California Coast Cruises

Four-Day Baja Mexico From San Diego

• The Four-Day Baja Mexico, a California coast cruise, leaves San Diego on Dec. 6, 2010, with one port of call, Cabo San Lucas, on Dec. 8. Cabo San Lucas is on the southern tip of Baja California. The 960-foot Carnival Spirit has a passenger capacity of 2,124, and most of the staterooms have ocean views. Dining options include the ship's main elegant dining room, the Empire Restaurant. For made-to-order steaks, guests can enjoy the Nouveau Steakhouse's 2 1/2-hour sit-down dinner.

  There is a day at sea before the ship arrives at Cabo San Lucas and one afterward. Shore excursions include water activities such as deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, parasailing and scuba and helmet diving. Carnival also has kids' programs: Camp Carnival for ages 2 to 11, Circle C for ages 12 to 14, and Club 02 for ages 15 to 17.

  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  888-227-6482
  carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=SDG&itinCode=SDP&durDays=4&shipCode=SP&subRegionCode=MB&sailDate=12/6/2010&sailingID=57207

Four-Day San Francisco to Vancouver

• Island Princess departs from San Francisco on a four-day California coast cruise to Vancouver with stops in Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia. Ninety percent of the ship's staterooms have ocean views, and most have balconies. Dining choices range from casual cuisine poolside at the Grill to fine dining in the Provence Dining Room. The Island Princess has a wine and caviar bar and Sundaes ice cream bar. For cruising golfers, there is a nine-hole putting course and a virtual golf simulator. Cruisers can relax at the Lotus Spa or swim laps in the swim-against-the-current lap pool.

  Princess Cruises
  24844 Avenue Rockefeller
  Santa Clarita, CA 91355
  800-774-6237
  princess.com/find/itineraryDetails.do?voyageCode=2112N&tourCode=&date=&noOfPax=2&resType=C&definition_name=

Four-Day Baja Mexico from Los Angeles

• A California coast cruise departs Los Angeles on Carnival Paradise with ports of call in Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, and a day at sea before returning to Los Angeles. This 855-foot-long, 10-deck ship has a capacity for 2,052 passengers. Meet family or new friends in the six-story atrium bar for conversation or a drink, or unwind with a rejuvenating massage in the Oasis Escape Spa. For main dinner meals, guests select 6 p.m. (early) seating or 8:15 (late) seating, or dining from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m. (your time dining). Other dining options include the Steakhouse, a European style cafe and a poolside grill.

  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  888-227-6482

  carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=LAX&itinCode=LA0&durDays=4&shipCode=PA&subRegionCode=MB&sailDate=1/24/2011&sailingID=54703

One-Day One-Nighter Los Angeles

• The Norwegian Star leaves the port of Los Angeles at 8 p.m. and is back in port by 8 the next morning on a cruise to nowhere. First-time cruisers can get a taste of what it is like to go on one of the California coast cruises. Passengers may opt to stay in the 5,750-square-foot Garden Villas with three bedrooms and a garden hot tub for a night. Guests have a choice of 16 restaurants such as the Asian fusion restaurant, the SoHo Room, and you can even select your own lobster from the cold water tank. Enjoy a drink at the Star Bar or the Red Lion Pub, just two of the 12 bars and lounges. For children's activities, there is the Video Zone with arcade games, a swimming pool and children's center. While children are enjoying their activities, adults can experience the indoor lap pool and jacuzzi or the Barong Spa.

  NCL Corporation Ltd.
  7665 Corporate Center Dr.
  Miami, FL 33126
  866- 234-7350
  ncl.com/nclweb/booking/cruisedetails.html?packageId=2049285