norwegian cruise line terminal in los angeles

What Cruise Port Does Norwegian Use in Los Angeles?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line departing from Los Angeles, you may be wondering which port the ship will depart from. Norwegian Cruise Line uses the San Pedro World Cruise Center as its homeport in Los Angeles.

San Pedro World Cruise Center

The San Pedro World Cruise Center is located in the Port of Los Angeles, just 20 miles south of downtown LA. The modern cruise terminal offers a wide range of amenities and services to passengers, including parking, shuttle services, and luggage handling.

Getting to the San Pedro World Cruise Center

The San Pedro World Cruise Center is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving to the port, there are several parking options available at or near the cruise terminal. If you prefer public transportation, there are several bus and train routes that serve the area.

What to Expect at the Port

When you arrive at the San Pedro World Cruise Center, you’ll go through a security checkpoint before entering the terminal. Once inside, you’ll find check-in counters for Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines that use the port. After checking in, you’ll proceed through security screening before boarding your ship.

Nearby Attractions

If you have some extra time before or after your cruise, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. The Port of Los Angeles offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to several restaurants and shops. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the USS Iowa Battleship Museum or Cabrillo Beach.

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• USS Iowa Battleship Museum
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Port of Los Angeles Check In Port and Terminal

By teeredi2cruise , April 19, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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teeredi2cruise

Trying to decide on arrival time.  Arriving by taxi or Uber from Downtown L.A. How is checking in at the Port of Los Angeles. ( specifically Haven) 

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1 hour ago, teeredi2cruise said: Trying to decide on arrival time.  Arriving by taxi or Uber from Downtown L.A. How is checking in at the Port of Los Angeles. ( specifically Haven) 

I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

38 minutes ago, bpphoto said: I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

My limited experience (Miami, New Orleans, Barcelona) the Haven experience begins after security. If there are lines at luggage drop off or to enter the terminal or at security, being Haven is no help. Of course these areas are controlled by the port authority.

Try and find a Haven rep outside the terminal, if there is one.  They will walk you through security and to the Haven waiting area, whatever that set-up may be for Port of LA.  If there is no rep outside, once through security there will be someone to assist you.  I've done Haven embarkations in Miami, but they have NCL ships there year-round so their set-up is better.  Out here, NCL ships are seasonal, so not sure if they will have the outside reps or not.

You will board first so I would plan to arrive by 10:30 or so.  Lucky you in the Haven, you will love it!

YVRBassElectric

New Orleans had a Haven line before security. 

If you can't see the Haven signage, find someone wearing a NCL uniform (not port employee) and ask where Haven guests should check in - have your edocs printed & in your hand. That's worked for us in Southhampton, Sydney, Miami, Seattle, New Orleans & I hope it works in LA as I am traveling with 3 people who have never cruises (including a 7 month old)

Thank everyone your replies. We have mostly checked in the Port of Miami for NCL and have not ever had anyone outside to assist, but also has never been an issue finding the Haven check in because it has been positioned right after security. Was hoping it was similar or at least good sineage.

1 hour ago, Ella2 said: Try and find a Haven rep outside the terminal, if there is one.  They will walk you through security and to the Haven waiting area, whatever that set-up may be for Port of LA.  If there is no rep outside, once through security there will be someone to assist you.  I've done Haven embarkations in Miami, but they have NCL ships there year-round so their set-up is better.  Out here, NCL ships are seasonal, so not sure if they will have the outside reps or not.   You will board first so I would plan to arrive by 10:30 or so.  Lucky you in the Haven, you will love it!

Thank you, and 10:30 is great advice. That means leaving downtown at least 9:30 especially with the playoff game on Sunday.  And, yes, we feel very fortunate be in The Haven. We enjoy the experience immensely, but love the cruise life in general.

newmexicoNita

20 hours ago, bpphoto said: I believe if your a "Haven Guest" then you don't have to worry. From what I've heard they will take care of you no matter how busy the terminal is or whenever you arrive. I too am traveling via Haven and want to see how this whole Haven thing is all about. Can't wait!!!

Yes,they usually have a VIP section, usually a small separate room with snacks and drinks for everyone. They will escort to the ship when the time is right. Normally the cruise line does its best to get the Haven guest onto the ship as soon as the ship is cleared. 

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Set sail on a voyage of a lifetime with ports america los angeles, your gateway to a world cruise filled with unparalleled splendor and adventure. as you embark from the vibrant heart of the west coast, prepare to be whisked away on an epic journey that spans continents and cultures. our world cruises offer more than just a journey; they are a mosaic of exotic destinations, breathtaking experiences, and memories that will last forever. from the serene beauty of the pacific isles to the historic ports of europe, and the vibrant rhythms of south america, each destination is a treasure waiting to be discovered. with ports america los angeles, you're not just a passenger; you're a part of a grand exploration that redefines the meaning of luxury and adventure. welcome aboard, where your dream of circumnavigating the globe turns into reality.

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Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA

A city rich with diversity and culture, Los Angeles offers travelers of all ages plenty to do while visiting the coast of Southern California. Browse the shops along Rodeo Drive in legendary Beverly Hills, stroll along a beach promenade, or soak in the sights and sounds of Hollywood. Visitors can also catch a variety of sports events, visit one of over 800 art museums in the area, and watch expert surfers and rollerbladers at Venice Beach.

Port of Los Angeles Berths 91-93 World Cruise Center 100 Swinford Street San Pedro, CA 90731

The World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California is approximately 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Parking is $20.00 per day (rates are subject to change by Port Authority).

From LAX: Travel southbound on the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405), then southbound on the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center.

Guests using GPS should enter the following address for the Port of Los Angeles: 425 South Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731-3309 (Port of Los Angeles). Please note that this is the address for the port administration building. Upon arrival at the port, guests should follow signs to the cruise ship berths 91-93.

Los Angeles Cruise Port Terminals

The Los Angeles cruise port terminals are in two locations. Carnival cruises depart from Long Beach. The other cruise lines depart from San Pedro. Your cruise line will tell you where you'll depart.

The LA airport is either 18 miles or 23 miles from the cruise port depending on which cruise terminal.

The Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro is capable of docking three cruise ships at the same time. It is 18 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. Browse hotels near the cruise terminals .

Directions from LAX: Travel south on the San Diego Freeway (I-405), then south on the Harbor Freeway (I-110). Exit at Harbor Blvd. The entrance to the World Cruise Center is on the right. Reservations are not required for parking. Courtesy shuttle is provided.

The Long Beach cruise terminal is 23 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Parking is in a 5-story garage. The address is 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California.

Directions from Los Angeles: 405 Freeway south; 710 Freeway south; follow signs for the Queen Mary; stay to the far right of the Queen Mary ticket taker, this is the entrance to the Long Beach Cruise Port.

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Los Angeles & Long Beach Cruise Parking (Where to Park)

With roughly 20 million residents in the Los Angeles area, it’s no surprise that many people end up driving to the cruise port and parking.

The good news is that in a city famous for its automobile lifestyle (and the traffic and congestion that comes with that) the cruise ports have made it easy and relatively inexpensive to park. 

Below, we’ve outlined your options for both LA area ports, including where to park for the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach cruise terminal.

Cruise Parking at the World Cruise Center (Port of Los Angeles)

When sailing for the Port of Los Angeles, your options are somewhat limited for parking. With a major working port on one side and residential neighborhoods on the other, there isn’t a lot of space for independent parking lots like at other ports around the country.

That said, the port offers parking right on site that’s extremely convenient. From here you can simply walk to the ship when departing and be back to your car within minutes when your cruise returns.

Official Port of Los Angeles Parking The official parking for the Port of Los Angeles is operating by Parking Concepts, Inc. They offer parking with more than 2,500 spots right near the cruise berths.

There are plenty of spots and reservations are not required.  Rates are $20 per day for regular vehicles , $40 for oversized vehicles. So for a week-long cruise, expect to pay about $140 for parking.

That may seem expensive, but it’s relatively affordable for parking compared to other major cruise ports around the country. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted, and you pay after your trip.

• Cost: $20 per day
• Payment: Cash, credit, and debit accepted
• Phone: 310-547-4357
• Website: https://www.portoflosangeles.org

Los Angeles Hotels with Cruise Parking While there aren’t abundant options for independent parking lots, there is one place that will offer cheap parking for cruisers — hotels. Many hotels in the area cater to cruise passengers. They will offer discounted parking if you stay with them for at least one night.  We have a list of LA hotels with cruise parking here .

In general, if you plan to stay in the LA area for an extra night or two anyway, we highly recommend using this tip to save some cash on your parking.

A number of hotels in the area such as the ones below have parking packages. See the link above for a full list:

• DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro — Port of LA
• Crowne Plaza LA Harbor Hotel
• Vagabond Inn San Pedro

Cruise Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Like the Port of Los Angeles, you won’t have many options for parking other than the official port parking at the terminal. Still, it’s hard to complain when parking is a mere steps away from the terminal, meaning you don’t have to deal with long walks or wait on shuttles to take you back and forth from your ship.

Official Port of Long Beach Parking A parking garage is offer right at the ship for you to park while you cruise. As you can see in the map, the parking garage is extremely close to the terminal.

Parking rates are $23 per day . So if you have a week-long cruise, expect to pay about $160.

Cash and credit cards are accepted. The lot doesn’t require reservations — there should be plenty of parking come cruise day as it is a multi-story garage. If you have an oversized vehicle, then know that the port says “oversized vehicles (those utilizing more than one parking space) cannot park in the cruise terminal garage and guests must make alternate/offsite parking arrangements.”

• Cost: $23 per day
• Payment: Cash, credit, and debit cards
• Phone: 305-599-2600
• Website: https://www.visitlongbeach.com/

Long Beach Hotels with Cruise Parking Again, if you plan to stay in the area and want to save on parking, be sure to check out  our list of hotels offering cruise parking packages .

We’ve found many offering that are within a short ride to the terminal that will also let you park your car at a rate much cheaper than parking at the cruise port. In Long Beach, the following hotels (and many more) offer parking deals for their guests:

• Courtyard Long Beach Downtown
• Hilton Long Beach
• Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to park at Los Angeles and Long Beach? The two ports that are about 10 minutes from each other charge different rates. If you are sailing from the World Cruise Center (Port of Los Angeles), then the price is $20 per day. If you are sailing from the Port of Long Beach, then you’ll pay $23 per day. 

Both ports will accept cash or credit card.

Do I need a reservation to park? No. Each port has ample space for parking. For example, the Port of Los Angeles has more than 2,500 individual parking spaces. Instead of making a reservation, you simply show up on cruise day and you’ll be directed to a spot.

Are there cheaper places to park than at the port? Due to the location of the ports, there aren’t many independent lots nearby. Your best bet is to simply park at the cruise port using their official port parking.

That said, if you are planning to stay the night in the area, there are a number of hotels that offer park and cruise packages. With a night’s stay you can get discounted parking while you cruise. See our list of  Los Angeles and Long Beach “park and cruise” hotels .

More on Cruising From Los Angeles & Long Beach

Getting to the Port of Los Angeles & Long Beach  — Directions, maps, and information on taxis and shuttles. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Dropping Off at the Port  — Dropping off passengers for their cruise? Not sure where to go once you get to the port? We have turn-by-turn directions to find your cruise terminal.

Los Angeles & Long Beach Cruise Hotels  — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.

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Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 5 easy ways to get to the los angeles and long beach cruise ports, complete guide to cruising from the ports of los angeles and long beach, 12+ convenient los angeles & long beach hotels with cruise parking, using uber & lyft to get to the los angeles & long beach cruise ports, which airport you should fly into for a los angeles cruise, 12 highly rated los angeles & long beach cruise hotels close to the ports.

I have called half a dozen phone numbers and no one knows how to pay for the parking once you leave the garage. Please answer Your app gives me the phone # of the Convention Center. And they know nothing about your parking garage.

The parking ticket at 231 Windsor Way says” no cars will be released without this claim check.” We drove out of the parking garage and there was no place to pay for our parking on the morning of May 5th. Is it free?

Did you ever get an answer? I am planning to use there parking as well. Thank you, Willie

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PREMIER NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE SHIP HEADED TO PORT OF LOS ANGELES

Norwegian joy to service mexican riviera and panama canal destinations in 2019.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – July 26, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line will bring its nearly 4,000-passenger Norwegian Joy to the Port of Los Angeles starting winter 2019/20 to service the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal markets.

Built in 2017, Norwegian Joy features a casino and multiple dining options, stunning observation lounges, a two-level go-kart race track, an immersive virtual reality pavilion as well as a quarter-mile oceanfront deck promenade. The ship is slated to undergo an estimated $50 million in additional enhancements before it arrives in Los Angeles.

“We’re extremely pleased that Norwegian Joy will be calling at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “This newly enhanced, world-class vessel will be extremely popular as the Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal re-emerge as premier cruise destinations.  It will also offer a great new convenient departure option for Southern California.”

In a recent news release, Norwegian Cruise Line reiterated the pending deployment of Norwegian Joy to the Mexican Riviera as “a turning point in the historically underserved winter cruise market from the West Coast of the United States.”

Norwegian Joy is the sister ship to the record-breaking Norwegian Bliss, which called the Port of Los Angeles earlier this year for an inaugural event and which will return to Los Angeles for part of the fall and winter season.

In 2017, 109 cruise ships came through the Port’s World Cruise Center, handling about 500,000 passengers. Each time a cruise ship calls at the Port, it adds an estimated $1 million into the local economy.

While docked, Norwegian Joy will be able to plug into clean shoreside electrical power using the Port’s Alternative Maritime Power® (AMP®) system, as the World Cruise Center has the capability to plug-in multiple cruise ships concurrently. As of 2018, the Port of Los Angeles has 75 AMP® stations—more than any other port in the world.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 51-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising.  Most notably, Norwegian revolutionized the cruise industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule with no set dining times, a variety of entertainment options and no formal dress codes. Today, Norwegian invites guests to enjoy a relaxed, resort- style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea with a wide variety of accommodation options, including studios for solo travelers, connecting staterooms, spacious suites, in addition to the exclusive The Haven by Norwegian®, a luxury enclave with suites, private pool and dining, concierge service and personal butlers. Norwegian Cruise Line sails around the globe to nearly 300 destinations, offering guests the freedom and flexibility to explore the world on their own time and experience up to 27 dining options, award-winning entertainment, superior guest service and more across all of the brand’s 16 ships.

About the Port of Los Angeles The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovatively strategic and sustainable operations that benefit Southern California’s economy and quality of life. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $284 billion in trade during 2017. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs in the five-county Southern California region.

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Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

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Local Time 2024-06-07 22:16

Port Vancouver cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Vancouver, BC Canada. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Vancouver is Canada's "Alaskan" cruise port and homeport for Alaska-based liners during summer. The port handles annually between 240-270 cruise ship calls and over 1 million passengers through Canada Place cruise terminal. Port's total annual economic impact is ~USD 1,6 billion.

As the number and sizes of cruise liners to Vancouver constantly increase, the port is more and more often ranked as congested. The average passenger capacity of the vessels increased by 138% (up to 3100 pax) and the average LOA length increased by 50%, (up to 300 m / 985 ft). However, Canada Place Terminal's capacity is limited as the facility was built for older design ships.

Port Vancouver

Vancouver's cruise shipping business generates nearly US$3 million by each visiting vessel (at Canada Place), nearly 7000 Canadian jobs, ~US$300 million in wages, ~US$840 million to Canada's GDP. As cargo port, Vancouver BC is ranked North America's 3rd largest - after South Louisiana (along Mississippi River) and Houston TX . It serves shipping lines connecting Canada with 170+ countries. Port's annual trade volume is estimated at ~USD 200 billion. It sustains a total of 115,300 Canadian jobs, and generates US$7 billion in wages and US$12 billion in GDP.

The Port Authority company Vancouver Fraser manages the federal seaport lands in and around the city. Vancouver is Canada’s largest cruise port and main homeport for Alaskan cruises. The port has 28 marine terminals serving Ro-Ro ships (car carriers), break-bulk and bulk carriers, container ships and cruise vessels.

• In 2019, BC Government, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and FortisBC (natural gas and electricity provider) signed a deal to establish Westcoast Canada's first STS LNG (ship-to-ship LNG ) marine bunkering. The new service is for ocean-going and large-sized vessels, including BC Ferries ships .
• The project includes a 5-year construction period for building the needed infrastructure. The project's economic contribution was estimated at CAD 1,8 billion (to BC's GDP/during the construction) and an annual impact of CAD 930 million.
• State's LNG bunkering business was inaugurated in 2017. Currently, 5x Ro-Pax ships (BC Ferries) and two cargo ferries (Seaspan) are truck-fuelled with LNG by FortisBC. By the new project, large vessels are LNG-fuelled via barge, being filled up at a jetty on Fraser River (Tilbury Island).

Port's cruising season is May through late-September / early-October. Since 2008, the seaport voluntary purchases renewable / wind energy. At Canada Place terminal, port's cruise business generates (direct economic activity) an average of USD 3 million per visiting vessel. Ship types vary from large and mainstream to top-luxury and small expedition vessels. Inaugurated in 2009, Canada Place terminal's shore-to-ship power capabilities reduce significantly the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by visiting vessels. The new technology allows docked cruise ships to shut down completely their diesel engines and connect to BC Hydro’s electrical grid for all the needed onboard electrical power while berthed. The volume of reduced emissions per year is over 2200 tons. Approx 40% of all cruise vessels visiting the port are shorepower enabled. As incentives for using shorepower, the port offers 50% reduction in harbour dues.

In 2010, the port was visited by around 600,000 cruise ship tourists. In 2014 was closed the Ballantyne Pier terminal. Since then, Canada Place is city's only remaining cruise ship terminal.

In 2015, the cruise port handled a total of 228 ship visits (32 different vessels) and over 800,000 passengers. During season 2015, Princess Cruises introduced new roundtrip Vancouver itineraries to Hawaii and US West Coast (California) on Ruby Princess . Port's 2016 statistics included directly generated nearly 7,000 jobs (country-wide), USD 300 million in paid wages and USD 840 million to Canada's GDP.

On May 20, 2017, the cruise port reported a record day with 3 ship calls ( Emerald Princess , Star Princess , ms Nieuw Amsterdam ) and a total of 15,800 cruise tourists. Vancouver police units were assigned to direct traffic. The port authority warned of transportation delays. The record day resulted in hours-long waits at Canada Place terminal (for customs processing) and additional long waits for taxis. The taxicab problem was mainly due to the limited number of cab licenses issued in Vancouver City, as well as the local prohibition of ride-sharing services.

Over Canada Day 2017's long weekend (July 1, 2, 3), a fleet of 8 cruise ships came into Vancouver harbour docking at Canada Place. These ships ( Golden Princess / overnight, Star Princess , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Celebrity Infinity , Norwegian Sun , Crystal Serenity and Disney Wonder) had total economic impact on local businesses estimated at USD 24 million. It was based on the average USD 3 million per cruise liner ashore passenger spending (on restaurants, shopping, pre- and post-voyage hotel stays, local transportation, day tours). In 2017, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 236 ship calls (2% increase over 2016) and handled nearly 843,000 passengers (3% increase over 2016). During season 2017, the port had scheduled 33 different liners from the fleets of 15 different companies. The port's economic impact in 2017 is USD 3 million per ship call (including spending on tours, hotels, taxis, shopping, etc).

For season 2018, the cruise port reported a record year - 243 ship calls (7% increase over 2017), 33 different ships, 14 different companies, over 900,000 passengers. On May 23 was celebrated port's 25 millionth arriving cruise ship tourist. Port's largest liner so far is NCL's Norwegian Bliss (capacity 4200 passengers). NCL Bliss departed from Vancouver (Oct 1, 5-day repositioning cruise) to Los Angeles via San Francisco . Port's 1 millionth cruise passenger mark was reached in 2002 (1,060383 million).

In 2018-H1 (first half), port's containerized cargo volumes increased by 5% (over 2017-H1) to the record number 1,64 million TEU-containers. The increase was due to increasing international demand for Canadian goods and Canadian demand for Asian goods. Beside container shipping trade, port's results also showed:

• increase in potash (22,7%), autos (8%), coal (8,9%), forest (4%) and petroleum (40,2%) products
• decline in grain (10,2%, crops-feed), chemicals-minerals (5%), ores-concentrates (27,8%). Port's 2018-H1 cargo traffic (over 2017-H1) report included:
• Overall cargo increased 4,4% - to total 72,1 million tons.
• Auto units increased 8,3%, to total 236396.
• Breakbulk cargoes increased 14,4 % - to total 8,8 million tons, including 21,1% in domestic traffic.
• Drybulk cargoes increased 0,7%.
• Liquid bulk cargoes increased 28,3%, including 40,2% in petroleum products.
• TEU-container shipping increased 5,1% - to total 1,64 million.
• Cruise shipping traffic increased 12,7%.

For season 2019 (March 29 through November 1), the number of handled ship calls was 288 (+22% over 2018), with estimated 1,077 million passengers. Berth bookings 2019 were made by 24 brands/companies for 41 different vessels. New cruise lines included Azamara (ship Azamara Quest ), Cunard ( MS Queen Elizabeth ), Viking Ocean ( MS Viking Orion ) and Hurtigruten ( MS Roald Amundsen ). Other new liners (with maiden port calls) included Ovation OTS , Celebrity Eclipse , Norwegian Joy , Royal Princess , Star Legend , Silver Muse , L’Austral .

In mid-July 2020 was opened G3 Terminal Vancouver (grain export terminal, construction works started in March 2017.) featuring modern design, loop track elevators, a direct railway link for taking Canadian Prairies grain via trains (and loading it onto drybulk cargo ships), max capacity 3x 150-car trains and storage capacity 180,000 MT (metric tonnes). Trains unload while in motion and go back to the terminal’s elevators without detaching from the locomotives. At G3’s berth/dock are installed 3x loaders that move the grain (max capacity 6500 tons per hour) onto the ship. G3 Terminal Vancouver is a joint-venture between Western Stevedoring Company Ltd and G3 Global Holdings - a joint-venture between Bunge Ltd (US-based agribusiness and food company) and SALIC Canada Ltd (subsidiary of SALIC-Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company).

Despite the Coronavirus crisis, 2020 became a record-breaking year in Vancouver Port's 108-year history by revenues (~USD 50 million / ~EUR 42M) or 15% increase over 2019. Moved through the seaport were 7+ million MT (metric tonnes) of commodities, 5,4+ million MT of grain, 0,3+ million MT of copper concentrate, 2700+ wind turbines, ~90,000 automobiles.

For season 2022 (April 10 thru November 2) the cruise port handled 307 ship calls (+6,5% over 2019's 288 visits/~85% from homeported vessels, including 10x maiden calls and 18x shorepower berthings) and ~815,000 tourists.

2023 (April 12th thru October 24th) was Port Vancouver's record year, with booked a total of 332 cruise ship berthings (~9% increase over 2022) and ~1,25 million tourists (+54% over 2022 and +10% over 2019).

For 2024 (March 11th thru October 29th), the Port had scheduled/booked a total of 329 ship berthings, with projected ~1,27 million passengers to pass through the Canada Place Terminal (~2% increase over 2023).

In October 2023, Seaspan Vancouver Drydock (in North Vancouver/on 203 Esplanade E) received permit approval from the Port Authority to extend its drydock facilities and expand the infrastructure in order to be able to provide services (ship repairs and maintenance works) to larger vessels. The project included the extension of Seaspan's water lot by 130 ft/40 m and the addition of two new drydocks (smaller) plus a floating pontoon, located to the west of the old drydocks. The project's completion was slated for 2024-Q4.

Vancouver cruise terminal

Canada's Government established Port Metro Vancouver (locode CAVAN) in January 2008. Today, the Port is ranked North America's fourth-largest and Canada's largest by annually handled tonnage. Port Vancouver is in western Canada, at British Colombia’s southwestern corner. Its cruise schedule lists voyages from spring through fall, with vessels departing from Canada Place Ship Terminal.

The Terminal's address is "Canada Place Pier, 99 Canada Place Vancouver, BC, Canada".

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal

The Canada Place Vancouver terminal was inaugurated on April 28, 1986. The facility's design features 5 sail-shaped roofs. Except the building, other facilities include VINCI Car Park, Port Metro Office, World Trade Center Office, Pan-Pacific Hotel.

At Canada Place Terminal are available restrooms, baggage trolleys, a snack shop. From the Terminal are directly accessed ship berths North (length 274 m / 900 ft), East (506 m / 1660 ft) and West (326 m / 1070 ft).

In May 2015, Canada Place Vancouver became the world's first cruise terminal with a total of 10x BorderXpress APC kiosks (abbrev "Automated Passport Control"). The project was a collaboration of Port Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver Airport Authority.

• In comparison to the traditional clearance process, the new computerized kiosks increased 4 times the terminal's passenger processing rates. The terminal's US Customs and Border Protection area is utilized prior to ship embarkation on Canada to Alaska cruise itineraries.
• Cruise tourists using BorderXpress APCs at Port Metro Vancouver proceed directly to the self-service kiosks in the passenger processing area. Then they simply have to follow the on-screen instructions, scan their passports and answer some customs declaration questions. Then embarking passengers receive a receipt that confirms their information and continue to a US Customs officer to finalize their processing.
• The overall result was increased efficiency, less congestion, faster customs processing and shorter wait times.
• Cruise passengers eligible for BorderXpress APCs are American and Canadian passport holders, as well as US Permanent Residents.
• The service is available at no cost to the user and pre-registration is not required.

Cruise terminal luggage storage and delivery

For cruise ship passengers in Vancouver, PorterGenie offers the only curbside luggage pick-up/delivery and storage service. Pick-up and delivery locations can be anywhere: Vancouver International Airport, hotels in the Metro Vancouver area, train and bus stations, etc. PorterGenie can pick-up your luggage from anywhere in Metro Vancouver, store as long as you need, and deliver it back to you anywhere you like.

You can use PorterGenie to transport your luggage from the airport to Canada Place Terminal or the other way around. You can schedule service online at www.portergenie.com or call PorterGenie toll-free at 1-888-411-5260. No payment is required for scheduling and cancellations are free. You are encouraged to schedule in advance before the busy season.

Ballantyne Pier Terminal

The Ballantyne terminal is located on 851 Centennial Road, Vancouver. It looks like a commercial dock after its 1995 renovation and extensions. Amenities include luggage carts, restrooms, snack concessions, security and taxi ranks. The berth is only one – East, 1200 ft.

• Address: Ballantyne Pier, 655 Centenniel Road, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Parking:$15 Canadian daily ($10 US – depends on exchange rate).
• Vancouver's second cruise terminal (Ballantyne Pier) ceased operations in 2014.

Harbour Center Tower: enjoy beautiful city panorama from the 581 ft roof.

Gastown: located at the old Vancouver, nice and quiet place for a coffee.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: the perfect equilibrium located at the city center, blended with the four elements, architecture and rock, plants and water.

Stanley Park: enjoy the native American Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium in the biggest North America urban park.

Vancouver Aquarium: variety of sealife – dolphins, beluga whales, sea turtles and sea lions

Capilano Suspension Bridge: located over Capilano river, hundreds of feet tall.

Grouse Mountain: enjoy Wildlife Refuge situated on 5 acre with its wolves and bears.

Vancouver tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Vancouver - user reviews and comments

The 7 Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries for 2024

W hether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
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• First-Time Cruise Tips
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Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

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Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

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Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

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Check out the scene at Venice Beach. Spot a celebrity or two on Rodeo Drive. Take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Explore the La Brea Tar Pits or Getty Centre. Find out more and book now.

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• City hall of the Beverly Hills
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