Los Angeles is the second largest city in the country and the second largest metropolitan area in the world. LA, as it is commonly referred to as, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in America with large populations of Hispanics, Asians and aspiring actors. Ah yes, Tinsel Town, as it is also known, is also home to Hollywood and all the glitz and glamour that comes with it. As the well-known Entertainment Capital of the World, it is home to more music, television and movie production than any other place on the planet.

There is no shortage of things to do and see in LA. Whether shopping on Rodeo Drive, visiting Disneyland, or just doing some good old fashion star-watching, LA has something to offer each of its visitors. Los Angeles’ dry, mild climate brings year-round great weather to be able to explore the city and surrounding area. Even though it is also known for negatives like horrible traffic and smog, you probably will not run out of things to do in time to notice her for her flaws.

Los Angeles and the cruise industry have an important history together. Not only does most every major cruise line, such as Carnival, Disney and Norwegian, have berths from this port, but Hollywood was integral in the explosion of the cruise industry. In the late 70's to mid 80's the iconic Love Boat was on the air. This long-running sitcom was based on a Princess cruise ship that embarked from Los Angeles with stops along the Mexican Riviera, including Acapulco. The popularity of this show helped introduce the North American public to cruising and was a god-send of publicity to the industry.

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Facts

Where is the cruise port in Los Angeles?

Cruise ships dock at the two adjacent port in San Pedro and Long Beach, which are located just outside of Los Angeles (see map) a little over 20 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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What language is spoken at this cruise port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language, but because of the high populations of Hispanic and Asian immigrants, Spanish, Korean, Pilipino and various Chinese dialects are widely spoken.

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What is the time zone in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is in Pacific Standard Time (GMT/UTC -8 hours)

Current Time - Los Angeles, CA, USA

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Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, Los Angeles International Airport and some hotels are the most accessible locations to the Port of Los Angeles.

• Banks closest to cruise port: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of Los Angeles, below are a few:

  • CitiBank is located at 1 World Trade Center, Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90831 see map)
  • Comerica Bank is located at 301 East Ocean Blvd, Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90802 (see map)
  • Wells Fargo Bank is located at 111 W Ocean Blvd Ste 100, Long Beach, CA 90802 see map)
• ATMs closest to cruise port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city and in the cruise terminal.

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Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If the US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Port of Los Angeles offers free WiFi in the cruise terminal. Free WiFi is also available at all Starbucks, most McDonald's locations and area hotels for their guests. For those that need to connect, but do not like to travel with their computer, iCandy Coffee, located a few miles northwest of the port (see map).

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

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Typical Weather in LA

Los Angeles has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate which is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The hottest month is August with an average high of 84°F and the coolest month is January with an average low of 48°F.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Los Angeles

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Getting Around

Walking

As with any large city, safety and accessibility when walking depends on the part of town you’re in. Downtown Los Angeles near the Staples Center and LA Live, as well as, most of West LA and coastal parts of the city are safe. Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade and The Pier are also fine to walk around. It is not recommended to walk about in South and East LA.

Taxis

While taxis are a safe option, be aware that Los Angeles is a large, spread-out, heavy trafficked city, so taxi fares can escalate quickly. If you are looking to explore the city a taxi may not be the best option.

Public Transportation

Buses and rail services in LA are operated by The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Better known as the Metro, public transportation in LA is fairly reliable and will get you to just about anywhere in the city.

Car Rentals

If you are looking to explore the city, you’re best bet may be to rent a car. All major rental car companies are available in Los Angeles. Try to reserve your vehicle before you leave home as you will have access to better rates online and a shuttle will be able to take your car from the airport.

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Cruise Port to/from Airport

What is the best way to travel between the cruise port and the airport?

Los Angeles' main airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Located 23 miles southeast of the port (see map), there are a variety of transportation choices to and from Los Angeles International Airport, below are a few options:

• SuperShuttle, located just outside the baggage claim area at the van stop on the outer island, is a good option to get to and from the airport and cruise port. Fares for one passenger from LAX to the cruise port are $30 and $9 for each additional passenger in your party. For more information, call 1-800-BLUE-VAN or visit the SuperShuttle website.
• Taxi service is available to and from the airport and World Cruise Center. Fares will run $75 - $80 one way including the tip. Taxis are a higher cost option, but will provide more privacy for those that don't want to share a shuttle with strangers.
• Rental Car is the best way to get to and from the port if you plan on doing any amount of exploring while in Los Angeles. With car rental services in both the airport and port area, renting a car is accessible and practical.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the port?

• If you are driving from out of town to Los Angeles for your cruise:

  The Long Beach Best Western Golden Sails Resort Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you're driving in from out of town. They offer a pre-cruise package that includes parking while on your cruise and shuttle service to and from the cruise terminal.

• If you are flying to Los Angeles for your cruise:

  Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free parking for the duration of your cruise (up to 7 days) and a free shuttle to cruise port.

• For a hotel close to major Los Angeles attractions:

  The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE is a good choice for those who want to be in the middle of the action and experience Downtown Los Angeles before embarking on a cruise. This hotel is 17 miles northeast of LAX and 23 miles north of the port, but close to many of LA's most famous attractions, such as: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios and Dodger Stadium. Not the economy or cruise friendly option that you will find in Long Beach and San Pedro, but well placed for those looking to explore LA.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Los Angeles?

As a truly diverse cultural city, Los Angeles offers a great variety of culinary experiences. From noodles in Chinatown to fish tacos in Venice Beach, LA has much to choose from. But in a place where things are known to be glamorous we submit two things to try that are not glitzy, just delicious: A burger and chicken 'n waffles.

Where are the best places to get them?

• For the burger you'll want to try In-N-Out Burgers. This California original has been a staple since 1948 when its founder basically invented the concept of drive-thru dining. There are locations throughout Los Angeles and Long Beach.
• For the chicken and waffles you'll want to try Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles. It may sound like a strange food combination, but it is hard to argue with the taste. Roscoe's nearest location to the port is just 7 miles east in Long Beach (see map.)

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What are the must-drinks in Los Angeles?

California wine is among the best in the world. Along with great quality, California is one of the largest wine producing regions in the world. Try a nice pinot noir from the Napa Valley region.

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Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Los Angeles? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Replica Oscar statuettes with personalized inscriptions is a very appropriate souvenir or gift from your visit to LA. These can be found at Souvenirs of Hollywood, located at 6800 Hollywood Boulevard.

$25-$75

Beach wear and beach accessories are a must on a cruise to a tropical destination. Head on down to Venice Beach and shop at one of the many stores offering a variety of styles and sizes of bathing suits. Try Slaps on 1525 Pacific Ave.

Over $75

A couple of bottles of fine California wine or champagne is a smart purchase before you embark on your cruise. Most cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine and/or champagne per person and can either be consumed in your stateroom or in the restaurants for a corkage fee (for more information regarding your cruise line's policy on bringing aboard wine at embarkation read this blog post.)

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Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Los Angeles? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Hollywood
• Universal Studios Hollywood

  Home to thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and a variety of shopping and dining experiences. Universal Studios is the ultimate Hollywood experience and truly fun for the whole family.

Madame Tussauds

A photo with Denzel Washington… Why not?! Your friends and family won't believe their eyes when they see you in pictures with Hollywood’s famous movie, TV, pop and sports stars. The wax figures of Hollywood icons are so life like that they won't know the difference!

The Hollywood Sign

For great views of the Hollywood sign, visit the observation decks at Hollywood and Highland or take one of the many LA tours that provide wonderful views of this landmark.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll over 2,400 terrazzo and brass stars embedded along the sidewalks of over fifteen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tribute to the best of Hollywood.

Disneyland
Historically the most visited theme park in the world, Disneyland (or Disneyland Park, as it is now known) has had more than 600 million guests since they opened their doors in 1955. Disneyland is located in Anaheim about 30 miles east of the World Cruise Center (see map.) Featuring attractions such as The Matterhorn, Space Mountain, It's a Small World and the iconic Cinderella's Castle, Disneyland, in the words of its creator Walt Disney, is "a happy place" where "age relives fond memories of the past" and where "youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future."
J. Paul Getty Museum
If you are an arts buff, the J. Paul Getty Museum boasts an impressive collection from Van Gogh to Monet. The museum actually has two locations:
• The Getty Center in Los Angeles which houses European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs.
• The Getty Villa in Malibu is home to tens of thousands of works of Greek, Roman and Etruscan art with about 1,200 on display.
Sunset Strip on Sunset Boulevard
This area is famous, and with apologies to Lindsay Lohan, sometimes infamous for its nightlife. Home to some of the most famous clubs in the US, such as The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room and The House of Blues, the Sunset Strip is also home to The Laugh Factory where some of the greats such as Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Jim Carrey have performed.

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Beaches

• Santa Monica Beach

  Located 20 minutes north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) lies 3.5 miles of Southern California beaches and over 300 days of sunshine. Santa Monica offers a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, volleyball, biking — and you may even catch yourself amidst a movie shoot.

• Venice Beach

  Maybe better known for its boardwalk which features skateboards, local talent, hotels, dining and entertainment, Venice Beach also has shopping, arts and culture, sports and many types of recreation. Venice Beach is a place for the creative and artistic, so if you fit this category or are just into some vibrant people watching, make sure to put Venice Beach at the top of your list.

• Zuma Beach

  This beach is a popular setting for many TV shows and movies because of its proximity to LA's entertainment industry and wonderful scenery. The beach is family friendly and clean compared to other beaches in the area — not to mention great waves for surfers.

• Manhattan Beach

  One of the most affluent coastal towns in America, Manhattan Beach is another famous and family friendly Southern California beaches. Great for surfing, picnicking, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading and jogging, Manhattan Beach is probably best known for its yearly volleyball tournament which is widely considered the "Wimbledon of Volleyball".

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Shopping

Los Angeles has many great and famous shopping areas throughout the city. Below are a few:

• Hollywood

  The Hollywood and Highland Center is one of the premium tourist areas in Los Angeles. Home to Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre, the Hollywood & Highland Center is located along the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the heart of Hollywood. The center has over 70 shops, restaurants, night clubs and a movie theater. The Hollywood and Highland Center also has great views of the Hollywood Sign.

  Other good shopping areas in Hollywood include Universal CityWalk and Melrose Avenue.

• Beverly Hills

  Rodeo Drive is famous for its three blocks of high-end designer shops, such as Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci and Prada — just to list a few. Two Rodeo, a European style shopping center, is a must see here.

  Another good shopping area in Beverly Hills is the Beverly Center shopping mall features a Bloomingdale's and Macy's plus 160 specialty stores.

• Los Angeles

  Other good shopping areas in Los Angeles include:

  • Americana at Brand is a large outdoor shopping center, located in northern LA in downtown Glendale which has over 70 shops.
  • The San Fernando Valley is home to Ventura Boulevard and the recently built 120,000 square-foot Neiman Marcus at Westfield Topanga for luxury shopping at its best.

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Golf

Los Angeles has several good golf courses in the area, below are a few of them:

• The Trump National Golf Club, located just 6 miles west of the World Cruise Center, at $264 million is the most expensive golf course ever built. This 18 hole, par 71 course on the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers great ocean views, white sands and beautiful scenery. For further information and tee times please call (310)303-3240 or (310)303-3241.
• Rancho Park Golf Course is often regarded as the best municipal golf course in LA and one of the best in California. Located 30 miles northwest of the World Cruise Center (see map), the Rancho Park Golf Course is a par 71, 18-hole course with quite reasonable greens fees. For further information and tee times please call (310) 839-9812.

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Scuba

Scuba Diving in the waters near Los Angeles offers a variety of sites and types of dives. From wall diving the Farnsworth Pinnacle or wreck diving near Marina del Rey or doing a caged shark dive, LA coastal waters provide the excitement. Below are a few of the most popular dive companies in Los Angeles:

• Eco Dive Center is located about 15 minutes north of Los Angeles International Airport (see map.)
• Hollywood Divers dive shop is located about 35 minutes north of Los Angeles International Airport (see map.)
• L.A. Scuba Diving dive shop is located about 25 minutes north of Los Angeles International Airport (see map.)

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Tours

• 

  Hollywood Movie Tours
  Hollywood tours are a must if visiting LA. Visit several movie locations and relive some of Hollywoods most famous sets. A customer favorite for this type of tour is Hollywood Movie Tours. This tour, run by the same people that operate the Dearly Departed Tours, will take you dozens of movie locations such as the hotel in Pretty Woman and all of this while playing the seen in the movie that goes with the location you are visiting.
• Celebrity homes tours, also known as "Star tours", are a very popular type of tour when visiting Los Angeles. If you are looking for the classic style tour that takes you to the homes of Hollywood celebrities Starline Tours may be just what you are looking for, but if you are looking for a tour that shows you the celebrity hot spots and hideouts you might want to try the TMZ Hollywood Tour.
• Studio tours are another very popular type of LA tour. Possibly the most famous is the Universal Studio Tour, so much so that they built two theme parks around the concept, however one of the best reviewed tours is the Warner Bros. Tour. The Warner Bros. Tour offers a more personal experience than the Universal tour with smaller tour groups and real back lot sets.

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