Cheap cruises from Los Angeles open the door to warm beaches, iconic Pacific coastlines, and year-round sunshine-without stretching your travel budget. With two major cruise terminals and frequent departures, Southern California is one of the easiest places to begin a getaway. Travelers can choose everything from quick 3-4 night Mexico escapes to weeklong Baja and Riviera itineraries, as well as longer sailings to Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, or even the South Pacific. No matter your travel style, there are affordable cruise options from Los Angeles that make vacation planning simple.
Many of the most popular itineraries include relaxed roundtrip cruises to Cabo, Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta-perfect for beach lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking warm weather any time of year. Longer voyages stretch 10-15+ nights and visit Hawaii's volcanic landscapes, Alaska's glacier-filled fjords, or Panama Canal engineering marvels. Select seasonal repositioning cruises go even farther, reaching Australia, Transpacific ports, or destinations throughout the South Pacific, giving travelers a chance to explore multiple cultures on a single journey.
Because your vacation starts in Los Angeles, it's easy to extend the fun with a pre- or post-cruise stay. Enjoy world-famous beaches like Santa Monica and Venice, explore Hollywood's landmarks, dine along the waterfront in San Pedro, or visit top attractions such as Universal Studios or the Getty Center. Whether you're dreaming of tropical beaches, wildlife-rich northern landscapes, or immersive multi-country adventures, cheap cruises from Los Angeles offer unbeatable convenience, variety, and value - all beginning on the sunlit Southern California coast.
The Panama Canal offers itineraries packed with exceptional value. Many longer sailings pass through the iconic canal and visit ports such as Colon, Cartagena, and Puntarenas, showcasing lush rainforests, tropical coastlines, and remarkable engineering feats. For those looking for affordable destination-rich vacations, these journeys provide ample time in port and an effortless way to explore multiple countries within one memorable, well-priced adventure.
Mexico cruises provide an exciting and convenient way to experience golden beaches, vibrant cultural traditions, and colorful coastal towns-often for far less than a typical land vacation. For travelers seeking affordable warm-weather travel, these sailings offer standout value, blending sunny shore excursions, flavorful local cuisine, and relaxing onboard amenities into one easy, budget-friendly getaway.
Hawaii remains a favorite for travelers craving a cost-conscious tropical getaway. Many cruise itineraries include visits to several islands, giving guests the chance to experience Hawaii's varied landscapes and culture without juggling multiple flights or extra transportation expenses. It's a great option for vacationers looking for affordable cruise offers while still enjoying classic Hawaiian highlights like beachfront sunsets, waterfall hikes, vibrant luaus, and scenic volcanic shores.
Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier for classic seaside fun, lively entertainment, and wide ocean views?much of which can be enjoyed at little to no cost. Stroll the boardwalk, watch street performers, or relax on the beach just steps away. For travelers seeking budget-friendly waterfront activities, Santa Monica delivers sunshine, scenery, and plenty of photo spots without expensive admissions.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory offers sweeping views of Los Angeles, the Pacific coastline, and the Hollywood Sign-all from a free public attraction. Visitors can walk the grounds, explore the exhibits, or enjoy sunset panoramas from the overlook. It's an excellent pick for travelers looking for free sightseeing paired with some of the most memorable vistas in Southern California.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Explore the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, where thousands of stars celebrate film, music, and television history. A self-guided stroll is free and ideal for travelers who want an easy, budget-friendly activity close to shops, cafes, and Hollywood landmarks. Guests can enjoy people-watching, street performers, and fun photo opportunities right in the heart of LA.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Stroll the eclectic Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its lively mix of artists, performers, quirky shops, and oceanfront paths. Visitors can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skatepark or simply enjoy the beach atmosphere. For travelers seeking cheap things to do in LA, Venice offers endless people-watching and coastal scenery without needing to spend much.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of Los Angeles' most impressive cultural attractions, offering world-class art, beautiful gardens, and panoramic city views. Admission is free, making it ideal for visitors interested in budget-friendly sightseeing with a touch of history and architecture. Guests can explore galleries, outdoor terraces, or simply relax among the museum's scenic hillside surroundings.
The most affordable and straightforward option from LAX to either the San Pedro or Long Beach cruise terminals is using shared shuttle services or public transit. For San Pedro, travelers can take the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station and connect to a Metro bus toward the waterfront, usually totaling $12-$15 per person. To Long Beach, Metro rail connections (Green Line - A Line) often run under $10 per person and avoid traffic-heavy taxi fares.
Rideshares from a nearby transit stop can bring you right to the terminal while still keeping the cost much lower than a direct airport-to-port taxi. For groups with luggage, splitting a rideshare from Union Station or Downtown Long Beach often remains the most budget-friendly door-to-door option.
Both San Pedro and Long Beach offer official port parking, but daily rates can add up quickly. To save money, many cruisers choose off-site parking lots or long-term garages located a short shuttle ride from the terminals. Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz help secure lower daily rates with advance reservations.
An additional strategy is parking at Metro rail stations or in affordable neighborhood lots, then using transit or a short rideshare to reach the port. This combo not only reduces parking fees but also avoids heavy traffic near the terminals during peak boarding times.
For travelers seeking value-focused cruise fares from LA, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises often provide the most competitive pricing, especially on 3-7 night sailings to Mexico. These itineraries frequently feature seasonal promotions, early-bird rates, and discounted shoulder-season departures.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line also run attractive deals on Panama Canal, Hawaii, and longer repositioning itineraries. Checking for flash sales, loyalty discounts, and flexible-date options often yields the best cheap-cruise opportunities departing from Los Angeles.
The cheapest fares for LA departures are typically found during shoulder seasons-late winter (January-February) and fall (September-November). During these quieter travel periods, cruise lines often release markdowns, added-value perks, or discounted stateroom upgrades.
Repositioning cruises (between Alaska, Mexico, or Hawaii) also tend to be priced lower than standard roundtrip itineraries. Travelers who are flexible with dates, sailing length, and ship choice will often find significantly better deals than during peak spring break or summer travel.
From downtown LA, the most cost-effective and easy transportation option is Metro rail plus a short rideshare. For San Pedro, the A Line (Blue Line) toward Long Beach can bring you close to Harbor transit connections for just a few dollars. For Long Beach sailings, the A Line drops you directly into Downtown Long Beach, where a short walk or low-cost rideshare gets you to the terminal.
Buses also run between downtown and the waterfront, although they take longer. For groups or families, splitting a rideshare from downtown may end up being both affordable and convenient depending on traffic.
Hotels near the ports-especially in San Pedro and Long Beach's waterfront areas-can be expensive during busy cruise weeks. A smarter, budget-conscious approach is staying in nearby districts such as Torrance, Carson, Redondo Beach, or Downtown Long Beach, all of which offer lower nightly rates and easy access to the terminals.
Midweek stays typically cost less than weekends, and many LA-area hotels bundle parking or shuttle perks into "Park & Cruise" packages. Booking early and checking flexible cancellation options often ensures the best value before your sailing.
San Pedro's World Cruise Center generally provides complimentary Wi-Fi for passengers during embarkation, allowing you to finish check-in tasks or download boarding documents. Long Beach's terminal may offer intermittent access depending on crowd levels and event days. Using the port's free Wi-Fi helps avoid data charges and makes pre-boarding preparations easier.
In San Pedro, just a few blocks from the terminal, you'll find family-run cafes, taco shops, and casual diners offering budget-friendly meals far cheaper than waterfront restaurant prices. The nearby Downtown San Pedro district has affordable pizzerias, bakeries, and grab-and-go spots perfect for snacks before boarding.
In Long Beach, Pine Avenue and The Promenade feature reasonably priced eateries, coffee shops, and markets within walking distance. Stocking up on drinks or snacks at a grocery store beforehand can also save significant money compared to onboard pricing.
Booking through the cruise line ensures easy logistics and guaranteed return-to-ship timing, but it often costs more. Independent tour operators in Mexico, Hawaii, and Panama typically offer similar excursions for lower prices, especially for beach days, food tours, or cultural experiences.
If you're comfortable arranging your own transportation and timing, researching local companies can save a substantial amount. Just make sure independent providers are well-reviewed and reputable before booking. Early planning almost always yields better deals.
Because the LA cruise terminals do not provide luggage storage, the most affordable option is using third-party storage services located around Downtown LA, Long Beach, or near major Metro stations. These services usually cost $6-$10 per bag and allow you to explore the city freely before boarding.
If you're staying at a hotel the night before your cruise, many properties will hold your bags before check-in - often for free. This simple strategy keeps costs low and gives you more time to enjoy LA without carrying luggage around.
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Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
