Getaway cruises can whisk you away from the routine of your everyday life. Whether you depart from California or Florida, you'll find that a refreshing change of scenery is closer than you think.
Los Angeles: Piers, Boardwalks, and Boulevards — Oh, My!
On West Coast getaways, you'll spend time in Los Angeles, California, before heading off on a three- or four-day cruise to ports in California and Mexico.
In L.A., you can explore the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, which has been entertaining families and friends on California vacations since 1909. The pier boasts a long list of attractions, including a trapeze school, an oceanfront boardwalk, a Ferris wheel, shops, games, ice cream parlors, and many places to eat.
Do you and Julie Andrews share a shoe size? Stand in the footprints of your favorite celebrities in the forecourt outside the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and find out. Continue on to dine at eclectic restaurants, visit the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, and enjoy some quirky shops along the way. Additionally, there are over 2,400 terrazzo and brass celebrity stars glittering up and down the boulevard's Walk of Fame.
As a film-based theme park that features a backlot studio tour and adrenaline-pumping rides, Universal Studios is another must-do on Southern California vacations. When you arrive in Los Angeles, be sure to add it to your list. If you get hungry, there are plenty of options for fine (or fun) dining, including Mel's Drive-In, Jurassic Cafe, and the French Street Bistro. Or head to the iconic Pink's and sample one of their famous hot dogs.
And if you're a shopper, make sure to check out Beverly Hills: This home of haute couture is part of pop culture history, appearing in movies like Clueless and Pretty Woman. With three city blocks of luxury shops, Beverly Hills's Rodeo Drive is a great place to peek into the luxurious window displays and even indulge in a purchase. If you're up for some shopping, stop by Bulgari, Cartier, Burberry, Tiffany, Gucci, Armani, Prada, or Ralph Lauren.
Adventure Awaits in Fort Lauderdale
Caribbean getaways will open your eyes to beautiful and thrilling experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world, as you cruise from Florida to destinations in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, or Mexico.
From Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you can kick off your Caribbean cruise with an adventure through the Everglades. Hop an airboat that will whisk you along the marshy wetlands, bringing you up close and personal with a host of exotic fauna.
If you prefer a more urban adventure, check out Las Olas Boulevard. There, you can shop, browse fine arts, or grab something delicious in the city known as the "Venice of America." From savory rodizio to sushi, and smoothies to wine bars, you're sure to find the flavor that tempts your taste buds. Take a sip, grab a bite and get ready for more sun and fun on your Princess cruise.
