Test cruise, LA/SAN 4-7 nights for 2 adults and 4 year old, late April-May 2017

We have travelled internationally extensively, but have never done anything more than a harbor or dinner cruise.

I'd love to do a a 12-16 night cruise, but think I'd like to take an inexpensive 4-7 night loop cruise first to make sure that we all enjoy it.

I'm thinking a cruise out of the LA or SAN area, that we can drive to from AZ. Carnival seems to have inexpensive ones, and I thought it would be a good to try a short Mexican or other loop cruise.

As I have a very flexible schedule, and no school to deal with, late April or May seems ideal. I see quite a few last minute deals, and am a Costco Exec member, USAA member and could join AARP if they offer a good discount.

Any pitfalls to look out for?

I see you are a usaa member, if a veteran Princess gives an onboard cerdit to US and Canadian veterans and active duty military.

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Plus USAA has a travel agency attached (we are not allowed to name or discuss Travel agencies on Cruise Critic) that we use, and does a great job.

I see you are a usaa member, if a veteran Princess gives an onboard cerdit to US and Canadian veterans and active duty military.

 

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Keep in mind that short cruises can sometimes be booze cruises. This would not give you an accurate representation of a 12-16 night cruise. If possible, I would start with a 7-day cruise.

Roz

Family members were veterans, but not myself, or anyone who will be cruising.

I think that as long as you are a USAA member..you would be able to access the travel agency.

I think that as long as you are a USAA member..you would be able to access the travel agency.

I believe they could use the TA just not get the OC

Thanks for the responses. I'll likely do a last minute cruise, probably a Carnival or Princess.

There are so many options out there, it's difficult to decide on the most important aspect of the trip. Food, kid's club, or cabin.

As someone who has been a top member of many airline and hotel programs, the cruise programs mostly seem underwhelming unless you've done dozens of cruises.

Thanks for the responses. I'll likely do a last minute cruise, probably a Carnival or Princess.

There are so many options out there, it's difficult to decide on the most important aspect of the trip. Food, kid's club, or cabin.

 

As someone who has been a top member of many airline and hotel programs, the cruise programs mostly seem underwhelming unless you've done dozens of cruises.

For me the most important aspect is the ITINERARY and then PRICE.

Keep in mind that short cruises can sometimes be booze cruises. This would not give you an accurate representation of a 12-16 night cruise. If possible, I would start with a 7-day cruise.

 

Roz

Good advice. Anything less than 7 days IMHO is not a real cruise.

Well, I booked a 4 day cruise. I know it's not a real one, but should let us know if we want to do longer ones.

I'm tempted by the North-South America 15-20 day cruises, so figure if that goes well, then onto linger cruises later in the year.

Our child will start school in 16 months, so want to get some longer cruises in the off season under our belt, if all goes well.