Cruises from Los Angeles

Cruises from Los Angeles give you the opportunity to try some of LA’s fantastic restaurants before you set off on your vacation. Los Angeles is full of trendy restaurants that are run by some of the most renowned chefs in the world. Look for authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood, including everything from fish tacos to locally caught and exquisitely prepared whole filets of fish at waterfront restaurants. Southern California’s sunny weather and low chance of rain also makes it a fantastic place for outdoor dining. There are beer gardens, patios perched on the beachside cliffs of Malibu, and rooftop bars downtown, where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink under the California sun.

Los Angeles was originally home to the Chumash and Tongva people. Eventually, the area was claimed by Spain by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. It wasn’t until 1781 that the city was officially founded by the Spanish governor Felipe de Neve. In 1821, L.A. came under Mexican rule after the Mexican War of Independence. In 1848, at the end of the Mexican-American War, the city was purchased as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. A boom in the city’s population occurred several decades later when oil was discovered in the region in the 1890s. Today, Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, home to over four million residents. While a large number of the population works in the entertainment industry, L.A. is also the financial and commercial center of Southern California.

If you have dreams of sauntering down Rodeo Drive with your arms full of bags, head to the famous Beverly Hills area, which is full of luxury boutiques and designer brands. If you want to do some serious shopping without dropping a small fortune, head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where you’ll find an assortment of popular brand names mixed with affordable boutiques and beachwear shops.

The best way to get around in Los Angeles is by car, as there aren’t many public transportation options that will take you all around the city. The bus system has several routes, but it’s important to account for traffic delays, no matter what form of transportation you choose. Therefore, booking a shore excursion is a smart way to guarantee that you’ll arrive at your ship on time.

The official currency of Los Angeles is the U.S. dollar, and you will find many ATMs all around the city. Tipping 15% to 20% of your total bill is customary for restaurants and taxi service, and most locals leave closer to 20%. It’s common to see a tip jar at eateries and cafes with counter service. Loose change or a small tip isn’t expected, but is often left by locals and appreciated by the staff of those establishments.