ATSEAMYLIFE

One of my mom's fav's. It had been very good but we haven't been in five years.

Truer words were never spoken. I use Uber all the time both in the US and Europe and it's amazing how we did without it.

Eric is dead on, plenty of hotel shuttles from LAX but no hotel does a shuttle to the port. You might consider a Carnival shuttle from LAX if they offer one. We did that on RCL from Orlando airport Grand Hyatt after spending the night after a late flight the day before.

You won't find any hotel shuttles that will do that route. You will find plenty of shuttles from LAX to hotels near LAX. But from the LAX hotels to LB you will have to hire somebody. Best to just price shop for LAX hotels and see what rates you like. We always stay at the Hilton LAX as we like the shuttle, rooms, location, food, and bar.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and we stayed at the Doubletree. It wasn't one of my best experiences at a Hilton property. We got in late and the shuttle to the ship was sold out so we had to RSVP an Uber. Rooms were a little tired and dark. We ended up with a 3rd floor room overlooking the courtyard and there was a wedding reception with very loud music. I went down to the front desk and asked how much longer and they told me they had to shut down at 10:30 PM, which I'm good with but come 11:15 and then 11:30 I'm not OK. Pro: the food at the restaurant was excellent as was the service. It sits directly on the marina with outside meal seating so much better view than the CP. I would stay again but would book a marina view room.

Now that's the way I would do it. My mom and dad lived on Coronado at the Landing and there's several very good places to eat near the ferry landing and the trip isn't bad also. Now if you want to go 1st class book a dinner or cocktail sunset bay cruise.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and have stayed many times at the Hilton directly across the street from SNA. In fact have walked a few times to/from. The hotel has a very nice restaurant if you don't want to walk. There's an IHop, El Torito, and Gulliver's all within walking distance and not bad. Personally I would just eat at the hotel. Yes those times should be good for avoiding traffic.

It's not near the cruise terminal but a short trolly ride into Gaslamp our fav is Louie & Mickey's. Just avoid it if there's an event at Petco. https://www.louandmickeys.com/

We found it rather calm almost like being on a lake most of the time.

Eddie V's (steak and seafood) is good and in a cool area. It doesn't open until 4:00 PM however.

Still a great place to stay.

All things being equal I would pick John Wayne. It has better services when you are waiting for the flight at the end of the cruise.

We see plenty getting brought in during lobster season and it's pretty easy to tell if it's fresh and from the locals. Best thing is lobster season is for the most part low tourist season especially during the week for lunch. We usually go in January and February. We haven't found the "top" rated places on the review sites to be the best. Sandra's gets high marks and we weren't impressed at all. Ortega's Patio was very good. Seite Mares we haven't tried but friends really like it. It will be our next spot to try.

Mexican Rivera lobster is out of season, if you find it it's probably frozen and flown in from China or south America. We have never found good lobster in Baja after February. We only live a few minutes from Puerto Nuevo and we can watch the lobster fisherman tending their traps from our balcony. I haven't seen any activity for at least two weeks.

I wouldn't bring a "puffer" but plan on dressing in layers. If you're out late in the evening it will be cool and during the day if the sun is out and there's no wind you can wear shorts and t-shirts. The further inland the warmer and along the coast cooler with fog in the AM. It's seldom "ski" jacket cold, but a sweatshirt and wind shirt/jacket can be welcome. Best thing is weather can be fairly predictable in advance. So watch the local LA weather reports a week or two in advance and they will be pretty accurate.

We have stayed at that ES several times. If you step out the side door into the alley and turn left down a few steps is the "G Street Deli" they have a great selection and might have it. It's easy to check before walking all over. They have great deli sandwiches if you happen to want to do a little picnic.

Typically yes and depending on how far south you cruise most definitely.

I'm not sure what port and can only speak to Ensenada area. As for elevations I wouldn't see a problem as there's not much in the way of high hill climbs. My concern would be the roads they are taking you on. Around our area there's not much (if any) shoulder and potholes are the norm in most places. We don't see many bicycle riders except during the Rosarito to Ensenada ride.

Nope, CA to MX is mostly good all year around. If you leave from San Francisco it can be a little foggy and cold sometimes. But, Sept/Oct is probably one of the best times to visit and cruise from any port in CA.

Those items will be behind the counter and you will have to ask for them. Last time I bought Retin-A it was $900 MXP for a tube at the pharmacy inside Calimax Puerto Nuevo. It was about 15% more just down the street at a walkup pharmacy. Both places were cheaper than any walkup in Cabo when we where there. There's no telling what you will pay in Cozumel as it's a tourist spot and I'm guessing prices will be high no matter where you buy it. But still cheaper than the US. There's a generic Retin-A that's about 50% cheaper.

I just booked three for Italy and they were all charged in USD with no fees.

I don't think you will find much open on Christmas day. I would probably just stay on the ship or book a ship excursion.

We use Roma or the ones inside Calimax grocery stores. I know both have stores in Ensenada. Calimax seems to be cheaper than Roma. I recent bought Retin A for a friend in the US and Calimax was about 15% cheaper than Roma.

We did Uber Black at San Pedro. We RSVP'ed in advance and it was good we did. There were people at the curb who had waited more than 20 minutes and some couldn't get drivers to even confirm pickup. We walked right out and got in our SUV. The pick up area is just a few steps out the exit door of the terminal. It's maybe 100 feet from the exit door. A RSVP Uber Black will wait for you for free for about 15-20 minutes and then will charge after that. They won't leave until you get there. You can also text the driver to give them your update. BTW: use a porter they go to a special line and will get you out faster.

We love the Hilton Gas Lamp it was our go to place when we visited from northern CA, not so much now that we live across the border in MX. I would find a place you like and make a RSVP now. Then continue to price shop and cancel/rebook. Prices will usually only go up. Good news is once you get away from NYE prices are usually reasonable in January.