A Quick Royal Caribbean Getaway to Catalina Island and Ensenada

September 1, 2024

After flying to Southern California to move Ethan into Biola University, we had a few free days before the official new student and family orientation. Normally, I’m the type to plan every detail of a trip, but with all the focus on college prep, we decided to do something different – we booked a four-night Royal Caribbean cruise out of Los Angeles and didn’t plan a thing.

This was my first-ever cruise, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed: a chance to slow down, relax, and process this big transition for our family.

Sailing from Los Angeles

We cruised on Navigator of the Seas, which sails regularly from the Los Angeles/Long Beach area. Boarding was quick and easy, and before long, we were on deck watching the California coastline fade away. It felt great to unwind after the busy move-in days.

Royal Caribbean Key Program

On our sailing, we had the option to upgrade to the VIP Key program. The price for this special program changes based on the length and date of your cruise. For us, the upgrade was definitely worth it. We each received premium Wi-Fi, enjoyed priority boarding, and had a special lunch in the main dining room right after we got on board. Throughout the cruise, we got to experience VIP access to popular activities like the water slides and rock climbing. The best part was on the last day, when we had a relaxed breakfast in the main dining room followed by a leisurely, late departure.

Exploring the Ship: Activities and Shows

One of the best surprises of the cruise was just how much there was to do on board. Navigator of the Seas had something for everyone – from live music and Broadway-style shows to trivia games, dance classes, and even an ice-skating rink.

There were also endless spots to explore: cozy lounges, quiet corners for reading, a mini golf course, rock climbing, and waterslides. Whether we wanted to be active or just kick back, there was always something happening. It felt like a floating resort with nonstop entertainment.

Dining on Board

One of the best things about our cruise was the incredible variety of food – and so much of it was included! We ate most of our dinners in the main dining room, where the menu changed every night, with some classic favorites always available.

For dinner, we chose My Time Dining, which offers a flexible way to eat. Instead of having a set dinner time each evening, you can dine anytime within a specific window. This was perfect for us because it let us eat when we were hungry and fit our dinner around our evening plans. While you can simply walk up and ask for a table, we found it was a good idea to make a reservation on the Royal Caribbean app to avoid a wait.

A quick tip: Dining times and policies can vary by ship and itinerary. We recommend checking the Royal Caribbean website or app for the most up-to-date information on dining options and to make reservations.

During the day, we had no shortage of options either. You could find soft-serve ice cream by the pool, a delicious taco bar, and pastries at the coffee shop. The Windjammer buffet was a go-to for a quick meal (just remember to “washy washy”!). With all of these choices, we were definitely never hungry.

Catalina Island: Conservancy Tour and Bison

Our first stop was Catalina Island, just off the coast of California. We booked a tour through the Catalina Island Conservancy, which took us into the island’s interior.

The highlight was seeing wild American bison roaming the hills. They were originally brought to the island for a movie in the 1920s and have lived there ever since. The Conservancy now manages the herd to protect both the animals and the environment. It was a unique and memorable experience.

Ensenada: Exploring and a Quiet Ship

Our second stop was Ensenada, Mexico. We got off the ship, explored the port area, browsed market stalls, and picked up a few souvenirs.

By midday, we headed back to the ship – and it turned out to be the best decision. With most passengers still in town, the pool deck was almost empty. We spent the afternoon swimming, lounging, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

The Perfect First Cruise

For my first cruise – and without much planning – it was just right. We had time to relax, explore, and enjoy being together before returning for family orientation and saying our final good-byes to Ethan.

It was a reminder that sometimes the best trips aren’t the ones you plan perfectly – they’re the ones that give you exactly what you need in the moment.