Cruises from Los Angeles 2026, 2027 – Discover the Best Cruise Deals from Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most popular West Coast cruise departure cities, offering a wide range of itineraries to Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Pacific Coast and beyond. For Australian travellers planning a North America holiday, it can be a convenient place to combine time in California with a cruise before or after exploring the city. You can enjoy Los Angeles highlights such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, theme parks, shopping, dining and nearby beaches, then continue your holiday at sea.

On this page, you can compare cruises from Los Angeles by cruise line, ship, departure date, itinerary, pricing and cabin type. Whether you are looking for a shorter Mexico cruise, a longer Hawaii voyage or a bucket-list Panama Canal itinerary, Cruise Guru makes it easy to review your options in one place and book your chosen sailing directly on this page.

Why Choose Los Angeles for Your Cruise Holiday?

Los Angeles is a strong choice for travellers who want a cruise holiday with easy access to the US West Coast. The city is well connected by international flights, making it a practical gateway for Australians planning a cruise as part of a broader North America trip. Before or after your cruise, you can add extra time to enjoy the city’s beaches, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and famous attractions.

The destination options are also varied. Depending on the season and cruise line, Los Angeles cruise itineraries may include Mexico, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal or longer voyages that continue to other regions. This makes the city suitable for different travel styles, from relaxed warm-weather escapes through to longer, destination-rich cruise holidays.

Departure Ports: San Pedro and Long Beach

Cruises in the Los Angeles area generally depart from either San Pedro or Long Beach, depending on the cruise line and sailing. Many cruise lines use the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal at San Pedro, while some sailings, especially Carnival itineraries, may depart from Long Beach.

This is an important detail to check before you travel, as San Pedro and Long Beach are separate cruise areas. Your final cruise documents will confirm the exact terminal, boarding time and check-in instructions for your sailing. If you are flying into Los Angeles before your cruise, it is worth allowing enough time for airport transfers, traffic and pre-cruise accommodation, especially if you are arriving from Australia.

Popular Cruise Destinations

Mexico Cruises

Mexico cruises are one of the most popular choices for travellers departing from the Los Angeles area, with itineraries that may include Baja California and Mexican Riviera ports. Depending on the sailing, you may visit destinations such as Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlán.

This style of cruise is a strong option for travellers looking for warm weather, coastal scenery, beach time and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Shorter Mexico itineraries can suit travellers adding a cruise to a California holiday, while longer sailings give you more time to enjoy multiple ports along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Hawaii Cruises

Hawaii cruises are ideal for travellers who want a longer voyage with a relaxing mix of sea days and island destinations. Depending on the itinerary, sailings may include ports such as Honolulu, Hilo, Maui or Kauai, with routes varying by cruise line, ship and season.

A Hawaii itinerary can be a good fit for travellers who enjoy scenic cruising, warm weather, volcanic landscapes, beaches and a slower holiday pace. These cruises are usually longer than Mexico or Pacific Coast sailings, making them better suited to travellers who want a more complete cruise experience rather than a short getaway.

Panama Canal Cruises

Panama Canal cruises are a strong choice for travellers looking for a longer and more memorable journey. These itineraries often appeal to cruisers who want a bucket-list route, with the canal itself forming one of the major highlights of the voyage.

Depending on the itinerary, a Panama Canal sailing may also include ports in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America or the US East Coast. This type of cruise is usually best suited to travellers who want an extended holiday with more time onboard and a wider range of destinations.

Pacific Coast Cruises

Pacific Coast cruises are a great way to experience more of the US West Coast by sea. Depending on the itinerary, sailings may include destinations such as San Francisco, San Diego, Catalina Island, Ensenada or other coastal ports.

These cruises can work well for travellers who want a shorter or mid-length itinerary without travelling too far from California. Travellers comparing West Coast cruise options may also look at cruises from San Francisco or cruises from San Diego, depending on their preferred route, flight plans and available sailing dates.

Alaska and Longer West Coast Options

Alaska cruises are more commonly associated with ports such as Seattle, Vancouver, Seward or Anchorage, but they can still be relevant for travellers comparing longer seasonal or repositioning-style West Coast cruise options. Los Angeles may suit travellers who are building a broader North America cruise holiday and want to compare different starting points.

This option should be considered more carefully than Mexico, Hawaii or Panama Canal itineraries, as Los Angeles is not the main Alaska departure port. It is better positioned as part of wider West Coast cruise planning rather than a core Los Angeles cruise destination.

Short and Longer Cruise Options

Los Angeles offers a useful mix of cruise durations, making it suitable for different travel plans and budgets. Shorter sailings may include Mexico or Pacific Coast itineraries, which can be ideal if you want to add a cruise to a wider California holiday without spending too long at sea.

Longer voyages may include Hawaii, the Panama Canal, South America, extended Pacific Coast routes or repositioning-style itineraries. These sailings are better suited to travellers who want a more substantial cruise holiday, with more sea days, more ports and a greater sense of journey.

When comparing options, consider the total number of nights, the number of ports, sea days, flight timing, cabin type and the overall pace of the itinerary. A shorter cruise may be easier to fit into a holiday, while a longer cruise can offer better value for travellers who want more time onboard.

Popular Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises is a popular choice for fun, casual and family-friendly cruise holidays from the Los Angeles area. Carnival sailings are often associated with Long Beach, with itineraries that may include Mexico and other West Coast destinations.

Carnival can suit travellers who want a lively onboard atmosphere, relaxed dining, entertainment, activities and a cruise style that works well for families, couples and groups. It is also a strong option for travellers looking at shorter or mid-length itineraries.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises is a strong choice for travellers who enjoy larger ships, varied dining, entertainment and plenty of onboard activities. Depending on the season, Royal Caribbean itineraries from the Los Angeles area may include Mexico and other West Coast cruise options.

This cruise line can suit families, couples and groups who want a holiday with a good balance of destination time and onboard experiences. Activities, entertainment venues, casual dining and family-friendly facilities make Royal Caribbean a popular option for travellers who want more to do while at sea.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a well-known choice for travellers looking for destination-led cruising with a relaxed onboard style. Princess itineraries may include Mexico, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal and longer cruise options depending on the season.

Princess can be a good fit if you want a comfortable ship experience, quality dining, entertainment, enrichment activities and a more traditional cruise atmosphere. It is also a strong option for travellers who prefer longer itineraries and well-planned port schedules.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line can appeal to travellers who prefer a more flexible cruise style. With a focus on choice, casual dining and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, Norwegian Cruise Line is a useful option to compare when reviewing Los Angeles cruise itineraries.

Depending on availability, sailings may include Mexico, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal or longer North America cruise options. It can suit travellers who want a less formal onboard experience and the flexibility to choose how they spend their time at sea.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is a good option for travellers who enjoy a more classic and destination-focused cruise experience. The line is often well suited to longer itineraries, premium-style cruising and travellers who prefer a calmer onboard atmosphere.

For Los Angeles cruise planning, Holland America may be worth comparing if you are interested in Hawaii, the Panama Canal, the Pacific Coast or extended itineraries. It can suit travellers who value dining, service, music, enrichment and a more traditional style of cruising.

Other Cruise Lines

Depending on the season and itinerary, you may also find sailings with other cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn or Viking. These options can be especially appealing if you are looking for premium, small-ship or luxury-style cruising.

Availability can change by ship, season and destination, so it is worth comparing the live cruise results on this page to see which cruise lines, itineraries and fares best match your travel plans.

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Cruise

The best Los Angeles cruise depends on how long you want to travel, the destinations you prefer and the onboard style that suits you best. Mexico cruises are often a good choice for shorter warm-weather holidays, while Hawaii cruises suit travellers who enjoy longer voyages with plenty of sea days. Panama Canal cruises are ideal if you want a bucket-list itinerary, while Pacific Coast cruises are useful for travellers who want to explore more of the West Coast.

It is also worth comparing cruise lines carefully. Carnival and Royal Caribbean can suit travellers looking for a lively, activity-filled holiday, while Princess and Holland America are strong options for more traditional or destination-focused cruising. Norwegian Cruise Line may appeal if you prefer flexibility, while premium and luxury lines can suit travellers looking for a more refined experience.

Before booking, compare the itinerary length, departure date, ports, sea days, ship, cabin type and total fare. This page lets you review available sailings in one place, making it easier to choose the cruise that best fits your dates, budget and travel style.

Cruises from Los Angeles FAQs

Where do LA cruises depart from?

Cruises in the Los Angeles area may depart from San Pedro or Long Beach, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Many cruise lines use the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal at San Pedro, while Carnival sailings are commonly associated with Long Beach. Always check your final cruise documents for the confirmed terminal before travelling.

What destinations can you visit?

Popular destinations may include Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast. Depending on the season and itinerary, longer voyages may also connect with other parts of North America, Central America, South America or repositioning routes.

Can you cruise to Mexico?

Yes, Mexico is one of the most popular cruise options from the Los Angeles area. Itineraries may include Baja California or Mexican Riviera ports such as Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlán, depending on the sailing.

Are there Hawaii cruises available?

Yes, some longer itineraries include Hawaii. These cruises are usually longer than Mexico or Pacific Coast sailings and can be a good choice for travellers who enjoy sea days, island destinations and a more relaxed cruise pace.

Which cruise lines sail from LA?

Cruise lines may include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises and selected premium or luxury lines depending on the season. Availability varies by ship, date and itinerary.

Is LA a good cruise departure city for Australian travellers?

Yes, Los Angeles can be a convenient cruise departure city for Australians planning a North America holiday. It offers international flight access, well-known pre-cruise attractions and a wide range of cruise options to Mexico, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal and beyond.

Book Your Los Angeles Cruise with Confidence

Once you are ready, you can compare itineraries, check pricing, review cabin options and book your Los Angeles cruise directly on this page. You can also compare cruise lines, ships, sailing dates and destination options in one place, which makes it easier to choose the cruise that suits your travel plans.

For extra peace of mind, Cruise Guru also offers a Price Guarantee, which can help you book with added confidence when comparing eligible fares. For the latest cruise deals, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. If you need help comparing fares, cabins or itineraries, call us on 13 13 03, get in touch through Contact Us or request a call through Request a Call Back.