December
Los Angeles
Peak Prices

December Cruises from Los Angeles 2026

December brings holiday cruises with highest prices during Christmas and New Year weeks. Early December offers good values before holidays. Peak Caribbean season with perfect weather but premium pricing.

Month
December
From
Los Angeles
Pricing
Peak
Crowds
Very High

Why Cruise from Los Angeles in December?

December offers peak pricing and very high crowd levels for cruises from Los Angeles. LA's San Pedro port offers Mexican Riviera cruises, Panama Canal transits, and Pacific coastal voyages with Hollywood glamour.

During December, the weather in North America is winter season. Perfect Caribbean weather. Cold everywhere else. Holiday atmosphere on ships. Peak season pricing.

Where to Go from Los Angeles in December

Mexican Riviera
Hawaii
Panama Canal

Benefits of December

  • Perfect Caribbean weather
  • Holiday atmosphere
  • Escape winter
  • Early month deals

Things to Consider

  • Christmas week extremely expensive
  • New Year's premium pricing
  • Most crowded month
  • Limited availability

Los Angeles Port Highlights

Mexican Riviera cruises

Year-round warm weather

Hollywood and theme parks nearby

Hawaii cruise departures

Cruise Lines from Los Angeles

Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises

Planning Your December Cruise from Los Angeles

December is the peak season for cruises from Los Angeles, United States. With peak pricing and very high crowd levels, it's perfect for those seeking the best weather. Popular destinations from Los Angeles in December include Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Panama Canal.

Perfect Caribbean weather. Cold everywhere else. Holiday atmosphere on ships. Peak season pricing. Cruise prices in December typically range from €800 - €3,000, making it worth the premium for the experience.4+ cruise lines operate from Los Angeles during December, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line.

The port of Los Angeles offers mexican riviera cruises and year-round warm weather. Convenient access via LAX - Los Angeles International. Book early for the best selection, especially for December departures which can sell out quickly during this peak period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to cruise from Los Angeles?

December is a popular but expensive time to cruise from Los Angeles. Expect peak pricing and very high crowds. Perfect Caribbean weather. Cold everywhere else. Holiday atmosphere on ships. Peak season pricing.

What's the weather like in December for cruises from Los Angeles?

December is winter season in North America. Perfect Caribbean weather. Cold everywhere else. Holiday atmosphere on ships. Peak season pricing. Average temperatures range from 65-75°F.

How much do December cruises from Los Angeles cost?

December cruise prices from Los Angeles range from €800 - €3,000, with peak pricing compared to other months. Prices are highest during this peak season, so book early.

What should I pack for a December cruise from Los Angeles?

For December, pack layers, a light jacket for evening, comfortable walking shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen. Don't forget: passport, medications, formal night attire, and refillable water bottle.

Which cruise lines operate from Los Angeles in December?

Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and 1+ other cruise lines operate from Los Angeles in December. Popular destinations in December include Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Mexican Riviera.

What to Pack for December Cruises

Essentials

  • Valid passport (must be valid 6+ months after return)
  • Cruise documents and boarding pass
  • Credit card for onboard account
  • Prescription medications (in original bottles)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe for Caribbean)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
  • Layers for varying temperatures
  • Formal/smart casual outfits (1 per formal night)
  • Swimsuit and cover-up
  • Phone charger and adapter (US outlets on most ships)

Nice to Have

  • Refillable water bottle
  • Day backpack for excursions
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Seasickness medication (even if you don't usually need it)
  • Power strip (limited outlets in cabins)
  • Magnetic hooks for cabin metal walls
  • Highlighter for daily cruise planner
  • Small bills for tipping porters

When to Book December Cruises

12+ months before

Early bird pricing

Best cabin selection, lowest deposits, early saver rates up to 30% off

6-12 months before

Standard booking window

Good availability, competitive pricing, ideal for Wave Season deals (Jan-Mar)

3-6 months before

Last minute deals possible

Limited cabin choice, but potential for unsold inventory discounts

1-3 months before

Final booking window

Very limited options, mostly inside cabins, last-minute deals rare on popular dates

What's Included in Your Cruise Fare

Included in Fare

  • Stateroom accommodation for cruise duration
  • Main dining room meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Buffet and casual dining venues
  • Pool, hot tubs, and fitness center access
  • Most onboard entertainment (shows, live music, movies)
  • Kids clubs and youth programs
  • Room service (may have late-night fee)

Extra Costs

  • Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee
  • Specialty restaurants ($25-75 per person)
  • Shore excursions ($50-200+ per excursion)
  • Spa services and salon treatments
  • Casino and bingo
  • Photos and professional photography
  • Gratuities ($12-18 per person/day)
  • Wi-Fi packages ($15-30 per day)

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