I’ve been casually mentioning this cruise and wanted to put everything in one place to explain clearly, especially for anyone who doesn’t cruise often or hasn’t cruised at all.

This sailing also happens to fall over my birthday, which felt like a perfect excuse to plan something fun and open it up as a group.

The Big Picture

• 7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise
• September 6–13, 2026
• Roundtrip from Long Beach, California
• Ship: Carnival Panorama

We’ll be visiting:

• Puerto Vallarta
• Mazatlán
• Cabo San Lucas

With a couple of sea days mixed in, it’s a really nice balance of exploring and relaxing.

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About the Ports (And Why I Like This Itinerary)

I’ve personally been to all three of these ports, which is one reason I’m comfortable recommending this sailing.

All three ports are:

• Walkable
• Easy to explore on your own
• Close to food, shops, and waterfront areas

A few practical notes:

• There are cobblestone sidewalks in places, so good walking shoes may help with comfort
• Puerto Vallarta and Cabo both have nice beaches within walking distance of the ship
• You do not have to book excursions unless you want to

Cruising makes it easy to do as much or as little as you feel like. Walk, explore, head back to the ship, or stay onboard and enjoy the quiet.

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Cabins, Pricing & How This Group Works

A few important things to know:

• Cabin pricing is shown per person and based on double occupancy
• Includes taxes and fees
• Gratuities of $112 per person will be added.
• Room Availability matters, which is why planning earlier helps

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You’re welcome to:

• Log into your own Carnival account to browse and see everything directly
• Or let me handle everything for you, whichever you prefer

I’m happy to work with you either way.

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Deposits, Room Selection & Flexibility

Group bookings have more flexible options.

• Deposit: $25 per person
• Deposits are fully refundable prior to final payment due date
• You can select your cabin at deposit
• Group rates are guaranteed and will not increase

That makes this cruise especially friendly if you like having a plan in place but still want breathing room.

Group Amenities Included

Because this is a group booking, everyone in the group receives:

• A shared one-hour cocktail party
• Bon Voyage champagne and chocolates
• One bottle of red wine per cabin
• An additional $25 onboard credit per cabin

That onboard credit is in addition to what’s already included in the cabin rate. (Amenities are subject to selling 5 cabins minimum)

Traveling Solo? Roommate Matching Is an Option

If you’re traveling solo but open to sharing a cabin, we do have a roommate interest list.

That means:

• You can let me know you’re open to a roommate
• I’ll keep track of others looking for the same
• No guarantees, but it’s an option worth knowing about

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A Quick Note on Travel Insurance

I didn’t include Carnival Vacation Protection in the example quotes.

If you already carry annual travel insurance, you may not need it.
If you don’t, I do recommend having some form of coverage in place, especially when traveling internationally.

Everyone’s comfort level is different, and I’m happy to talk through options if you’d like.

How to Get More Information

If this cruise sounds like something you might be interested in, the next step is simple.

Follow this page, where you’ll find:

• Cruise details
• Group information
• Complete the short form in the TELL ME MORE button to let me know you’re interested or want more info

Submitting the form doesn’t lock you into anything — it just helps me manage cabins, availability, and group perks.

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Final Thoughts

This cruise is meant to be:

• Easy
• Flexible
• Fun
• and pressure-free

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, a seasoned traveler, coming solo, or joining with friends, it’s a great way to experience cruising in a relaxed, supportive group setting.

And yes, celebrating a birthday at sea sounds like a pretty good idea to me.

If you have questions, reach out anytime.

Peace, Vicki

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Whether you're:

• A Go Wild Traveler
• A first-time cruiser
• OR someone ready for a September getaway…

You’re welcome to come along!

I’ll keep this page updated with:

• Latest trip info, latest rates - Inside cabins begin at $550 PP
• Packing Hacks & Travel Tips
• Pre-cruise meetups
• LA and Long Beach hotel options

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See if Carnival has something for you!

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Quick Ship Facts:

• Launched: 2019
• Capacity: 4,008 guests
• Tonnage: ~133,500
• Length: 1,055 ft
• Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas • Ensenada
• Vibe: Warm, modern, and packed with fun

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Traveler Favorites:

• WaterWorks Waterpark
• SkyRide + ropes course
• Havana Pool & Cabanas
• Guy’s Burger Joint
• Big, beautiful spa + gym

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⚓ Embarkation: Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Address: 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA
​Parking: ~$23/day (if you’re driving)
​Terminal Landmark: Right next to the Queen Mary (which is RideShare dropoff)

What to Expect:

• Spacious, efficient terminal
• Luggage drop-off curbside
• Security + check-in flow similar to an airport but easier
• Outdoor waiting areas for early arrivals
• Lots of traffic, allow time

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✈️ Flying in to Long Beach / LAX

LAX (Most Flexible)

• Best flight availability
• Often cheapest
• 22 miles from port
• Rideshare/taxi: 25–35 mins
• Public transit: 70–120 mins (multi-transfer)

LGB (Closest-No Frontier, so no Go Wild)

• Smaller & easier to navigate
• 6 miles from port
• Rideshare: 10–20 mins
• Fewer flights but super convenient

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📍 Getting to the Ship

From LAX:

• Uber/Lyft: $35–$100
• Taxi: ~$65
• Carnival Shuttle (shared): $35, must reserve in advance
• Public Transportation - Bus/Train $1.75

From LGB:

• Uber/Lyft: $15–$35

A few Hotels offer:

• Port shuttles
• Luggage help
• Early cruise check-in

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Vicki’s Pro Tip:

🧳 Packing & What You Can Bring on Carnival

Allowed:

• 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult
• 12-pack of soda per person
• Sealed snacks
• Small fan, magnets, nightlight
• Carry-on backpacks + personal bags

Provide a small packing checklist for your roomie & friends:

• Passport/ID
• Cruise documents
• Medications
• Formal night outfit (optional)
• Chargers
• Sunscreen
• Cash for ports and casino

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I truly love sailing out of Long Beach, it’s easy, friendly, and full of budget-friendly cruise dates over the next few months. If you’d like updates on deals and future travel plans, feel free to subscribe.

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UPDATE: Watch for great offers in your email after having fun in the casino on board! Here's an example of my latest accepted offer.

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Mexican Riviera

​Carnival Firenze Carnival Fun Italian Style, 6 day, Cabo and Ensenada

Mon Mar 23, 2026 - Sun Mar 29, 2026

My total is $330 pp - This includes "Drinks on Us" in the casino for 2

ROOM UPDATE: I was able to upgrade my cabin to a balcony for $60. Watch your emails for Carnival sales. Any casino rate booking adjustments or questions must be handled through the Casino Promotions Department.

Their number is: 1-800-794-6225

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⭐ Travel Insurance Reminder

When you’re traveling outside the U.S., it’s important to know that your regular health benefits may be limited or not covered at all. That’s why I always recommend having travel insurance. I personally use Allianz and, as a frequent traveler, I carry an annual plan for peace of mind.

When you book your cruise, you’ll also have the option to add travel insurance directly through Carnival. One way or another, I highly recommend being covered before you sail. If you’d like a quote or help comparing options, feel free to reach out.

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Enter your email and subscribe for updates.

🌍 Also join our community in the Go Wild Locals Facebook group, be the first to know about our next adventures. You’ll find ideas, inspiration, and real tips for making travel easier.

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I can’t wait to hear about your adventures and where you want to go next!

– Vicki C

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See you around...