit your plans. We also specialize in group cruises for families, friends, reunions, organizations, businesses, and other groups.

If you're ready to explore cruises from Los Angeles or find a cruise that departs Los Angeles to Mexico or another destination, contact Epix Cruise and Travel to begin exploring your options.