We are considering a 4-night cruise from L.A. to San Diego, Catalina Island, and Ensenada, Mexico. Anyone have any experience on the cruise lines that offer these, like Royal Caribbean? Would it be a nice get-away for three sisters who just want to chill and enjoy the ocean, not party hearty? Or is it a crowded and hectic scene onboard? Our other option is to choose an oceanfront resort, but a cruise sounds like fun. Any advice or experience? Thanks! (If anyone's paid attention to my postings lately, one of these days my sisters and I will get a plan and get it together!)

It depends on when you want to go, and the makeup of the people on board. I think these 3 and 4 day cruise ships are generally party central.

Having said that, we took the 3 day cruise on Carnival at the end of January two years ago, and it turned out to be the Super Bowl Party Cruise.

Yes, it was crowded, and yes there was partying going on, but it was a lot of fun, and there's loads of "quiet" chill places on board the ship. Most of the party action is going on at the disco in the evening or in Ensenada.

On the upper deck by the pool, there's a lot of chill space and it's really enjoyable.

Thanks, surfergirl. We've never been on a cruise before, so have no clue what to expect. If there's partying in the disco, does it resound all over the ship's decks?

We'd avoid spring break, otherwise we might go in April or May. We want a get-away from kids and teens, though, not a voyage with a boatload of them! Maybe the cruise lines can give us more detailed info.

Is there a significant difference between the cruise lines? Royal Caribbean in particular. Anyone else know?

Last year, at this time, I went on the 3 day and the 4 day cruise on The Monarch (Royal Caribbean). We had a wonderful time. The four day was less crowded and the crowd seemed a little more subdued than on the 3 day. Neither one was "party central". We did meet up with a Carnival ship in Ensanda that had some obnoxious and rude cruisers. It could have been a fluke, but I was glad I was on Royal Caribbean. I am hoping to go again soon.

I took the 4 day cruise from LA on the Monarch of the Seas last May. It was a great cruise and not a young party crowd.

You are wise to go when school is school is still in session. 5 years ago we cruised from New Orleans just after school let out. There were about 200 teens on their senior class trip. It was still an OK cruise, but NEVER NEVER AGAIN will we cruise at that time of year!! Some kids were OK, most were party brats celebrating their "independence."

Do it. I live in L. A. and have taken both three and four day cruises. One feels as though they've been away a week. Cruises depart from San Pedro and from Long Beach. Let us know.

I am happily side-tracked from my cruise search now. My family is going to London-Paris-Amsterdam in May, so I'm busily researching those destinations. Maybe my sisters and I will do a cruise another time... Thanks to all. I'll save your replies for future reference.

That's great news. Come over to the Europe board and we'll help you plan that trip.

P_M, I'm already there! See my posts under "first time in..." Fire away with your advice for those three cities!