Los Angeles ADVICE NEEDED - Cruising on NCL and We Need Your Tips!

After several cruises with Royal Caribbean, we are going back to NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) and our next voyage begins in Los Angeles. Here's the problem: we don't know what to do. Take a look at our itinerary and other plans and help us figure out what some fun options would be!
#cruise #cruiseline #losangeles
Oktoberfest Guide:
• Oktoberfest in Munich ...
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @veryunofficialtravelg...
Get my NEW BOOK!
"Getting Stitches on a Cruise Ship" Book Link for USA:
www.amazon.com...
"Getting Stitches on a Cruise Ship" Book Link for UK:
www.amazon.co....
"Getting Stitches on a Cruise Ship" Book Link for Canada:
www.amazon.ca/...
"Getting Stitches on a Cruise Ship" Book Link for Australia:
www.amazon.com...
Get exclusive videos and behind the scenes looks here:
/ veryunofficial
Amazon links to my gear, and other fun stuff I wish I had!
www.amazon.com...
Follow on:
MorgansVeryunOfficialTravelGuides
Instagram @MrMorganOBrien
Twitter: @MrMorganOBrien
Affiliate Links:
I receive a small percentage from purchases made from affiliate links that may be contained in this description. This does not affect the amount you pay in any way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@lorindaesposito2462]

Hi Morgan, long time viewer. First comment. I just want you to know I'll never tire of the drinking fountain moment in your opening. 😅

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Aw, I’m so glad it makes you smile! 😊

[@stevewebster6457]

Take a trip over to Catalina Island. Ferry’s leave every morning . Great little island with some fun restaurants and bars .

[@txpatriotgirl]

We just stayed in San Pedro and could walk to the cruise port but didn’t because our hotel had a shuttle. We walked around and explored the area and at the best Italian food at La Sicilliana in down town Dan Pedro.

[@barbara6110]

Grest idea..you beat me to it!!

[@davidellison1162]

NCL uses the San Pedro Cruise Terminal, not Long Beach. Long Beach Cruise Terminal is owned by Carnival, so only Carnival brands use that terminal. We took a Royal Caribbean cruise from San Pedro and NCL uses the same dock. The Battleship Iowa is right next to the San Pedro cruise terminal and offers tours.

[@justjulesinmi]

I was going to jump on and tell him the same thing. NCL uses the port in San Pedro, so they're going to have a short drive from Long Beach. One tip for rental cars, we learned from a cruise group, is that Hertz has a location in San Pedro (Enterprise is the only other company that does). We rented a car at LAX and turned it in at San Pedro and walked to the terminal (only about 1/2 mile or so--we walked past the USS Iowa). Our cruise took us to Cabo San Lucas. Cabo is a tender port. I found it to be a pretty port, but there's a LOT of people wanting you to buy things along the port walkway. Very touristy. We had three people trying to get us to take pictures with their lizards. 🙄🦎The public beach was nice. Our other stop was Ensenada (be thankful you're not stopping there, imo).

[@thrivenowrzr7533]

Queen Mary Ship also here

[@InvisibleVisible793]

I finished "Getting Stitches." OMG Brad AND Bart. You have had a blessed life, but you sure paid your dues. You wrote a roller-coaster-book; I think it's in your nature....giggles. No one wants to spend time reading a book that's predictable, kudos to you and your delightful sense of humor.

[@KathyMcLaughlin-b9h]

You should visit the Queen Mary. In fact, stay on the Queen Mary. It's right next to your cruise ship's dock.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Queen Mary has a very popular Halloween Haunt event that we want to go to, but I think that would make it less fun to stay there! :-P

[@Susan-hr5qj]

Queen Mary is next to Carnival’s cruise port in Long Beach, not the NCL cruise port in Los Angeles. Visiting the Queen Mary is fun because of the history

[@ronaldarchuleta2496]

I did a Mexican Riviera cruise at the end of 2022. In Puerto Vallarta, I just went right outside of the cruise port area and got an Uber down to Zona Romantica. It is the gay area of Puerto Vallarta, and there are plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, etc.down there, including a couple of gay beach clubs. I had a fantastic lunch at La Palapa. I walked down the boardwalk/malecon to the pier they have there. I had a really nice afternoon just exploring that area on my own. In Los Cabos, I took an excursion that went to San Jose del Cabo to their historic center area. I enjoyed that. In Mazatlan, I took an excursion that was okay. It also went to the historic plaza area to see a cathedral, and also to see some cliff divers, and then we went to their main shopping area called the Golden Zone for like an hour. We could've done all that on Uber for much less money, I think.

[@EW-cq6yv]

I agree with the previous comment. Catalina Island is a great day trip and you can catch a ferry there to spend the day. There is also The Getty Villas and Gardens which are amazing. Hope you have a fun trip!

[@juliashort8639]

Second The Getty Villa.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for the tips!

[@72HMarc]

Morgan, my wife and I have done that cruise many times already. We are from Southern California. Stay away from Six Flags. The issue with that place is the roudy kids. The “ganja” smell is insane. Your cruise port is actually in San Pedro and not Long Beach. We have stayed at the Double Tree and they have a shuttle to and from the port. If you are into cultural things there are tons of great Museums. If you want to bar hop and do a foodie experience there is The Pike in Long Beach. If you want to discuss further feel free to reach out to us and believe me there are tons of places we could suggest but we’d need to know what you and Marcus find fun and interesting. Oh one more area you’d really enjoy would be Laguna Beach. It’s very artsy and chill. There is also The Royal Hawaiian, an amazing Tiki Bar. It’s not as far as going to Six Flags would be but it’s a ways from Long Beach or San Pedro.

[@elainemcdonald1539]

Skip the amusement parks

[@beefbrisket168]

in Puerto Vallarta, there is a Walmart right across from where the ship docks. a great spot to get tequila at a low price. I also recommend taking public bus to Centro. it is like 15 mexican pesos per ride. Cabo San Lucas is a tender port.

[@ccm1767]

My one time in Puerto Vallarta I also took advantage of the city / local bus to and from the downtown area from the port and also shopped in the Walmart after getting back -- all during daylight hours, if that makes a difference. So, I concur with this advice.

[@cherylrucinski1386]

You can get cheaper souvenirs at that Walmart too.

[@cyoda1359]

Catalina ferry is a great idea. Some cruise ships even stop there. I’d stay in Santa Monica which has a fun beach, a great pier with activities and tons of bars and restaurants plus shops. You can Uber to the rest of LA from there without breaking the bank. For a splurge consider Shutters on the beach for a great and very nice hotel …

[@susanr1306]

Agree, 3rd st promenade is nice. Get invite to Magic Castle?

[@susanr1306]

Rent a car or uber to Getty VILLA , very very good. Take some free tours, go before noon. The Getty Museum is also very good. Drive out thru Malibu, eat at famous eatery, hang out at point Dume if sunny day. Spend 1/2 a day touring Venice canals then 1/2 at Venice Beach, hopefully catching a drum sundown. Spend 3 or 4 days driving north/south along pacific coast highway to so many sites Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara etc.

[@ericmanner8546]

Forgot to say, Either stay at Crown Plaza, or Double Tree by Hilton in San Pedro.

[@Molly-h3j4m]

I'm glad you're getting a chance to cruise together! I hope you have a wonderful time. :)

[@georgianapage7198]

I love the Getty museum and gardens in Los Angeles.

[@elainemcdonald1539]

Take the ferry over to Catalina Island.

[@lindaperryman2888]

Crowned Plaza, San Pedro. The downtown is a block away from the cruise port.

[@dr.emilyacevedo812]

I'm staying there. I'm on the Norwegian Joy on the same cruise in December.

[@sarasue56]

Loved loved Cabo. Been back a couple times by air. Hated Mazatlan, and enjoyed Puerto Vallarta. Have fun

[@mereniecrosby7120]

We stayed in Long Beach. Beautiful area. Go to the pier! Huntington beach is also great. We used Lyft. Good experience....LA is overrated. The observatory is cool too.

[@ericmanner8546]

1. The BLISS is a beautiful ship built for Alaska. It has the best observation lounge. This same design was revamped on the other Breakaway Plus ships and filled with more balcony cabins. Not having been on the Prima class ships, the BLISS is my favorite. 2. Catalina is a great day trip, or longer. Just be aware that if there are no cruise ships in port or no special events happening, it could be a quiet place, BUT still, kewl. 3. San Diego zoo? (rental) 4. Puerto Vallarta -kewl 5. Cabo - kewl 6. Maz - STAY ONBOARD! The place is generally unsafe for independent travel. Organized trips have encountered serious problems in the past involving crime, although the area inside the port facilities is secure. It's a great day to enjoy the BLISS and its toys and drinks package. ALSO - Mazatlan is currently on the U.S. State department list of "Are you fucking high" travel alerts. Have fun and Keep the Peace

[@kellieroberts9094]

The crowne plaza has a free cruise shuttle bus.....

[@norinechang2564]

Los Angeles-- if you're taking Uber/Lyft to the ship, let them know exactly which LA port the NCL Bliss will be leaving from BEFORE the driving starts. In theory they should be looking at the app to determine whether they should drive to San Pedro or Long Beach, but that doesn't always happen. Those two locations look close to each other on the map, but you don't want to pay an extra half hour detour if the driver goes to the wrong one.

[@InvisibleVisible793]

Speak German if you find yourself in a situation in LA. Why do I suggest that? Two white girls (tubers) from Ireland found themselves in that very situation. Those girls were repeatedly warned to leave the area, but THEN their accents were noticed and all of the sudden those same people were wanting to take selfies with them. Yes, there is racism, but the opposite of what you might think. SPEAK GERMAN.

[@norinechang2564]

If you go to amusement parks, you will have to put up with lots of LA traffic; none of those are particularly close to the cruise ports. I'd say Long Beach probably has more things to do than San Pedro, especially if you are without a car.

[@jackredmond6023]

I would go over to Catalina Island on the ferry. I believe that Tony (La Lida Loca) posted a video not too long ago about his visit there before a cruise. However… If it were me, I would book the Majestic Princess and sail from a different port. 😁 In any case, have a great trip and cruise! On yes… I’m looking forward to your then-vs-now video showing the changes at Coco Cay. I too, went there many years ago before all of the Perfect Day at Coco Cay changes. Thanks.

[@AussieInUS]

Hey Morgan, I bought a copy of your book and read it while on the Bliss. I left it in the ships library. In case you're looking for something to read!! 😂

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

OMG I'm so excited to find it now!!!

[@sarapugh6700]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides you have to, and SIGN it! LOL

[@timbrown1790]

Take a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the US

[@CandiPinki]

Have you thought about seeing a TV show!?!?! You have to get there early though and dress nice. Jimmy Kimmel and America's Funniest Home Videos is fun! Also, look into the train and see if it goes where you want to go. Be careful of San Pedro next to long Beach as it's not a great area.

[@DznyGirl]

I live very close to Long Beach. If you’re staying in Long Beach, there’s the aquarium and the pike area that you can walk around. There’s also Belmont Shore that has a lot of small shops, restaurants, and bars to go to. I think you’ll be very disappointed in Magic Mountain as it has definitely gone downhill over the years and is attracting not the greatest element.

[@fredsmodel3n192]

I would go on that cruise Morgan as I live just south in San Diego and usually travel on Royal or Celebrity from there but on Nov 5th will be the elections so I will be glued to the Tv.

[@robynjones285]

You can stay in San Diego with a day trip to magic mountain. Gaslamp quarter is a strip of restaurants and bars. You can visit a few naval ships there and also Coronado island.

[@dancooper41]

Why don’t you stay in downtown LA? Walking distance to Olvera Street (Mexican neighborhood), Little Tokyo, Koreatown, LA Live entertainment district, etc. etc. From what you said interests you, I think you would enjoy that location. And then take an Uber to Long Beach to board the ship.

[@norinechang2564]

Whoa, downtown LA within walking distance of Koreatown? I'm not so sure. That's a lot of walking. Within walking distance of public transit, sure. Do I trust LA public transit? Ummm.... Little Tokyo within walking distance, sure. Watch out for the homeless in downtown, though. They've expanded their territory over the last few years.

[@neshlane1509]

You can stay on the Queen Mary...that would be great footage. Hotel Costa Maya is popular also. Definitely rent a car! Long beach has the Pike (Ferris Wheel etc) tons of restaurants and shopping and movies and activities. The have the aquarium there too. Btw, Only Carnival cruises out of Long Beach. Everything else comes out of San Pedro which is across the harbor.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Queen Mary has a very popular Halloween Haunt event that we want to go to, but I think that would make it less fun to stay there! :-P

[@cicsman]

I would recoment drive up the pacific highway.

[@sarapugh6700]

yes. go see the Redwood trees, taste some local wine...it's awesome!

[@ShelleyRadziminski]

We live on Catalina Island. There are lots of tours of the main city, Avalon, including tours of The Casino (art deco theatre and one of the largest unobstructed ballrooms in the world from before “Casino” was annexed by Las Vegas ). We also have tours of nature in our back country (including bison and what California would look like without people). I hope you have a great time if you pick Catalina Island!

[@ShelleyRadziminski]

By the way The Catalina Express Ferry crosses to Catalina Island from Long Beach and San Pedro, but do be careful about the schedule. We wouldn’t want you missing your cruise!

[@carolynearles7544]

I took this itinerary on the Carnival Panorama . I stayed at the Marriott near LAX . We Uber to the ship. On return we just took the ship transportation .

[@sbedford9833]

We had 8 straight years of a child in college in LA, Malibu specifically and not the same child! 🤣, rent the car Morgan. Yeah not the easiest place to drive but it's not a mass transit/Uber friendly city in my opinion. Dukes, Marmalade, Cholada and Lilly's are favorites eats in Malibu. Take in the Getty Villa while you're there. (After 4 it's free.) Lastly in that area the Will Greer Theater in the canyon. (Amazing/sad history.) Take in the Santa Monica Pier. We had Mexican at the end of the pier that was very good. The La Brea Tar Pits, LA Museum of Art and Academy Award Museum are clustered together with Patterson's Automotive Museum across the street. Park once for all. We walked up to the Original Farmers Market that has wide variety of food vendors. In Long Beach see tour the Queen Mary. And if they are performing Shakespeare by the Sea is a must! (Be sure to take plenty of layers if a night performance it will get cold!) Can't wait to hear what you and Markus end up doing!

[@mooman547]

On Bliss see if Raymond is still working in the Wine Bar. He is super nice. Also Danny Trejo's Doughnuts margarita doughnuts are AMAZING if you get a rental car in LA. Rajas Con Crema in Maywood is the BEST Mexican food we have ever had, but again rental car needed. If you have any interest in cars I thought the Petersen Automobile Museum was worth a visit.

[@ccm1767]

Long Beach vs San Pedro: Forgive me if you've already confirmed this, but there are two cruise ship ports in the LA, California area. The Long Beach pier is primarily used by Carnival, so I am surprised that an NCL cruise would start/end there and not in San Pedro. The two ports are a 15-20 minute drive away (minimum) on I-710. So definitely separate places, but not in different states. Also, the NCL website also says they sail from San Pedro (World Cruise Center) and not from Long Beach. So I would trust their website and assume your ship sails from San Pedro. That said, the only hotel I stayed at in the area was the Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree in Long Beach. It was nice, and walking distance from the Queen Mary (a place I would suggest you visit for cocktails / dinner). But otherwise the neighborhood was rather industrial and not what you seem to want. Mainland Long Beach probably would be more your speed if you want to restaurant hop, vs being on one of the peninsulas where the Queen Mary (and Hotel Maya) are.

[@ccm1767]

www.google.com/maps/dir/Carnival+Cruise+Terminal+-+Long+Beach,+231+Windsor+Way,+Long+Beach,+CA+90802/World+Cruise+Center+Berth+92/@33.7490126,-118.2824806,15z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dd313f9ae1d253:0xf2c069f87b89bbca!2m2!1d-118.1888774!2d33.7513594!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dd37f0a611453f:0x6611c6d1289d2d49!2m2!1d-118.2765248!2d33.7455393!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

No, it definitely leaves from San Pedro. I just needed to learn that that area is not all called Long Beach. Thanks for confirming!

[@summerbee4351]

Visiting Knotts Berry Farm amusement park could also be an option?

[@IAmMiami]

I did Norwegian Bliss LA to Miami last year and stayed at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel the two nights before. Stay safe, even the tourist parts of LA are getting sketchy.

[@lavonnehall99]

I'm doing that itinerary in 2026, so doing my research now! Those are the ports that the Love Boat show would visit frequently. Mentioned this since you did a video breaking down a Love Boat episode.

[@dmoniquerenee]

I would recommend stayimg Sofitel and enjoying fine dining in th area and Haunted House experience at the Beverly Center. Travel with an empty suitcase you can get everything you need there. I would not stay in the LBC. The only Halloween cruise to indulge in on VV leaving the last week of October out of Barcelona ( trans-atlantic). I will be there!

[@debbie8935]

In Cabo, we went sailing on a sail boat. Luxury tour, I think. Fantastic. Was on Bliss just before COVID. My favorite NCL ship 😊😊😊. Have a great trip. The beer garden looked fun!

[@MustangErin]

We did the same cruise over New Years but on the Discovery Princess. We we lucky and got a hotel that ended up being right by the freeway and a bus stop that took us right to the port. It cost $1.75 US each and it was about a 10 min ride. All we had to do was walk through the cruise port parking lot.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

What was the name of the hotel? Would you stay there again?

[@MustangErin]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides It was the Best Western World port hotel on Pacific Coast Highway. We would stay there again if it was just the one night before a cruise as there is not too much nearby. The neighbourhood is ok as there can be a few questionable characters around at night. We did take the bus down the road to get dinner, that took about 10-15 min. The bus took us right to the San Pedro port. Long Beach does have a cool Aquarium that I visited last year.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Great ship. You'll enjoy the cruise.

[@habracken8004]

Tony was in LA around July 4 and posted a couple of videos. I think they stayed in Long Beach. Maybe check those.

[@sonza68]

Adjacent to the LA World Cruise Center is the USS Iowa, a WWII era battleship that is now a museum ship.

[@InvisibleVisible793]

Look at San Simeon California (5 hours coastal drive from LA), book a Hearst Castle tour, spend a night locally, tour the Hearst Castle and enjoy the coast back to LA.

[@kathaag]

I would do Catalina Island for the day. Also where are you staying is important.

[@debsterlee3801]

I think Santa Monica would be a good home base for you for a few days. Not far from LAX via Uber and about an hour from San Pedro (but not a bad drive on a Sunday). Watch some youtube videos and see what you think. If you like to shop, go to The Grove, Rodeo Drive for window shopping, a cocktail at the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge. Cabo is very walkable (a tender port), lots of places to eat and shop. Puerto Vallarta has a great food tour or go to the Malacon. TBH, I have never gotten off the ship in Mazatlan. As with anyplace in Mexico, don't wander off the beaten path. I never feel uncomfortable there but I do stay near the port or take an excursion. Bliss is my favorite NCL ship, similar but different than Getaway (nicer). Observation Lounge is great to hang out, Food Republic has great food. Enjoy!

[@joangroothuis4031]

Sounds like a wonderful adventure. You will have a great time. I'm headed to the West Coast but not for a cruise. Taking a train up the coast from Los Angeles.

[@happycruiser]

Corono on the Malecon in Puerto V before COVID was $1. Would love to know the cost now. For sure walk along the Malecon for restaurant and bar hopping.

[@genes3088]

The night before the cruise on the Queen Mary hotel and take the paranormal tour.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Queen Mary has a very popular Halloween Haunt event that we want to go to, but I think that would make it less fun to stay there! :-P

[@genes3088]

@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides it's so close to the NCL pier and the rooms were recently renovated.

[@justm88]

How about ditch LA and fly to Vegas for a couple of days? They have the Sphere worth checking out, brand new 5 star luxurious hotel to try (Fontainebleau), a new-ish Country music hall/bar Ole Red center strip, a new balcony view hotel room at Paris that has a killer Bellagio fountain view, of course lots of new food and entertainment options....and so much more.:) But if you must stay in LA, I'd suggest to check out the Friday Food Truck event "Granada Hills GrubFest" that happens every week. Safe and fun to walk down the street full of variety and choices.

[@duanscott2490]

Though You'll be near long beach, I'm pretty sure your NCL ship will be actually leaving from the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro. The terminal at Long Beach is pretty exclusive to Carnival and occasionally, their sister brands. Having said that, the Queen Mary would be a good choice of pre-cruise hotel. This will require an Uber or Lyft over to the port of Los Angeles, however. And as others have suggested, an excursion to Catalina would be great. The Naples area of Long Beach is cool, with restaurants and bars and their gondola rides. Happy Cruising!

[@jeffreykyle8587]

If your body clock will allow, go WeHo for Halloween. Marina Del Rey has some nice restaurants. Stay near the airport. Take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to the port. However, if you stay in Long Beach, there is plenty to do and see. There’s an aquarium, the Queen Mary (quite fitting for your blog), there are many, many restaurants. Some gay clubs near buy. Also Catalina island is a great day trip.

[@dancooper41]

You might enjoy the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. It does a great job documenting the 8 years of his presidency, including his various summits with Gorbachev and his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate which paved the way for German reunification.

[@JeffreyInPS]

Fly to Palm Springs and decompress after the long flight. Play some tennis and relax by the pool. Then just rent a one way car from PSP to a Long Beach Hotel on Ocean Blvd. Then a $15 uber to the ship. Sounds way more relaxing than dealing with LA and all the craziness.

[@wastenotwantnot6754]

Pasadena is nice. Old Pasadena: Union Station to Holly on the Gold Line. If you want to stay somewhere less expensive, check in Lakewood, CA. It borders Long Beach and probably has a metro light rail stop. It's very suburban though. It's a lot, I know. Ironically, we arrive in Amsterdam on the 31st and we'll be sailing from Athens on November 2nd. Otherwise, I'd be happy to meet you and point you in the right direction. But you may have noticed, all trains lead to Union Station. It's like Termini in Rome or Gare de Nord in Paris.

[@Claire.L]

Mexican Rivera on Bliss was my first post "rona" cruise which was so special and memorable to be back on a ship! Cabo had the best whale watching ever but I was there in March, I'm not sure if the same would apply to November. Mazatlan we just stayed on board, it was me and my BFF and we had heard that going off ship independently was probably not a great idea for 2 women traveling without our spouses. In PV we took the ship excursion to Las Caletas as I think that is the only way you can get to that private beach. The day before the cruise we just had a relaxing day at the Westin in Long Beach, I had hotel points that I used for the booking. I hope you two have a fabulous time! If you get your Haven upgrade we will need all the tea!

[@cruisinwithdentures]

Dude we are going to be in Mazatlan the same day on the Carnival Firenze. Shall we meet for a margarita and nachos?

[@cyberi4a]

The Mexican Riviera was my first cruise, and it was on the Love Boat. Can't help you with anything since I lived in LA for many years so would just stay with friends, have them drive me around, and we would just hang out. And those Mexican cities would have changed a lot since I was last there.

[@JanetGoesSomewhere]

My suggestion of something to see is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (the “Oscars Museum). It’s by Wilshire and Fairfax. It’s also about a block from the La Brea Tar pits. The tar pits sounds like a joke name but it is a museum with excavation site for fossils. Also, as everyone else is saying, you are sailing from San Pedro on NCL. Long Beach is only Carnival Cruise Line (even Princess cruises from San Pedro).

[@norinechang2564]

Cabo San Lucas-- I recommend watching the sail-in around breakfast. You go through a row of white patrol boats, past that arch, and drop anchor. Prepare to tender in.

[@ccm1767]

If you are movie fans and don't want to go to an amusement park, you could try a studio tour at either Paramount or Warner Brothers. I haven't been to either, but am tempted. I did take a tour of the Disney Studio (in Burbank, just down the street from Warner Brothers) and enjoyed it, but that was a special D23 event whereas WB and (I think) Paramount sell tours on a regular basis. If you want something touristy but local, you could go to an In and Out and get a Neapolitan milkshake. (It's part of their "secret" menu.) But since your are vegetarian, I know a burger there wouldn't tempt you. Near LAX airport, if you like aviation themed places, is the Proud Bird food hall.

[@nancycowell-miller4321]

I'll second the recommendation for a day-trip to Catalina. We'd originally booked the Nautilus "submarine" tour - but it got canceled. We did take the "Adventure" tour to the other side of the island. It was a surprisingly fun adventure. The driver was a hoot and a half. Plus, he was very knowledgeable about the history of the island. We thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll have to marinate on fun port options. I've been on that itinerary a few times (most recently in May). I do have suggestions. So, I'll tag onto this comment.

[@georgianapage7198]

In Cabo… hmmm maybe walk the town enjoy some cocktails, Cabo wabo. I’m also a fan of staying on the boat since I hate the tender process. Mazatlan I highly recommend the food tour from Flavor tellers. In puerto Vallarta the board walk is great, we ate at the oyster grill (didn’t have any oysters) but the food was delicious!

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Carnival Panorama out of Long Beach sails on the 10th which is the same day you return. It’s a very nice ship and only 6 days for a great price if you like to extend your trip.

[@feelosophy1921]

Long Beach felt safe enough to me, a female solo traveler. My last time was a work trip so a great hotel stay but probably ridiculously expensive. I had a rental car and I did end up passing my exit the first day. You're right it's easy to end up where you don't think you should be...and I knew immediately. Reminded me of how Dallas Texas has streets that are or aren't the place to be, not whole neighborhoods.

[@Jimmy-Mc]

For a nice neighborhood that you can walk to a lot of restaurants, shops, and the beach, try Manhattan Beach. Aside from eating and shopping, you can bike up and down the beach or take a reasonable Uber to the art museum and Farmer's Market area, or up to Santa Monica. Long Beach and Huntington Beach are also nice areas to stay, but I don't have as much experience with those.

[@JuneRaeder-MacKinnon]

You need a car in CA. Everything is so spread out.

[@michaelgunney1183]

In Mazatlan we got one of the open air cabs outside the port and the drive gave us a guided tour, stopping and giving us time for photos or explore the market. In Cabo you've the obligatory boat trip up to the rocks but loads of bars and chemists around the port area. This is a tender port. We did a ships tour in Puerto Vallarta (from NCL) which had a guided tour around the town and then went to a tequila factory which was actually quite fun and still gave us time to go to Walmart and the big shopping centre!

[@BonusFiddle]

Queen Mary has a Halloween haunts house type attraction, museum of Latin American art in lb has a great new exhibit and might have day of the dead events at that time . pine st and shoreline village are not too far from lb port. 2nd and 4th st (retro row ) have many eateries. You can take the metro from lb to dtla or Santa Monica. Aquarium in lb is nice. Note homeless people can be found many sites.

[@AuntieVeraCharles50]

Short of offering you a dinner at our house, I haven't a thing to say about L.A. and environs. I'm old. We don't get out much. ;-)

[@jeremyforino2933]

I did something a little insane that starts in San Fransisco, so I'll be asking these same questions for there soon. I haven't been to LA in 30 years, so no help here. I know the best place to get a picture of the Hollywood sign without involving the police.

[@Heather_Abby]

We did this exact cruise last year and loved it. If I were you, I'd go to San Diego and head to Belmont Park. They have a fun wooden coaster, and it has lots of good vibes. But I'd stay down there so you don't have to drive. I'd also uber or lyft it. Lyft is cheaper than Uber. You won't have to pay for parking, and you won't have to deal with the stress of driving. If you don't want to go south, go to the Santa Monica pier. It's closer to Long Beach and still has lots of cool places to hang out. There are also lots of hotels in that area that will be better than Long Beach. Have fun and I can't wait to see your videos whatever you decide to do.

[@spark-gy5pf]

Stay in a resort Hotel with pool and hot tub and relax.Chill out. Its the cheapest way to wait for your cruise

[@cherylrucinski1386]

The Bliss is my favorite ship. It’s a lot like the Getaway but better. Lots of outside seating. I also am looking at an Amex. Rivera cruise so I will be paying close attention to where to stay in the area.

[@happycruiser]

Catalina Island is exactly what you are looking for. We were there once on Princess and had a great day, eating and drinking.

[@jenniferfuchs4949]

Look at rental car costs, I found them to be outrageous. Add to that the stress of driving yourself and that Uber doesn't look so bad. It has been a while since I checked out rental cars there so maybe they have come down.

[@happycruiser]

Have been to Cabo and Puerto more than once. Both times we just wandered around in port. Puerto V has what they call the Malecon which a huge long walk along the water. Full of wonderful bars and restaurants. We also did a cooking class there once. In Cabo the one time we took a boat out to the rock with the hole at the bottom when the tide is right, sand in every crevice of our bodies, but it was fun.

[@eleanorbrown34]

Go hang out in Belmont Shore ( 2nd Street) in Long Beach

[@georgianapage7198]

I stay at one of the airport hotels in LA pre cruise because the process to get to the Ubers at LAX is a nightmare.

[@tims7965]

Not too sure if you interested in art, but Getty museum is a great half day trip

[@michelleb749]

Why not just rent a car for one day to do the theme parks?

[@barbara6110]

Yes to Catalina!!

[@Nrustica]

Rent a car and use google maps

[@marshall.cochran]

Go to the Queen Mary!!!

[@gaylebreneman1904]

Brea tar pits

[@alisiamarie2396]

Great cruise! I did the same one on the Bliss in 2022. The cruise port was in San Pedro... are you sure it's Long Beach? Either way, they are super close. I'll be on the NCL Breakaway when your on the Bliss. I love Cabo ... The Office is a great Beach restaurant kinda where you tender from. Ncl is our very favorite. Have so much fun! 🎉❤

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

No, it definitely leaves from San Pedro. I just needed to learn that that area is not all called Long Beach. Thanks for confirming!

[@misterrjg]

We're doing the same cruise on November 9 on the Discovery Princess. LA (San Pedro) is our home port. Just heard you don't want a rental car, but LA is a driving city. Instead of staying in LBC maybe stay near LAX which is kinda central compared to Long Beach. Pine Avenue downtown LBC is an entertainment district m Shoreline Village in the LBC harbor is a tourist area with shops and restaurants. There's not much in downtown Pedro. I know this was rambling I was answering as listening.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for the tips!

[@michaelstark6849]

Hi, I would stay in downtown long beach on Ocean Blvd. This is a walking neighborhood with bars and restaurants. You can Uber to 2nd st. in Long Beach, this is an even better and more relaxed atmosphere of many bars and restaurants a couple of miles from downtown. There is also neighboring Seal Beach, Main Street that ends at the Pier with many bars and restaurants. The Queen Mary has a great Sunday Brunch in the restored dining room. Good luck

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for the tips!

[@sarapugh6700]

OMG, if you get into the HAVEN, you will be in HEAVEN. i was fortunate enough to get an insane deal and try it one time!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

We’re crossing our fingers!

[@1981cchris]

We will be on that same cruise, same ship on Nov 17. I wish we could have met. Magic Mountain is a pretty long way from Long Beach. I agree with Catalina and you can get on the Catalina Express in Long Beach. You can check out the Queen Mary if you haven’t already. We are going to do a ship excursion in PV since we haven’t been there in a long time, we like to go out on a water taxi at Cabo and see the Arch up close and then walk around and get some food. We haven’t gotten off of the ship in Mazatlan but are going to try walking around this time. We love the Bliss but haven’t been on her with a crowd. It’s a beautiful ship with a great observation lounge. Hope you have a great time!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Dang it! Just missing each other!

[@FendrickFam]

😊

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Cabo San Lucas, book at 1 hour massage at the Sand Bar, you can book it online directly with them around $38.00 and well worth it, then go hang out at the Mango Deck or the Office for good food and drinks right on the beach. Taxi ride to Mango Deck or Sand Bar around $12.00 each way. In PV depending on the time, Rythms of the Night show, take a boat ride to the island. Make sure it’s a ship excursion Mazarlan take a look at El CID marina resort.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Great tip about the Sand Bar. I just checked it out. Those prices are amazing. Did you have a good massage there?

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Yes Morgan, I go there all the time so it’s definitely worth it.

[@DavidBONADONNA]

I would recommend the Reagan Presidential LIBRARY FOR A TOUR IF HISTORY IS of relevance to you, also below is a Halloween extravaganza that i think you may enjoy by the queen Mary