First Family Cruise - Miracle 5 day Cabo vs Radiance 4 day Ensenada

[miles2go2go]

Hi,

 

We are a family of 4 (2 small kids 9 and 4) planning on our first cruise. Based on schedules, flight costs, etc, we narrowed it down to these 2 cruises in April, both from Long Beach CA.

 

1. 4 Days Baja Mexico from Los Angeles, CA

Carnival Radiance (stops at Catalina Island, Ensenada) 

 

2. 5 Days Baja Mexico from Los Angeles, CA

Carnival Miracle (2 days at Cabo)

 

We have not been to Mexico either, but the priority is to have a good cruise experience (planning to do more longer cruises later if we have a good time in this)

 

The Radiance looks like the newer ship, but unsure if the itinerary is good to explore various things in the cruise. We do not drink much, the priority is on kids activities, casino, good food options (not necessarily fine dining, but we like a variety of options), good pools.

Not sure how to choose between these two. The balcony suite in both ships are within our budget.

 

[jsglow]

Welcome to Cruise Critic @miles2go2go!

I've been on both ships and to all the ports.  Let me try to help you make the best choice for YOU.

 

There is no doubt that the best port of the 3 is Cabo and this will give you the best sense of what a more typical tropical cruise is like.  It is true that the Pacific ocean is cold and that you will likely encounter windy conditions, most often on the return trip up the coast.  That's simply the reality of sailing the Mexican Riviera.  Miracle is one of the 4 Spirit Class ships built for Carnival back in the 2000s.  She has a wonderful guest/public space ratio so you'll likely never feel crowded but she has fewer features like specialty dining.

 

Radiance is a fully retrofitted ship that just had $200 million in modernization upgrades completed within the last 2 years. Even though she's a 20+ year old ship, she practically feels brand new.  She has essentially all the features you'd see in 'modern' Carnival ships.  The Catalina itinerary consists of Carnival's two 'weaker' ports.  Of course there are fun things to do at both but you'll never find someone saying 'Yippee! I get to go to Ensenada instead of St. Thomas!' I'm sure you understand.  One nice thing about the Radiance itinerary is that they basically get to drift around out in the Pacific because Ensenada is so very close.

 

Here's the other thing that's true. The Radiance cruise will likely be significantly cheaper.  The 4 day run (done every Monday to Friday) is often Carnival's lowest priced cruise. I've literally seen it for $99 per person during the slow winter season.

 

Now you mentioned flying to the port. From where? Unless you are out on the west coast I'd like you to possibly consider other embarkation ports.  If it's the same price to fly to Houston, I would certainly suggest a laundry list of western Caribbean itineraries. You'll get lots of good input here.

 

And again, WELCOME! 🙂 

[miles2go2go]

Thank you for sharing, it is helpful. We are in Seattle, and the flights to CA (SF, San Diego, LA) seem significantly cheaper around Spring Break

[cxr133]

9 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Welcome to Cruise Critic @miles2go2go!

I've been on both ships and to all the ports.  Let me try to help you make the best choice for YOU.

 

There is no doubt that the best port of the 3 is Cabo and this will give you the best sense of what a more typical tropical cruise is like.  It is true that the Pacific ocean is cold and that you will likely encounter windy conditions, most often on the return trip up the coast.  That's simply the reality of sailing the Mexican Riviera.  Miracle is one of the 4 Spirit Class ships built for Carnival back in the 2000s.  She has a wonderful guest/public space ratio so you'll likely never feel crowded but she has fewer features like specialty dining.

 

Radiance is a fully retrofitted ship that just had $200 million in modernization upgrades completed within the last 2 years. Even though she's a 20+ year old ship, she practically feels brand new.  She has essentially all the features you'd see in 'modern' Carnival ships.  The Catalina itinerary consists of Carnival's two 'weaker' ports.  Of course there are fun things to do at both but you'll never find someone saying 'Yippee! I get to go to Ensenada instead of St. Thomas!' I'm sure you understand.  One nice thing about the Radiance itinerary is that they basically get to drift around out in the Pacific because Ensenada is so very close.

 

Here's the other thing that's true. The Radiance cruise will likely be significantly cheaper.  The 4 day run (done every Monday to Friday) is often Carnival's lowest priced cruise. I've literally seen it for $99 per person during the slow winter season.

 

Now you mentioned flying to the port. From where? Unless you are out on the west coast I'd like you to possibly consider other embarkation ports.  If it's the same price to fly to Houston, I would certainly suggest a laundry list of western Caribbean itineraries. You'll get lots of good input here.

 

And again, WELCOME! 🙂 

LOL

 

very eloquent reply ......

 

basically i beleive this  recommendations  if you are already flying in to choose another port such as Galveston or a Caribbean destination  LOL

 

catalina is nice, Ensenada is well..  a craphole  😞

Cabo would be my choice. but i prefer bahamas cruises but we live in cali so sometimes plus airfare is cost prohibitive.  so we have done the cataline/ensenada cruise lots of times

 

 

[jsglow]

16 minutes ago, cxr133 said:

LOL

 

very eloquent reply ......

 

basically i beleive this  recommendations  if you are already flying in to choose another port such as Galveston or a Caribbean destination  LOL

 

catalina is nice, Ensenada is well..  a craphole  😞

Cabo would be my choice. but i prefer bahamas cruises but we live in cali so sometimes plus airfare is cost prohibitive.  so we have done the cataline/ensenada cruise lots of times

 

 

Ding ding! Long Beach isn't really a 'fly to' port. And I really want our OP to have a great first cruise experience.  And Ensenada isn't that bad. We did a wonderful private trip up to 'wine country' last time we were there. Had a very fun day.  But yeah, it's one of Carnival's weaker ports.  Not their fault, mind you. It is what it is.

 

Have you ever sailed out of Houston or New Orleans @cxr133? Great 5 nighters available.

And was I diplomatic enough?  I don't want all the Cali folks complaining!

 

For the record, we LOVE the Catalina 4 nighter.  Hard to have that much fun for so little money. In some ways it's cheaper than being home, if one is local.

Edited January 8, 2023 by jsglow

[jsglow]

37 minutes ago, miles2go2go said:

Thank you for sharing, it is helpful. We are in Seattle, and the flights to CA (SF, San Diego, LA) seem significantly cheaper around Spring Break

Our son lives in Phinney Ridge.  I completely understand.

 

Let me offer this. IF you can make the budget work (even by trading down to a lesser cabin), you can get to IAD or MSY non-stop on AlaskaAir.  IF you decide that Long Beach is the right answer, please don't allow ports and/or weather considerations to shape your view of cruising. 

 

One more thing...... a Carnival Panorama cruise is a SOLID notch above either you're contemplating.  Can you manage the entire week?

Edited January 8, 2023 by jsglow

[LatinaInTexas]

I was also going to suggest the Panorama since you are already flying in. It's a great choice with so many extra options in both ship activities and  extra dining and port choices. I sailed this ship last year and will prob be sailing again this April. This will be the first ship I have wanted to sail twice on.

[mkcurran]

The Radiance has the upgraded water works, Blue iguana, guys burgers, bbq, pizza, and big chicken. The casino is actually fairly nice. Large non-smoking section. 

 

Cabo is going to have much better things to do off ship. 

[miles2go2go]

Thank you all, I was trying a few more options, and it looks like Carnival Breeze 5 day from Galvenston could be within our budget. It stops at Cozumel and Progreso.

I think 7 nights will be difficult for us, but will look into Panorama too

[jsglow]

That's a good cruise @miles2go2go. We've done that itinerary out of New Orleans.  Check out Valor; essentially the same flight.

[edspec]

Second the Panorama recommendation. Their family OV are really nice and there is a bath and a half and with a deep junior tub.

[Itried4498]

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either ship.  The Radiance has been upgraded with a few more bells and whistles, but the Miracle is still a very beautiful ship that feels far more spacious.

 

If you choose the four-day itinerary, the ship moves very slowly (Catalina Island is 90-minutes nonstop from Long Beach and Ensenada 7 hours) and circles the area.  in April, this makes for a pleasant, comfortable trip.

 

if you choose the five-day itinerary, the ship moves as quickly as it can to and from Cabo.  April is a pleasant time to cruise in this region, but the Pacific can be rough and the high speed may make the sea days feel much cooler than the alternate option.

 

IMO, Catalina Island is the highlight of the four-day trip.  Ensenada is worth exploring if you’ve never been there.  Cabo, OTOH, will be warmer and has emerged as the premier luxury destination in Mexico.  Expect a better setting but higher prices for things at port (food, drink, merchandise) than elsewhere in Mexico (including Ensenada).

 

Between the two itineraries, I’d go with Cabo since it’s one day longer!  That said, I second the advice of considering the Caribbean.  The Atlantic/Gulf is much more calmer and guaranteed tic be much warmer than the Pacific.  You can certainly have a warm, sun drenched cruise in the Pacific during April but you’re far more likely to get it in the Caribbean.  It’s also fry season in the Caribbean.

 

Edited to add -  note that Catalina and Cabo are both tender ports.   

Edited January 8, 2023 by Itried4498

[MJSailors]

@miles2go2go Here’s a thought. The short cruises,especially on Carnival, can be booze cruises with a party atmosphere.Especially if the 4 day cruise is over a long weekend. This may not be the best choice for your family.

Suggestions posted here about a different Carnival ship or embarkation port seem to be good ideas.

You could also look at NCL,Princess or Royal Caribbean out of California that might offer a comfortable vacation.

MJ🙋🏻

[Itried4498]

The “booze cruise” is the three night Ensenada that operates Fri-Mon.  The four night is not a “booze cruise” - historically it skews older (70+ and heavy on the casino and bingo) although in the last year it’s attracted a lot of young families that are first time cruisers, just like the OP.

 

I was on six-night, five night and three night itineraries on the Miracle last year.  Mixed crowds on each trip, but largely families.  We were at capacity during Thanksgiving and there were only a handful of people playing Bingo… would’ve had bad luck NOT to win.  Georgia, IMO, is one of Carnival’s best Cruise Directors - she was always pushing the limits.  Eg Lots of highly entertaining improvised shows with cheap props marketed as “trivia games with crew” — reminded me of comedy clubs.  She’s been on the ship for over a year (with a couple breaks), not sure if she’ll be there in April. 

[jsglow]

The M-F 4 night Radiance is absolutely NOT a booze cruise.

[cxr133]

6 hours ago, miles2go2go said:

Thank you all, I was trying a few more options, and it looks like Carnival Breeze 5 day from Galvenston could be within our budget. It stops at Cozumel and Progreso.

I think 7 nights will be difficult for us, but will look into Panorama too

Breeze  is out fav ship....  you will have a good time.

and Panorama is a great ship also  Mexican riviera is not the Caribbean but you will have a good time here also. Do the rhythm of the night excursion  great dinner and show 

[jerseygirlinAZ]

I've been on both the Radiance and Miracle last year, and prefer the Miracle voyage to Cabo.  We have a seven-year old, fyi.

 

We weren't impressed with the Radiance (sailed in March) though the water works was nice.  Ensenada wasn't anything special though we (my husband and I) just walked around the port city.  Lots of party people were on our sailing, so that could be coloring my view.  

 

The Miracle (sailed in December) was a great ship.  Easy to navigate and never felt crowded.  The cruise director was wonderful.  We loved our time in Cabo and much preferred it to Ensenada.  

 

That said, the Panorama is definitely worth a look.  We sailed her in May and she was our favorite of the three ship.  Lots of fun stuff for the kids to do.  

 

Enjoy your cruise, whatever you decide!

[SunshineGal2022]

8 hours ago, miles2go2go said:

Thank you all, I was trying a few more options, and it looks like Carnival Breeze 5 day from Galvenston could be within our budget. It stops at Cozumel and Progreso.

I think 7 nights will be difficult for us, but will look into Panorama too

I would choose this!

 

Southern CA gets socked in with the coastal eddies and overcast skies in May/ June (May Gray/ June Gloom).  Sometimes it comes as early as April, or sometimes we have a rare April shower. Catalina is COLD when the clouds are here.  Sure, you could tour the island and see the bison, the boardwalk shops, or take a glass bottom boat tour, but you probably would not want to snorkel. The water is too rough (and cold!)for little ones most of the year to do this anyways, even in the middle of summer. 

 

Ensenada is not really a kid friendly port. (Unless there is something I missed...)

 

The Gulf is always warmer.  There's a high chance you can get into the ocean at each port.  

[LibertyBella]

I'm another frequent cruiser who seconds the opinion of considering the Gulf of Mexico versus the Pacific for your first cruise.

 

Of course I always think longer cruises are much better than short ones (nice to unpack and relax for a while), although I have done many of the short ones on Carnival, including the Catalina and Ensenada cruise (which we combined with a visit to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Disney, so we were gone for over a week anyway). 

 

I also agree that the Catalina and Ensenada ports are much more adult-oriented, with bars, walking tours, etc.  The water is a bit rough and can be cool--husband actually went scuba diving in Catalina with a wetsuit because he wanted to swim in the kelp.  

 

There are some more child-friendly activities and soft beaches, and of course, much warmer weather and calmer waters in the Western Caribbean.  I also agree that you probably do NOT need a suite--spend the money on a smaller cabin for more days at sea.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful first cruise!

 

P.S. Do all of you have passports?

[sfaaa]

5-day cruise is always better than 4-day if the price difference is minimal. One more day of fun, sun and food. 

[Itried4498]

The OP is based in WA and expressed interest in a shorter cruise.  Unless the OP is willing to travel to Southern Florida, there likely won’t be a significant difference in weather between Los Angeles and Houston, New Orleans, etc.  April is a great time to cruise from SoCal - as long as the sun is out, it’ll be warm.  The 4-day Ensenada is a classic cruise - the ship doesn’t go far.  The return sea day on the 5-day Cabo may be rough and cooler, but it may not be.  
 

Seattle - Miami/Fort Lauderdale is the longest domestic flight within the lower 48.  Not sure it’s worth putting the family on a flight that’s 3x the distance of Los Angeles for a short cruise.

 

I highly recommend you work with a reputable travel agent - they can best direct you for a first cruise.  Unless money isn’t an object, there’s no need for a suite.  I make a living advising some of the wealthiest people in the country on how to spend their money.  People feel when they “budget” that they have to spend that money… really your goal should be to get the most for your dollars.  Spend diligently - an interior cabin is an excellent start because it’s comfortable to sleep but it will literally force your family to get out and enjoy the ship’s amenities.  
 

BTW, if I had to recommend a first cruise from SoCal, I’d go with RCL’s Navigator which also does the 4-day Ensenada run.  I prefer the ship to the Panorama, even though it’s two decades older.  RCL packs the 4-day with activities, events, etc. better than Carnival and the ship features arguably the two best waterslides at sea (alongside DCL’s new one).

[UPNYGuy]

1 hour ago, Itried4498 said:

Unless money isn’t an object, there’s no need for a suite.

 

I will also agree with this statement, especially on a shorter sailing such as this. Not to mention, on Carnival the suites come with no true upgrades perks compared to a balcony cabin unless on the newest (and $$$) ships. 

 

Full disclosure, I have booked a suite (my upcoming cruise on Legend) with Carnival, but only when it was less than 2 balconies. 

[jsglow]

5 hours ago, Itried4498 said:

The OP is based in WA and expressed interest in a shorter cruise.  Unless the OP is willing to travel to Southern Florida, there likely won’t be a significant difference in weather between Los Angeles and Houston, New Orleans, etc. 

That's not been my experience and I've sailed from all 3 ports multiple times. @LibertyBellaraises some excellent points, including the Passport issue which should be an immediate priority.

 

[Itried4498]

3 hours ago, jsglow said:

That's not been my experience and I've sailed from all 3 ports multiple times. @LibertyBellaraises some excellent points, including the Passport issue which should be an immediate priority.

 

 

Individual experiences are irrelevant as it's impossible to predict the weather.  Even though historical norms are becoming less reliable, they still represent the best information available.  Yes, Los Angeles is cooler but when the sun is out it feels much warmer.  The 3/4-day Ensenada itineraries are slow moving and are generally very comfortable in the second half of April.  And it gets as hot when you travel to Cabo as it does Cozumel / Progreso.  To asset that the weather while sailing (when the OP is travailing) will be grossly inferior on an LA-based cruise vs. Galveston or New Orleans is wrong.  It's unpredictable and shouldn't be the motivating factor in the decision.  Worth mentioning that Cancun & the Caribbean is a very humid climate and by the end of April, temps regularly reach near (or even in) the 90s, making it uncomfortable for many people.  The thing I dislike most about traveling to the region during the warm months... is that "humid smell" that takes several washings (upon returning home) to remove from our clothing.  Definitely won't have that problem in Cabo.

 

Nor is there a "passport" issue for any of the ports mentioned.  Passports are required for only a few Caribbean destinations, mostly in the French West Indies, that are on more costly niche itineraries that the OP isn't likely to consider.  Nor is Catalina or Cabo less "kid friendly" than Cozumel.  You can rent a golf cart at Catalina for 2 hours for $70-$100 and drive it around the island (up and down hills, most of the island is undeveloped) which is one of my favorite excursions and one of the best overall values.  Ensenada will keep a first time visitor (including kids) entertained -- you can get street tacos, sweets (candy, ice cream, popcorn, whatever), souvenirs, toys, etc. for far less than Cozumel or Cabo.  

 

I write this only so the OP isn't swayed by the preferences of a couple active users, as opposed to making the decision that's best for her family. :)

[staceyglow]

19 minutes ago, Itried4498 said:

  Worth mentioning that Cancun & the Caribbean is a very humid climate and by the end of April, temps regularly reach near (or even in) the 90s, making it uncomfortable for many people.  The thing I dislike most about traveling to the region during the warm months... is that "humid smell" that takes several washings (upon returning home) to remove from our clothing.  Definitely won't have that problem in Cabo.

 

 

 

 

My guess is that most people aren't that uncomfortable in that type of weather (Cozumel's average high in April is 87 degrees, BTW), or else Caribbean and Cozumel port stops wouldn't be as popular as they are from April - October.

 

Warmer weather doesn't bother most kids  What bothered mine was taking a Spring cruise where the water at the beach was cold and they needed a jacket on deck,  which was the case on our West Coast Mexican cruise.