We are going with our extended family on a one-week cruise leaving from San Pedro cruise port in mid-February. We will be driving to Long Beach the night before the cruise departure, and are looking for the most reasonably priced option for spending a night, leaving our cars, and getting to the ship and back. There are 11 of us - with three cars. We'll need three hotel rooms (there are five kids).

Are we better off staying at the hotel and then moving our cars to long-term parking near the ship? Doing a park-sleep-cruise with our cars staying at the hotel? Other ideas welcome, especially if you've done this.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

I would check with the major hotel chains about their drive and park stays. You don’t say where you’re coming from.

Another possibility is rent one way and drop off and do the same in reverse and see what is more economical.

We're driving down from Santa Cruz/Monterey Counties - it should be a six- or seven-hour drive (extra in case of traffic), easier than flying with kids, luggage, and security lines - definitely more cost effective, and no stress over possible flight delays the day of the cruise. I found hotel a near the cruise port that offers parking for the cruise week, so I think we're good. I hope so.