ATSEAMYLIFE

We did the Rhone and there never seemed to be a lack of bikes. We did outside of summer vacation so not a lot of younger parents with kids. I would guess half were used at most ports.

We didn't ride them, but they looked very decent and well maintained. One day we did a quick stop at a small pier and off loaded several people and bikes. We were probably stopped less than five minutes. They met with somebody on land along with the cruise director got off. We headed on down the river and we would see them periodically along the levee trails. They met up with us when we docked for the night, sure seemed like a lot of fun.

Not sure the river cruise to see the Christmas Markets is your best choice. We are doing the Emerald Sky December 2025 AMS-ZRH. We did an Avalon last year on the Rhone and I didn't see many people using wheelchairs or scooters. At some ports it might not be an issue, but at others it would be impossible. We had a couple of port stops where we rafted and you might be able to use them to get off. We had another where we rafted but had to go up to the sun deck walk across to the other ships sun deck and then down steep stairs with tight turns to the gangway. I think if you can manage to get the wheelchair to the pier and you can walk to the pier you would be good. If you can't walk up/down steep stairs you might have an issue. There are a few ships that have elevators that go to the sun deck, but I don't think there's many. Good luck I hope it works out. Maybe look at a land tour for the Christmas Markets.

Friday evening is the worst and pray it doesn't rain or there's a big crash or three day weekend. Saturday morning will be a walk in the park. If I didn't get in before 1400 hrs at the latest I would stay in the LAX area. Unless you wait until after 2100 hrs it won't be worth the time in traffic and that's on a good day.

I think it all depends on how long of a travel day and when you get into LAX. We stayed on the QM many years ago and it's a wonderful bit of nostalgia.

Then my vote would be Il Foraino or the bay dinner cruise.

One of my mom's fav's. It had been very good but we haven't been in five years.

Truer words were never spoken. I use Uber all the time both in the US and Europe and it's amazing how we did without it.

Eric is dead on, plenty of hotel shuttles from LAX but no hotel does a shuttle to the port. You might consider a Carnival shuttle from LAX if they offer one. We did that on RCL from Orlando airport Grand Hyatt after spending the night after a late flight the day before.

You won't find any hotel shuttles that will do that route. You will find plenty of shuttles from LAX to hotels near LAX. But from the LAX hotels to LB you will have to hire somebody. Best to just price shop for LAX hotels and see what rates you like. We always stay at the Hilton LAX as we like the shuttle, rooms, location, food, and bar.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and we stayed at the Doubletree. It wasn't one of my best experiences at a Hilton property. We got in late and the shuttle to the ship was sold out so we had to RSVP an Uber. Rooms were a little tired and dark. We ended up with a 3rd floor room overlooking the courtyard and there was a wedding reception with very loud music. I went down to the front desk and asked how much longer and they told me they had to shut down at 10:30 PM, which I'm good with but come 11:15 and then 11:30 I'm not OK. Pro: the food at the restaurant was excellent as was the service. It sits directly on the marina with outside meal seating so much better view than the CP. I would stay again but would book a marina view room.

Now that's the way I would do it. My mom and dad lived on Coronado at the Landing and there's several very good places to eat near the ferry landing and the trip isn't bad also. Now if you want to go 1st class book a dinner or cocktail sunset bay cruise.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and have stayed many times at the Hilton directly across the street from SNA. In fact have walked a few times to/from. The hotel has a very nice restaurant if you don't want to walk. There's an IHop, El Torito, and Gulliver's all within walking distance and not bad. Personally I would just eat at the hotel. Yes those times should be good for avoiding traffic.

It's not near the cruise terminal but a short trolly ride into Gaslamp our fav is Louie & Mickey's. Just avoid it if there's an event at Petco. https://www.louandmickeys.com/

We found it rather calm almost like being on a lake most of the time.

Eddie V's (steak and seafood) is good and in a cool area. It doesn't open until 4:00 PM however.

Still a great place to stay.

All things being equal I would pick John Wayne. It has better services when you are waiting for the flight at the end of the cruise.

We see plenty getting brought in during lobster season and it's pretty easy to tell if it's fresh and from the locals. Best thing is lobster season is for the most part low tourist season especially during the week for lunch. We usually go in January and February. We haven't found the "top" rated places on the review sites to be the best. Sandra's gets high marks and we weren't impressed at all. Ortega's Patio was very good. Seite Mares we haven't tried but friends really like it. It will be our next spot to try.

Mexican Rivera lobster is out of season, if you find it it's probably frozen and flown in from China or south America. We have never found good lobster in Baja after February. We only live a few minutes from Puerto Nuevo and we can watch the lobster fisherman tending their traps from our balcony. I haven't seen any activity for at least two weeks.

I wouldn't bring a "puffer" but plan on dressing in layers. If you're out late in the evening it will be cool and during the day if the sun is out and there's no wind you can wear shorts and t-shirts. The further inland the warmer and along the coast cooler with fog in the AM. It's seldom "ski" jacket cold, but a sweatshirt and wind shirt/jacket can be welcome. Best thing is weather can be fairly predictable in advance. So watch the local LA weather reports a week or two in advance and they will be pretty accurate.

We have stayed at that ES several times. If you step out the side door into the alley and turn left down a few steps is the "G Street Deli" they have a great selection and might have it. It's easy to check before walking all over. They have great deli sandwiches if you happen to want to do a little picnic.

Typically yes and depending on how far south you cruise most definitely.

I'm not sure what port and can only speak to Ensenada area. As for elevations I wouldn't see a problem as there's not much in the way of high hill climbs. My concern would be the roads they are taking you on. Around our area there's not much (if any) shoulder and potholes are the norm in most places. We don't see many bicycle riders except during the Rosarito to Ensenada ride.

Nope, CA to MX is mostly good all year around. If you leave from San Francisco it can be a little foggy and cold sometimes. But, Sept/Oct is probably one of the best times to visit and cruise from any port in CA.