Shout out to the staff at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center, who run this large mass of land like…read morea well oiled machine. There was a number of ships and untold numbers of people waiting to embark on their vacations. The luggage staff was helpful, the attendants helped our elderly family members with wheelchairs, literally every staff person greeted us with a smile and said enjoy your vacation. I was nervous about getting on the ship in time but the luggage and security processes were seamless. Shout out to the staff at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center, who run this large mass of land like a well oiled machine. There was a number of ships and untold numbers of people waiting to embark on their vacations. The luggage staff was helpful, the attendants helped our elderly family members with wheelchairs, literally every staff person greeted us with a smile and said enjoy your vacation. I was nervous about getting on the ship in time but the luggage and security processes were seamless.

Another visit to the Los Angeles World Cruise Center: this time to take the Royal Caribbean ship,…read moreQuantum of the Seas, on a 4 night cruise to Catalina and Ensenada. This review is for the logistics of the cruise port itself, and in that respect, it was OK. My wife and I came on a Monday mid-morning, with the Lyft from downtown Long Beach to San Pedro taking 15 minutes and costing about $30. Our scheduled check-in time was 12:30 at Berth 92, but through experience knew that we could arrive earlier. Unlike the nearby Long Beach cruise port, there is no green space here...it's a very utilitarian set-up, basically a cruise terminal using a large maritime warehouse. Arriving at 10:00, we bypassed the luggage check-in area since we had only carry-on luggage. All guests were allowed to get in the security check line inside. It's a similar set-up to an airport, with us needing to lift our bags to go through conveyor x-ray (except sealed liquids are allowed). One thing they will confiscate is hard liquor, beer, and a second bottle of wine per person. They also will question power strips, unless it's needed for medical equipment like a CPAP machine. Once through, you are directed to a series of smaller queues, each with a port worker with tablet, checking people in. One of us needed to bring up the boarding pass on our phone, and then provide both of our passports. It didn't take long, and we were reminded that we wouldn't need our passports again during our trip (which ended up being true). Unlike other cruise lines, RC does not give you your sea pass/room card at this time. Thus, your boarding pass on your phone is important, even after check-in. Each cruise port does the next part slightly differently. Here, we were directed to a large sitting area with makeshift folding chairs, where we sat down to wait. It didn't take long: at about 10:30, people were allowed to board the ship. We needed to get our boarding pass scanned again at the port one last time. We boarded the ship by 10:45. On disembarkation day, we got off on Berth 92. Berth 93 had the RC Navigator of the Seas. There were two gangways on Deck 5, one on each end of the ship. The Royal Theater and Two70 were good places to hang out. Vacating our room was mandatory by 8, but we left by 7, hoping to leave with our hand carried luggage early. The lines were well organized, with attendants clearly directing people how to use their luggage to maintain their place in line. At exactly 7:30, the ship was cleared by the port and we started moving. We scanned our ship card for the last time, and then walked a long portable winding gangway. From there was a narrow escalator to ground level. We were in the group that was self-assist, meaning we had all of our luggage with us and didn't need to pick up any additional luggage (though it looks like the workers had already made good progress from the look of things). From there we went through passport control, with one line for folks with birth certificates only, and the two for folks with passports. All it took was one picture and we were done. The area for rideshare (and private pickup) is right in front of Berth 91. It was crowded when we got there, but it was very difficult to get a rideshare. We later learned that it was because the port authority had blocked much of the roads into port in preparation for the Memorial weekend facilities. So many rideshare drivers just didn't want to deal with it. After cancellations, I upgraded to a Black Lyft (about 2.5 times the normal price) and got someone pretty quickly (we got lucky..he had dropped somebody off earlier and was just looking for a ride worth his while). Ended up costing us about $70, but we got home before 9 am. Extras: -- Has 3 Berths: Berth B92 is the main terminal, with B93 being used when B92 is used. On very rare occasions, there could be a third ship docked, and that would use B46 (about 2 miles south on the outer harbor). There is also a B50, which is also located on the outer harbor (only used once in 2026). There's been talk about converting the outer berths into a real-time cruise terminal, rivaling those in Galveston or Florida. Nothing concrete though. -- Like LAX, the designers didn't really think about how cars can effectively get in/get out when very busy (i.e. two ships in port together). -- During the summer months, only RC uses this port: two ships, one doing weekly cruises (Fridays) and one doing 4 day/3 day (Mondays and Fridays). Thus Fridays are the days when most busy.

I highly recommend taking the guided tour! Our tour guides Jeff, Kai, and Gavin were amazing and…read morevery knowledgeable. The USS Iowa is such an integral part of our history and I could've spent an entire day aboard if they would've let us. Again highly recommend to take a tour or even just contribute to the preservation of our history!

I live in Long Beach California. World War 2 battle ship in my backyard…read more I highly recommend this Naval Battle ship tour. You can spend literally hours on the ship. Plenty of knowledgeable to soak up. God Bless the US Navy!! I recommend.

I brought my son here for his birthday. We were greeted by Gordon the tour director for the ship…read more Throughout the tour, he was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. My son absolutely loved the experience. Gordon took us to the bridge and the cargo holds. The friendly crew gave a demonstration of cargo loading. Then we went to the engine room. My wife and I enjoyed it as well. I want to thank Gordon for making it such a great and memorable experience.

We boarded the ship shortly after opening. Our tour guide was Gordon who was amazing. He was an…read moreabsolute wealth of knowledge, had countless stories, and really just gave our group a very personal and memorable experience. I've been to the Iowa, the Queen Mary, and even the O'Brien which is a very similar ship to this. None of those ships came close to the Lane Victory in terms of the level of access we had to spaces inside the ship, and the level of passion from our tour guide. Gordon gave the best tour of any museum that I've ever visited. Highly recommend you come check out this ship. These guys are eager to get back out on the water and they need our help to do it!

Spent a fun evening on a walking tour around some historic streets of San Pedro. I don't think most…read morepeople think of San Pedro as a historic tourist destination, but it has so much history. I love learning about history and the tour guides knew so much about the area, as well as being super friendly and easy/fun to listen to. They had tales of famous people like Capone and Marilyn Monroe, as well as just locals from times past. I went on the supernatural tour which took us to locations known for supernatural activities and we got to try out some different tools that are supposed to pick up supernatural energy. Everyone got a kick of that. The area is basically on the waterfront, so it can get cool in the evenings, so bring a jacket and wear comfy shoes. It's a fun way to learn and get your steps in for the day, LOL.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the San Pedro Explorers After Dark tour, but it ended up being…read moreone of the highlights of my trip! The guides were super knowledgeable and had just the right mix of humor and creep factor. They shared some seriously wild stories--everything from local legends to real unsolved crimes. Definitely not your typical tourist experience (in the best way possible). What really made the night stand out, though, was getting hands-on with the paranormal investigation gear. We used dowsing rods and a spirit box at some of the more active spots, and whether you're a believer or just in it for fun, it's a unique and kinda thrilling experience. There were a few moments where things got really quiet--and then the spirit box lit up, which definitely gave me chills. It's adults-only, which made the vibe feel a bit more relaxed and immersive. If you're into ghost stories, history, or just want to do something different at night, I definitely recommend checking this out. Bring your curiosity--and maybe a little courage!

From the owner: Take your trip with experienced captain to open ocean and enjoy all moment! You will have a chance…read moreto see wildlife and beautiful sunsets! Also you can take a trip to Catalina island and explore underwater life!

We did the Harbor tour and really enjoyed it! A nice way to take in some fresh sea breeze. The…read morestaff was super nice and knowledgeable. My main complaint is that I wish they wouldn't blast music the entire time, esp as it sort of ruins the experience. I took a tour a year back and there was no music. I also wish there was a little less chatting through the intercom and more time for quiet to enjoy the scenery. Other than that we enjoyed it!

POSITIVES +1) The crew was very friendly…read more+2) The boat was very clean. Especially the galley and restrooms. +3) The narration from tour guide was informative and easy to hear over the loudspeaker. +4) I appreciate them taking precautions with COVID like requiring masks and having a separation window in the galley. +5) The galley snacks are reasonably priced. You can bring your own snacks if you like. We did. +6/-6) The crew does accept tips. For our experience I would absolutely have tipped. But because of -2) below I did not because that had my unused $40 ticket fee already that was not refundable. I felt that was my tip instead. See below. NEGATIVES -1) The access to the boat IS NOT handicap accessible. I did not see this warning on their webpage when we ordered a ticket for our 75 year old mother. If I missed the warning I apologize. -2) Tickets are non refundable once you order. This was noted on their website. We ended up loosing (1) $40 ticket cost because our mother was not able to go. It would have been nice to have been offered a voucher to come back at a later date considering, A) you had our money already, B) 1 return voucher would have obviously turned into other purchased tickets and not just the one person and they would have gained more fees. -3) Because tickets are non refundable I do not recommend buying them in advance. Although you save $5 by buying early you may end up loosing out if your whole party doesn't end up going like we did. Just get there at least 30-45 minutes early and get in line. You'll be fine.

My tour to Saudi Arabia with Distant Horizons and sponsored by The National Trust was a premier…read moretrip and I highly recommend it for both new and experienced travelers. The tour introduced me to a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity, with significant cultural and historical sites. We saw major cities, deserts, and oases. What made the trip special were the knowledgeable guides - local and American - and the meetings they set up with significant people in the governance and development of the country. The Saudi people are warm and welcoming, and the country is safe. It was an honor to explore Saudi Arabia with Distant Horizons.

For 25 years now, Distant Horizons has been taking me to the world's most fascinating places--Iran,…read moreCuba, Uzbekistan, Syria and Jordan. It's the only agency I trust when it comes to rich and distant cultural centers and wherever I'm going, I know its master owner will introduce me to remarkable locals, the deepest and most interesting guides, the most colorful hotels and dozens of sites I would never have known about otherwise. I can't imagine how my life as a traveler would have unfolded without the guidance and brilliance of Distant Horizons. Pico Iyer

Great experience. Comfortable seats. Price is high. Very nice trip overall. Easy parkingread more

There are two options to get to Catalina island: ferry or flight…read more We bought a one day two way ferry ticket from Long Beach to Avalon. The weekend tickets sells out fast, please reserve at least one month ahead. I could not find any regular tickets by the time I booked our seats and had to change our plan to a Sunday with inside cabin seat. I had seasickness while seating inside and had to come out to the desk to sooth myself. The regular open air ticket costs about $88 but the inside cabin is about ~$134. The inside cabin ticket includes a free drink and a small snack ( cookies vs pretzels). There is restroom conveniently located inside. Staffs are courteous and friendly.

I can't say enough good things about Harbor breeze cruises. They are even going to be offering jet…read moreski paddle board and paddle boat rentals this summer the 45 minute cruise is such a pleasure. I'll post more pictures soon. I'm going on another one. I love the snack bar and bar. There's a bathroom on board and the crew is fun and lively. If you have a party with a bunch of people or friends, this is a great way to get everyone on a boat for less than an hour and go back to what you're doing and enjoy all the beautiful sites and scenery, and beautiful parks of San Pedro.

We came in a day early to see and enjoy LA before our cruise. We decided to take a tour of the…read moreHarbor. Very affordable and the captain gave great history about the different spots he went by. There were drinks and snacks to purchase on board. I noticed almost everyone didn't tip?!?! So just a heads up. It's always a polite thing to do to tip your crew! You don't have to go crazy but anything it's just a nice gesture. Also they also offer whale watching at an affordable price. I have always wanted to do that and will definitely book that when we are back in LA in a few months.

it was great! The weather was perfect. The boat crew and educators were knowledgeable and friendly…read more And we saw a blue whale!

the company was very good about sending a reminder about our reservation. The cruise was…read morecomfortable, and we saw whales!! We saw a mother and child finned whale, multiple times. The captain did a great job positioning the boat so everyone got a good view. All in all a great experience.