About Ensenada
Ensenada, known as Baja's "Love Boat" port, is no longer a sleepy resort town. Each year, some 4.5 million visitors descend on this seaside city 68 miles from the border, joining 325,000 residents. Fishing, processing and shipping have made Ensenada Mexico's second busiest port.
It's quite a change from 1542 when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the sheltered bay in his quest for the mythical Northwest Passage, or sixty years later, when Sebastian Vizcaino named the area Ensenada de Todos los Santos after All Saints' Day. Over the centuries, many have left their mark here, from Spanish missionaries and Russian settlers to gold miners and gamblers.
The result is eclectic mix -- from Mexico's oldest winery and Baja's first cantina to a plaza featuring statues of national heroes. In addition to expected attractions like the large tourist shopping area and fish market, Ensenada also offers the unexpected - an elegant Prohibition-era casino and a blowhole that spews water sixty feet into the air.
Ensenada is an informal city dependent on fishing, shipping and tourism. Among the highlights are fresh seafood, cantinas, crafts shopping, sport fishing and winter whale watching. Beaches are located north and south of the city.
Find Cruises to Ensenada
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4 NightCruise to EnsenadaLeaving:Los AngelesVisiting:Cruise Line:Carnival Cruise LineHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
![4 Night Cruise to Ensenada Route (Carnival Cruise Line)]()
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Day 1Los Angeles
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Day 2Catalina Island (California)
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Day 3Ensenada
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Day 4Cruising
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Day 5Los Angeles
Ship DetailsCarnival Inspiration - Carnival Cruise Line
Pros
Fun-loving vibe, very few extra-fee attractions
Cons
Old ship has very few cabin and dining options
Bottom Line
Affordable cruise makes for the perfect short getaway
ReviewsCarnival Inspiration Reviews
View All PricesLoading...Fare IncludesWhat’s included in My Cruise Fare?
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CabinRoom with bed and private bathroom
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Port Taxes & Fees
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Service Gratuities
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Most Onboard Entertainment
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Kids Club
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Shore Excursions
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Wi-Fi
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Spa Services
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Select DiningMain dining room and/or buffet
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Specialty Alternative Dining
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Room Service
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Butler Service
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Basic DrinksStill water, coffee, and tea
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Soft DrinksSoda and Juice
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AlcoholBeer, wine, and spirits
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Specialty Coffee DrinksIncluding smoothies and blended drinks
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Specialty Fitness Classes
** inclusions in your cruise fare are based on Cruise Critic’s editorial expertise and not provided by the individual cruise lines. When you book with one of our cruise partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates, prices, or amenities included in the fare. Inclusion items in the fare may change at any time and fees may apply for additional items.
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15 NightCruise to EnsenadaHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Ship DetailsRuby Princess - Princess Cruises
Pros
Great kids club, good food options and a laid-back vibe.
Cons
Shows its age in places.
Bottom Line
Great for families and anyone looking for a variety of activities.
ReviewsRuby Princess Reviews
View All PricesLoading...Fare IncludesWhat’s included in My Cruise Fare?
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CabinRoom with bed and private bathroom
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Port Taxes & Fees
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Service Gratuities
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Most Onboard Entertainment
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Kids Club
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Shore Excursions
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Wi-Fi
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Spa Services
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Select DiningMain dining room and/or buffet
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Specialty Alternative Dining
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Room Service
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Butler Service
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Basic DrinksStill water, coffee, and tea
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Soft DrinksSoda and Juice
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AlcoholBeer, wine, and spirits
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Specialty Coffee DrinksIncluding smoothies and blended drinks
-
Specialty Fitness Classes
** inclusions in your cruise fare are based on Cruise Critic’s editorial expertise and not provided by the individual cruise lines. When you book with one of our cruise partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates, prices, or amenities included in the fare. Inclusion items in the fare may change at any time and fees may apply for additional items.
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4 NightCruise to EnsenadaLeaving:Los AngelesVisiting:Cruise Line:Carnival Cruise LineHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
![4 Night Cruise to Ensenada Route (Carnival Cruise Line)]()
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Day 1Los Angeles
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Day 2Catalina Island (California)
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Day 3Ensenada
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Day 4Cruising
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Day 5Los Angeles
Ship DetailsCarnival Imagination - Carnival Cruise Line
Pros
Value is paramount; nearly all dining, entertainment and kids' activities are included.
Cons
Less than 3 percent of all accommodations onboard have balconies.
Bottom Line
There is plenty to eat, see and do onboard without paying extra; just book your balcony early.
ReviewsCarnival Imagination Reviews
View All PricesLoading...Fare IncludesWhat’s included in My Cruise Fare?
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CabinRoom with bed and private bathroom
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Port Taxes & Fees
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Service Gratuities
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Most Onboard Entertainment
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Kids Club
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Shore Excursions
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Wi-Fi
-
Spa Services
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Select DiningMain dining room and/or buffet
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Specialty Alternative Dining
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Room Service
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Butler Service
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Basic DrinksStill water, coffee, and tea
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Soft DrinksSoda and Juice
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AlcoholBeer, wine, and spirits
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Specialty Coffee DrinksIncluding smoothies and blended drinks
-
Specialty Fitness Classes
** inclusions in your cruise fare are based on Cruise Critic’s editorial expertise and not provided by the individual cruise lines. When you book with one of our cruise partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates, prices, or amenities included in the fare. Inclusion items in the fare may change at any time and fees may apply for additional items.
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15 NightCruise to EnsenadaHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Ship DetailsStar Princess - Princess Cruises
Pros
Activities and cuisine are themed around the ship's itinerary.
Cons
Nightlife and evening entertainment can be lacking, especially the main stage shows.
Bottom Line
Enrichment, food and drink are strong suits, but you need port days to keep from getting bored.
ReviewsStar Princess Reviews
View All PricesLoading...Fare IncludesWhat’s included in My Cruise Fare?
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CabinRoom with bed and private bathroom
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Port Taxes & Fees
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Service Gratuities
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Most Onboard Entertainment
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Kids Club
-
Shore Excursions
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Wi-Fi
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Spa Services
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Select DiningMain dining room and/or buffet
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Specialty Alternative Dining
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Room Service
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Butler Service
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Basic DrinksStill water, coffee, and tea
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Soft DrinksSoda and Juice
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AlcoholBeer, wine, and spirits
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Specialty Coffee DrinksIncluding smoothies and blended drinks
-
Specialty Fitness Classes
** inclusions in your cruise fare are based on Cruise Critic’s editorial expertise and not provided by the individual cruise lines. When you book with one of our cruise partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates, prices, or amenities included in the fare. Inclusion items in the fare may change at any time and fees may apply for additional items.
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15 NightCruise to EnsenadaHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Ship DetailsStar Princess - Princess Cruises
Pros
Activities and cuisine are themed around the ship's itinerary.
Cons
Nightlife and evening entertainment can be lacking, especially the main stage shows.
Bottom Line
Enrichment, food and drink are strong suits, but you need port days to keep from getting bored.
ReviewsStar Princess Reviews
View All PricesLoading...Fare IncludesWhat’s included in My Cruise Fare?
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CabinRoom with bed and private bathroom
-
Port Taxes & Fees
-
Service Gratuities
-
Most Onboard Entertainment
-
Kids Club
-
Shore Excursions
-
Wi-Fi
-
Spa Services
-
Select DiningMain dining room and/or buffet
-
Specialty Alternative Dining
-
Room Service
-
Butler Service
-
Basic DrinksStill water, coffee, and tea
-
Soft DrinksSoda and Juice
-
AlcoholBeer, wine, and spirits
-
Specialty Coffee DrinksIncluding smoothies and blended drinks
-
Specialty Fitness Classes
** inclusions in your cruise fare are based on Cruise Critic’s editorial expertise and not provided by the individual cruise lines. When you book with one of our cruise partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates, prices, or amenities included in the fare. Inclusion items in the fare may change at any time and fees may apply for additional items.
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17 NightCruise to EnsenadaHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Ship DetailsKoningsdam - Holland America Line
Pros
Outstanding service, exceptional cuisine, great entertainment options
Cons
Music Walk does not have a clear identity and needs individual rooms
Bottom Line
Most luxurious HAL ship will appeal to many types of cruisers
ReviewsKoningsdam Reviews
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