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Best cruises from Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles is the commercial and cultural hub of the US state of California.

The home of Hollywood is also a thriving destination for cruises. Some of the top cruises of the United States start from Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is a melting pot of different cultures from all over the World and makes for a perfect pre-cruise city vacation.

After all, it is the center of the globe’s entertainment industry – Hollywood.

This City of Angels has many attractions which you can include in your itinerary before you depart on your cruise from Los Angeles. 

Our recommendations are Maritime Museum, USS Iowa, Abalone Cove, Red Car Trolley Ride, and Queen Mary – an old cruise ship which is now part hotel and part museum.

Best cruises from Los Angeles, California

Cruise destinations from Los Angeles

The most popular cruises from Los Angeles are the ones that sail along the western coast of Mexico.

Then there are various short cruises heading to Baja Mexico, and drop anchor at Catalina and Ensenada. All through the year, there are both affordable and luxury cruises to Mexican Riviera, which docks at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo.

If you are looking for longer cruises from Los Angeles, you can try the Hawaiian cruises, trans-Panama Canal cruises (to the eastern side of US) or the Alaskan cruises in summer.

Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

If you are booked on a cruise from Los Angeles, your cruise ship may leave from one of the two cruise ports – Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Long Beach.

World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals

World Cruise Center at Los Angeles Port has two cruise terminals – Terminal 91-92 and Terminal 93. Between these two terminals, they serve 2 to 3 cruise ships at the same time. Get Directions

The facilities at the terminals are world class, to say the least. These include the basic services such as cafes, ATMs, bars, shopping, and parking.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

If you are booked on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, then your boarding point will be the Long Beach Cruise terminal. In 2003 Carnival Cruises decided to build their own terminal. Get Directions

It is 8 Kms (5 Miles) from the World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals and has all the basic facilities expected of a world-class departure point.

Best cruises from Los Angeles

1. Crystal Symphony

Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises

A small ship that packs a big punch— no wonder the Crystal Symphony ranks first among the best cruises that start from Los Angeles.

This Crystal Cruises liner can accommodate 922 passengers and employs a crew of 545, ensuring smooth service.

Crystal Symphony first set sail in 1995 and in 2014 underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation.

All cruise deals for Symphony highlight the fact that all cabins overlook the ocean. More than fifty percent of the rooms have attached balconies.

Penthouse rooms come with additional perks, like free internet and butler service.

Your cruise itinerary will be packed, thanks to onboard activities like dance classes, fitness programs, live performances, a piano bar and a casino.

The Crystal Spa is a haven for relaxation.

As far as food is concerned, Chef Nobu’s restaurant is the top draw. There are eight other dining venues you can try during your holiday.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.55
Health Rating: 4
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

2. Seabourn Sojourn

Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Sojourn in Los Angeles
Seabourn Sojourn which sets sail from Los Angeles is best suited for those with a taste for luxury. Image: Cruisemapper.com

What makes the Sojourn one of the best cruises that depart from Los Angeles? Well, it has an exclusive private resort feel to it. There is every kind of luxury imaginable, to envelope you in a cocoon of comfort.

Seabourn Sojourn was launched in 2010.

One of the highlights of in this cruise package is that all the rooms are suites. More than half the suites have a view of the ocean.

There is free champagne. Fruit baskets are replenished daily. Each suite comes with its own stewardess.

Cruise deal also talks about the casino, spa, fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs. There are shuffleboard and golf as well.

When the ship is anchored, you can venture out in paddleboats or kayaks.

There are four onboard restaurants which you can enjoy.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.45
Health Rating: 4.5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

3. Viking Star

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is a new player in the cruise market, yet it already has ships that feature among the top cruises. Leaving from Los Angeles Port, the Viking Star is a case in point.

Introduced in 2015, it can carry 930 passengers and 602 members of the crew.

Cruise deals highlight the ship’s accommodation, mainly the fact that all staterooms have balconies.

The sprawling Owner’s Suite even comes with a private dining room, a dry sauna overlooking the ocean as well as a boardroom.

Your cruise itinerary must include the infinity pool positioned off the ship’s stern.

There are two cinemas, a theatre, a spa and a variety of shops. There are eight restaurants, all of which are part of the all-inclusive cruise experience.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.45
Health Rating: 4.5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

4. Crystal Serenity

Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises

True to its name, Crystal Serenity offers you a floating island of serenity amidst the blue ocean.

It can carry 1,070 cruisers and 655 employees, maintaining a spotless record of smooth service.

Thanks to a multimillion-dollar overhaul in 2013, the Serenity boasts of modern amenities.

You can decide what your cruise itinerary will be – but this ship is best suited for relaxed cruising.

Walk in the new herb garden, among olives and lavender. Take in some culture, with food and wine tastings and language classes.

Relax in the spa or at the casino, whichever way you are inclined.

There are high-end boutiques to try and a sports arena as well.

More than 85 percent staterooms have balconies.

While booking your all-inclusive cruise deal, if you opt for the Penthouse category you will enjoy a private Jacuzzi and butler service.

There are 12 restaurants onboard, all of which are accessible to all cruisers.

Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.4
Health Rating: 4.5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

5. Seven Seas Explorer

Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Mariner cruise
Seven Seas Explorer sails past one of the destination cities. Image: Iglucruise.com

The Explorer is one of the best cruises that start from Los Angeles.

It was launched as recently as 2016 and can accommodate 748 passengers.

All cruise deals for Seven Seas Explorer aim to impress adults who are looking for rest and relaxation.

Boasting of all-suite accommodation, all rooms have balconies and marble bathrooms.

There are seven restaurants on this Regent Seven Seas ship, serving everything from casual to exotic fare.

Include the library, the theatre and the pool in your cruise itinerary, and feel the stress of daily life melting away into the ocean.

Cooking classes and shore excursions are a part of the all-inclusive cruise experience.

Size of Ship: N/A
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.4
Health Rating: 3.5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

6. Seven Seas Mariner

Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

All inclusive cruises are what the Regent Seven Seas does best, and the Mariner is no exception.

This 698-passenger ship is not among cheap cruises that depart from Los Angeles but is worth every dollar spent.

All suite accommodation is the highlight. Balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, free champagne— what more can you ask for!

There is golf, cooking classes, and live entertainment. There is a casino and four bars.

There are six restaurants onboard the Seven Seas Mariner.

Shore excursions are also part of cruises packages and require no extra payment.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.35
Health Rating: 4.5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

Recommended Reading
1. Best cruise ships for family vacations
2. How to plan a cheap cruise holiday

7. Celebrity Eclipse

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

One of the most affordable cruises sailing from Los Angeles, Celebrity Eclipse can carry 2,850 passengers.

This Celebrity Cruises ship aims to entice the whole family in the cruise deals they offer.

The Lawn Club is for the active cruiser, while the lazy can relax by the pool.

There are cooking lessons and boutiques to keep you happy. Comedy acts and theme parties liven up the evenings.

There are many age-appropriate programs for children aged 3 to 17.

Almost 85 percent rooms have balconies and yet the accommodation caters to all kinds of budget.

The 11 onboard restaurants include casual and formal dining.

Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 4.3
Health Rating: 5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples, families with children, large groups

8. Regatta

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Regatta is one of the top cruises sailing from Los Angeles.

It employs a crew of 400 to look after a maximum of 684 passengers, ensuring impeccable service.

This Oceania Cruises ship was launched in 1998 and was last renovated in 2014.

Low passenger count means a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere. This is further enhanced by designing cruise deals mostly for adults.

Accommodation is excellent.

There are musical shows every night, and lively games at the casino.

The five onboard restaurants dish out all kinds of fares and encourage both casual and formal dining.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 4.3
Health Rating: 5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

9. Marina

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

Marina Oceania Cruise
Oceania Marina, which departs from Los Angeles, offers a casually elegant ambiance to its cruisers. Image: Cruisecritic.com

If you want a relaxed, lazy holiday in the middle of the ocean, the Oceania Marina is the perfect pick for you.

One of the best cruises sailing from Los Angeles, it offers an escape from daily drudgery.

Accommodating 1,250 passengers, the ship maintains less crowded decks.

The sprawling library is the highlight of this cruise, along with the spa and casino.

If you want to enrich yourself or learn something new, attend the cooking classes or art lessons.

There are live shows every night catering to all kinds of tastes.

The seven onboard restaurants offer all kinds of cuisine.

All cruises packages include excellent accommodation. The spacious suites and balcony rooms are most popular among discerning cruisers.

Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.25
Health Rating: 5
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

10. Seven Seas Navigator

Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

There are plenty of reasons why the Seven Seas Navigator ranks among the top cruises that start from Los Angeles.

The primary reason is that it offers guests the exclusivity of being in a private resort.

This small ship can only carry 496 guests, which means that you will find a cozy, intimate atmosphere onboard.

It also features all-suite accommodation. All rooms have private verandas and marble bathrooms.

You can hook up one device to free Wi-Fi for the entire duration of your cruise.

Cruise deals highlight the sprawling pool deck, which is an ideal place for relaxing. The Pool Bar is also a great place to know others.

There are four bars and a casino. The Lounge also offers live entertainment.

There are five restaurants, the steakhouse being quite popular.

Another feature that makes the Navigator attractive to cruisers is the fact that cruise packages are inclusive of shore excursions and specialty dining.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.25
Health Rating: 4
Best cruise from Los Angeles for: Singles, Couples

There are dozens of more cruises leaving from Los Angeles. Depending on your budget, you can choose from affordable cruises or expensive ones.

Some ships are ideal for 2-day cruises or 3-day cruises, while some are perfect for longer voyages.

Some of the bigger ships provide the best option for a vibrant family vacation. There are smaller, more intimate cruises too.

Whatever is your taste or budget, Los Angeles Port has the ideal ship waiting for you.

Sources

# Traveltriangle.com
# Thepointsguy.com
# Tripadvisor.com
# Cruisetraveloutlet.com

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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