The schedules will be posted closer to departure dates but the latest cruise schedule is below so you get an idea of classes and dances offered.
See the video about the whole trip here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16xx29uT5L/
SCHEDULE for the NOVEMBER 2025 Baja California Cruise from Long Beach to Catalina Island, CA and Ensenada, Mexico.
Wednesday, November 5th: Long Beach
Queen Mary - Pre-cruise hotel and dance Weds. Nov. 5th:
Stay on the Queen Mary the night before the cruise (Wednesday, Nov. 5th)! Use this link for a discounted cabin on the historic art deco era Queen Mary: Lindy Pre-Cruise Booking Link
Note: Must be booked by 10/6/2025. Those staying at the Queen Mary will also get a discounted rate for overnight parking for the entire cruise of just $15 per night (normally $32). Shuttle to the Carnival cruise ship is free and in the Queen Mary parking lot.
We will have a dance on the Queen Mary in the Grand Salon - a room not often made available to the public - from 7pm to 10pm, with a dance lesson by Dave Frutos and Kim Clever from Ventura. This IS included with your cruise dance fee! So the only people who will need to pay the $20 entry are those who have not paid the dance fee or local dancers not going on the cruise who want to come dance.
Free after-dance party in the Observation Bar on the Queen Mary at 10pm. Come have a drink or just wind down in this historic art deco bar.
Other things to do and see in Long Beach:
Long Beach Aquarium
Go to the beach
Thursday, Nov. 6th:
Depart from Long Beach on the Carnival Radiance at 4:00pm
Note: Be onboard by 1:30pm
Evening class and dance mixer
Dinner with group
Dancing to ship's live bands
Friday, Nov. 7th:
Catalina Island 8am-5pm
Excursion: It took six months of meetings but we were able to get the actual Casino Ballroom in Avalon for a dance while we are in Catalina - the Catalina Swing Mixer. This incredible 20,000 sq.ft. ballroom is the largest circular ballroom in the world and is known for its Art Deco style, rose-hued walls, and a 50-foot ceiling with Tiffany chandeliers. Commissioned by William Wrigley Jr. in 1929, the Casino has a rich history as a hub for entertainment and social events including Big Band concerts in the 1930’s and 40’s. It is where Swing Camp Catalina was held in the late 1990’s. Our dance will be from 1pm-3:30pm with two dance lessons happening at the same time from 1-1:30pm, then a dance DJ’ed by Professor Watson from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Bar available for those 21 and over.
There is a tour fee to use the venue of $27.50 and a dance fee of $21.50 for the lesson and dance. The dance fee is included with your cruise dance fee so that $21.50 only needs to be paid by those not on the cruise coming to the dance.
Link to pay tour fee to Catalina Island Company (only pay this if you are on the cruise):
Tour fee and dance fee (pay this if you are coming to just the Catalina Swing Mixer but not on the cruise):
Dance back on board the ship
Dinner with group
Dance to live bands on the ship
Other things to do and see in Catalina:
Snorkel or Scuba dive in the famous kelp beds
Rent a golf cart and tour the island
Stop at the Botanical Garden
Visit the Wrigley Mansion
Saturday, Nov. 8th:
Day at Sea
classes from 8am-3pm
Evening class and dance mixer
Dinner with group
Dancing to ship's live bands
Sunday, November 9th
Ensenada 8am-5pm
Excursion: Las Nubes winery in the gorgeous Guadalupe Valley of Ensenada, Mexico
At the top of a mountain, while on the lookout for the perfect land, “love at first sight was born” for our new dream. The panoramic views covered all the needs of anyone who took a glance, the soil was good, but above all there was the presence of water. The perfect location of what we later called “Las Nubes Bodes y Viñedos”.
Location: Las Nubes Winery, Callejón Emiliano Zapata El Porvenir (Guadalupe) Ensenada, Baja California
Buses will leave the cruise terminal at 10:30am (45 minute drive to the winery)
Return to port by 3:30am
Dance lesson, dance, and wine tasting from 11:30am-2:30pm.
Total excursion fee: $79 includes transportation, entrance to the winery, and wine tasting
Dance fee (for those not on the cruise): $20 (plus the $49 winery entrance fee)
Other things to do and see in Ensenada:
Snorkel
Visit the famous blow hole
OPTIONAL Dance night Themes for our group - so you know what to pack (this may be slightly updated):
Tiki/Hawaiian Night - Thursday - Hosted by Steve Conrad
Black and White (Formal) - Friday Night - Hosted by Jerry
60's Soul Night - Saturday Night - Hosted by Stephen and Karine
Pirate Night - Sunday Night - Hosted by Kim and David
These themes are only for our dance group, not the whole ship.
Yes! There will be Ukulele jam sessions/lessons so bring your own Ukulele or small instrument if you have it!
Note on excursions:
We highly recommend getting the full dance experience and doing the excursions we have organzized in Long Beach, Catalina, and Ensenada. Morning excursions like snorkeling or scuba diving can be played by ear and some should be booked in advance. These can be booked through Carnival, through a third party online live viator, or when you get off the ship and walk on the pier.
Getting from the ship to the airport (Monday, Feb. November 10th):
We get back early in the morning and usually start getting off the ship around 7am. Since everyone has different departure times we all need to get out own transportation to the airport. Sign up in advance for a Carnival bus back to the airport. We highly recommend not booking a flight back before 1pm but if you do, please inform the cruise line and they will expedite you getting off the ship first thing.
I can't wait to see you and dance with you!
Steve Conrad