I am considering taking a 3 day cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico and back.?

Question

Never having been on a cruise, I want to see if I like it before booking something more lengthy. Do you like cruises? Where have you been? Any advice? Thanks!

Answer 1

I went on that cruise and I have to say I won't go on any cruise again. I felt like a rat in a maze and at the end of my day I received my reward...the dinner buffet.

I have friends though who absolutely love cruise lines. They like to gamble, drink and party...just not my style. I'd rather, hike, snorkel, see the cultures and scenery of the places I visit. I'd have to say it's personal preference if you like constant eating, drinking and laying around the pool ( oh wait that's a Seal)...If you like to eat drink gamble and have a party atmosphere then it's the venue for you.

Answer 2

Most of the 3 nigth cruises to Mexico go to Ensenada. A shorter cruise is a great way to see if it is going to be for you. I have not found many people who do not like to cruise because you can do all the things you would do on a land vacation where you are in port, and have all the activies that go on onboard the ship. You should be able to get that cruise for a few hundred dollars, and yes your drinks are not included but most of the cruise lines offer water, tea and fruit juices at all meals for free. If you would like more details please give me a call 888-556-2974

Answer 3

try this website http://www.ytbtravel.com/davidmartey

Answer 4

I have been on about 15 cruises (3 last year, 1 so far this year) on Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruise lines.  The shorter cruises are 4 or 5 days, and the normal ones are either 7 to 14 days or more.  If you are not sure whether you will like cruising the yes do go on a short one first.  I do recommend the lines above as they provide great service and food and have great ships.

Here's what to expect.

First of all the terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom.  The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Suites and penthouses can be between 350 and 1300 square feet. Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger.

Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card.  Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.  Infants and small children may be required to wear an ID bracelet (like in the hospital) in lieu of carry a card.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations.  Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to.  There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf.  Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent).  There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music.  Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave.  On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .      

I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do.  Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Finally, decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you.

Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking.  The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving.  When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it, sometimes changing the order of port stops.  Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane.  If you do get sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines.  If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet.

We did a cruise out of Long Beach a couple years ago to Mexico.  There was a hurricane in the vicinity of one of our port stops.  SO they changed the order of the stops.  We had great weather the whole trip because of this.

Do it and enjoy it.

Answer 5

A 3-day cruise is a great way to see if you'll like the idea.  Most of the ships used on the shorter cruises are smaller & older.  But that doesn't make them bad.  After all, you're just trying it out.  For a 1st timer, I would suggest an oceanview at least - I found out I was claustrophobic and the inside cabins don't have a view.  Dining is always fun.  Late dining is better for me because I like to spend time in the port, clean-up and then go for dinner.  I would also suggest a large table to meet some other passengers.  If you don't like the table or time, talk to the maitre'd and ask for a change.  

I actually started on the cruise-to-nowhere, 2 night cruises.  Loved it.  And now 7 days is too short. I also like the larger ships because there's more to do on the sea days, and lots of deck space for tanning.

So my answer is cruising is great.  Chance to meet people with like interests, see new places, unpack once, and relax.

Answer 6

went on that cruise for my first, and have been hooked ever since have fun

Answer 7

Personally, I love cruising, but as with most things, it is not for everyone. Cruising is great if you just want to sit back, relax and be pampered for your whole vacation. Depending on the line, the services is usually excellant and the for spectacular.

There are different cruise lines for different travelers, for example Carnival is for a partier, while lines like Cunard are for more "sophisticated" travelers. So, just about anyone can find something that they will enjoy.

I've been on all of the more popular lines and a good majority of some of the less common lines, I've enjoyed nearly all of my cruises, some lines just aren't my ideal line. Having been on many cruises, I've been to many ports as well. I really enjoy the caribbean cruises, a more basic and common cruise, but still a nice getaway. Panama Canal cruises are great as well, as are Mediterreanean, repositioning cruises, etc. I would have to say that Alaska is one of my favorite cruises, out of the more common ports. I've enjoyed most of the ports I have been to, a few weren't my favorite and I'm glad when we leave, most of them I just stay on the ship now. For example, Ocho Rios, St. Maarten, etc. aren't some of my favorite places to go.

The biggest problem with cruises is that you don't get to spend much time in the port. I travel enough that I like to enjoy the time on the ship, the time in the ports is just a bonus. I take some cruises and don't even get off at the ports, depending on where I am going. However, if you really want to visit a port, Grand Cayman for example, and you really want to spend a lot of time there, then a all inclusive resort may be a better choices for you. But, if you would rather spend a shorter amount of time at several ports, than cruising should be perfect for you. For certain destinations, there are one way cruises where you can either go to or come from that port, allowing you more time there.

Good luck with your planning!

Answer 8

I have been on three cruises.

1.  Seven day cruise from LA to Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Alpulco and Mazatlan.

2. Seven day cruise from Miami to Haiti and Cozumel, Mexico.

3. Ten day eastern Mediterranean cruise from Genoa, Italy to Naples, Italy, Alexandria, Egypt, Rhodes, Sicily, Athens, Greece.

Royal Caribbean cruise line seems the best.  Be aware that many cruise lines expect you to tip the room steward, waiter and matre 'd the day before you leave.

On most cruises all the food is included but you must buy whatever you want to drink, including water.