Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, California is a port of call unlike any other in the United States, where a sheltered, azure-harbored Avalon offers a sense of intimate discovery that large terminals cannot deliver. As an official port, it blends maritime charm with cliff-backed coves and a car-free waterfront that invites guests to stroll from the ferry pier to the pastel-fronted promenade in minutes. Signature experiences anchor every visit: glass-bottom boat tours skimming over crystal wakes, snorkel coves tucked into protected bays, and the Zip Line Eco Tour that sends thrill-seekers swooping above rugged chaparral to sweeping sea views. Shore breaks reveal a tapestry of destinations—from historic Avalon landmarks like the Catalina Casino and Wrigley Memorial to inland overlook trails with sweeping panoramas and easy bus excursions to Two Harbors. The port’s footprint caters to modern cruise fleets with compact, tender-friendly berths and streamlined passenger flow that keeps lines to a minimum and experiences to the maximum. Onboard services echo Catalina’s boutique spirit: locally inspired dining with ocean vistas, concierge-led shore options, and immersive, in-destination activities designed to feel curated rather than rushed, turning a typical port call into a sun-drenched island escape that lingers long after the ship sails on.