Embark on an unforgettable journey with us as we recount our incredible 4-day Baja Mexico cruise experience aboard the newly renovated Carnival Radiance. Departing from the vibrant port of Long Beach, California, this trip was not just a vacation, but a spectacular escape from the everyday, filled with sunshine, delicious food, and unparalleled relaxation. Get ready to discover why the Carnival Radiance is quickly becoming a favorite among cruise enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of modern amenities and classic Fun Ship charm.
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Discovering the Transformed Carnival Radiance: Your Ultimate Baja Mexico Cruise Guide
The transformation of the Carnival Victory into the dazzling Carnival Radiance marks a significant milestone in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. After an extensive dry dock refurbishment, the Radiance emerged as a beacon of modern cruising, boasting a plethora of exciting updates and innovations. This 4-day Baja Mexico cruise was our chance to experience firsthand the enhanced features that make this ship a truly exceptional choice for a short getaway.
The ship’s extensive refurbishment introduced some of the latest bars and pubs, thrilling sports activities like the SkyCourse ropes course, luxurious spa amenities, and an array of new dining spots. Perhaps the most anticipated addition is the first-ever Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant at sea, spearheaded by Shaquille O’Neill, Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer and a true fried chicken connoisseur. This culinary partnership promises to deliver mouth-watering fried chicken and comfort food favorites that are quickly becoming a cruise highlight. Coming from Spokane, Washington, where ice and snow were still lingering, the thought of four days away enjoying the warmth and fun on the Radiance was incredibly appealing, filling us with immense excitement for what lay ahead.
Seamless Pre-Cruise Preparations for a Stress-Free Start
To ensure a smooth and stress-free beginning to our Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach, we diligently completed our pre-cruise preparations. A vital tool in our planning was the Carnival Hub App. This intuitive app allowed us to stay informed about all cruise happenings, manage our booking, and even chat with fellow passengers. Two days prior to embarkation, we completed the required health assessment and took our COVID-19 tests, a crucial step for current travel protocols.
For this sailing, we opted for the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with telehealth supervision. This decision proved to be a game-changer. Unlike our previous Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas cruise a few months prior, where we anxiously awaited clinic test results until the very last minute, the BinaxNOW tests offered unparalleled convenience and peace of mind. Conducting the tests from the comfort of our home with a guided medical professional meant that within just 20 minutes, we had our verified results printed and ready for boarding. This eliminated the stress of last-minute clinic appointments and allowed us to focus solely on the excitement of our upcoming Carnival Radiance cruise.
Effortless Embarkation in Los Angeles, California
Our journey began with a flight from Spokane to Los Angeles. To ease our embarkation day, we chose to stay overnight at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel near LAX. This hotel has become our preferred pre-cruise accommodation due to its convenient location and excellent shuttle service from the airport. The following morning, a quick Uber ride transported us directly to the Port of Long Beach, typically taking about 30 minutes, setting us up for a smooth transition to our cruise vacation.
The embarkation process for the Carnival Radiance was astonishingly swift – arguably the quickest we’ve ever experienced. While my husband John’s Platinum VIFP status usually offers certain expedited benefits, the entire process felt incredibly efficient for everyone. We bypassed long queues, walking directly to a station where our COVID-19 tests, vaccination status, and passports were quickly verified. Following this initial health screening, we proceeded through security, a standard procedure involving bag checks and metal detectors. From there, it was a seamless transition to finalizing our cruise documents. Thanks to our early embarkation appointment, we were among the first to arrive, though the ship itself wasn’t quite ready for general boarding.
We spent a comfortable waiting period in the exclusive Captains Club lounge, a perk for Platinum, Diamond, and suite guests. John’s Platinum status, surprisingly achieved ahead of mine thanks to a few cruises with his mom, unlocks some delightful benefits that I, as a Gold member, am certainly enjoying! Once the ship was cleared, boarding commenced quickly. The walk to the ship involved navigating three gentle inclines, which, while not excessively long, do provide a bit of a workout. It’s advisable to take your time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Upon stepping aboard, our first task was to locate our muster station for the mandatory safety drill. This process was incredibly streamlined: a brief, less-than-three-minute video demonstration on life jacket usage, followed by a quick check of our names. For us, the completion of the muster drill always signifies the true start of our cruise vacation!
With our rooms not yet ready, we headed straight to the Lido deck to finally experience Shaq’s Big Chicken. I must confess, John had already set a personal goal to try every item on the menu throughout the cruise! After a satisfying lunch, we were able to access our stateroom and begin unpacking. And what a room it was! The moment we walked into our Premium Vista Balcony stateroom on the Carnival Radiance, I might have let out a delighted squeal. The expansive views from the bed were simply breathtaking, affirming our choice of this exceptional accommodation.
I immediately turned to John and declared that we absolutely had to book this exact room for future cruises, perhaps an Alaska cruise or even a Panama Canal adventure. It was truly that amazing. Once settled, we succumbed to the allure of the view, spending the entire afternoon simply gazing out at the shimmering ocean, indulging in the blissful luxury of doing absolutely nothing. For dinner, we naturally gravitated towards Cucina del Capitano, our favorite Italian restaurant onboard, a perfect way to kick off the culinary delights of our first night.
John savored an exquisite veal dish that he still raves about, while I opted for my classic favorite: linguini adorned with a delightful blend of tomato sauce and creamy alfredo. Simple, yet incredibly delicious! We also indulged in an Italian Coffee, a concoction so delightful I’m determined to recreate it at home. The evening concluded with pure relaxation; we snuggled into bed and enjoyed an on-demand movie, a perfect end to a perfect first day.
Day 2: Serene Ship Time and Culinary Delights at Catalina Island
Our second day began with the gentle glow of the sun streaming into our Premium Vista Balcony stateroom, accompanied by the sight of a curious seagull perched on our railing, seemingly peering in. Waking up to such a beautiful sunrise from the comfort of our bed, with the picturesque Catalina Island slowly coming into view, was utterly enchanting. We embraced a leisurely morning, luxuriating in our room until nearly 9:30 am, simply soaking in the tranquil scenery outside our window.
Having visited Catalina Island multiple times before, and with a desire to maximize our enjoyment of the newly renovated ship, we decided to spend the day onboard, indulging in its many amenities and embracing a full day of relaxation. For breakfast, we decided to give Shaq’s Big Chicken another try, specifically for their biscuits and chicken. Unfortunately, this attempt was not as successful as we’d hoped, possibly due to us arriving later in the morning when the biscuits might have been sitting out for a while. We plan to try it again early one morning to see if the freshness makes a difference.
After a bit more exploration of the ship, we found ourselves at the Java Blue CafĂ©, where we enjoyed a comforting chai tea and a blended coffee. This stop beautifully highlighted one of the incredible benefits of the Carnival Drink Package – it includes specialty beverages from Java Blue CafĂ©! For a chai tea enthusiast like myself, this is an absolute luxury. We then spent a portion of the morning in the Heroes Bar, catching up on some laptop work while simultaneously trying to decipher the rules of cricket, which was playing on the massive TVs. We quickly realized our knowledge of the sport was non-existent, leading to a humorous session of Googling the commentators’ jargon!
Lunch called us back to Cucina del Capitano for their delightful Pasta Bella Pasta Bar. The convenience of the Carnival Hub App proved invaluable, allowing us to check restaurant and bar operating hours at any time. The app also offers the option to have pizza delivered anywhere on the ship for a small fee, a fantastic convenience! The Pasta Bella Pasta Bar is a true highlight, allowing you to completely customize your lunch. You select your preferred pasta, sauce, and a variety of fresh ingredients such as grilled chicken, succulent shrimp, savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, among others. I highly recommend the combination of tomato basil and alfredo sauce over linguini – absolute heaven! And definitely ask for two pieces of their incredible focaccia bread; it’s that good.
After such a satisfying meal, it was time for my favorite cruise activity: a revitalizing cruise ship nap! This particular cruise truly highlighted how our cruising style has evolved over our 25+ sailings in the past 12 years. Where once we meticulously highlighted every activity on the daily schedule, striving to do it all, we now prioritize relaxing and savoring the quiet moments. We’ve come to realize that the true value of a cruise for us lies in the ability to unwind, have all meals taken care of, and enjoy uninterrupted time together, free from the distractions of daily life on land.
The beauty of a cruise vacation is its inherent flexibility. Whether you wish to spend your entire journey in bed, watching the world drift by from your balcony, or participate in every single activity offered, the choice is entirely yours. Cruises are the perfect canvas for a personalized vacation, tailored precisely to your needs and desires. Embracing this philosophy, we spent our evening ordering delightful room service and enjoying more movies.
The room service menu offers an excellent variety of sandwiches and snacks, perfect for a cozy movie night. We also had a pizza delivered to our room, which tasted fantastic. Our cinematic choices included “Free Guy” with Ryan Reynolds and “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller – perfect, mindless entertainment that allowed us to fully decompress.
Day 3: Embracing Ship Life in Ensenada, Mexico
Day three dawned as we sailed into Ensenada, Mexico, the sun again gracing our cabin windows. I stepped onto our balcony to capture some photos and videos, utterly enchanted by the boisterous greetings of sea lions, their barks echoing across the harbor. Despite having visited Ensenada several times, I’m always struck by the sheer scale of this vibrant port city. For this particular Baja Mexico cruise, we made the conscious decision to spend another day on board, fully immersing ourselves in the ship’s amenities.
While Ensenada offers fantastic excursions, including delightful tours of Mexican wine country which we’ve enjoyed in the past, our priority for this trip was to minimize interactions and maintain social distancing. Current cruising experiences are indeed a bit different, but Carnival makes it incredibly easy to make choices that align with your comfort level. Thankfully, the Java Blue CafĂ© on Deck 5 remained a cherished haven, allowing me to indulge in as many chai teas as I desired, courtesy of the comprehensive Carnival Drinks Package.
For lunch, our craving for Italian fare led us back to Cucina del Capitano, and once again, it was absolutely delicious. I could honestly dine there every day and never tire of it! The afternoon was dedicated to pure idleness: napping, reading, and simply unwinding. I managed to finish my second or third book of the cruise, all while basking in the warm glow of the sun through our balcony window, a truly rejuvenating experience.
For dinner, we sought out one of the lesser-known but equally delightful dining options: the Carnival Deli, conveniently located near the Lido Buffet. This spot is, in my opinion, a true hidden gem on board Carnival Cruise Ships, crafting the most incredible sandwiches! We rounded off the night by relaxing and watching the latest James Bond movie, available on-demand in our stateroom for just $4.99. It was an excellent film, even if it brought a tear to my eye. These evenings of tranquil relaxation, enjoying a new movie each night without the stresses of the outside world or an internet connection, proved to be exactly the rejuvenation we desperately needed.
Day 4: Blissful Sea Day and Celebratory Moments
Sea Days are, without a doubt, my favorite part of any cruise! There’s an unparalleled sense of calm and freedom that comes with a day at sea. We indulged in a leisurely morning sleep-in before heading down for the much-anticipated sea day brunch. And let me tell you, the sea day brunch on the Carnival Radiance was hands down the best we have ever experienced on any Carnival Cruise ship – and we’ve been on quite a few! Every single item was cooked to perfection and tasted absolutely incredible. It made us wish we had explored the main dining room for breakfast on the previous mornings.
After our delightful brunch, it was time to browse the Fun Shops, eager to discover what new treasures Carnival had onboard. The shops are always brimming with so many appealing items, making it genuinely challenging to resist the urge to shop ’til you drop! I ended up purchasing some Disaronno Amaretto, Baileys Irish Cream, and Hennessy to bring home and mix into cocktails. The onboard prices for liquor are simply too good to pass up compared to what I’d pay at home. In fact, seeing these fantastic prices almost convinces me to book another cruise just to restock my liquor cabinet!
With the sun shining brightly, we spent a couple of blissful hours on our balcony, simply watching the vast ocean unfold before us. Despite the temperature barely reaching 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it felt like absolute heaven compared to the icy conditions back home. My cheeks may have turned a bit pink from the sun, but soaking up those rays felt incredibly good. This serene afternoon was the perfect way to celebrate 15 years since our very first date.
John, meanwhile, was brimming with excitement for the opening of Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse. He kept a close eye on the clock, ready to be among the first in line when it opened its doors. He had been eyeing the barbecue menu for days and knew exactly what he wanted to order. I, on the other hand, was inspired to try and recreate their fantastic baked beans at home. Since we were near the aft pool bar, we seized the opportunity to relax with some epic tropical cocktails. I’m already looking forward to mixing up a creamsicle cocktail, The Twilight Zone Cocktail, and a Sunburn Cocktail once we’re back home.
Of course, I had to conclude our amazing cruise with a Kiss on the Lips cocktail, a cherished tradition I happily uphold on every Carnival sailing. After savoring a few more tropical delights, the bittersweet moment of thinking about packing arrived. Despite the melancholy, we managed to get everything packed just in time to witness an absolutely epic sunset from our balcony. Truly, our love for the Premium Vista Balcony Stateroom on the Carnival Radiance had deepened immeasurably throughout this voyage.
John even confessed he would happily stay onboard for weeks just to continue enjoying those breathtaking views!
Effortless Disembarkation and Future Cruise Dreams
Our final morning saw the Carnival Radiance pull into Long Beach, California, early, a magnificent sight to behold as the sun painted the horizon with vibrant hues. Before stepping off, we decided to enjoy one last breakfast in the main dining room, savoring the final moments of our cruise experience.
The Eggs Benedict were, once again, epic! I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service in the main dining room of the Carnival Radiance. The staff was incredibly friendly and consistently made each meal a truly wonderful occasion. Sadly, it was time to disembark and begin our journey home. Getting off the ship was remarkably quick, taking perhaps only a minute or two. After a brief wait behind a couple of people scanning their cruise cards one last time, we proceeded to Customs.
Carnival has implemented an impressive new photo recognition system that streamlines the Customs process; you simply smile at a screen, and all your documentation appears. It took us a mere 30 seconds to clear Customs, and then it was time to summon an Uber for our ride to LAX. Even before we reached the airport, our thoughts were already turning to our next cruise adventure. We received emails highlighting fantastic deals for Alaska cruises this summer, a tempting prospect that might just become our next booking!
Additional Cruise Planning Resources
For more detailed insights into cruising and cabin types, explore these helpful guides:
Carnival Miracle Extended Balcony Stateroom – Take a virtual tour of an extended balcony stateroom aboard the Carnival Miracle.
Holland America Eurodam Balcony Stateroom – Discover a detailed room tour of a balcony stateroom on the Holland America Eurodam.
Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas Balcony Stateroom – Explore an extended balcony stateroom on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas.
Carnival Cruise Drinks Package Guide – Everything you need to know about using the Carnival Cruise Drink Package effectively.
7 Day Mexico Cruise Guide from Long Beach – Plan for a longer 7-day cruise from the West Coast, exploring destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.