Getting ashore
Catalina Island is usually a tender stop.
Build in extra time at both ends of the day, especially if you are planning an independent tour or want to be first ashore.
United States
Catalina Island Cruise Port
Catalina Island is a solid port day with frequent tendering and lighter cruise traffic throughout the year, but concentrated in March through April.
Usually tenders
Usually quiet
~10h typical visit
Mid-size ships
What to expect in Catalina Island
How much time will you have?
About 9h 30m is typical
Most cruises spend 9h to 10h in Catalina Island, which makes it a solid port day compared with many stops.
How busy does Catalina Island get?
This is usually a quieter cruise stop.
Multiple ships overlap on roughly 0% of days, so most dates should feel manageable.
- Typical day: ~2,900 passengers
- Busy day: 4,250+ passengers
- Multiple ships on 0% of days
Check your date
November 2026
Jump
Quieter
Busier
Ships
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Where Catalina Island fits into a cruise
Catalina Island is most commonly visited on West Coast itineraries, often alongside Los Angeles and Long Beach .
Commonly arrives from
Catalina Island
Commonly continues to
When to cruise to Catalina Island
Cruises visit year-round, with the busiest season from March through April.
Cruises visit year-round, with the busiest season from March through April.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Visits
20
24
35
27
24
24
21
24
21
16
19
23
Who sails here?
Ships visiting Catalina Island typically carry around 2,896 guests, with Ovation of the Seas, Carnival Radiance, and Serenade of the Seas calling most often.
Most frequently visiting ships
- 1 Ovation of the Seas 44 calls
- 2 Carnival Radiance 32 calls
- 3 Serenade of the Seas 15 calls
- 4 Carnival Firenze 7 calls
- 5 Voyager of the Seas 4 calls
- 6 Carnival Luminosa 1 call
Next port calls
Nov 4 Ovation of the Seas
Nov 6 Voyager of the Seas
Nov 10 Carnival Firenze
Nov 11 Ovation of the Seas
Nov 17 Carnival Firenze
Cruises that visit Catalina Island
Ovation of the Seas
Los Angeles → Catalina Island → Ensenada → Los Angeles
Feb 8, 2027 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 3
$329 balcony · $82/night
17% below typical · 3-month low
Serenade of the Seas
San Diego → Catalina Island → Ensenada → San Diego
Nov 29, 2026 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 2
$229 oceanview · $57/night
18% below typical · 3-month low
Voyager of the Seas
Los Angeles → Catalina Island → Ensenada → Los Angeles
Jan 4, 2027 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 3
$259 interior · $65/night
38% below typical · Price trending down
Ovation of the Seas
Los Angeles → Catalina Island → Ensenada → Los Angeles
Jan 25, 2027 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 3
$320 balcony · $80/night
15% below typical · 3-month low
Ovation of the Seas
Los Angeles → Catalina Island → Ensenada → Los Angeles
Feb 22, 2027 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 3
$290 interior · $73/night
10% below typical · 3-month low
Serenade of the Seas
San Diego → Catalina Island → Ensenada → San Diego
Jan 10, 2027 · 4 nights
Visits Catalina Island on day 2
$269 oceanview · $67/night
20% below typical · 3-month lowCruise routes that include Catalina Island
These route families show how cruise lines usually package Catalina Island, so you can compare the whole trip instead of judging this stop by itself.
West Coast
Catalina Island → Ensenada
From Los Angeles · 4–5 nights · Next Nov 2
From $219 interior · $55/night
Best departure: 17% below typical
41 upcoming departures · 2 ships
Mexican Riviera · West Coast
Catalina Island → Cabo San Lucas → Ensenada
From Los Angeles · 7–8 nights · Next Dec 4
From $464 interior · $66/night
Best departure: 11% below typical
5 upcoming departures · 1 ship
Mexican Riviera · West Coast
Catalina Island → Cabo San Lucas → Mazatlan
From Los Angeles · 8 nights · Next Nov 5
From $2,332 suite · $291/night
Best departure: 1% below typical
1 upcoming departure · 1 ship
Mexican Riviera · West Coast
Catalina Island → Cabo San Lucas
From Los Angeles · 6 nights · Next Mar 26
From $471 interior · $79/night
Best departure: 1% below typical
1 upcoming departure · 1 ship
Related ports near Catalina Island
Tap to view port guide, ship schedules, and best time to visit.
Tap to view port guide, ship schedules, and best time to visit.
Tap to view port guide, ship schedules, and best time to visit.
Tap to view port guide, ship schedules, and best time to visit.
FAQ about cruises visiting Catalina Island
Which cruise itineraries usually include Catalina Island?
Cruises that call at Catalina Island often follow itineraries such as West Coast Loop from Los Angeles: Catalina Island & Ensenada and Mexican Riviera Loop via Catalina Island & Cabo San Lucas.
Plan your route
Explore cruises that visit Catalina Island
See itineraries, compare routes, and find the best way to include Catalina Island in your trip.