Super Cheap Cruise to Ensenada Mexico on Carnival Cruise Lines

Have you ever thought of taking a cruise vacation? Maybe the length of the cruise or the expense has hindered you from making the final decision to jump on board. Well, pack your bags and your passport because the 4 night Carnival Cruise to Ensenada Mexico is the perfect cruise for you. It is priced right with packages starting at $199 per person and includes accommodations, food, on board entertainment and an extra port of call, Catalina Island. My husband and I went on this fun cruise for our anniversary. It was our first cruise and I have to say we were pleased across the deck; the service, food, entertainment, shopping, and shore excursions, all were what we expected a cruise to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Los Angeles at 5:30pm

Day 2: Arrive Catalina Island at 7:30am

Depart Catalina Island at 4:30 pm

Day 3: Arrive Ensenada Mexico at 9:00am

Depart Ensenada Mexico at 10:00pm

Day 4: Fun Day at Sea

Day 5: Arrive Los Angeles at 8:00am

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are not included in the base package price. You can add them at the time of booking your cruise but they are extra. If you plan to get off the ship while in port you need to plan at least one excursion. Believe it or not, some people never get off the ship! Some cruisers cruise just to be on board the ship. There are many activities to enjoy on board, but my recommendation is to get off the ship and experience the ports of call. Some of the excursions offered on this cruise include; on shore - beach escapes, snorkeling, fishing, glass bottom boat rides, shopping, biking and walking tours, whale watching, food tasting and sight seeing tours.

The glass bottom boat ride was the highlight of our visit to Catalina Island. You are able to feed the fish and watch them swim amongst the seaweed. It was like snorkeling without getting wet. Because we cruised during the month of January, it was a little too cold for us to snorkel. We also enjoyed shopping in the quaint town of Avalon and eating lunch in a small sidewalk café. The city center has a beautiful plaza and fountain that makes for perfect photo opportunities.

Our favorite excursion in Ensenada Mexico was the La Bufadora tour. La Bufadora is an underwater cave that sucks in sea water and then shoots it out the top, splashing people in the surrounding area! The sight is stunning. There is also an open air market located near by to shop for all your souvenirs.

By taking a taxi to downtown Ensenada you can participate in local cuisine and more shopping. We were told the best fish tacos could be found in Ensenada. I must admit we were not brave enough to eat any local food because we had heard stories of Montezuma's revenge. Looking back I should have taken the risk and dined on real Mexican food. Oh well, next time!

Cruise Food

The food on the ship is outstanding. I would rate it 4 stars. The main dining room is elegant and the service was excellent. Be sure to attend the Captain's Dinner and get your portrait taken, it is a nice souvenir of your cruise. There is a dress code in the main dining room; casual-sporty and for the Captain's Dinner the dress code is evening wear. In the casual dining area and on deck near the pool you will find food to consume continually! Pizza, hamburgers, fruit and other snacks are provided for your eating pleasure. Prepare to go on a diet after your cruise

Rooms

You have room choices on this cruise. The interior state room is comfortable but does not have a window. It is the most economical room but if you are claustrophobic, spend the extra money and upgrade to an ocean view room. And of course if you want to cruise in ultimate style, then you will want to book a suite. The suite rooms have a whirlpool tub, vanity dresser, and lots of space. We upgraded to an ocean view room and it was very pleasant. I enjoyed having a large window to look out and not feeling so enclosed. The service we received for our room was top notch. The room was kept spotless and a different towel animal made up and waiting for us every day on our bed.

Entertainment

On board entertainment includes Las Vegas styled shows, games, an internet café, a casino, dance clubs and lounges, a beauty spa, and a gym. With all of these activities on board you can see why some people never leave the ship! The evening shows were very fun and entertaining. I have to tell you that one evening the sea was rather rough, the curtains behind the stage were swinging back and forth... but the show must go on! The dancers that evening had special talents because they did not fall off the stage!

Gratuities and Alcohol

Gratuities are not included in the cruise package price. It is customary to pay 15% gratuity to your room attendant and waiter - servers in the main dining area. Also if you bring children on the cruise and they spend time in the youth center or day care you should tip them as well. Alcohol is not included in the package price either. Ice tea, lemonade and other fruit drinks, coffee and tea are free.

Cruise Travel Tips
You can book your cruise online at www.carnival.com, other travel sites like www.travelocity.com, or through a travel agent.

Always check the US Department of State Travel Site before traveling internationally for all safety alerts.

Bring your passport. Although Carnival Cruise Lines does not require US citizens who are leaving and returning to the same city in the US to have a passport, it will make it much easier when visiting ports of call to have a photo copy of your passport. If you do not bring a passport you must have a picture ID, such as a driver's license.

Bring Dramamine if you suffer from motion sickness. The sea was rough on our cruise, and many people were taking medication to help calm the motion sickness. I tend to get motion sickness when in small boats on open water, but I was fine on this cruise and it was rough. You know it's rough when the crew is commenting on it.

Bring a good book to read poolside.

Relax! This will be an easy travel assignment to accomplish because as you are lying there on your chaise lounge poolside, enjoying the live music, reading your good book, soaking up some sun, you won't be worrying about the mountains of money you spent to go on this cruise, you will actually be able to relax! ( I speak from experience!)

Note: Prices quoted are at the time of writing, are subject to change and certain restrictions apply. See www.carnival.com for details.
Source: www.carnival.com