Introduction
Los Angeles, also called LA, is the foremost city in the state of California, and the second most populated city in the whole of US. Sited on a broad flat area in South California, LA is surrounded by massive mountain peaks, parched plains, the Ocean and widespread forests.
Beginning as a insignificant settlement in the eighteenth century, LA began to grow when the railroad came, and enlargened rapidly until the present. These days the urban area has as its hub LA County, but extends into Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Orange County.
The city is home to eighteen million people who originate from all parts of the globe. LA has people of many backgrounds, including a big Hispanic population, a large Asian community, and big communities from other national backgrounds.
Los Angeles is an important center of global trade, business, retail and culture, but is most famous as the home of the world's movie industry. The glamour of Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Bel Air has enhanced the city’s attraction as an accessible dream further pushing the area's massive enlargement.
The popularity of Los Angeles’s cruise ports has increased dramatically recently, and today nearly 300 cruises start from the port every year. Routes available include the Hawaiian islands and the Mexican Riviera. A cruise from Los Angeles makes an unforgettable vacation.
You Choose the Cruise
The best liked itinerary from LA cruise port is a trip down the western coastline of Mexico. Baja California cruises typically call at Ensenada and Catalina island. Mexican Riviera cruises stop at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Longer cruises available are roundtrips to the Hawaiian islands, and non-return trans Panama canal trips to the eastern US. In early summer there's also a variety of itineraries to Vancouver, as ships prepare for the Alaska cruising season. For a list of cruises from Los Angeles, see cruises from Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Cruise Terminals
There are 2 cruise ports in San Pedro bay, the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles (often called simply San Pedro), and four miles to the east Long Beach Cruise Terminal adjacent to the Port of Long Beach. Cruise ships dock at the World Cruise Center, except most (but not all) Carnival-affiliated cruise ships which leave from Long Beach.
World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals
There are two cruise terminals at the World Cruise Center, Terminal 91-92 for access to berths 91-92 (total length of pier 1550') and Terminal 93 for boarding at berth 93 (span of dock 1200'). Capacity is two to three large ships.
Each terminal has the basic facilities, including shopping, cafes, cab ranks, check in, parking areas and bars. For the port website see Port of Los Angeles Website
Long Beach Cruise Terminal
In 2003 Carnival Cruiseline deserted San Pedro cruise port and commissioned the Long Beach Cruise Port five miles away.
The cruise terminal is situated inside the white dome that used to house Spruce Goose, today located in Evergreen Aviation museum, McMinnville Oregon.
Long Beach cruise center possesses a single 1110-foot sized berth able to accommodate one massive cruise liner.
The cruise terminal has all the basic services, like cab ranks, parking areas, check in, eateries, bars and shops.
Next to the terminal lies the Queen Mary ocean liner.
Sightseeing In San Pedro
Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Be introduced to the history of Los Angeles harbor at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, sited at the Municipal Ferry Terminal. Check out hundreds of displays such as models, old documents, machines and photographs from famous vessels and boats. Sited near Harbor and 6th around half mile southwards from the cruise terminal.
Ports O' Call
Designed like a New England coast town, Ports O' Call is a great place to visit. There's several shops, bars, galleries and restaurants, connected by charming cobblestone paths. There is a quayside for boat sailings around the bay, day trips to Catalina Island and whale watching cruises. Ports O’Call is around a mile southwards from the cruise terminal.
Red Car Trolley Ride
The Waterfront Red Car Line is a one and a half mile long vintage trolley service running between the World Cruise Center and the Marina. The car stops by Ports O' Call and the LA Maritime Museum. The Red Cars are entirely refurbished to their previous glory, with upholstered wooden seats, ornate polished fittings and hardwood paneling.
Abalone Cove
Abalone Cove is an attractive beach, with a gorgeous coastal setting, radiant sunsets and superb views over Catalina island. Nextdoor Sacred Cove gives excellent rock pooling. Four miles west from San Pedro port.
Sightseeing in Long Beach
Queen Mary
In 1936 Queen Mary was launched for the historic Cunard Cruise Line and the liner sailed the seas for over thirty years, with a time of military service during WWII. The ship crossed the Atlantic over a thousand times, and set speed records on several occasions. In the late 1960s Queen Mary came to Long Beach and became a notable resident.
Sited adjacent to the cruise port.
Shoreline Aquatic Park and Aquarium of The Pacific
Be introduced to the colorful reefs of the Tropics, the frigid environment of the Arctic and the sunny seas of Southern California at this brilliant aquarium. Observe the ocean’s fearsome predators in the big Shark Lagoon. Subsequent to your tour to the aquarium amble around neighboring Shoreline Aquatic Park, a large area of parkland overlooking the sea. Located just across from the cruise terminal, taking five minutes by cab.
See Naples’ canals from a Gondola
Naples island possesses nearly a mile of canals, consisting of the straight Naples Canal and the large Rivo Alto Canal. A singing gondolier dressed in stripes makes a wonderful guide.
Rental gondolas are on offer near to the Bayshore Aquatic Playground Park. Or you can rent a kayak at the park, for a much lower price. Located around 2 miles east of the Long Beach cruise terminal.
Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch
Built in the mid 1800s, the house and grounds of Rancho Los Cerrotos Ranch are rich with the history of a mix of Spanish, Mexican and American California beginnings. Furnishings in the exhibit rooms show the work and leisure of both the owners and the workers of old-style ranch. Located around 5 miles northwards of Long Beach cruise terminal.
Alternative Ideas
Other attractions include Getty Center, Disneyland, Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros Studios, Universal Studios, Walk Of Fame, Farmers' Markets, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Venice Beach.
Getting to the Cruise Ports
San Pedro
By Car
Join the Harbor freeway (I-110) in a southerly direction. Leave at CA47 and proceed through the Harbor Boulevard junction. Make a right to enter the World Cruise Center.
From the Airport
Join the supershuttle minibus to the Word Cruise Center cruise terminal. Around a 45 minute ride.
Long Beach
By Car
Join the Long Beach freeway (I710)southwards. Follow the signage leading to the Queen Mary. On arriving, watch for signs for the cruise terminal drop-off and passenger parking.
From the Airport
Board the supershuttle service to Long Beach cruise terminal. Allow for an hour’s ride.
By Train
The closest train station to the cruise terminals is in central LA, about twenty-five miles away. When you book your ticket, choose San Pedro-Catalina Terminal Bus Stop (SPD) or Long Beach Queen Mary (LBQ) as the termination. A thruway coach will transfer you onward from the train station to the arranged bus station. The bus stations are within a short walking distance of the cruise ports.
Blog mentioned at BlogCatalog.
