Avalon on Santa Catalina Island

Avalon on Santa Catalina Island

Avalon is a small port city, the only city on the island. When I say small, I mean micro, 2.9 miles. I have chronic back, ankle, and hip issues and usually can’t walk far. I can walk around Avalon. Avalon just entered into a 5-15 year agreement to allow DCL preferred port space. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines also port at Catalina.

What is there to do on Avalon? There are many port adventures offered. There are hysterical, I mean historical tours of the Avalon Casino, the city and the Wrigley (as in Wrigley Gum/Field) Mansion. There are nature tours to see the highs and lows as well as the wild bison that roam the island wild sections. There are different types of land based nature tours. You can enjoy the tours of the Marine Preserve by boat or partially submerged submarine. You can book parasailing, jet ski or other water fun, including scuba diving if you are licensed. Rent a bike or golf cart and peddle or cart yourself around town. Some offerings are seasonal.

 

At no charge, you can just stroll to the beach to lounge and splash to your heart’s content. There is a small kids park near the dock where the tender boats drop you off. What to eat on shore and not on the ship? There are some inexpensive and some not so inexpensive options. There are wonderful quaint curio/art/jewelry shops that you can enjoy window shopping or stop in and grab a wonderful memento of the day. I suggest in the Catalina Island Conservancy and learn about the island and support the efforts to protect it by purchasing an item. You can even book a tour through them. There are quite a few options of thing to do.

 

My favorite things to check out:

Artsy shops. Often selling crafts made by locals with Catalina Island markings.

Avalon Casino Tour. Find out the true meaning of the word Casino and the history of Catalina.

Partly Submerged Sub Marine Reserve Tour.

City Bus Tour.

 

 

Why Cruise?

 Why Cruise?

More people are choosing Cruising over other types of vacations. It is becoming so popular that 71% people who have sailed once decide to make it their vacation of choice. The reasons are simple.

1 Cruising is easy to budget. Do your research and you know what is included and what is not. Much of what you want is included in your cruise fare. Usually you only have to add Port Excursion Fees, Alcohol (some lines have packages some do not), and merchandise.

2 There is always something to do! On the ship or on the shore, when in Port there is always something to do. Much of what is on the ship is included in your fare.

3 If you want a vacation to just sit and chill by a pool, a cruise definitely has that to offer.

4 You unpack ONCE and see many new cities/countries.

5 You can sample many locations that you may want to visit again and spend more time.

6 You can explore places that are both interesting and educational, like the artic or Galapagos Islands. Some lines offer special tours that help protect nature.

Cruising can offer many different kinds of things. From Family Friendly to Adult Centered you can find a cruise for you.

 

Do you like to see new places yet don’t want the stress of moving from hotel to hotel every couple of days to see all the places you want? Let your “hotel” move with you! Take a cruise! Wake up most mornings with a different country to explore. No tiering travel by train, bus, car, van or air! Just enjoy the evenings entertainment, meal and sleep in your comfy cabin while you travel!

Want to have a multi-generational family reunion? Worried about how the kids will tire out the grands and older family members? Want adults to have adult time and not worry about who will watch the kids? Don’t want to chase the kids around an amusement park but still want them to have age-appropriate fun things they will love to do? Check out a cruising!! The kids can spend time in the kids club while the adults enjoy adult time. Families can mix and match who is together at any time during the day. Kids have the clubs all day and until late at night. Pull the kids out for pool and game time with the grands during the day. This gives the parents a chance for some private time! Dine together at night as a family, with no worries about cooking or adding extra cost! Enjoy the evening show as a family, then the kids can go back to the kids clubs while the adults go for a drink or some adult entertainment. It is truly a vacation for EACH member of the family!

 

Again this can all be very cost effective giving you more for your travel dollar! It is also a priceless way to make memories that will last forever.