fun fact: the little library in Avalon is part of the County of Los Angeles Library system - if the librarian calls out sick - they call librarians on the mainland, give 'em a ticket for the boat and ship 'em out to the island for the day
Tony, I want to randomly chime in and say thanks for showing us excursions. You are doing a better job than other cruise vloggers at showing what different excursions are actually like. This is a great niche for your channel. (We don’t need tons more ship deck-by-deck tours.) Please continue with your shoreside info.
Just to share…my husband and I visited Catalina (not via a cruise ship) and did some window shopping with the intent of purchasing before we bordered the Catalina Express Ferry to return to Long Beach. Well the day we went back to make the purchases we noticed a cruise ship had appeared and a LOT of people were in town now. And the items we wanted to purchase were all 50% and higher than the price was the day before! We did not purchase, went about our last day there…food was higher too. The last day, before we boarded the ferry, we noticed the cruise ship was gone so we went back to those shops and sure enough, the prices were back to what they were before the cruise ship arrived. Just crazy!
Back in 2002, my family and I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Avalon for three days. We did all the fun stuff. Went on a submarine around the harbor, seeing just how massively tall seaweed grows from the ocean floor, we took the bus tour from Avalon to the airport, seeing the bison on the way, then another day we rented a golf cart and drove all around. Also rented bikes later that day. The final day my mom went parasailing over the harbor. We got it all on video. Was a fun trip. Haven't been there though since 2002 so I'm not sure how much has changed since then.
That alarm was to notify first responders that some Florida guy had shown up in coastal Cali without a sweatshirt and was suffering from hypothermia. It reminds me of when my BIL (from Nashville!) came to Chicago to visit in early May and damn near froze. 🥶
We went to Pennsylvania one summer and didn't pack any warm clothes and they got a cold front in for the week we were there. Had to go shopping for jackets, jeans and long sleeves. We're from Florida so it was quite the shock for us to be in the 40s in August.
Just want to say that your filming of your travels on and off the cruise ship are fantastic makes me feel like i am right there with you, thanks for doing that Tony.
Last visit to California, we rented a car and drove to Hearst Castle. Best.trip.ever!! You would love it Tony! On the drive, we stopped and watched those huge elephant seals on the beach - close enough to almost touch but don’t touch! We’ve done 2 of the Hearst Castle tours and husband wants to go back for more. It was pretty awesome.
I agree. Hearst Castle is a wonderful place to visit. The tours are very structured, with the tours starting at the visitor center bussing tour groups up the hill to the Hearst estate. so it would be perfect for a cruise excursion. Unfortunately, it's a distance away from ports of call. 3 hour drive from San Francisco. Shorter from Santa Barbara.
Catalina was a favorite of ours when I was a child. We spent the day on the glass bottom boat. Watching the seals was so cool. Loved the ferry from the mainland too.
When I lived in San Diego, I often flew my Piper airplane over to Catalina. I love the island. In the past, it was owned by Wrigley. Yes, the gum people. I'm sure the island is very happy to have the cruise ship visits. Unlike some other places
True and Wrigley was the one who brought a lot of those animals to Catalina. He also brought peacocks and there is a part of San Pedro near Fermin Park that is overrun with them. The residents in that part of town either love them or they hate them!
@@paulreiche2746 San Pedro was a target during WW-2. There are two sunken Japanese subs off of the coast of Pt Fermin. I spent many hours in that park and we played in one of those bunkers. Oh, we bombed those submarines but very few knew about this at the time.
Love Catalina (California girl here) - taking a golf cart around the island is cool - lots of Wrigley history, some water buffalos and of course the last “stop” for Natalie Wood - back in the day lots of high schools would have their grad nights there.
Back in my young adulthood, we used to sail to the isthmus on the other side of the island. Its more rugged, bison roamed, and you could explore on foot. I remember one day when my sister and I were floating around in the dingy, laughing and having fun, enjoying watching the clouds in the sky. We finally noticed we were being pulled out to sea and began paddling like crazy. A sailboat saw us and came by with the precision of an experienced sailor and towed us back in. Ah, youth.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River. Those sea lions are decimating the salmon and sturgeon. They marked a California sea lion at Bonneville Dam, captured it, transported it to the SF Bay Area and it was back at Bonneville Dam 72 hours later feasting on salmon at the bottom of the fish ladder. It’s a real problem.
The fisherman in Newport Oregon don't like them either for the same reasons. If they would eat the whole fish that would be no problem. But they take one bite and then go on to the next fish.
And if you go with a group of 4, a golf cart tour is fantastic and very affordable. There's a 'lap' they ask you to follow and it can be done in an hour without rushing. Some great views from the cliffs above Avalon. Next time Tony.
Love Catalina. Was blessed to go every summer as a kid. I actually was just there in December. I took my mother on the navigator of the sea Catalina Ensenada cruise ❤️
As a west coast cruiser, Catalina is a place where you can buy your excursions NOT through your cruise. All the excursions can be bought on the island and most of them are cheaper OFF the ship.
It was interesting to see Catalina - I live right there in Long Beach and haven't been over to Catalina in a long time. They have upgraded tremendously. I have seen the buffalo tour and that is again not always are they out so you can see them. So glad you enjoyed your time there.
I was enjoying the weather outside my house when I watch this. I large vehicle made a turn, which what thought was the most obnoxious turn signal. Except the vehicle disappeared and I still was hearing the sound and realized it was from the video! Talk about timing!
Oh…forgot too…the animals on beach were not seals…they were sea lions! And boar were brought over to get rid of snakes and buffalo to keep down grass to reduce fires problems.
Commercial Fishermen HATE those Sea Lions! They would get into the sardine and mackerel nets that were full of fish and tear them up. Marine Supply Stores sold powerful Seal Control Bombs they would light and drop over the sides of the boats if they suspected Sea Lions were in the area. As kids we would love getting our hands on these? Made an M 80 sound like a cap pistol! Dangerous! But that’s another story….
@@craigjorgensen4637 …your right… big walrus manatee-like creatures the sea lions are…..and would go for or fish on end of spear and scared the crap out of us because there were sharks around the island and you could not immediately tell. Also, Unlike seals, they could get the abalone off the ocean rocks and eat lobsters that were abundant at the time. Pissed us off, but not a lot you could do.
Actually Wrigley brought Bison and Boar over for western movies he was making. They were contained at one point but once they got out they populated the island.
@@jasonpresley690 yep…your probably correct, although the boar got rid of the snakes and were delicious at Luau and only heard of one fire over at Catalina….so that was the story I was told of the boar and Buffalo back when….but sounds like you have direct knowledge, I’ll go with that. 👍
My original post was about my experience as a teenager on a weekend trip. Thanks for showing me a place I’ve already been, but with new eyes. Your excitement about things I considered rudimentary makes me realize how much I’ve really idolized or (adversely) didn’t understand how important my own experiences were for inner growth and achievement. Seeing Catalina through the eyes of a middlin age, retired, full grown adult (my life through your eyes) is way different from my last experience. Thanks!
Tony, every time you said " Do you want to get your wickie wacked" I just died laughing. Now, we will definitely be going there on our cruise so we can also get our "Wickie Wacked." That alarm was deafening. So glad they got it under control.
Catalina is awesome for a Pub Crawl. Old bars from the 50s still open. My Grandpa was a seaplane pilot then, Long Beach to Catalina, all the old movie stars he flew. His name is on a plack there. He could have bought property there for $20 grand, now it’s worth almost 2 million. Very expensive there, but great to visit.
We have started looking for audio tours you download on your phone - we use ear buds and walk and enjoy at our own pace. Have used them in Catalina, puerto Vallarta, and loads of European tours. In expensive and so far all have been well done presentations. They even tell you if you are off the path.
Was in Catalina last year on NOS and after i got back on board went to cabin and enjoyed watching the dolphins -- 100's of them playing in the bay. Watched for a couple of hours.
I live in Seal Beach, CA and "as they say" on a clear day, we can see Catalina. It's a very charming little community and well worth the visit. BTW the Seal Beach mascot is a beautiful brass statue at the base of the SB pier. The only problem . . . . the statue is of a Sea Lion not a Seal. Oh well, I love our community anyway.
Hello, my high school graduation overnight party held on Catalina back in 1966 we were in the tall round building in the background, sure brings back memories. The whole class was there and we took a large ferry over. We had lots of food and dancing.
So glad you enjoyed Catalina. It’s a hidden gem of California. Vacationed there during summer since I was a kid and we even scattered my mom and brother over there because it means so much to my family. The area on the other side of the Casino (no gambling there) is condo’s that come with a golf cart to get into town. I live in Huntington Beach so I can see Catalina as long as it’s somewhat clear out. 21 miles from the mainland and it feels like you’re in a different country except you can drink the water. Thanks for the full tour. Makes me want to go back over for a weekend. Thanks Tony!!
Yeah, you're in Avalon. I love hanging out on Catalina Island. There's a brew house there across from the green pier that is a good stop for refreshments. In cooler weather, I get a latte. Warmer weather is good for a beer flight. There are several great beers to choose from. It comes with pretzel twists and is a perfect way to relax and take it all in. Oh, and fish & chips on the green pier is a treat. Catalina is a great little place to explore without an excursion. Lots of shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. There's a local church and a Vons grocery store, if you need something. Everything is close enough to be on foot. 👍
Thanks for the update and information tony. I usually "watch" your videos as i'm driving so I don't always get a chance to comment but I want to thank you for all that you do for cruising
Welcome to May Gray! May and June (June Gloom) are typically overcast here in SoCal, pretty much most of the time. We had Graypril this year too. Sooo many cloudy days. Now you know to bring a jacket. Thanks for the tour of Catalina. I'm happy the lack of sunshine didn't slow you down.
Went to Catalina in the 90s, camped at Two Harbors. It was not as built up as Avalon, lots of great hiking and hidden beachs. And drinking "buffalo milk"! This makes me want to go back and spend more time there!
We took a Catalina Ensenada cruise for our honeymoon. My husband hated it so much that we got off in Catalina & spent a week there instead. (We told the cruise before departure). 😂😂😂😂😂
If you ever find yourself on Catalina Island, the best places to eat in my opinion are the Catalina Cantina and Coney Island West, and don't forget to stop by Lloyd's of Avalon for salt water taffy.
Checked out the menu on Catalina Cantina and Coney Island West. Both have some things on the menu I would not eat and some things that I would eat. If I go to Catalina Island would keep these places in mind. Not a taffy person. My days eating taffy were a long, long, long time ago.
Grew up in Lawndale/San Pedro (South Bay) so Catalina Island has always been a destination as a day trip. It’s always been charming and romantic. May Gray weather and next month June Gloom with the marine layer that takes forever to burn off. My dad’s ashes are there. Hotel rooms are so expensive at an average of $300 a night. I can see Catalina Island from my office window in Westwood. Looked out on Monday and thought of you on the cruise 🚢. At the Catalina Yacht Club they have a happy hour special of Tacos and Margarita for $10 and tables on the beachfront patio with a beautiful view.
I live in the L.A. area and I love quick getaways to Catalina Island. There's so much to see, do and eat there. And if you ever need to contact the Catalina Island Visitor Center, it's a VERY easy number to remember. After the 310 area code, the number is 5-10-15-20.
We really enjoyed Catalina Island and would like to go back and explore it some more. We were there in January and we definitely needed to have a jacket, especially on the ship.
June glpom is kind of year round at California beaches but our beaches are incredibly scenic and Catalina is one of the prettiest. I had the best, freshest calamari ever at the Green Pier!
I am loving these videos you are doing, taking us along on your adventures. I never miss one. I even watch LEGO videos and I’ve never owned a LEGO in my life!🤣 I think they’re all great! 👏🏻👏🏻
In Feb 2020 I took a group of ladies to Catalina. We stayed right there at the Pavillion Hotel. The yellow building behind you. It was very relaxing and quite affordable. We stayed for 3 days.
Hey Tony we just got off the ship. We met you on the island and my wife took some photos of you and I. It was great meeting you. When we were tinder back to the ship. The captain took us around the ship because there were not a spot for him to dock. We were so lucky. Keep up the good work.
Other easy places to see sea lions: any short catamaran cruise in Seattle, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, any boat trip en route to Friday Harbor (Stellar sea lions), or any California marina. Yes, really-- they like to hang out near the small boats, even take a nap on some of them.
We lived in Southern California for about 14 years in the 70’s and 80’s, and we had a sailboat that we sailed to Catalina. It was a lot more quiet in those days! We even went to a movie in the Avalon theater. Once we flew there and had buffalo burgers at the airport. I wonder if they still have them.
Loved your Catalina Island tour, been there numerous times over the years when we lived in Arizona. We always enjoyed that island, thanks for the memories. Remember Luau Larry's too!! Glad it's still there.
Nice video of Catalina island. Just been there ourselves, around 24th April, and really enjoyed the place. Not sure $85 a person to see seals was such a great deal. You can see seals in Ensenada and San Francisco for free. Didn't take an excursion at Catalina, but lots to see and do on the waterfront. Thanks for taking the time to put the video together, Tony. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.
All I knew about Catalina island was that John Wayne use to visit that island and he had a military ship he had converted into his idea of a yacht so he could of anchored some where near that harbor you visited😊
Hi Tony and Steve. It's been many years since I visited Catalina Island. Lunch looked good! $85. For both of you I hope? Agree with having a small group. It feels more like a private excursion. That said, I probably would have done it also. As always thank you for all you do ❤️
I love Catalina Island. We were there several years ago but we enjoyed some Parasailing and my first zip line experience was there too. Beautiful place.
So glad you posted this. My very next cruise goes to Catalina - next month on Navigator. It is my first time in Catalina and I've been struggling to figure out what to do. None of the excursions appeal to me, on Royal's site or any of the third party sites, and I do not want to rent a golf cart. I decided to just walk around.
Thanks for the video Tony. I lived and worked on the island for 5 years and if you wanted to see sea lions, they took you to the two best places. I do not know if the captain pointed it out but they took you by the heliport, rock quarry, and some other spots on your way to the sea lions. Nice camera shot of the cruise ship from the water and obviously, in the background was the famous casino building. 👍
In January of 2010, my husband and I traveled to Catalina Island for a few days of R & R. There was a series of storms that hit the island (18th thru the 22nd) that took out the pier where the Catalina Express docks. We could have stayed on the island but needed to catch a flight back home the next day. We chose to take a helicopter back to the mainland. That was a memorable trip!!
Btw, if you want sea lions already included, there's Ensenada. Without fail they all gradually climb out to the dock next to the dock lines as the day goes on and make a racket, and when that ship is ready to sail, they're shooed off into the water.
we did a stop there on a cruise a couple years ago. Also very chilly, but had a good tour and you were right about the movie and bison. but apparently bison are now protected so all the bison burgers are imported. or at least that is what our tour guide said. We'd love to go back when they have some better weather or at least to explore it more
We took the local bus up to the Wrigley monument. I think it was $1.00. Ha. We were the only ones on it and the driver gave us inside scoops about the island. Fun!
When I was little. There used to be a tour of Wrigley Mansion you could take. No more. For the younger cruisers, the zipline and ropes course look fun. We didn't know to pre-book when I went with my teen son...so he missed out since they didn't have any openings.
I probably have five hooded jackets I had to purchase while on cruises because I didn't think to bring one. They so expensive on the ship but you can probably get one cheaper in port. Catalina Island is pretty cool. Thanks.
We are looking into doing this cruise again in Dec this year so we can check out that beautiful ship. We have been 2 times and both times we rented a golf cart. It is great time for a great price.
On our last visit to Catalina we found Golf Gardens. It is a fun mini golf course just a couple blocks from the main shopping area. If you do not want to do a tour this is a perfect way to spend a day in Avalon.
I loved my Catalina cruise, did the 4 day royal. On Catalina, I rented a golf cart and did the self guided driving tour. Got the best pictures ever. Well worth it for the like 1-2 hundred it cost.
My favorite thing to do in catalina is rent an umbrella and chairs by the pier you first leave your friend at a spot and then rent it and they drill it in for you it becomes your base as you bring food from the pier swim etc.. Next is renting snorkeling stuff same place and going up to the snorkel area in lovers cove a short walk Since its a california beach its checked and clean. Then a glass bottom boat which is pretty cheap and luau Larry's is fun for night drinks it gets pretty wild. I think your tour was a bit odd never saw that the glass bottom boat goes over to lovers cove and back so could have seen some of the same spots for less and seen fish.
Interesting story. I’m a health insurance agent in Florida. A customer called me one day and said “I’ve been gored by a bison and they air flighted me to LA. I wanted to make sure the hospital is in network”!! Apparently, she went for a fun and a bison attacked her and gored her in the hip area. She landed in a dip in the landscape and the bison was standing over her. Her friend decided to check on her because she’d been gone for over an hour. Both knew sign language so my customer signed that she was in this hole and the friend went and got help. She was airlifted to Ala where she had surgery. She was in network btw. 😂😂
Great Video Tony. We were getting off the Firenze the day you got on. The wife and I loved that boat. Funny you mention Sizzler that is how I describe CCL food about like Sizzler some times better, occasionally worse but always a good value for the prices we have gotten our trips. The golf cart tour is a lot of fun and it takes about a hour, the 2 if you spend a lot of time at the little stops to over look the different parts of the island that you get to see.
fun fact: the little library in Avalon is part of the County of Los Angeles Library system - if the librarian calls out sick - they call librarians on the mainland, give 'em a ticket for the boat and ship 'em out to the island for the day
Tony, I want to randomly chime in and say thanks for showing us excursions. You are doing a better job than other cruise vloggers at showing what different excursions are actually like. This is a great niche for your channel. (We don’t need tons more ship deck-by-deck tours.) Please continue with your shoreside info.
Just to share…my husband and I visited Catalina (not via a cruise ship) and did some window shopping with the intent of purchasing before we bordered the Catalina Express Ferry to return to Long Beach. Well the day we went back to make the purchases we noticed a cruise ship had appeared and a LOT of people were in town now. And the items we wanted to purchase were all 50% and higher than the price was the day before! We did not purchase, went about our last day there…food was higher too. The last day, before we boarded the ferry, we noticed the cruise ship was gone so we went back to those shops and sure enough, the prices were back to what they were before the cruise ship arrived. Just crazy!
Back in 2002, my family and I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Avalon for three days. We did all the fun stuff. Went on a submarine around the harbor, seeing just how massively tall seaweed grows from the ocean floor, we took the bus tour from Avalon to the airport, seeing the bison on the way, then another day we rented a golf cart and drove all around. Also rented bikes later that day. The final day my mom went parasailing over the harbor. We got it all on video. Was a fun trip. Haven't been there though since 2002 so I'm not sure how much has changed since then.
That alarm was to notify first responders that some Florida guy had shown up in coastal Cali without a sweatshirt and was suffering from hypothermia. It reminds me of when my BIL (from Nashville!) came to Chicago to visit in early May and damn near froze. 🥶
Why is Jenny never in your videos? 😢
Because she's at home working @@joanneosborne7368
LOL!
Always travel with a jacket.
We went to Pennsylvania one summer and didn't pack any warm clothes and they got a cold front in for the week we were there. Had to go shopping for jackets, jeans and long sleeves. We're from Florida so it was quite the shock for us to be in the 40s in August.
Just want to say that your filming of your travels on and off the cruise ship are fantastic makes me feel like i am right there with you, thanks for doing that Tony.
Tony, there are two weather months you should know about in SoCal: May Grey, and June Gloom. Next time you will know.
These only happen near the coast though. A few miles inland and the heat burns it all off.
I love Catalina. the interior tours are a lot of fun. Tons of history there.
Last visit to California, we rented a car and drove to Hearst Castle. Best.trip.ever!! You would love it Tony! On the drive, we stopped and watched those huge elephant seals on the beach - close enough to almost touch but don’t touch! We’ve done 2 of the Hearst Castle tours and husband wants to go back for more. It was pretty awesome.
I agree. Hearst Castle is a wonderful place to visit. The tours are very structured, with the tours starting at the visitor center bussing tour groups up the hill to the Hearst estate. so it would be perfect for a cruise excursion. Unfortunately, it's a distance away from ports of call. 3 hour drive from San Francisco. Shorter from Santa Barbara.
❤❤❤ I agree!
Catalina was a favorite of ours when I was a child. We spent the day on the glass bottom boat. Watching the seals was so cool. Loved the ferry from the mainland too.
When I lived in San Diego, I often flew my Piper airplane over to Catalina. I love the island. In the past, it was owned by Wrigley. Yes, the gum people. I'm sure the island is very happy to have the cruise ship visits. Unlike some other places
True and Wrigley was the one who brought a lot of those animals to Catalina. He also brought peacocks and there is a part of San Pedro near Fermin Park that is overrun with them. The residents in that part of town either love them or they hate them!
Grew up right across the water from Catalina in San Pedro. Catalina was always a nice day trip!
There are remains of WWII armored bunkers in San Pedro and a park with a wonderful view of the ocean and Catalina --- great picnic venue.
@@paulreiche2746 San Pedro was a target during WW-2. There are two sunken Japanese subs off of the coast of Pt Fermin. I spent many hours in that park and we played in one of those bunkers. Oh, we bombed those submarines but very few knew about this at the time.
Love Catalina (California girl here) - taking a golf cart around the island is cool - lots of Wrigley history, some water buffalos and of course the last “stop” for Natalie Wood - back in the day lots of high schools would have their grad nights there.
Back in my young adulthood, we used to sail to the isthmus on the other side of the island. Its more rugged, bison roamed, and you could explore on foot. I remember one day when my sister and I were floating around in the dingy, laughing and having fun, enjoying watching the clouds in the sky. We finally noticed we were being pulled out to sea and began paddling like crazy. A sailboat saw us and came by with the precision of an experienced sailor and towed us back in. Ah, youth.
I live in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River. Those sea lions are decimating the salmon and sturgeon. They marked a California sea lion at Bonneville Dam, captured it, transported it to the SF Bay Area and it was back at Bonneville Dam 72 hours later feasting on salmon at the bottom of the fish ladder. It’s a real problem.
The fisherman in Newport Oregon don't like them either for the same reasons. If they would eat the whole fish that would be no problem. But they take one bite and then go on to the next fish.
And if you go with a group of 4, a golf cart tour is fantastic and very affordable. There's a 'lap' they ask you to follow and it can be done in an hour without rushing. Some great views from the cliffs above Avalon. Next time Tony.
Love Catalina. Was blessed to go every summer as a kid. I actually was just there in December. I took my mother on the navigator of the sea Catalina Ensenada cruise ❤️
As a west coast cruiser, Catalina is a place where you can buy your excursions NOT through your cruise. All the excursions can be bought on the island and most of them are cheaper OFF the ship.
Aren't all excursions cheaper off the ship no matter where you go?
@@B-ch6ukoff ship excursion are cheaper, unless you miss the all aboard time
Agree, and Catalina is so small missing the ship won't happen. It's not like getting left in Grand Turk. A $39 ferry will get you back to Long Beach.
It was interesting to see Catalina - I live right there in Long Beach and haven't been over to Catalina in a long time. They have upgraded tremendously. I have seen the buffalo tour and that is again not always are they out so you can see them. So glad you enjoyed your time there.
I was at Catalina Island in January on the Carnival Radiance ship, the weather on Catalina was beautiful then.
I was enjoying the weather outside my house when I watch this. I large vehicle made a turn, which what thought was the most obnoxious turn signal. Except the vehicle disappeared and I still was hearing the sound and realized it was from the video! Talk about timing!
my husband and I loved renting a cart and traveling around the area, the vistas were beautiful.
Oh…forgot too…the animals on beach were not seals…they were sea lions! And boar were brought over to get rid of snakes and buffalo to keep down grass to reduce fires problems.
Commercial Fishermen HATE those Sea Lions! They would get into the sardine and mackerel nets that were full of fish and tear them up. Marine Supply Stores sold powerful Seal Control Bombs they would light and drop over the sides of the boats if they suspected Sea Lions were in the area. As kids we would love getting our hands on these? Made an M 80 sound like a cap pistol! Dangerous! But that’s another story….
@@craigjorgensen4637 …your right… big walrus manatee-like creatures the sea lions are…..and would go for or fish on end of spear and scared the crap out of us because there were sharks around the island and you could not immediately tell. Also, Unlike seals, they could get the abalone off the ocean rocks and eat lobsters that were abundant at the time. Pissed us off, but not a lot you could do.
Actually Wrigley brought Bison and Boar over for western movies he was making. They were contained at one point but once they got out they populated the island.
@@jasonpresley690 yep…your probably correct, although the boar got rid of the snakes and were delicious at Luau and only heard of one fire over at Catalina….so that was the story I was told of the boar and Buffalo back when….but sounds like you have direct knowledge, I’ll go with that. 👍
My original post was about my experience as a teenager on a weekend trip.
Thanks for showing me a place I’ve already been, but with new eyes. Your excitement about things I considered rudimentary makes me realize how much I’ve really idolized or (adversely) didn’t understand how important my own experiences were for inner growth and achievement.
Seeing Catalina through the eyes of a middlin age, retired, full grown adult (my life through your eyes) is way different from my last experience.
Thanks!
Catalina looks like a great place to explore! Thanks for showing us around. Loving the port videos!
Just went to Catalina for the first time born and raised in Cali lots of bars and shopping had a great time!
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣The doughnut alarm is so disrespectful!
Tony, every time you said " Do you want to get your wickie wacked" I just died laughing. Now, we will definitely be going there on our cruise so we can also get our "Wickie Wacked." That alarm was deafening. So glad they got it under control.
Catalina is awesome for a Pub Crawl. Old bars from the 50s still open. My Grandpa was a seaplane pilot then, Long Beach to Catalina, all the old movie stars he flew. His name is on a plack there. He could have bought property there for $20 grand, now it’s worth almost 2 million. Very expensive there, but great to visit.
We have started looking for audio tours you download on your phone - we use ear buds and walk and enjoy at our own pace. Have used them in Catalina, puerto Vallarta, and loads of European tours. In expensive and so far all have been well done presentations. They even tell you if you are off the path.
Was in Catalina last year on NOS and after i got back on board went to cabin and enjoyed watching the dolphins -- 100's of them playing in the bay. Watched for a couple of hours.
I live in Seal Beach, CA and "as they say" on a clear day, we can see Catalina. It's a very charming little community and well worth the visit. BTW the Seal Beach mascot is a beautiful brass statue at the base of the SB pier. The only problem . . . . the statue is of a Sea Lion not a Seal. Oh well, I love our community anyway.
Hello, my high school graduation overnight party held on Catalina back in 1966 we were in the tall round building in the background, sure brings back memories. The whole class was there and we took a large ferry over. We had lots of food and dancing.
So glad you enjoyed Catalina. It’s a hidden gem of California. Vacationed there during summer since I was a kid and we even scattered my mom and brother over there because it means so much to my family. The area on the other side of the Casino (no gambling there) is condo’s that come with a golf cart to get into town. I live in Huntington Beach so I can see Catalina as long as it’s somewhat clear out. 21 miles from the mainland and it feels like you’re in a different country except you can drink the water. Thanks for the full tour. Makes me want to go back over for a weekend. Thanks Tony!!
NorCal gal here. My nephew lives in Huntington Beach and liv'n the life. Spent the last few Christmases there; making a family tradition of it!
Yeah, you're in Avalon. I love hanging out on Catalina Island. There's a brew house there across from the green pier that is a good stop for refreshments. In cooler weather, I get a latte. Warmer weather is good for a beer flight. There are several great beers to choose from. It comes with pretzel twists and is a perfect way to relax and take it all in. Oh, and fish & chips on the green pier is a treat. Catalina is a great little place to explore without an excursion. Lots of shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy. There's a local church and a Vons grocery store, if you need something. Everything is close enough to be on foot. 👍
Thanks for the update and information tony. I usually "watch" your videos as i'm driving so I don't always get a chance to comment but I want to thank you for all that you do for cruising
Catalina Island…they call it Poor Man’s Hawaii. But the history is so interesting. Our kids used to love going there.
I have been to Catalina a few times. Been by cruise stop, flew over in a private plane, and took a ferry or two over. Love Catalina!
Welcome to May Gray! May and June (June Gloom) are typically overcast here in SoCal, pretty much most of the time. We had Graypril this year too. Sooo many cloudy days. Now you know to bring a jacket.
Thanks for the tour of Catalina. I'm happy the lack of sunshine didn't slow you down.
Hi Tony! Love when you take us along on your adventures when cruising! Excursion a little $$ but liked spending the day with you!
Went to Catalina in the 90s, camped at Two Harbors. It was not as built up as Avalon, lots of great hiking and hidden beachs. And drinking "buffalo milk"! This makes me want to go back and spend more time there!
We took a Catalina Ensenada cruise for our honeymoon. My husband hated it so much that we got off in Catalina & spent a week there instead. (We told the cruise before departure). 😂😂😂😂😂
I love Catalina Island and can't wait to go back!
I really enjoy these a day in the cruise vlogs. And sincerely can't wait to see you hopefully one day on the Lido!
I really dig the outfit of the guy walking in front of you onto the water shuttle.
If you ever find yourself on Catalina Island, the best places to eat in my opinion are the Catalina Cantina and Coney Island West, and don't forget to stop by Lloyd's of Avalon for salt water taffy.
Checked out the menu on Catalina Cantina and Coney Island West. Both have some things on the menu I would not eat and some things that I would eat. If I go to Catalina Island would keep these places in mind. Not a taffy person. My days eating taffy were a long, long, long time ago.
I will be there next week. Thanks for the tips. I've been researching also.
@@harlanabraham7772 I would recommend the fish and chips at Coney Island
Grew up in Lawndale/San Pedro (South Bay) so Catalina Island has always been a destination as a day trip. It’s always been charming and romantic. May Gray weather and next month June Gloom with the marine layer that takes forever to burn off. My dad’s ashes are there. Hotel rooms are so expensive at an average of $300 a night. I can see Catalina Island from my office window in Westwood. Looked out on Monday and thought of you on the cruise 🚢. At the Catalina Yacht Club they have a happy hour special of Tacos and Margarita for $10 and tables on the beachfront patio with a beautiful view.
I love Catalina Island. Thanks for sharing!
I live in the L.A. area and I love quick getaways to Catalina Island. There's so much to see, do and eat there. And if you ever need to contact the Catalina Island Visitor Center, it's a VERY easy number to remember. After the 310 area code, the number is 5-10-15-20.
Aww I loved watching the excursion tour! Please keep doing these ❤
We really enjoyed Catalina Island and would like to go back and explore it some more. We were there in January and we definitely needed to have a jacket, especially on the ship.
Tony, nut betters are good protein. A whole grain toast helps. When on lines with English breakfast, grab the beans. (I’m a 42 year vegetarian)
June glpom is kind of year round at California beaches but our beaches are incredibly scenic and Catalina is one of the prettiest. I had the best, freshest calamari ever at the Green Pier!
Catalina Island looks like a really nice place to visit. Would love to do some west coast cruising someday.
First time to Catalina last month on the Radiance. Nice little island. The weather was a little warmer for us. Enjoy you sharing your adventures 😀
I am loving these videos you are doing, taking us along on your adventures. I never miss one. I even watch LEGO videos and I’ve never owned a LEGO in my life!🤣 I think they’re all great! 👏🏻👏🏻
Every time I see taffy, especially if it's salt water taffy, I think of my dad. He LOVED salt water taffy.
In Feb 2020 I took a group of ladies to Catalina. We stayed right there at the Pavillion Hotel. The yellow building behind you. It was very relaxing and quite affordable. We stayed for 3 days.
Hey Tony we just got off the ship. We met you on the island and my wife took some photos of you and I. It was great meeting you. When we were tinder back to the ship. The captain took us around the ship because there were not a spot for him to dock. We were so lucky. Keep up the good work.
Bluewater Grill and DNY are both amazing places to eat.
Seals are everywhere in CA.
Other easy places to see sea lions: any short catamaran cruise in Seattle, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, any boat trip en route to Friday Harbor (Stellar sea lions), or any California marina. Yes, really-- they like to hang out near the small boats, even take a nap on some of them.
We lived in Southern California for about 14 years in the 70’s and 80’s, and we had a sailboat that we sailed to Catalina. It was a lot more quiet in those days! We even went to a movie in the Avalon theater. Once we flew there and had buffalo burgers at the airport. I wonder if they still have them.
Loved your Catalina Island tour, been there numerous times over the years when we lived in Arizona. We always enjoyed that island, thanks for the memories. Remember Luau Larry's too!! Glad it's still there.
I have been contemplating going on this cruise. So, now I have a much better idea about Catalina...makes me want to go even more.
Nice video of Catalina island. Just been there ourselves, around 24th April, and really enjoyed the place. Not sure $85 a person to see seals was such a great deal. You can see seals in Ensenada and San Francisco for free. Didn't take an excursion at Catalina, but lots to see and do on the waterfront. Thanks for taking the time to put the video together, Tony. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.
Oh! And pick up some coasters made from the local tiles. Beautiful.
All I knew about Catalina island was that John Wayne use to visit that island and he had a military ship he had converted into his idea of a yacht so he could of anchored some where near that harbor you visited😊
Hi Tony and Steve. It's been many years since I visited Catalina Island. Lunch looked good! $85. For both of you I hope? Agree with having a small group. It feels more like a private excursion. That said, I probably would have done it also. As always thank you for all you do ❤️
We were there just last week. enjoyed a self guided tour of the casino. Very interesting and nostalgic!
I love Catalina Island. We were there several years ago but we enjoyed some Parasailing and my first zip line experience was there too. Beautiful place.
Hey Tony, That entire little town, and the bay where you anchor, is Avalon. We went there on our honeymoon, 31years ago.
So glad you posted this. My very next cruise goes to Catalina - next month on Navigator. It is my first time in Catalina and I've been struggling to figure out what to do. None of the excursions appeal to me, on Royal's site or any of the third party sites, and I do not want to rent a golf cart. I decided to just walk around.
What gorgeous scenery from the excursion boat!
I saw a Plizzanet Earth video that showed a sea lion being very disrespectful to a penguin. Shed a whole new light sea lion behavior!
The pancake spot on Catalina Island is amazing! Get there early they stay crowded.
I would pay 85 for that excursion too. It still gave you time to walk around that cute little town also.
Didn't think the excursion was worth it. Glad you like it.
Thanks for the video Tony. I lived and worked on the island for 5 years and if you wanted to see sea lions, they took you to the two best places. I do not know if the captain pointed it out but they took you by the heliport, rock quarry, and some other spots on your way to the sea lions. Nice camera shot of the cruise ship from the water and obviously, in the background was the famous casino building. 👍
I love these videos I get to see and experience places I might not be able to see. Thank you Tony!
Love Avalon. We only rent a golf cart and do the mapped tour. then walk around a bit and back on the ship by lunch.
We actually have Bison here in Florida on Bison Island in Lake Kissimmee.
Thankyou Tony!!
In January of 2010, my husband and I traveled to Catalina Island for a few days of R & R. There was a series of storms that hit the island (18th thru the 22nd) that took out the pier where the Catalina Express docks. We could have stayed on the island but needed to catch a flight back home the next day. We chose to take a helicopter back to the mainland. That was a memorable trip!!
I loved the Karch Kiraly reference... was half expecting to hear Sinjin Smith too! Thanks for the great video of the island!
Great video on Catalina island! It’s time to revisit! ♥️♥️♥️
Great shots of Firenze from the boat. ALWAYS have a light jacket with you when going to the coast in California. Donut shop alarm was hilarious.
Thank you, Tony.
Btw, if you want sea lions already included, there's Ensenada. Without fail they all gradually climb out to the dock next to the dock lines as the day goes on and make a racket, and when that ship is ready to sail, they're shooed off into the water.
we did a stop there on a cruise a couple years ago. Also very chilly, but had a good tour and you were right about the movie and bison. but apparently bison are now protected so all the bison burgers are imported. or at least that is what our tour guide said. We'd love to go back when they have some better weather or at least to explore it more
a group of us took the public bus and travel around to the stops . now that we got a replacement van, we will be planning some cruises.
We took the local bus up to the Wrigley monument. I think it was $1.00. Ha. We were the only ones on it and the driver gave us inside scoops about the island. Fun!
When I was little. There used to be a tour of Wrigley Mansion you could take. No more. For the younger cruisers, the zipline and ropes course look fun. We didn't know to pre-book when I went with my teen son...so he missed out since they didn't have any openings.
I probably have five hooded jackets I had to purchase while on cruises because I didn't think to bring one. They so expensive on the ship but you can probably get one cheaper in port. Catalina Island is pretty cool. Thanks.
We are looking into doing this cruise again in Dec this year so we can check out that beautiful ship. We have been 2 times and both times we rented a golf cart. It is great time for a great price.
We just got off the Panorama, the weather in Long Beach was unusually cool.
On our last visit to Catalina we found Golf Gardens. It is a fun mini golf course just a couple blocks from the main shopping area. If you do not want to do a tour this is a perfect way to spend a day in Avalon.
I loved my Catalina cruise, did the 4 day royal. On Catalina, I rented a golf cart and did the self guided driving tour. Got the best pictures ever. Well worth it for the like 1-2 hundred it cost.
My favorite thing to do in catalina is rent an umbrella and chairs by the pier you first leave your friend at a spot and then rent it and they drill it in for you it becomes your base as you bring food from the pier swim etc.. Next is renting snorkeling stuff same place and going up to the snorkel area in lovers cove a short walk Since its a california beach its checked and clean. Then a glass bottom boat which is pretty cheap and luau Larry's is fun for night drinks it gets pretty wild. I think your tour was a bit odd never saw that the glass bottom boat goes over to lovers cove and back so could have seen some of the same spots for less and seen fish.
Interesting story. I’m a health insurance agent in Florida. A customer called me one day and said “I’ve been gored by a bison and they air flighted me to LA. I wanted to make sure the hospital is in network”!! Apparently, she went for a fun and a bison attacked her and gored her in the hip area. She landed in a dip in the landscape and the bison was standing over her. Her friend decided to check on her because she’d been gone for over an hour. Both knew sign language so my customer signed that she was in this hole and the friend went and got help. She was airlifted to Ala where she had surgery. She was in network btw. 😂😂
Beautiful. Another place I wanna visit. Those seals 🏴☠️
Great Video Tony. We were getting off the Firenze the day you got on. The wife and I loved that boat. Funny you mention Sizzler that is how I describe CCL food about like Sizzler some times better, occasionally worse but always a good value for the prices we have gotten our trips. The golf cart tour is a lot of fun and it takes about a hour, the 2 if you spend a lot of time at the little stops to over look the different parts of the island that you get to see.
Tony, a rain jacket doubles for cool and rain. They can be very light to pack too.