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California Coast Cruises

Experience the best of the west on california cruises.

Best Cruises From the West Coast

Cruise Critic

From the rolling hills of California to the mist-shrouded mountains of the Pacific Northwest, lies 1,478 miles of coastline dotted with modern metropolises and charming towns full of personality. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed week sampling local culinary delights through California’s renowned wine country, an adventurous trek along the rugged Pacific coastline, or the inside scoop on Hollywood’s entertainment industry, Princess Cruises offers the best cruises from California.

Classic California Coast

Journey through the land of golden hills on roundtrip cruises departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Gaze across Monterey’s mesmerizing shoreline from a waterfront eatery. Watch the fog roll in as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Literally walk in the footsteps of screen legends at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Soak in all of California’s laid-back spirit while enjoying newly added summer departures.

Pacific Wine Country

Drink wine so close to the source that you could reach out and touch the grapes on a Pacific Wine Country or Coastal cruise. Befriend a local who teaches you the best way to swirl world-famous reds in Napa. Uncover new layers in a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from a tasting room near the ocean in Santa Barbara. Discover the beauty of city life as you tour San Francisco by cable car with a newfound appreciation of a perfect California Coast pour.

West Coast Getaways

Escape the everyday on a West Coast Getaway. Immerse yourself in the diverse history and charms of San Diego on an open-air trolley. Cruise to the welcoming port of Santa Barbara, and discover the beauty of the “American Riviera.” Take advantage of our newly added summer departures and savor a few days away.

The Princess Difference

Cuisine inspired by world–renowned chefs. Broadway-style entertainment from award-winning creators. Shore excursions crafted to immerse you into what makes the region truly unique. Princess knows that the journey and the destination aren’t separate, but together they make the most cherished memories.

• Itinerary Variety
• The California Onboard Experience
• Diverse Destinations
• Family Accommodations

With 2- to 11-day sailings and departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C., it’s easy to see why Cruise Critic has named our California Coast cruises the "Best Cruises from the West Coast." Experience what draws people to California, from fog-covered redwood forests to bright lights and excitement.

With spectacular ships offering everything you’d find at an seaside resort – from gourmet dining to world-class entertainment – there’s no better way to see the West Coast’s best cities, hidden gems and famed Wine Country than aboard our California cruises. Savor a unique selection of California wines, and partake in our new Silverado Wine Blending Experience. Sample cuisine from some of L.A.’s hottest chefs, such as Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura. Our Entertainer’s Showcase features Hollywood insiders, from actors to musicians and writers, sharing stories and plying their craft. Princess also offers Discovery™ and California Science Center curated activities that explore California’s wildlife, history and national parks.

Extraordinary adventures await in diverse ports, from Ensenada to Santa Barbara and  Vancouver , B.C., each rippling with indelible beauty. Rejuvenate your senses as you stroll sun-kissed beaches and sip luscious wines under the stars. Explore laid-back coastal cities and walk beneath ancient reaching branches in the Muir Woods. Watch for marine mammals with a keen eye and quick shutter finger, as the most beautiful parts of this coast are often hidden in plain sight.  Learn more about California Cruise shore excursions

We have a wide range of comfortable accommodations for families or friends traveling together. There is room for up to four guests in all types of staterooms — Interior, Oceanview, Balcony and Mini-Suites — many with interconnecting options too! For families or groups traveling with five or more members, we offer a Two-Bedroom Family Suite option — with room for up to eight people, luxury amenities and a comfortable sitting room.

Indulge in the Finest Cuisine on a California Cruise

Wining and dining are integral parts of the California Coast cruise experience. From fajitas and margaritas to wine-tasting events and local delights that celebrate fresh ingredients and exotic influences, Princess serves up a diverse menu of food and dining options throughout the day.

Locally Inspired

From the golden state to your plate

California has always been at the forefront of cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, delicate meat and seafood dishes and compelling presentation. Taste flavors and influences from countless cultures, including Europe, Mexico and Asia, in one-of-a-kind dining experiences only enjoyed on the California Coast.

Decadent Desserts

Chocolate dreams made real

It’s your vacation, so indulge! Each evening, you’ll have your choice of delectable desserts to choose from in our dining rooms. Perennial guest favorites include the Princess Love Boat Dream, traditional New York cheesecake and create-your-own sundae. You’ll also find freshly baked made from scratch pastries offered in The Pastry Shop, International Café, and World Fresh Marketplace.

Celebrate California Wines On Board a West Coast Cruise

Excite your palate with gourmet pairings at Vines wine bar. Learn what makes California wine some of the best in the world through tastings and talks with experts. Experiment with flavors and aromas under expert guidance to create your own signature wine blend.

Princess Fine Wine Tasting

Enrich your palate together

Meet new friends while savoring fine wine selections served with hors d'oeuvres. Take in entertaining lectures by knowledgeable staff and drink in the distinct differences in terroir, grape varieties and production methods in wines from world renowned growing regions. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, from the burgeoning to the experienced.

Silverado Wine Blending Experience

A blend all your own

Create your own malbec, cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend under the instruction of a master craftsman from the Silverado Vineyards in California’s famed Napa Valley. In this exclusive onboard experience that features some of the best from the winery’s Mt. George vineyard, follow along to learn how to custom blend, practicing an art that winemakers around the world have been perfecting for centuries.

Vines Wine Bar

Wine and dine

Voted one of the "Best Wine Bars at Sea" by  USA Today , Vines wine bar is a cozy nook for the casual oenophile to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine with gourmet pairings, like antipasti and tapas. Vines boasts an extensive and highly diverse selection of wines not available by the glass anywhere else on board.

California Cruise Entertainment

Hollywood has always been the mecca for entertainment so it should come as no surprise that we bring the hottest talent to the Princess stages. Enjoy the best music, entertainment and craftsmanship of Hollywood and Broadway in this exclusive opportunity on board a Princess California Coast cruise.

Comedians and Magicians

Laughter & wonder

Laugh with top-ranked comedians from Comedy Central and comedy clubs across the U.S. When the laughter dies down, closely watch magicians from iconic L.A. hot spots like the Magic Castle, a members-only private club that specializes in jaw-dropping sleight of hand, as well as from Penn and Teller's television show  Fool Us .

Hollywood Insiders

Bright lights, big stars

Hear celebrities from your favorite entertainment share their experiences on board select sailings in our exclusive Entertainer’s Showcase and Workshop. Meet the stars of stage, screen and music at parties, and hear behind-the-scenes tales of your favorite movie, play or album over exquisite food and drinks. Meet the actors, composers and musicians who shaped some of the most memorable media in history and learn about their careers, methods and lives.

Movies Under the Stars

Big screen & big stars

Cuddle up under a cozy blanket with warm popcorn for an evening of Hollywood blockbusters. Enjoy popular comedies, dramas and action movies, plus on-screen concerts starring musical legends at Movies Under the Stars®, a poolside movie theater located on the ship’s top deck.

Culture & Marine Life on Cruises from California

Get to the heart of life on the coast with locally inspired programs and partnerships. Witness fantastic displays of nature like expressive sea lions and migrating whales. Learn about colorful, historical cultures and more on our California Coast cruise.

Local Connections

Live like a local

Do as the locals do. Princess has partnered with local experts to bring you immersive adventure off the beaten path. Dine at local hot spots hidden in plain sight. Attend events and have experiences only known through word of mouth. Listen as experts reveal California’s history, national parks and Spanish missions from a local point of view.

New Perspectives

Appreciate more

Experience a new perspective of California and the West Coast on board or ashore, day or night. Learn about California from the locals who know it best and uncover the secret lives of sharks during Shark Week at Sea with Discovery at SEA. Amaze your friends after a class at the Wizard’s Academy courtesy of the California Science Center.

Sail the stars

Embark on a cosmic voyage to the heavens from our top deck through Stargazing with Discovery at SEA, developed with renowned astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi and L.A.’s famous Griffith Observatory. On this interactive guided tour, learn how to find your bearings, identify the major constellations, and hear the secrets of the stars and the legends around them.

Pacific Coast Cruise Ports and Excursions

Immerse yourself in the colorful sights and sounds of the Golden State and beyond. Locals wear the region’s signature laid-back spirit like a uniform. It’s in the sand, on the streets and in hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Pictures don’t do it justice; it has to be felt and experienced, and the best way to do so is on board a Princess West Coast cruise.

California coast cruise shore excursions

Uncover the history, natural wonders and culinary delights of the California Coast through shore excursions specially designed to show you more of the state. Inspire your mind with up-close encounters with fascinating creatures and sites on immersive Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ excursions.

Discover even more with discovery at sea

Princess has joined forces with Discovery to offer exclusive excursions and tours that are not only fascinating for the whole family, but also recommended by two of the most trusted names in world travel – Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Hear inside stories from regional experts, and learn what it’s really like to live in each of the areas you’re visiting during your Princess California cruise.

Explore the Ports of the West Coast on a California Cruise

Highlights of things to see and do on shore

• Astoria, Oregon
• Ensenada, Mexico
• Los Angeles, California
• San Diego, California
• San Francisco, California
• Santa Barbara, California
• Seattle, Washington
• Vancouver, B.C.

Enjoy a narrated drive around Astoria, and visit the Astoria Column, view the Flavel House and many picturesque homes, hotels and neighborhoods that have been featured in movies like  The Goonies ,  Short Circuit ,  Benji the Hunted  and others. Take in the views and brews of some Astoria's finest craft beers while looking out over the scenic Columbia River.

Head south and dance to live mariachi music in the Riviera del Pacifico. Visit the oldest winery in Baja California, and enjoy the beautiful weather as you taste wines crafted from nearly ancient vines. Sample delectable dishes under beach umbrellas, and enjoy the day’s special from local street vendors. If you’d like to see one of the world’s largest marine geysers, visit the scenic peninsula of Punta Banda, home to La Bufadora.

L.A. is more than swimming pools, shopping and palm trees. It’s a world-class city that embraces its movie star good looks. Explore the star-studded Hollywood Hills. Visit the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre’s Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features the handprints, footprints and autographs of more than 200 stars like John Wayne, Judy Garland and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson preserved in cement. Wander Olvera Street for authentic colors and tastes of Old Mexico.

Relax on a sun-soaked beach. Take a tour of the county’s thriving wineries. ‘Ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the 4,000 rare animal breeds that call the San Diego Zoo their home. Watch thrilling shows featuring bottlenose dolphins at Sea World Adventure Park. Enjoy that south-of-the-border feeling with a stroll through Old Town. Sample the nightlife – all Classic California Coast cruises stay here until 11 p.m.

You just may leave your heart in this iconic city. Home to cable cars, fog and world-class food, San Francisco is a cosmopolitan city with hip neighborhoods, parks and gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll down Lombard Street, the “most crooked” street in the world. Watch interesting characters flow through Union Square from a coffee shop window. Appreciate 1,000-year-old redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument.

Nicknamed “America’s Riviera,” Santa Barbara boasts whitewashed houses draped with bougainvillea, sapphire-blue water rolling up a rocky coast and palm-lined beaches. Even with all of that beauty, wine and whales may be the stars of this charming coastal city. Journey to the quaint Danish village of Solvang for wine tasting. Step aboard a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the glistening waters of the Channel Islands to watch whales and dolphins frolic.

At 110 years old, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is the country’s oldest continuously operated public farmers' market. It’s also home to the original Starbucks, where javaphiles toast to the legendary coffeehouse. Let your eye guide you to local art, and your nose to hole-in-the-wall eateries, along eclectic streets. Tour and sample the wines hidden away in the state’s most popular wineries’ private cellars.

If you’re looking for adventure in Vancouver, gather up your courage for a daring walk across the nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge swaying 50 meters high. Stop and smell the cherry blossoms in world-famous Stanley Park, a West Coast rainforest fittingly dubbed the “Green Heart” of Vancouver. Ascend Grouse Mountain in the Super SkyRide tramway for a postcard-worthy view of the city over rolling hills of Douglas firs.

California Coast Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about the must-see attractions, unique cuisine and the West Coast’s signature style you’ll encounter on a California coast cruise.

2024-2025 California Coast Cruises

The Best of the West Coast. Learn more about California Coast cruises.

Wine Cruises for Oenophiles: Taste and Learn

If you're a wine enthusiast who'd love to explore some of the renowned wineries the continental U.S. has to offer, it's time to plan a cruise.

Tour the West Coast on a California Coastal Cruise

Though it's a single state, California makes up more than half of the West Coast in the U.S., affording it some of the most beautiful weather, Pacific coastline and destinations in the country.

Food in Vancouver: Cruise to Taste the Pacific

The influence from Asia and the Pacific makes Vancouver's food some of the best in Canada. Take a cruise from Vancouver and enjoy the flavors of the city.

Visit San Francisco on a California Coastal Cruise

Whether staying in San Francisco for a few hours or a few days, passengers on a cruise ship will be hard pressed to avoid falling in love with this quaint yet bustling metropolitan city.

Try Pacific Coast Cruises for a Quick Getaway Vacation

Need a quick getaway? Check out Los Angeles and Ensenada, Mexico, in one weekend on one of Princess Cruises' Pacific Coast cruises.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes!

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Find Cheap Cruises from Los Angeles

Great deals for cruises from los angeles.

For expert cruise advice, call 1-800-916-8586.

Travelers in the cabin

Best Los Angeles cruise deals

4 night Mexico

3 night Mexico

Discover the best cruise from los angeles, how can i find a cheap los angeles cruise.

With Expedia, you can find plenty of Los Angeles discount cruises and cruise deals from Los Angeles to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Los Angeles, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Los Angeles cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2025 cruise from Los Angeles in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Los Angeles can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Los Angeles?

You can search cruise ships leaving from Los Angeles throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Los Angeles cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure you’re getting the right price at the right time. Los Angeles cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2025 cruises out of Los Angeles in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Los Angeles by looking for last-minute deals.

What to look out for when you book your Los Angeles cruise?

When booking a Los Angeles cruise vacation on Expedia, you can look for the cabin experience you want, the amenities you’d like included, and which cruise lines out of Los Angeles you’d like to travel with. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adults-only trip, you’ll be able to choose from a number of cruise ships out of Los Angeles, all while getting fantastic Los Angeles cruise prices. Expedia’s Los Angeles cruise finder will present you with some of the top cruise deals out of Los Angeles – and on some of the most popular cruise ships out of Los Angeles – so that you can plan and book with ease.

How to book a cruise from Los Angeles on Expedia?

Seamlessly find cruises departing from Los Angeles by inputting your travel dates and the number of travelers in the search wizard. The results will present you with a variety of cheap Los Angeles cruises and the most popular cruise lines from Los Angeles so you can find your dream Los Angeles cruise vacation. Our search wizard also allows you to select your cabin type, the included amenities, and the cruise type. Depending on the time of year, your preference of Los Angeles cruise ships, and your travel requirements, your choice of cruises departing from Los Angeles will vary. Once you’ve chosen your Los Angeles cruise, you’ll be redirected to cabin selection and be asked to finalize your details. After that, you’re ready to embark!

Do you need a passport to cruise out of Los Angeles?

Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to bring a passport for cruises leaving from Los Angeles. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises out of Los Angeles to certain destinations. It’s advised to check entry requirements prior to your Los Angeles cruise vacation to ensure you have the right documents with you. While you may not need a passport for certain Los Angeles cruises, you will be required to show a valid ID card and your Los Angeles cruise ship boarding pass.

Can I cancel my Los Angeles cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel or modify your cruise from Los Angeles via the ‘My Trips’ section on Expedia. For help canceling your cruise booking, it’s advised to contact customer service. Cancellation and refund policies are determined by your Los Angeles cruise line. Generally, the further in advance you cancel your Los Angeles cruise trip, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Why should I book a cruise from Los Angeles with Expedia?

Searching for cruises leaving from Los Angeles is a seamless experience with Expedia, your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We put the best cruise lines out of Los Angeles at your fingertips, and all deals and discounts will be automatically applied to the displayed price. Expedia compiles the deals offered by top Los Angeles cruise lines so that you can find a cruise ship from Los Angeles that’s perfect for your needs – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Booking Los Angeles cruises in advance for 2025 can provide you with better flexibility, more itinerary options, and an abundance of Los Angeles cruise destinations.

Los Angeles Cruise Guide

Due to its location along the Pacific Coast, many cruise itineraries to Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, the Transpacific and Hawaii depart from the city of Los Angeles. This is the best port to find affordable getaways to the Mexican Riviera.

The port itself is actually located in Long Beach, which is a short drive away from the big-city L.A., but also has its fair share of attractions. You can stay overnight at the Queen Mary, a retired vintage luxury ocean liner that is rumored to be haunted and offers ghost tours. Take a dip in the calm waters at the beach, or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve seen it all at the port, a short ride by car, Uber or the L.A. Metro brings you to the star-studded city of Los Angeles, where you can easily spend a week exploring all that it has to offer.

The city of Los Angeles is home to the biggest names in arts and culture, so it comes as no surprise that there’s a large variety of cultural attractions and museums. There are must-see art galleries like The Getty, which features classical exhibitions and artifacts, and the popular new museum, The Broad, which is free to enter, and features more modern exhibits. Music lovers can check out the GRAMMY Museum, or catch a concert at the beautifully designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Los Angeles is the birthplace of American Cinema, so there’s also a variety of studio backlot tours that you can take, like Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, NBC and more. If you catch yourself walking along the historical streets of Hollywood, be sure to look down and spot some of your favorite celebrities names on their Stars at the Walk of Fame.

There are many ways to snap a picture of the infamous Hollywood sign, depending on the angle you’d like. If you have a car you can make a pit stop along Deronda Drive, and take a quick walk over to the sign. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, take the 6-mile hike along the Brush Canyon Trail, where you’ll eventually get that picture-perfect shot. You can also see the sign from outside of the Griffith Observatory, where for a small fee you can go up to the top of the observatory and take in the best panoramic views of the city of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is also known for its diverse range of shops. For high-end designer trends, be sure to explore Rodeo Drive, where you might even run into a celebrity or two. For hip vintage and thrift shops, walk along Melrose, and for the ultimate cheap finds, check out the Los Angeles Fashion District. There’s also no shortage of food, with delicious restaurants and popular chains on every block. Los Angeles is home to In-N-Out Burger, a popular West Coast fast food chain, as well as many other restaurants owned by celebrity chefs and popular Instagram-worthy cafés.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Los Angeles

Motel Sakura

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024

Santa Clarita Motel

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2024

Seaside Motel

Days Inn by Wyndham Near City Of Hope

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2024

Cabana Inn & Suites

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2024

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Alaska cruise from Los Angeles in August 2023

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure departing from Los Angeles in August 2023. Los Angeles is a bustling city located in Southern California, known for its glitz, glamour, and sunny weather. As a major port city, Los Angeles is a popular starting point for cruises to Alaska. As you embark on your Alaskan adventure, you'll be transported to a world of natural beauty and wonder, with rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. Here's what you can expect on your cruise from Los Angeles. August is another great time to visit Alaska, as the warm and sunny weather continues, and the wildlife and outdoor activities are still plentiful. With an average temperature ranging from 50-65°F (10-18°C), visitors can expect comfortable weather conditions, with long daylight hours still available for exploration. Choose from a range of popular cruise lines, such as and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Los Angeles in August 2023.

Explore Alaska's Wilderness on a August 2023 Cruise from Los Angeles

Seeing the salmon run, as the fish migrate upriver to their breeding grounds, is a highlight of an August Alaskan cruise.. Visitors can watch grizzly bears and other wildlife feasting on the salmon, or even try their hand at fishing themselves. August is also an excellent time to witness the breathtaking scenery of Alaska, with the chance to explore the glaciers and fjords, go on a whale-watching excursion, or take a helicopter tour for a bird's eye view of the landscape. Visitors can also go on a hiking or kayaking adventure, or even try their hand at dog sledding on a glacier.

In addition to the outdoor activities, August offers the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history of Alaska. Visitors can explore the museums and galleries, attend cultural events and festivals, or take a guided tour to learn about the indigenous people of the region and their way of life. August is also a great time to experience the vibrant nightlife of Alaska, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs offering live music and entertainment.

Los Angeles port Alaska Cruise Schedule August 2023

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Los Angeles in August 2023. Journey through pristine wilderness filled with glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, rare wildlife, and charming waterfront communities. Discover a range of available cruises departing from Los Angeles in August 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary.

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Best Cruises from Los Angeles, California in 2023

Looking to take a cruise out of Los Angeles but you’re not sure where you want to go yet?

Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro offers cruises to destinations all over the world.  We looked at all the cruises sailing out of LA and Long Beach in 2023 and broke down what we thought were the best cruises from Los Angeles in 6 categories.

In this article we will look at cruise itineraries that sail to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, and even a World cruise, all out of LA.

By the way, there are two cruise ports in the Los Angeles area but they are only about 7 miles apart.  Only Carnival ships sail out of Long Beach so most of the cruises below sail from the cruise port in San Pedro.

2023 is already quickly flying by, so let’s get right into it.

Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera is to West Coast Americans what the Caribbean is to those living on the East Coast.

If you want to enjoy the sunny beaches of Puerto Vallarta , the stunning landscape off the coast of Cabo San Lucas , or the endless ocean boardwalk of Mazatlan’s Malecon the Mexican Riviera is a must-see.

The three cruise ports above are the most popular are commonly seen on cruise itineraries to this region, but there are many other incredible stops along the way.

7 Days on Discovery

This sailing is on one of my favorite ship classes, Royal-class with Princess Cruises.  And on top of a beautiful, elegant ship you get to sail to 3 of the best ports on the Mexican West Coast.

Ship:   Discovery Princess Duration: 7 days Dates: Feb 25, March 4, March 18, April 1, Apri 15, October 14, October 28, November 11, November 18, December 23, December 30 Itinerary: LA, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, LA Price: Starting around $500 per person for interior stateroom

Check out cruise on the Princess Cruises website here .

8 Days with a Stop in San Diego

Celebrity Eclipse is a popular Solstice-class vessel, and this itinerary gives you an extra day to spend in San Diego before you have to head back to LA.

Ship:   Celebrity Eclipse Duration: 8 days Dates: November 17th Itinerary: LA, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, San Diego, LA Price: Starting around $746 per person for interior stateroom

Check out more on this cruise with Celebrity .

Short and Sweet

This itinerary is for those looking for a quick weekend getaway.  There’s only one port of call, and it might feel like you barely unpacked your suitcase before you’re back in LA, but sometimes you just need a weekend cruise.

Ship:   Carnival Radiance Duration: 3 days Dates: Starting March 3rd and about every Friday to Monday through the entire year. Itinerary: LA, Ensenada , LA Price: Starting around $184 per person during off-peak months

This same ship sails the other 4 days of the week as well, sailing Monday through Friday if you’d rather just skip work for a week.

Check out cruise on Carnival’s website .

There are 21 cruises that depart from LA and sail to Hawaii until the end 2023.   Here are 3 of the best itineraries and cruises to the Aloha state.

16 night Crown-Class cruise to Hawaii

This 2007 Princess cruise ship offers a pretty great deal for 4 days in Hawaii and another 10 at sea.  Without sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line on Pride of America this is about as good a deal as you can get with this much time in port.

Ship:   Emerald Princess Duration:  16 nights Dates: May 4, June 1, July 6, August 5 Itinerary: LA, 5 sea days, Kauai, Hilo, Honolulu, Maui, 5 sea days, Ensenada, LA Price:  Around $1,248 per person for interior stateroom

Check out this cruise with Princess here .

Viking Star to Hawaii

Small ship comfort is at its best on a Viking cruise to Hawaii.  Two dates in December make this cruise a great way to cap off 2023.  Viking also provides one free excursion at each port and tons of opportunity for an immersive experience.

Ship:   Viking Star Duration:  16 nights Dates:  December 12, December 28 Itinerary: LA, 5 sea days, Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, 5 sea days, Ensenada, LA Price:  Balcony from $5,500 per person

Check out this cruise with Viking here .

20 Nights in Paradise

This is one of the best itineraries you can get to Hawaii without actually starting in Hawaii itself.  It’s on the pricier end of the spectrum and it’s with an ultra-luxury cruise line, but it’s one incredible cruise.

The 6 sea days on either end might seem long, but don’t forget you’re sailing on one of the most luxurious ships on the sea.  And spending 6 days in Hawaii on a cruise is hard to beat.

Ship:   Seabourn Sojourn Duration: 20 nights Dates:  December 22, 2023 Itinerary: LA, 6 sea days, Kona, Hilo, Honolulu for 2 days, Kauai, Maui, 6 sea days, Ensenada, LA Price: Suite from around $10,000

Check out this Seabourn cruise to Hawaii here .

Ready for a break from the heat?  Explore Alaska on a cruise out of LA and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.  Check out some of the best LA to Alaska cruises we found for 2023.  There are only 2 cruise lines that sail to Alaska from LA: Carnival and Oceania.

Related: Best cruise lines for Alaska

2 Weeks on Miracle

This cruise actually sails out of the Long Beach Terminal, but it’s right next to the Los Angeles cruise port.  Carnival offers a very reasonable rate for a 14 day itinerary to Alaska, and it’s full of wonderful cruise ports.

Ship:   Carnival Miracle Duration:  14 days Dates:  April 23,  September 10 Itinerary: Long Beach, 3 sea days, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, 3 sea days, Long Beach Price: Starting at $1,419 per person for interior cabin

Check out this cruise in Carnival Miracle here .

Panama Canal

Sailing through a modern world wonder on a cruise ship should be on your bucket list somewhere.  And LA offers several cruises for such a voyage.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers 3 Panama Canal cruises out of LA this year, each on a Breakaway-class vessel.   Each ends in Miami and is a 15-17 night journey.

Norwegian Bliss through Panama Canal

Not only will this itinerary take you through the Panama Canal, but you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful Mexican Riviera on the way there, and then get to stop on Cartagena, Columbia before you arrive in Miami, Florida.

Ship:  Norwegian Bliss Duration:  15 nights Dates:  November 19, 2023 Itinerary:  LA, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Panama City, Panama Canal, Cartagena, Miami Price:  Starting at $999 per person for interior stateroom

Check out this cruise on Norwegian’s website .

Panama Canal Cruise with Cunard

Cunard offers a great Panama Canal cruise out of LA as well, with stops in Aruba and Costa Rica before arriving in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Ship:  Queen Elizabeth Duration:  14 nights Dates:  August 22, 2023 Itinerary:  LA, Cabo San Lucas, 3 sea days, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Panama Canal, Aruba, 2 sea days, Fort Lauderdale Price:  Starting at $1,899 per person for interior cabin

South Pacific

Yes, you can even sail to Tahiti and the South Pacific from Los Angeles.  The itinerary below spends two days in Papeete, French Polynesia which is on Tahiti, but not before stopping for a few days in Hawaii.  The sailing from LA to Sydney will last for 26 incredible days.

Ship:  Majestic Princess Duration:  26 nights Dates:  October 8th – November 4th, 2023 Itinerary: LA, 4 sea days, Honolulu, Maui, 5 sea days, 2 days in French Polynesia, 3 sea days, American Samoa, 3 sea days, 3 days in New Zealand, 2 sea days, Sydney Price:  Starting at $2,347 per person for interior stateroom

Check out more on this itinerary with Princess here .

World Cruise

Ever dreamed of sailing around the word in 180 days?  Thanks to Oceania Cruises you can make it a reality.  This world cruise actually begins in January of 2024 but it had to be added to this list.

The cruise begins in Los Angeles and ends in New York after making stops in some of the most amazing cities in the world.  This is truly an epic cruise.

Ship: Insignia (Oceania Cruises) Duration: 180 days Dates:   January 14, 2024 – July 12, 2024 Itinerary:  Hawaii, French Polynesia, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Burma, India, Oman, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Boston, New York Price:  Starting at $47,000 for an interior cabin

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023

Readers loved all the entertainment options, ports of call, and spacious rooms on these large-ship ocean cruise lines in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

When it comes to crowd-pleasing vacations, it’s hard to top the value and fun that a large-ship ocean cruise line delivers. These spacious ships, which have anywhere from 800 to 1,499 cabins, are big enough to give guests a wide choice of onboard activities, fine dining, and cutting-edge entertainment. They also deliver a huge variety of stateroom choices, whether you’re seeking an affordable cabin for a budget-minded getaway or plenty of space in a grand suite for a celebratory splurge.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins, with large-ship ocean cruise lines falling between 800 to 1,499 cabins. Some cruise lines may appear in multiple categories depending on the makeup of their fleet.

Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Cabins/facilities
• Itineraries/destinations
• Excursions/activities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

Courtesy of Disney

This year’s rankings delivered a few surprises. No. 2 Holland America Line moved up two spots from its 2022 ranking. The brand is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, but readers had other things in mind when giving “HAL” the nod: “The tone of our ship was just what we were looking for, calm and relaxing,” said one voter of a voyage aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam . Others praised the company’s rock-solid musical entertainment and rewarding itineraries that go to Alaska, yes, but also many ports in Europe and South America. “We really, really enjoyed our Alaskan cruise,” one fan said. “The ship was nice, the food was great, the service was excellent, and the surroundings were absolutely beautiful!”

Slotting in at No. 3 this year was Disney Cruise Line, which garnered plenty of praise for its family-friendly programs and onboard atmosphere, despite falling from No. 1 last year. With a fleet of five ships, the line is celebrating an anniversary of its own this year, its 25th, with specialty music and entertainment on board this summer. “The ship was absolutely beautiful and there was amazing detail to everything,” said one passenger who traveled with extended family on Disney Wish . “Our granddaughter absolutely loves anything Frozen, so she certainly enjoyed the dinner show!”

This year’s voting also crowned a new No. 1: Cunard, yet another brand with plenty of history. Read on to learn why it topped the list as the best large-ship ocean cruise line.

Courtesy of Cunard

First launched in 1840, Cunard is once again top of mind for travelers who named it the world’s best large-ship line. Some fans may be looking ahead to the 2024 launch of Queen Anne, but many others don’t want to wait: the quintessential Queen Mary 2, which does transatlantic crossings between New York City and Southampton, England, offers as decadent a trip as ever, readers say. “Expect nothing less than the utmost of comfort and service,” opined one. “Loved our time on board and dressing up for a couple of nights during our seven-night crossing,” said another. This summer’s Alaska itineraries, aboard Queen Elizabeth, will afford plenty of opportunities to explore the wilds in the company of experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, a new partner for the classic brand. The line’s Queen Victoria is another solid choice: “A lovely, well-crafted ship with excellent, attentive service — and a fabulous tea service," one reader shared.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.00

2. Holland America Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.44

3. Disney Cruise Line

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.31

4. Celebrity Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 84.56

5. Princess Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.13

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Watch CBS News

Multiple Chinese warships spotted near Alaska, U.S. Coast Guard says

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: July 11, 2024 / 10:03 AM EDT / CBS News

Multiple Chinese military ships were spotted by the U.S. Coast Guard in the waters off Alaska, officials  said in a news release on Wednesday . 

Three vessels were detected about 124 miles north of the Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands, and a fourth ship was spotted about 84 miles north of the state's Amukta Pass. The ships were seen on Saturday and Sunday. 

All four ships were in international waters, the Coast Guard said, but were inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from the U.S. shoreline. In these areas, the United States has exclusive rights for exploring and using marine resources. 

All four ships "operated in accordance with international rules and norms," according to Rear Admiral Megan Dean, the Coast Guard district commander. 

When contacted by the Coast Guard to "ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska," the Chinese vessels said that they were in the area for "freedom of navigation operations," Dean said. 

The naval presence was tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball, a 418-foot-long national security vessel that has previously conducted joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. The cutter is in the area as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, a Coast Guard exercise "designed to meet presence with presence when strategic competitors operate in and around U.S. waters," according to the agency. 

The Kimball monitored all of the Chinese vessels until they left the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, officials said, and the ship  will continue to patrol the zone. 

Similar incidents have occurred in recent years. In September 2021 and September 2022 , Coast Guard cutters in the area encountered Chinese surface action groups, and in August 2023, the U.S. Navy sent four destroyers to the Alaskan coast after 11 Chinese and Russian warships were spotted patrolling in international waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone. 

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Alaska considers new limits for cruise ship visitors to help combat overtourism

The visitor limit agreement would go into effect in 2026.

JUNEAU, Alaska -- The pristine natural beauty of Alaska boasts breathtaking landscapes with vast national parks, glaciers and 6,640 miles of coastline that makes the destination particularly popular for cruises.

Now, the capital port city of Juneau, where crowds have been sailing in in record numbers, is considering a limit on large cruise ships with 250 passengers or more that would cap the number of daily visitors starting in 2026 to help combat overtourism.

New agreement in Alaska to limit cruise ship visitors

Last month, cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian signed an agreement with Juneau tourism officials to help manage the thousands of passengers getting off the boats at the same time and visiting the area.

While the numbers are subject to change, Sundays through Fridays, cruise crowds are expected to be capped at 16,000. That number will be limited to 12,000 on Saturdays.

The new agreement expands on last year's decision to implement a limit of five cruise ships per day in Juneau.

Juneau is home to some amazing outdoor attractions, such as whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier, but some local residents said they've had enough of the post-pandemic crowds.

"I personally came to the realization that Alaska was being sold as a friendly place and that my friendliness was a commodity for the cruise lines," resident Karla Hart told ABC News. "The idea is just one day every week to just take a pause -- to have our community back."

In 2023, a record 1.6 million cruise passengers visited Juneau, including Sarah Grathwohlwent, who was there for the first time earlier this spring and documented her journey on social media.

"It was beautiful to go and see a glacier -- was my first one," she said. "I'm not against limiting the amount of cruise ships, I think it would make it nicer for the locals who live there year round."

Overtourism around the world prompts new crowd management systems

Scott Keyes, travel expert and founder of Going.com, said that the challenges of overtourism are not isolated to Juneau.

"We have been setting new travel records every month so far in 2024, and there's no reason to think that's going to stop," he told ABC News.

In the U.S., Mount Rainier is among the National Parks that have begun implementing timed entry reservations to help manage large crowds. In Europe, hotspot destinations like Venice and Barcelona have implemented day trip fees for visitors.

Over the weekend in Barcelona, thousands of locals protested in the streets with water guns to take a stand against tourism, which they say has resulted in a higher cost of living for residents.

Due to increased demand in Athens, Greece, the city is also studying limits on tourist capacity.

Experts believe that as more destinations see surges in visitors, local officials may implement restrictions to deal with crowds diplomatically.

"I'm all in favor of steps taken to try to make sure you're managing that properly and respecting the local environment and everything," Keyes said.

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3 Night Ensenada Cruise

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Day 1: los angeles, california.

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Day 2: Ensenada, Mexico

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Day 4: Los Angeles, California

‘Playing COVID roulette’: Some infected by FLiRT variants report their most unpleasant symptoms yet

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As the summer travel season picks up, COVID cases and hospitalizations are rising in Los Angeles County — and some of those recently reinfected are finding their latest bout to be the worst yet.

There are no signs at this point that the latest coronavirus variants are producing more severe illness, either nationally or in California.

But some doctors say this latest COVID rise challenges a long-held myth: Although new COVID infections are often mild compared with a first brush with the disease, they still can cause severe illness . Even if someone doesn’t need to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized, people sometimes describe agonizing symptoms.

“The dogma is that every time you get COVID, it’s milder. But I think we need to keep our minds open to the possibility that some people have worse symptoms,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert.

Each time you get COVID, he said, is “kind of like playing COVID roulette.”

This underscores the need for caution during summer travel and activities, even though the overall risk remains relatively mild.

Science & Medicine

Despite its ‘nothingburger’ reputation, COVID-19 remains deadlier than the flu

This past winter, the mortality rate for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was 35% higher than for patients hospitalized with the flu.

May 15, 2024

Since everyone’s experience with COVID is different and influenced by a number of factors, it’s difficult to quantify how many are experiencing more acute symptoms now compared with previous infections. But anecdotally, including on social media sites, people are expressing shock at how sick they’ve become from the latest subvariants, which have been collectively nicknamed FLiRT .

“I’ve had COVID a few times but this is the worst I’ve had it,” wrote one person on Reddit . The person reported recurring fever, being so congested they couldn’t breathe out of their nose, “terrible sinus pressure and headache ... and I can’t stand up for too long without feeling like I’m about to pass out.”

“Previously COVID just felt like the common cold, but this strain is [wreaking] havoc,” the person wrote. “I don’t like to complain like this, but I’m shocked at how much it’s taking me out.”

Another person wrote that their “throat feels like razor blades” and that they feel like they’re “in living misery.”

“I have so much phlegm, but it hurts so bad to cough because my throat is on literal fire!!” the person wrote . “This is my 4th time having Covid and I swear I feel like this is the worst it’s ever been!!”

COVID cases keep rising in L.A. County due to FLiRT; Mayor Karen Bass tests positive

The latest daily tally of new coronavirus cases is the highest since February, when the winter peak was falling. And it’s an undercount.

July 1, 2024

Others who eluded COVID for more than four years got infected this summer.

One person fell ill and tested positive for the first time after hosting a Father’s Day gathering for 12 people. The person described “uncontrollable body-shaking chills so bad I couldn’t feel most of my fingertips.”

A 42-year-old nurse, who has had COVID four times, said their latest illness has been “intense with fevers, cough, head pressure and pain. It’s attacking my throat and ability to swallow.”

Others, though, have said each subsequent COVID illness has been easier to recover from . And one first-time infected person wrote that they had “super mild symptoms [that] just feels like a seasonal allergy” flare-up.

Some studies back up the idea that subsequent COVID infections pose additional risks. A 2022 report in the journal Nature Medicine, focused on veterans, found that, “Compared to noninfected [people], cumulative risks and burdens of repeat infection increased according to the number of infections,” heightening the risk of medical problems, hospitalization and death.

COVID is rising in California. Here’s how to protect yourself from FLiRT subvariants

It’s too early to know if FLiRT will be a major change in the COVID picture; so far impacts have been small. But officials are urging Californians to be prepared.

May 28, 2024

And while the prevalence of long COVID appears to be declining , doctors note there is risk of developing the syndrome with each infection. A report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last summer said the prevalence of long COVID among U.S. adults was 7.5% in early June 2022, but had decreased as of mid-June 2023 to 6% — still a notable share of the population.

There are a number of potential reasons why a subsequent COVID illness might feel worse than the first . Say a person who was vaccinated and last boosted in 2021 got infected in 2022 and then again in 2024. The relatively long gap of not being exposed to infection, or a booster, “maybe led to [their body] not having as much immune memory. And the variants have changed so much anyway, it’s like getting exposed to something relatively different from what virus the immune system had seen earlier,” Chin-Hong said.

Without staying up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, which “remind the immune system of what the more current variants look like,” a recent infection may cause the body to act relatively surprised to the FLiRT subvariants that are now dominant nationwide.

“It’s evolved so much, and the body is, like, ‘O-M-G, what is this thing that I’m seeing?’ ” Chin-Hong said.

The logic is much the same for annual flu shots, which are formulated each year in hopes of priming the immune system against the dominant circulating versions of that virus.

Op-comic: The long, long road of long COVID

People at work were understanding when the illness became overwhelming, but in truth even I didn’t understand. Neither did the doctors.

June 6, 2024

For the week ending Saturday, an estimated 70.5% of COVID specimens nationwide were of the FLiRT subvariants — officially known as KP.3, KP.2 and KP.1.1 — up from 54.9% a month earlier. Another closely related subvariant, LB.1, is estimated to comprise 14.9% of specimens, up from 10% a month earlier.

Prior immunity from old vaccinations can still do a decent job of protecting many people against getting seriously ill. But without the refresher that comes with an updated vaccine, Chin-Hong said the immune system “probably won’t be able to stop the virus in its tracks, or neutralize the virus as soon as it comes in, because it looks so different, before kicking in memory immunity.”

“In the meantime,” he added, “this virus is infecting cells happily, while the body is trying to use its current memory to make new immune cells.”

It’s also notable that, even for younger adults who are considered up-to-date on their COVID immunizations, it’s been nearly a year since their last vaccination, and the effectiveness of the vaccine weakens over time.

A report published by the CDC in February found that getting the updated 2023–24 COVID vaccine provided about 54% increased protection against symptomatic illness compared with not getting the shot. Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is higher in the first few months after getting the updated shot.

Column: Anthony Fauci’s memoir strikes a crucial blow against the disinformation agents who imperil our health

In his memoir ‘On Call, A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service,’ Anthony Fauci fights back against the right-wingers and anti-vaxxers whose profit-seeking lies have cost the lives of thousands of Americans.

July 4, 2024

The vaccines continued to provide good protection against hospitalization and death.

In L.A. County, COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to rise. For the week ending June 30, there were an average of 229 coronavirus cases a day reported, up from 106 a month earlier. And for the week ending June 29, there were an average of 197 coronavirus-infected people in hospitals per day, up from 117 a month earlier. And while COVID hospitalizations are now higher than they were at this same point last year, they remain below the relatively mild peak seen in summer 2023.

Officially reported cases are an undercount, as they only factor in tests done at medical facilities, and don’t account for at-home tests or those who don’t test. In L.A. County, last summer’s COVID spike peaked in late August at 571 cases a day, and hit a maximum of 620 coronavirus-infected people per day in hospitals in early September.

Viral levels in L.A. County wastewater have been relatively stable. For the week that ended June 22, the most recent available, viral levels in sewage were at 17% of the peak from the winter of 2022–23, the same as the prior week. Last summer peaked in early September, where viral levels in sewage were at 38% of the prior winter’s peak.

The rate at which coronavirus tests are coming back with positive results continues to climb across California. For the week ending July 1, 10.6% of coronavirus tests statewide came back positive, up from 4.1% a month earlier. Last summer’s positive test rate peaked at 13.1%, toward the end of August.

World & Nation

Risk for chronic fatigue soars among those who had COVID-19, study says

People who have had COVID-19 have a significantly higher risk of suffering chronic fatigue than those who haven’t had the disease, a new CDC study shows.

Feb. 16, 2024

There has been relatively low uptake of the updated COVID vaccine, which became available in September. Since then, 36.7% of California’s seniors age 65 and up have received at least one dose of the updated vaccine, as have 18.5% of adults age 50 to 64, and 10% of the youngest adults, up to age 49.

For people who haven’t gotten an updated vaccine within the last year, “you should think about getting it, especially if you’re older and immune compromised,” Chin-Hong said. There continue to be hundreds of COVID deaths reported nationally every week, with seniors and immune-compromised people most at risk.

Even getting the 2023-24 vaccine now will still allow you to get the updated COVID vaccination that is on track to become available this fall. The CDC will recommend everyone 6 months and older get the updated 2024-25 version of the vaccine.

A good time to get the 2024-25 COVID vaccination is in October, Chin-Hong said.

Column: After smearing Anthony Fauci, House Republicans proceed to defame a prominent vaccine scientist

Dr. Peter Hotez is a vaccination expert who has nothing to do with COVID. The GOP’s COVID committee just put him in its crosshairs -- but why?

Chin-Hong said that even healthcare workers need to be reminded of proper COVID infection control protocols, like the importance of testing when you feel sick, and reporting your illness to your employer.

“It’s like everybody seems to be thinking COVID is just like normal now,” Chin-Hong said. But taking sensible measures — like coworkers deciding to not go into work when sick, and testing themselves when symptomatic — can make a world of difference in keeping COVID limited to a smaller number of people.

And with COVID rising, it’s also a reminder that it’s sensible to keep a mask in your pocket to don if you happen to be near an ill person, Chin-Hong said.

More to Read

Summer COVID bump intensifies in L.A. and California, fueled by FLiRT variants

June 24, 2024

Mpox is on the rise in L.A. County. Here’s how to avoid it

June 18, 2024

L.A. County COVID cases, hospitalizations rise amid FLiRT variants summer uptick

June 15, 2024

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Rong-Gong Lin II is a Metro reporter based in San Francisco who specializes in covering statewide earthquake safety issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bay Area native is a graduate of UC Berkeley and started at the Los Angeles Times in 2004.

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