Cruise to Baja California for $50 per night

On the day of sailing, you fly into LAX, one of the most busiest airport in the world to be greeted by Royal Caribbean representatives in the baggage claim area. There you will join a group of passengers who like you will be sailing just hours away to Baja California from San Pedro, where the Monarch of the Seas cruise ship awaits you.

Getting on board is a breeze. After booking your cruise, Royal Caribbean sends you a booklet detailing your voyage. It also contains special luggage tags for you to attach to your luggage after you arrive in Los Angeles and before you arrive at the cruise terminal. Once the bus is loaded with passengers, it enters the freeway and takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the cruise terminal. Porters will take your luggage from the bus and deliver it to your cabin. It is always a good idea to pack your medications in your purse or your carry-on because there is no guarantee that you will get your luggage when you arrive at your cabin. In most cases, you will receive your luggage after a few hours.

One of the first things that you might want to do is to check out the ship. The Monarch of the Seas is a fair size, however it is small compared to the Brilliance of the Seas or the Voyager of the Seas, ships that sail the Mediterranean. Some passengers like medium sized ships because it’s more personal. It’s large enough that you won’t feel the choppy seas but not too large that you can get lost in. She has twelve decks and can occupy 2,744 passengers. Some of the amenities onboard include a rock climbing wall, make-your-own pizza bar, two outdoor pools, two whirlpools, open-air basketball court and an oversize spa and fitness center.

If you want to change your dining arrangement, this is the time to do so. Find the dining room that is printed on your cruise card (key). The maitre’d will be on hand to talk to you. There’s usually a lineup so don’t worry, you won’t be alone. On a short sailing such as this one, it might be nice to be romantic and ask for a table for two. They will accomodate you if you tell them you are celebrating an anniversary or a special birthday. If you don’t say anything, they won’t put a priority on seating you at a small table. It is easier for them and for your waiter to serve bigger tables. Upstairs in the Windjammer’s Lounge, there is probably a buffet waiting for you. Once you’re done changing your dining arrangements, make your way up via the elevators. Take it easy on your first day. There’ll be plenty of time to work off those extra pounds that you’re going to add. (Remember to bring along our “5” Ways to Get Fat blog).

 

Some interesting shore excursions awaits you such as a tour to see La Bufadora in Ensenada, a powerful blowhole that shoots water high into the air, whale watching tour in San Diego, Seal Rocks cruise in Catalina Island and a Mexican Folklore Fiesta and Shopping Tour.

I compared prices with three travel providers and found the best price of only $199 for an interior cabin. There are sailings from April 28 to October 13th with higher prices (and temperatures) in June through August.