Speed of cruise ships(itinerary)

[vent1020]

I am doing the 4 day Western Coastal. Just found out it is ONLY 22 miles from L.A. to Catalina Island and only about 150 miles from Catalina Island to Ensenada.

 

So the itinerary shows the following:

 

Thursday Los Angeles - 4:00 PM

Friday Catalina - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday Sea Day

Sunday Ensenada - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday Los Angeles -7:00 AM

 

 

My question is, with Catalina only 22 miles away, even at only 10 MPH(I know on water it's knots) it would only take about 2 hours to get there. So, does the cruise ship get there early, say 6:00 PM the first day and just dock or does it go REALLY slow and not get there until later on in the evening, or does it take kind of a round a bout way to get there where you are out to sea longer or something else?

 

Thanks :D

[paul929207]

It will go out to sea and probably sail in circle for the night until it is time to begin its approach to port.

[Loonbeam]

They will go out at least as far as intl waters (to be able to open casino and avoid tax) and either 'anchor' or make a lazy low power loop depending on conditions.

[vent1020]

well that makes sense. Thanks.

[Blue Line]

I was looking at this same itinerary for nov 27... But at least for that sailing it seems to go to San Diego instead of Catalina... :-(

 

Have you taken this cruise before? And is the cruise you are on the golden princess?

[vent1020]

I was looking at this same itinerary for nov 27... But at least for that sailing it seems to go to San Diego instead of Catalina... :-(

 

Have you taken this cruise before? And is the cruise you are on the golden princess?

 

 

No, first time on this cruise. And yes it is on the Golden.

[Blue Line]

No, first time on this cruise. And yes it is on the Golden.

 

Enjoy your trip, and please let me know how it is! Take care

[AZDENNY]

I was looking at this same itinerary for nov 27... But at least for that sailing it seems to go to San Diego instead of Catalina... :-(

 

Have you taken this cruise before? And is the cruise you are on the golden princess?

 

 

There are 3 versions of this cruise, One does San Diego/Ensenada, another Catalina/Ensenada and the other is Santa Barbara/Ensenada. You just have to look at each date to see which itinerary the trip is doing.

[Pam in CA]

They will go out at least as far as intl waters (to be able to open casino and avoid tax) and either 'anchor' or make a lazy low power loop depending on conditions.

Plus, the ship pays a substantial port fee for every hour they are in port. These fees are passed on to passengers so if the ship was to stay in port later or arrive earlier, you would pay a lot more for the cruise.

[jsiegel]

One benefit of the close ports is that the ship moves very slowly and usually with no movement. In fact, if you didn't look out to the ocean you'd be hard pressed to believe you were on a ship. Luckily there is enough gentle rolling to rock you to sleep at night.

 

Looking forward to trying out one of these short cruises in October. It will be my first time on the Golden.

 

Jackie

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

I am booked on the four-night cruise on the Golden Princess departing on September 26 that visits Catalina and Ensenada (with a sea day between ports). I am sure that the ship will be traveling very slowly during the sea day (high winds on deck should not be a problem). I am looking forward to this short cruise because this will be my first time on the Golden Princess and the first time that I am visiting these ports. Also, I am spending one night on the Queen Mary in Long Beach before the cruise.

 

Chuck

[Blue Line]

There are 3 versions of this cruise, One does San Diego/Ensenada, another Catalina/Ensenada and the other is Santa Barbara/Ensenada. You just have to look at each date to see which itinerary the trip is doing.

 

Thanks!!! Unfortunately, between my work, my sons high school schedule and wife's nursing school schedule- it leaves more of "hey- this is when we are all off, let's find a cruise that fits!" Hahah!!!

 

Hopefully it will get easier in a few years! Thanks for the help!

[vent1020]

Thanks for the info everyone. And I hope everyone else that is booking this similar cruise has a great time.

[runnerodb83]

I've done a similar itinerary with one of the Carnival ships in the past. The first day we were in Ensenada, the second day we were "at sea" going maybe 3-4 knots, just enough to keep the ship stable. It was really quite comfortable to be out on deck in warm weather with a hint of a breeze. It was a bit foggy all around, but the ship was in a sun pocket and the sea was like glass.

[centralcalicruzer]

We are booked on the November 27 cruise that ports in San Diego and Ensenada. Not the most exotic of ports, especially since I have spent a lot of time in San Diego, but it should be a fun getaway for the Thanksgiving weekend. NO COOKING! Going with my husband and daughter, and visiting my stepdaughter who will be a production singer on the Golden (Currently on the Grand). Since this one is over Thanksgiving, I'm thinking there may be a lot of families on board, rather than the typical weekend party cruise!