ensenada cruise port restaurants

17 Best Things to Do in Ensenada on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Ensenada Mexico on a cruise, you’re in luck. Ensenada, known for its delectable cuisine, warm climate, and friendly locals, is a popular cruise stop for both Mexican Riviera cruises as well as Hawaiian cruise itineraries.

This coastal city is located about 80 miles from San Diego in the northern part of the Mexican state of Baja California. It is Baja California’s only deep water port.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Ensenada on a cruise, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Ensenada cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions.

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Ensenada Cruise Port  

Cruise ships dock at the Naval Cruise Terminal in Ensenada’s industrial area. The pier is located near the Malecon boardwalk avenue, putting you within a quick walk to the heart of the city.

Cruisers docking in Ensenada have the benefit of a massive 300-foot flagpole with a Mexican flag to give you bearings for navigating the town. You can’t miss it!

After you get off the ship, look for the flagpole. Take a right at the flagpole and then a left at the second intersection you come to, and you’ll be downtown on Avenida Lopez Mateos.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is located in Mexico, where the currency is the Mexican peso.

However, because it is a tourist destination, many vendors and small businesses will accept the United States dollar in small bills and debit or credit cards. There may be international transaction charge fees associated with debit or credit cards.

If you use USD instead of pesos, you might pay more overall because vendors have to exchange your dollars.

The official language spoken in Ensenada, Mexico is Spanish. However, many locals also speak English (at least enough to communicate with tourists).

Baja California, Mexico (including Ensenada) is in the Pacific Time Zone. The Eastern Time Zone is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time Zone.

Ensenada weather is almost always delightful! During the hottest months (July and August), the average high is 84-85 degrees F, with lows in the upper 60s.

The rest of the year, high temperatures in Ensenada range from 68-69 degrees F (December through March) and the low to mid-70s (April-June, October-November). Lows can be as cool as the 50s in the wintertime but are comfortably in the 60s in the summer.

Many Ensenada attractions including excellent souvenir shopping, food and museums are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise ship terminal.

Taxis and Uber will be your best bet for getting around beyond Ensenada downtown. If you want to head to farther away excursions like La Bufadora, wineries and Las Canadas adventure park you can easily grab a taxi or Uber.

Pro Tip: Taxis are supposed to be metered, but it is smart to negotiate your fare before you start your ride.

Best Ensenada Shore Excursions

There are many shore excursions available in Ensenada. From wildlife viewing, to nature and history excursions, to food and drink stops, you’ll wish you had more time at this cruise port.

Here are some of the best Ensenada shore excursions .

1. History Museum of Ensenada

If you want to learn about the town’s rich history from prehistoric times, during U.S. prohibition and to current days, this a great place to visit. The museum is housed in the old Rivera Del Pacifico building, which is an architectural monument in itself. 

Spend time touring the building, museum and the gardens and imagine the ghosts of yesteryear who came here when it was a casino. It was reportedly associated with Al Capone, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. 

2. Mexican Wine Tasting

The first vineyards in Ensenada were planted in 1703. The wine industry has continued to grow since then. The city of Valle De Guadalupe, a little over 12 miles from downtown, now boasts over 75 wineries. 

The best way to experience wine country is to take a full-day wine tour. Most excursions include a tour of several vineyards, snacks and a visit to the wine museum. You can learn about the evolution of Mexican wine country and taste the often riper and darker fruit flavor of Mexican wine. 

3. Whale Watching Tour

Between the months of December and April, gray whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California to give birth to their calves. This makes for excellent whale watching experience for visitors to Ensenada. 

Whale watching excursions depart from Mercado Negro and travel around Isla Todos Santos. Along the way you might see dolphins, sea lions and other whales including humpbacks, sperm whales, finbacks, pilot whales and occasionally orcas. 

4. Adventure at Las Canadas Campamento

If you’re up for an active excursion, you’ll find plenty of adventure about 30 minutes south of downtown Ensenada. Las Canadas Campamento is a popular destination with a zipline canopy tour with five ziplines, multiple suspension bridges, and other activities, including swimming, biking, paddleboats, horseback riding, and ATV rentals.

You’ll need to book an excursion with transportation or take a taxi to get to Las Canadas. The canopy tour is an outstanding choice.

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

5. Pai Pai Ecotourism Park

This excursion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch and feed wild animals like big cats. Pai Pai offers 40 activities built around ecological and sustainable tourism. The biggest attractions here are wild animal feeding and interactions, but you can also participate in zip lining, tequila tasting, off-road Rzr driving, and Go-Kart Racing.

There are several different packages for animal experiences, so be sure you purchase the correct ticket for the animal experience you want to have. You can book a package from Pai Pai that includes transportation from the cruise terminal, but be prepared that it takes 35-40 minutes to get here.

6. Try Famous Local Dishes at La Guerrerense

Ensenada is known as the birthplace of fish tacos, so you won’t want to miss the chance to sample the famous local fare. There are food stands throughout Ensenada, but this street food stand, in particular, has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval.

Try the sea urchin tostada, ceviche, and fish tacos for an unforgettable Ensenada experience.

7. Drink It Up at Hussong’s Cantina 

Hang out with locals and drink at Hussong’s, the oldest cantina in Baja, California. Open since 1882, this busy cantina is an affordable Ensenada favorite.

The bar serves large bags of peanuts to patrons, resulting in a unique peanut shell floor. Enjoy their famous margarita, listen to a Mexican band, or watch your favorite sporting event on the cantina’s big screens.

8. See the Power of Nature at La Bufadora 

One unique natural wonder in Ensenada is the world’s largest underwater blowhole.  La Bufadora is located on the Punta Banda Peninsula and spits water 100 feet in the air. 

There are excursions that include kayaking to La Bufadora or you can take a 45 minute bus or taxi ride from the cruise port. Be aware that you will have to pay to park or use the bathrooms here, but on the plus side there is a flea market onsite with food and souvenirs. 

9. Relax or Learn to Surf on Playa Hermosa

If the beach is on your priority list, one of the closest options to port is Malecon de Playa Hermosa. A short 9 minute taxi ride away, you’ll have a great time here snorkeling, learning how to surf, or just relaxing in the sun.

Food vendors walk the beach here and there are public bathrooms available as well as chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Related: 12 Tourist Scams that Cruisers Need to Know

10. Sample Superfood at Maya Cacao

If you love chocolate, come learn about the superfood for the ancient Mayans at the “Bean to Belly” workshop. For $35 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 years, during this delicious excursion you can learn the history and origins of chocolate from cacao trees to beans to tasty treat. You’ll also get to make your own healthy dark chocolate drink. 

11. Horseback riding at Rancho Los Bandidos 

Experience a taste of what it is like to be a Mexican cowboy at Rancho Los Bandidos. This excursion has amazing reviews and is located a short 20 minute ride from the cruise port.

Your 1.5 hour long horseback ride will give you lovely views of the ocean and the rugged beauty of Baja, California. The guides are kind and informative, the horses are well cared for and helmets are included. Plus, this shorter excursion means you’ll have time to shop or sightsee before or after your horseback ride. 

12. Fish Tacos at Mercado de Mariscos/Mercado Negro 

Cruisers will not want to miss Ensenada’s fresh and tasty seafood at budget prices. Mercado de Mariscos (also called Ensenada Mercado Negro) is located next door to the large seafood market on the waterfront.

The market has multiple restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious mariscos including shrimp and fish tacos, ceviche, tostadas, whole fried fish and shrimp or mixed seafood cocktails. 

One fun element of this street market are the variety of tasty sauces, salsas and condiments on each table. If you love seafood you should definitely add this location to your Ensenada plan. 

Mercado Negro is about a 20 minute walk through downtown. If you are in a hurry grab a taxi or Uber, which will get you there in about 8 minutes. 

13. Golf by the ocean in Bajamar

Golfers will love the chance to play 9 or 18 holes at this gorgeous oceanside golf course dubbed “The Pebble Beach of Mexico.” Just a 40-minute taxi or Uber ride north of the cruise port, Bajamar is an inspiring place to spend a port day and get in a round of golf. 

14. Caracol Museum

Science lovers will enjoy visiting this unique natural history museum in the shape of a ship located at the harbor. The Caracol features exhibitions on earth, sea and art. Most of the exhibits are in Spanish but tour guides are great at offering English explanations and hands-on learning opportunities. Entrance fees to Caracol are inexpensive (less than $5 per person, around 60 pesos). 

Free Excursions in Ensenada

15. El Parque de la Bandera

As we mentioned earlier in this post, you can’t miss the giant Mexican Flag in Ensenada. The “Banderas Monumentales Project” flag pole is over 300 feet tall and the flag measures 50 meters (164 feet)  long by 28 meters (92 feet) wide.

The park surrounding the flag is a wonderful place to visit. It hosts a playground, a band shell with live music events and a giant fountain. After 8 p.m. the fountain dances to music (think a smaller version of the Bellagio show in Las Vegas). 

16. Downtown Ensenada

Enjoying the streets of downtown Ensenada is a great way to spend time in this port. You can enjoy the atmosphere and spend as many (or few!) pesos as you’d like. 

First Street Market: One block inland from the huge Mexican flag you’ll find First Street, a main shopping street in Ensenada. An outdoor market with street vendors selling Mexican cuisine and colorful souvenirs, the First Street Market is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

17. Plaza Civica Cultural Center

In Hispanic cultures, city plazas or town squares are a culturally significant place to gather. In the central area of Ensenada, the Plaza Civica Cultural Center has gorgeous ocean vistas and is a lovely place to people watch. 

A guided trip is a great option, where you can learn more about Mexico’s history as well as more information about three important figures honored in the plaza with golden busts: Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, and Venustiano Carranza. 

Ensenada Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit ensenada .

Weather wise the best time of year to visit Ensenada is Late May to mid-October. This will give you the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor excursions. 

How far is downtown Ensenada from the cruise port? 

The main downtown area of Ensenada is an easy 15 minute walk from the cruise port. There are many taxis near the port area if you want to catch a ride and save your legs for walking downtown. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Ensenada Cruise Port

Ensenada is one of the best places to get a glimpse of the beautiful Mexican culture as well as eat tasty seafood tacos, drink refreshing margaritas and experience exciting excursions.

Have you been to Ensenada, Mexico? If so what do you enjoy most? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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• The 26 Essential Louisville Restaurants
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The 22 Essential Restaurants in Ensenada, Mexico

Where to find fried fish tacos, crisp Mexican wines, and all the ceviches, aguachiles, cocktails, and just-caught shellfish you can eat in Baja’s inviting surf town.

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Ensenada is Mexico’s seafood capital. One of the region’s most beloved tacos, the fish taco, can be found on every corner, but chefs are also well versed in the diverse regional seafood styles of Sinaloa, Sonora, and Nayarit. They revamp the barra fria (cold bar) using cultivated geoduck, abalone, and oysters, while offering refined versions of regional plates made with wild quail, lamb, spider crab, and a variety of fish. Meanwhile, seafood carts boast products worthy of Japan’s Tsukiji market, such as callo de hacha (pen shell clam), sea urchin, Pismo clam, and the rare chocolate clam, all prepared with vegetables and sauces, alongside heaping tostadas topped with a seafood tower’s worth of oceanic products. Many carts are run by steadfast, traditional cooks, like La Guerrerense’s Sabina Bandera, who has become one of the most famous street vendors on the planet.

Around 2000, the wealth of local seafood, produce, olive oil, and food-friendly wines from the nearby Valle de Guadalupe attracted chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris to open their seminal Ensenada restaurant, Manzanilla. Their kitchen has helped popularize modern Baja cuisine here but also in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and beyond. Now, Ensenada’s upscale seafood producers, iconoclast chefs, and food carts influence contemporary Mexican seafood all over the world. Here’s where to eat in Mexico’s popular tourist port.

Update, June 2021:

As Mexico begins to welcome more travelers following the worst of the pandemic, Ensenada is open and ready to serve visitors with its bounty of seafood and regional cuisine. Before the pandemic, the restaurant landscape of the city was at its strongest in decades. With interest in Baja tourism from the U.S. picking up, along with a young local crowd buzzing around a vibrant new bar scene at spots like Bodegas de Santo Tomás, Ensenada could quickly reclaim its place at the forefront of the Baja boom.

Note: The inclusion of restaurants offering dine-in service should not be taken as an endorsement for dining inside. Studies indicate a lower exposure risk to COVID-19 outdoors, but the level of risk is contingent on social distancing and other safety guidelines. Check with each restaurant for up-to-date information on dining offerings. For updated information on coronavirus cases and travel restrictions, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Mexico .

Prices per person, excluding alcohol: $ = Less than 200 pesos (Less than $10 USD) $$ = 200 - 700 pesos ($10 - $35 USD) $$$ = 700 - 1,500 pesos ($35 - $75 USD) $$$$ = More than 1,500 pesos ($75 USD and up)

Bill Esparza is a James Beard award-winning freelance food and travel writer whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times , Roads & Kingdoms , Food & Wine , Los Angeles Magazine , CNN Parts Unknown , and GQ Mexico. He is a regular contributor to Eater and Eater LA .

La Opah del Güero

Caguama (turtle stew) is one of Baja’s many gastronomic inheritances from the states of Sinaloa and Sonora. The dish is prohibited due to the endangered reptile’s protected status and has mostly been replaced by caguamanta (manta ray stew). But a street cart in El Sauzal serves a magnificent stew of smoked opah that local star chef Diego Hernandez swears is “closer to the real caguama” than any manta ray stew you’ll find on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The cart, parked in a home garage, combines gelatinous fin, belly, top loin, and breast, all garnished with a sauce of mustard, red wine, and habanero. El Güero offers the stew along with tostadas of ground opah pate, a style of ceviche typically found in Ensenada. [$]

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El Nuevo Jalisciense

Ask any Baja chef where to go for Ensenada’s world-famous tempura-battered fish and shrimp tacos, and they’ll send you to El Nuevo Jalisciense. It’s where the chefs go when entertaining their chef friends visiting the region. The restaurant, along a lonesome strip of businesses on the way to the tourist zone, consists of two plastic benches and a half dozen seats in an L around a convex comal. Cooks deep-fry dogfish and local shrimp in a light, mustard-colored batter before wrapping them in white corn tortillas and handing them over the counter. Complete them yourself with Mexican cream or mayo, pico de gallo, cilantro dressing, and red or green salsa, but use just enough to appreciate the fine seafood and well-seasoned breading. [$]

El Taco de Huitzilopochtli

Take a break from the best seafood in Mexico for one of the country’s greatest breakfast institutions. In a remote residential neighborhood, hungry locals pay their respects to the patron deity of Tenochtitlan at Ensenada’s weekend-only specialist in Texcoco-style barbacoa (pit-roasted lamb). Come for consommé made from lamb drippings, a variety of lamb cuts, and lamb skulls steamed in an earthen pit, which one of the owners jokes is “our natural microwave” for making tacos in the central Mexican style. The menu also includes traditional quesadillas filled with huitlacoche, squash blossoms, and chicharron prensado (pressed, stewed pork rinds), as well as tlacoyos, a pre-Hispanic masa diamond filled with beans. For a quick bite, order the lamb flautas, a pair of long, deep-fried tacos covered with salsa, lettuce, and cream. [$]

Tacos El Paisa

Nights in Baja California mean fire-roasted carne asada and tacos adobada (the regional name for al pastor tacos). Both are here at El Paisa, along with steamed beef head, all served on corn tortillas dressed with mild red sauce, onions, cilantro, and generous scoops of creamy guacamole, The result is a Baja style of taco that you’ll find from Los Angeles all the way down to Cabo. You can also get the meats in other familiar formats like quesatacos (made with melted cheese), quesadillas, mulitas (meat and melted cheese between two corn tortillas), and tortas. [$]

Restaurante Madre

After closing Pacifico, chefs Miguel Bahena and Carolina Verdugo evolved their kitchen from a purely Baja California approach to a menu based generally on northeastern Mexico. Plus, their cozy, new dining room feels like home. Ceviches with Persian cucumber and cherry tomatoes, tiraditos marinated in algaes and chile morita, and local oysters flavored by fire-roasted chiles satisfy the Ensenadan fundamentals. Meanwhile dry fideos (noodles) are topped with hearty beef head stew, and seasonal grilled vegetables evoke scenes of families gathered around smoky backyard grills in Chihuahua and Sonora — and, of course, Baja California. [$$]

Javier Martinez’s inviting patio, located next to Revolution Park, is a brilliant choice for a glass of Mexican wine — there’s even a Contra wine shop attached — paired with modern Baja surf and turf delights. Order local shellfish, Baja-style ceviches dressed with a touch of soy sauce, creamy seafood risottos, and steaks cooked over an open flame. Share your feast with friends, along with several bottles of Mexican wine, and you’ll feel like you’re throwing a party on your own deck at home. If you’re any good at petanque (boules), grab your wineglass and head to the court for a toss. Maybe you can join the Mexican national team, because this is their headquarters. [$$]

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Casa Marcelo

If you’re not able to make it over to La Cava de Marcelo in Ojos Negros for a cheese tasting at the largest cheese cave in Latin America, Casa Marcelo offers an easier way to try the brand’s fresh, aged, and snacking cheeses. The breakfast menu features Mexican classics — chilaquiles, a variety of egg dishes, and machaca (beef jerky) — and for lunch there are Ensenada-style ceviches, tiraditos, and roasted fish. Or just grab a glass of wine and order a cheese board of Casa Marcelo’s signature Ramonetti cheeses, made from the milk of Holstein cows on its ranch. [$$]

La Concheria

As opposed to niche specialists, you’ll find an unusually wide variety of local clams, mussels, and oysters in this contemporary shellfish bar located near the jello shots end of the tourist zone. One of Ensenada’s elevated seafood eateries, La Concheria also features a short list of craft beers (and national beers), and young, acidic, mineral white wines and light rosés. Try the delightfully salty oysters, chocolate and Pismo clams, and Manila clams or mussels steamed in local wine and herbs. Round out your order with a cool, crisp ceviche dressed with Persian cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and purple onions. [$$]

La Bête Noire

For a decade, chef Diego Hernandez earned accolades for his daily tasting menus at the acclaimed Valle de Guadalupe restaurant Corazon de Tierra, including a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Now he just wants to jam. La Bête Noir is the place to chill, drink, and enjoy a menu of rotating bar bites made with local ingredients. The motto here is, ironically, “keep Ensenada boring.” Inhale powerful, ferocious background tunes from Miles Davis’s revolutionary Bitches Brew album while sipping on inspired cocktails created by Alexandra Pucaru and snacking on local yellowfin tuna crudo with harissa, rich spider crab salad, or beef tongue spiced with Yemeni hot sauce. [$$]

Hussong’s Cantina

Beer and peanuts aren’t exactly a gastronomic experience worth seeking out. Still, you’ll never forget you left your footprint in sawdust and peanut shells on these hallowed saloon floors. Not much has changed since German immigrant John Hussong took over this bar in 1892. Hussong’s is one of the bars claiming to have invented the margarita, though you’d never know it after ordering one. The margaritas are okay, the beer is cold, and the bandera — a trio of lime juice, sangrita, and tequila — helps the mass-produced tequila go down. But once the bassist in the ranchera band snaps his noisy, nylon strings to kick off Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” or the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” you can’t help but smile while sipping the night away. [$]

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Tacos El Fenix Puesto

This taco stand always has a crowd. It has long been the benchmark for Ensenada’s most famous export, Baja fish and shrimp tacos cooked in a flavorful tempura batter. Like the best stands in Ensenada, the dogfish and shrimp are fresh and high quality, and the double-fried, golden-brown batter is light and crispy around the thick-cut filets. The condiments are standard: chipotle mayo, shredded cabbage, red and green salsas, ketchup for the sweet-toothed locals, cream and mayo, pico de gallo, and mustard. Fans will tell you there is no better fish taco stand in Ensenada. [$]

Carreta de Mariscos el Gordito

Every seafood cart in Ensenada has a specialty. At this tiny stand, you’ll never go wrong with an order of campechana (mixed seafood cocktail) or local fish ceviche made from ground tuna. But in Mexico’s seafood capital, it’s all about luxurious shellfish from nearby waters. Find Mariscos El Gordito on a quiet corner at the edge of the tourist zone, then order a prepared clam, dressed with diced tomato, cucumber, and purple onion, topped with sliced avocado. Whether you get a white, Pismo, reyna, or chocolate clam, ask for it without ketchup (a common local topping) to enjoy the delicate flavors of the exquisite shellfish. [$]

La Cocedora de Langosta

Get your Puerto Nuevo-style lobster fix away from the barkers and touristic town where the dish gets its name. One of a pair of hidden gems in the Black Market (along with Muelle Tres), La Cocedora de Langosta only serves the dish when the lobster is fresh and in season. You’ll also find modern Baja-style ceviches, aguachiles (seafood in spicy lime juice), and soy-sauce-dressed sashimi and tiraditos (Peruvian-style raw seafood in spicy lime juice) made with fine seafood like abalone, geoduck, or Pismo clams sourced from local estuaries, farms, and divers. [$$]

Wendlandt Brewery

The beers are superb, notably the saison called Hann Zomer, the lighter Baja-style IPA titled Perro del Mar, and the personal favorite of chef Krista Velasco, Vaquita Marina — an American pale ale named after the endangered porpoise. The chef’s playful gastropub menu includes fine versions of American fast-food snacks like onion rings, deep-fried pickles, and a variety of chicken wings, as well as Baja-style ceviche, seafood tostadas, and tempura-battered oysters. Order some LA-style Korean tacos and wash it down with a glass of Harry Polanco, a red ale full of herbs and citrus. [$$]

La Guerrerense

No stop in Ensenada is complete without queuing up at this legendary seafood cart from one of Mexico’s most famous traditional cooks. Sabina Bandera and her family serve seafood tostadas, seafood cocktails, and raw shellfish dressed with brilliant, essential salsas that have codified Bandera’s original style. Everyone knows the protocol: Get a cooked-and-cooled sea urchin tostada and a salt cod tostada to start. For toppings, ask for Pismo clam or splurge on callo de hacha (pen shell clam). Then dress the tostadas with guacachile (spicy guacamole) and chiles de mi jardin (toasted chiles in vegetable oil with peanuts), or take a chance on one of the countless jars of proprietary salsas. [$]

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Sabina restaurante.

Sabina Bandera’s first brick-and-mortar spot isn’t just a sit-down version of her tostada, shellfish, and seafood cocktail stand. Here you’ll find an expanded menu of barra caliente (hot bar) classics like shrimp albondigas, seafood pozole from the cook’s home state of Guerrero, and a smoked oyster-stuffed chile guero taco. Slide along the counter cafeteria-style, order some ceviche tostadas, a Baja fish taco made with Bandera’s family recipe, and a bowl of clam chowder brewed with local mollusks. Pair your meal with local craft beer from Wendlandt or house wines made by the Mexican wine master Hugo D’ Acosta. [$]

Muelle Tres

After a walk through the Black Market (Ensenada’s fish market), turn the corner for a delightful lunch of contemporary Baja cuisine paired with local wines, Mexican craft beers, and fine mezcal. The tuna ceviche highlights the kitchen’s regional approach to seafood with quality local fish, citrus, ginger, and soy sauce — one of several Asian condiments used in Baja California cuisine. Enjoy the quiet retreat from the nearby tourist throng as you snack on seafood rice, pescadillas (fish quesadillas), and local mussels steamed in a mix of green chiles, along with one of the tasty white wines sold by the glass. [$$]

Mariscos El Guero

One of the busiest street carts among the scattered seafood stands flanking the tourist zone’s main road, Mariscos El Guero is popular for fresh clams, seafood cocktails, and ceviche tostadas. Order a prepared chocolate clam dressed with diced tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and cucumbers, finished with a splash of lime juice and sliced avocado. Ketchup is standard too, but you might want to skip it to enjoy the natural flavors of the rare clam. Then start a tostada with a base of chopped tuna ceviche and have the stand build it up with squid, octopus, pen shell clams, or raw shrimp lightly cooked in lime. Brace yourself for the bright and fruity (but very hot) salsa marinating in the molcajete. [$]

Tacos de Pescado Marco Antonio

When his cannery business began to wane, thick-mustached Marco Antonio transformed his industrial plant into a restaurant. This unique Baja seafood taco destination is now known for its variety of seafood stew tacos and creative salsas. There are almost 20 different tacos, including a shrimp chile relleno taco, shrimp in chipotle, tuna machaca, salmon belly, and of course, very fine versions of regional beer-battered fish and shrimp tacos. Make haste and head to the condiment bar to finish your tacos with tempting salsas, including fiery toasted chiles in vegetable oil, creamy cilantro and chipotle dressings, cured habaneros and onions, and simple, colorful salsas of pureed chiles with touches of salt and water. [$]

Slide along the antique wooden bar at this former warehouse tucked away across from Ensenada’s shipyard, and order one of the best gin and tonics you’ll ever have, made with citrus, Japanese cucumber, wild fennel, and Hendrick’s gin. Then ask for locally farmed Kumamoto oysters, both fresh, and grilled with Ramonetti cheese and tarragon, followed by fried abalone and seaweed, an ode to fish and chips. Either pairs well with a glass of local white wine selected by chef Benito Molina, who’s a pioneer of modern Mexican food, a visionary of contemporary Baja California cuisine, and a damned good sommelier. Once you make your way to a table, continue to imbibe with iconic dishes: a taco of the day, which might consist of octopus, chicharron, and refried black beans; fish of the day, that Baja classic, made with rockfish; or Molina’s riffs on traditional Baja California quail, a plate of tender breasts with poached quail eggs. [$$$]

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Mariscos El Pizón

Alan Pasiano is one of Ensenada’s ceviche masters. He’s a former skin diver and seafood purveyor, and he worked the sea urchin market at the old Tsukiji market in Tokyo for a Japanese seafood exporter based in Ensenada. No one does a better geoduck ceviche in the area, but don’t miss the restaurant’s masterpiece, a plate of raw yellowtail topped with a strip of sea urchin, flash-cooked in lime and dressed with squirts of yellow mustard. Pasiano, a natural storyteller, prepares dishes slowly, allowing himself enough time to share tales of the Tsukiji market or diving adventures. As he nonchalantly dices vegetables and exotic seafood, he might even provide waiting customers with a snack of cooked and cooled sea urchin ceviche spread on a tostada. [$]

Raw Oyster Bar

Chef Melissa Navarro offers her take on the traditional barra fria and barra caliente (cold and hot bars). That means fresh Baja oysters and clams with simple garnishes, but also battered oysters stained by squid ink, oyster croquettes, and kumamoto oyster shots. Order the duela de ostiones (oysters on a plank), a flight of six stunning oysters, both fresh and cooked, that exhibit impressive contrasts in technique and dressings. Then order the grilled octopus quesatacos with a sauvignon blanc, along with the fruity ceviche tropical for the table, paired with a light Mexican rosé. Slurp oysters in the sunny, industrial dining space, and toast the chef for this perfect late-afternoon break. [$$$]

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Ensenada Cruise Port Guide: Tips, Attractions, Weather

Ensenada cruise port is popular in part because it is convenient to reach for ships from San Diego. But it is mostly popular with short-term cruises.

Where is Ensenada? It is only 70 miles south of the U.S. border on the Baja California peninsula in Mexico and 81 miles south of San Diego. It also is 900 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, a major cruise port on the Mexican Riviera.

But unlike Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada is mostly popular with short-term cruises out of San Diego as well as Los Angeles. These shorter cruises may last only three to five days and visit just Ensenada or Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Seven-day cruises along the Mexican Riviera, the stretch of cruise ports along Mexico’s western coast, usually skip Ensenada and head for Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.

Quick Travel Tips

Attractions and shore excursions, walking around attractions, manzanillo cruise port map.

Cruise visitors will likely disembark at Cruiseport Village, which is a marina with shops, restaurants, plaza and craft market.

Avenida Lopez Mateos is the main tourist street of Ensenada. It is about a mile long between Avenida Ruiz and Avenida Blancarte with shops, restaurants and smaller points of interest.

Several streets also branch off the main featuring various variety shops, restaurants, etc. Trinkets to be bought in the area include crafts, postcards, beach gear and t-shirts to paintings.

Visitors who walk into town should look for Riviera del Pacifico, which is a little less than one mile north of Cruiseport Village. Riviera del Pacifico was a famous casino during the 1930s because of visiting Hollywood stars such as Lana Turner.

Shore Excursions

Cruise visitors can see Riviera del Pacifico on a guided city tour along with the photographic central plaza, the fish and seafood market and other city sites. These city excursions have a starting cost of $35 per person depending on the operator, sailing date and other factors.

A popular shore excursion is La Bufadora on the Punta Banda peninsula. La Bufadora is a blowhole that releases everything from small snorts of air to large spouts of seawater. Some of the water sprays can go as high as 20 feet depending on the swell. Prices start at $40 per person.

LasCañadas Camp is an extensive recreational facility 30 miles south of Ensenada. It offers tubing, a water park, zip lining, hanging bridges and more. This tour costs $100 or more per person depending on the program.

The area is also known for other water activities such as diving, surfing, fishing and kayaking. Land tours include exploring the area on horses and jeeps. Ensenada also is known for its wineries.

Prices for wine tours start at about $50 per person. Land adventure tours start at $70 and go higher depending on the length and type.

Grey Whale watching is a common attraction in Ensenada during the winter and spring. Every year Grey Whales come to the warm waters in the area to give birth to calves. The typical whale-watching excursion takes about four hours.

Shopping and Restaurants

Like many cruise ports, Ensenada has a bustling shopping and dining district for tourists. Here it is Avenida López Mateos, a tourist zone that is filled with many souvenir shops and handmade arts and crafts.

Ensenada is known for its food, especially the freshly caught seafood that tourists can see at the city’s famous fish market at the northern corner of the marina.

Quite a few wineries fill the area and are accessible via local shop offerings or a wine country route. There is even a local wine museum.

Beaches Near the Port

Ensenada has its share of beaches, but the best and most popular may require a taxi or other form of transportation to get there.

The most popular beach in the area is El Sauzal, located north of town. San Miguel beach, also north of Ensenada, is especially popular with surfers.

Two beaches lying south include El Faro and Baja Beach. El Faro is only eight miles from Ensenada and a convenient choice for cruise visitors. Others include:

• Estero Beach • La Misión • La Joya at Maneadero • Bahía de los Ángeles • Bahía de San Luis Gonzaga

Transportation

Some of the beaches and other popular attractions require transportation to reach them from the cruise docks if an excursion bus is not available.

Note that some taxis are metered and some are not. It is important to ask for the fare before getting in the cab and have exact change to pay for the trip.

Car rental companies in Ensenada include Hertz and Fiesta Rent a Car.

The city does not have a local bus system.

The best time to visit Ensenada is April through October during the dry season.

Ensenada’s climate is similar to San Diego. The summers are sunny with little rain and steady breezes. 

The fact that it lies along the northern part of Baja means that weather will not always be hot, especially during the winter. But unlike the Caribbean, the odds of rain are fairly low for most of the year.

As a result, Ensenada is a dry location with desert-like shore excursions for adventurous outdoor tourists while others can take advantage of the beaches, shopping, nightlife and restaurants.

Throughout the year, the city is one of the driest cruise ports on the Mexican Riviera. Rainfall averages about one to two inches a month from November through March and less than one inch from April through October.

It rains on average less than one day a month from June through August and about five to seven days a month from December through March.

Average high temperatures hover in the upper 60s Fahrenheit during the winter, mid to upper 70s during spring and fall, and the low 80s in the summer.

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Top 10 Things to Eat in Ensenada

By Carnival Cruise Line

• Baja-Style Tacos
• Puerto Nuevo Lobster
• Ceasar Salad
• Camarones Enchilado
• Tecate Bread
• Mini or Baby Vegetables
• Machaca con Huevos
• Artisanal Cheese

Nestled between Desert Mountains and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to see why Ensenada is a popular cruise destination. Located on the northern Baja peninsula, the vibrant port of Ensenada is full of activities like shopping, water sports and culture.

There’s no better way to experience a culture than through the food. Mexico has one of the world’s richest cultural cuisines, and Baja California itself has become a food mecca for travelers. So, when you’re not beaching it up or exploring the city, you can sample some of the best Mexican food the country has to offer!

1. Baja-Style Tacos

Perhaps the best known of Ensenada’s own foods, Baja-style tacos do not disappoint.

Like many dishes of the region, seafood is the star of Baja-style tacos. Fresh white fish like halibut, or sometimes juicy shrimp are coated in Mexican spices and then fried in a tempura-style batter. Served in a corn tortilla and topped with crunchy shredded cabbage, homemade Pico de Gallo and a creamy lime salsa, Baja-style fish tacos are a crunchy, tangy delight for your taste buds!

2. Tostadas

You can eat tostadas almost everywhere in Mexico, each with a unique regional spin. In Ensenada, tostadas are all about – you guessed it – seafood!

Start with a tortilla, deep-fried into a crispy round chip and top it with a mountain of local delicacies like sea urchin, ceviche, clam, shrimp, cod and more. Simple yet delicious, tostadas make for some of the best street food in Ensenada. But you’ll also find high-end versions in gourmet restaurants, crafted with innovative and modern toppings.

3. Puerto Nuevo Lobster

Live it up on your cruise vacation with a meal of fresh-caught lobster. Just a few miles up the coast from Ensenada, the village of Puerto Nuevo is known for having some of the best lobster around.

Many restaurants in Ensenada offer the famous Puerto Nuevo Lobster, served like you’ve never had it before – with tortillas, salsa, rice and beans. One bite of succulent Puerto Nuevo lobster and you may never want it any other way!

4. Caesar Salad

Get ready to have your mind blown – the beloved Caesar Salad actually originated at a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico!

That’s right, this iconic salad made of crunchy romaine hearts, anchovies, lemon juice, egg yolk, and grated parmesan cheese is a classic Baja California food. So, an authentic Caesar salad on your cruise to Ensenada not only makes a great meal, but a great story to tell your friends.

5. Camarones Enchilado

For more evidence of Ensenada’s rich and diverse food scene, look no further than camarones enchilado.

Another surprise to many visitors looking for the best food in Ensenada, many dishes derive from comida china , or Chinese food.

Camarones enchilada is a saucy dish made of pan-fried shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic, Pequin pepper and salt. Try it served over fried or white rice, or in a taco. Or both!

6. Tecate Bread

No, we’re not talking about bread with beer in it. Tecate bread is named for the city in northern Baja where it originated. Sweet breads with names like conchas, orejas and campechanas are a staple in the Mexican diet.

What makes Tecate’s version extra special are the high-quality ingredients and traditional brick ovens used to bake them. One bite and you’re hooked!

7. Mini or Baby Vegetables

Discover the fun way to eat your vegetables! With their tiny bursts of flavor, bite-sized veggies have taken the global gastronomy world by storm.

The northern Baja region of Mexico has cultivated miniature vegetables for at least 20 years. Find them artfully paired with fine meats and seafood in fine dining restaurants throughout Ensenada.

Trying the local seafood is always a delight when you’re vacationing by the sea and Ensenada offers it in a million delectable ways.

Ceviche is light, simple, and oh-so-delicious, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day. To make ceviche, fresh fish is marinated or “cooked” in lime juice.

Next, it’s mixed with fresh cut tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a bit of chili pepper. This dish is tangy, healthy and delicious. Pair it with a local white wine from the region or a classic margarita, and you’re on your way to a perfect day.

9. Machaca con Huevos

For breakfast lovers, Ensenada has some fantastic treats. If you’re not a breakfast person, don’t worry – machaca con huevos is delicious any time of day.

Machaca is a spiced and dried shredded beef native to northern Mexico, and popular in Baja California. Served with eggs, chives and potatoes, this filling combination will have you full, happy, and ready for a day of exploring.

10. Artisanal Cheese

Ensenada food is full of surprises, and artisanal cheese is one of them. Near Ensenada in a region called Real del Castillo, several local farms produce their own fresh cheese.

Keep an eye out for Parma, Mancillas, Barajas and Ramonetti cheeses, named after the farms that produce them. They make great gifts to take back home and since Ensenada’s climate is Mediterranean-like, you can even find some locally-produced olives to pair with your cheese platter.

Whether you’re thinking about a cruise to Ensenada or it’s already booked, great adventures await you!

Carnival still has trips to Ensenada available to help you extend your summer . With each trip you can join exciting shore excursions , learn about an amazing culture and taste exotic food.

Related articles

Explore mexico.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-to/mexico-cruises.aspx

The Best Restaurants in Ensenada, Mexico

Baja California ’s Pacific Coast beach town of Ensenada is home to hole-in-the-wall taco joints, must-try Med-Mex fusion and fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Beyond traditional flavors, Ensenada’s culinary scene offers a must-try Med-Mex fusion that artfully blends Mediterranean and Mexican influences, resulting in a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. And of course, the town’s proximity to the sea ensures an unforgettable seafood experience—where you can indulge in dishes featuring the catch of the day, served straight from the boats to your plate. Whether you’re seeking the simplicity of street food or the elegance of fusion cuisine, Ensenada promises a gastronomic adventure that reflects the vibrant spirit of Baja California’s Pacific Coast.

Sitting behind a long, half-moon bay of golden sand less than two hours’ drive from San Diego and Tijuana , Baja’s third-largest city has long been a popular beach retreat for local and international visitors. Its streets and rural environs sizzle with scintillating places to eat – from traditional Mexican family restaurants to delectable dining rooms with vineyard views.

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Fine-dining and fine wines are served al fresco by the fire under ancient tropical cedar trees and a star-filled sky. Primitivo – twenty minutes’ drive from Ensenada in the Valle de Guadalupe – is worth going out of your way for. The menu focuses on barbecued meats and seafood, with picadillo de jurel (horse mackerel with herbs and spices), beef steaks and octopus being favorites. There’s a rotating, themed tasting menu of the chef’s latest specialties, and food comes with sommelier-matched wines.

Tucked away on an office-lined street in Ensenada’s port area and with a plain brick façade, Manzanilla doesn’t look like much. But locals in-the-know will tell you that Benito Molina and Solange Muris’s Med-Mex fusion cooking has been wowing Mexican gourmands since the turn of the millennium. Kick off with a zingy Oaxaca margarita at the wooden bar, then tuck in to the six-course degustation (with mini rib-eye steaks, tacos and gorgeous grilled yellowtail). Pair that with matching Guadalupe wines, on request.

La Conchería

Don’t let the low prices fool you, or the low-key locale – off a busy road in central Ensenada, La Conchería is the place locals go for seafood, plucked that day from Baja’s pristine waters. Oysters, served with a choice of sauces running from chili-hot to ginger-tangy, are as fresh as the dawn, while the abalone is a local legend and the fish skillets and seafood salads are the chef’s signatures. The service, meanwhile, is as crisp as the white wines on the extensive list.

Punta Morro

Sunset over the Pacific, mojito in hand, gentle breeze blowing, waves lapping on the rocks. You’ll find it all at Punta Morro, a beachside hotel whose dining room hovers over the ocean and the curve of Ensenada bay. With views this good, the food doesn’t have to be special, but it is: juicy lobster enchiladas, steamed Baja clams, empanada pastries stuffed with lobster chorizo and Mexican beans, plus grilled swordfish with capers. The wine list, mostly of Baja bottles, is exuberant.

Mariscos El Güero de Ensenada

In Ensenada, fast eats can be fabulous, and even a simple stall can serve sumptuous seafood – as the crowds of locals that flock to this shoreside street-eatery attest. Skillful waiters whip up ceviche and seafood cocktails in seconds, made from ultra-fresh Baja yellowtail, clams, shrimps and oysters. Served with tortillas and tangy salsas, they will certainly set your tastebuds tingling. Best of all, the bill will be less than the price of a burger and fries.

Bronco’s Steak House

Of course it’s not all about the seafood in Ensenada. Like all North Americans, Mexicans love their steaks. Ensenada’s best are served at Bronco’s – whose wooden saloon bar façade (complete with sombrero-clad mannequin) could be in a Hollywood western. Steak is served in all manner of cuts, but the local way to eat it is a la parilla – grilled on a charcoal barbecue. Portions are enormous, there’s a more-than-you-can-eat buffet and a heaving dessert trolley, so come with an empty belly.

On the edge of Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region, this family-run restaurant, set in palm-filled tropical gardens, offers a menu of Baja and Yucatán dishes, as well as sommelier-selected bottles from the celebrated El Cielo vineyard. Signature dishes include delicious pork belly tacos. Made with blue cornflour and accompanied by avocado purée, red onion and piquant chilmole sauce, these are best washed down with a crisp El Cielo copernicus cabernet sauvignon.

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Ensenada Cruiseport Village

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Teniente Azueta 224

22800 Ensenada, Baja California

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One of the safest cruise ship terminal Located Close to the Ensenada city with fantastic view from the cruise ship see the marina and Ensenada coastal area. 80 Mexican pesos , that's 4 U.S. dollars round trip for the carnival cruise passenger from Ensenada cruise ship terminal to the downtown Ensenada Mexico.

The port was very clean, and I love that the cruise offered us beverages and snacks as we were getting back onto our cruise ship. However, I really wish this port was similar to Nassau's port. You have to take a shuttle to downtown to find any kind of shopping and even from there there's very minimal shopping so then they try to get you to pay more money to take you to the open air market, which is about a 30 minute drive in their bus. I wish they would have or allow people to be in the terminal or right outside for shopping especially if you're traveling with little kids and they do not want to be off the ship for very long because they want to explore the ship No saws port has a ton of shopping as soon as you walk off of the ship and then you can go outside the terminal if you want as well I wish more were like this

Covid has struck this coastal port as hard as everywhere else. During my visit we were the only ship in port. A port that can usually have 3 large cruise ships at once. The port area was still very clean, but the few shops located in the area were all closed. A note to self and other cruisers- the shuttle offered by the cruise lines for a small price isn't really necessary. Follow the well paved pathed your the left and out the gate. Take the footbridge across the inlet into the Parque de La Bandera, then along the Embarcadero shops. At the Embarcadero Restaurant take a right and go two blocks. You are now on the main shopping street for the town. Total it's a mile walk that takes only 20 minutes, with interesting sites along the way. PS - this community wants their tourists back. They are 90% vaccinated. And insist on masks in their shops. Have opened up several sidewalk seatings for restaurants.

Easy walking paths to downtown Ensenada from the cruise port area. Some people pay $20 USD to get onto the bus rides, but walking is actually very good for stretching out. There's not much to see at the cruise port area and it wasn't beautiful in my opinion, but the staffs are very welcoming and photographers want your business. Once you get out into the streets, you will feel that this old town Ensenada has great $1-$2.00 Street Tacos. It feels like the U.S., but with with lots of flea markets and smaller taco sheds all along the paths. Street vendors are friendly and everyone seems to speak English fluently. Easy for Americans to navigate. I just wish that there were more appealing landmarks and views where the cruise ship was docked. It was cloudy and a bit windy during this time in September. Great place to stop for brunch/lunch for sure. Lots of cheap eats here at half the cost of what the U.S. dollar can buy in the states.

See all photos from Mary L. for Ensenada Cruiseport Village

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Restaurant-Club AERODROM - CLOSED

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