If you’ve been itching to get out of town lately or go on an island vacation, look no further than your own backyard! Catalina Express took us from Downtown Long Beach to Avalon, California in one hour. It’s our own local paradise across the sea! Here’s a look inside the Commodore Lounge which is the VIP lounge on the Catalina Express. I think it’s worth the upgrade!
CHECKING-IN
If you’ve never been to Long Beach Downtown Landing, you will want to get there at least an hour before your departure. There is a loading zone and a parking structure. (Note: overnight parking is $15 per day.) Their terminal is pretty organized and resembles much like the airport. (Check-in at the counters then wait for boarding times.) Tip: If you didn’t have time to book tours before you arrived, there is an activity counter where you can purchase Tour Tickets, etc. We also found a kiosk where you can pre-purchase golf cart tours.
COMMODORE LOUNGE UPGRADE
Get the VIP treatment! When you upgrade your Catalina Express tickets for $15 each person, you will receive Commodore Lounge benefits such as beverage tickets, priority boarding, snacks, and reclining seats! You will feel the VIP treatment right away! For example, when you start to line up for boarding, you will notice a special waiting area for “Commodore Lounge” ticket holders. The lines are much shorter, and you board first! Comfy leather seats that recline, drink service, and snacks – This is the way to travel!
ARRIVING AT AVALON, CALIFORNIA
Santa Catalina Island is so beautiful! Wouldn’t you agree? For two days, we explored Avalon Bay – played miniature golfing, took a two-hour off-road Hummer Tour, spotted a buffalo, savored some delicious seafood, had breakfast with breathtaking views, kayaked along the island, saw Leopard Sharks, tried new things like a buffalo burger and buffalo milk, raced around the island in Golf Carts, and more! We were always doing something, and we enjoyed every minute!
DEPARTURE
After a full two days of fun, it was time for us to head back home, but instead of feeling sad and blue, we got back in the Catalina Express Commodore Lounge line and received the same special treatment: priority boarding, beverage tickets, snacks, and comfy reclining leather seats.
We had a wonderful trip getting to Santa Catalina Island on the Catalina Express in the Commodore Lounge. It was a smooth one hour ride, and we were totally relaxed plus enjoyed another drink service. (The one hour seemed too short.) It was the perfect ending to our weekend getaway, and we want to ride this way from now on. It’s so worth the upgrade! For more information about the Catalina Express or to make reservations, please visit their website at www.catalinaexpress.com.
- CATALINA EXPRESS – Long Beach Downtown Landing, 320 Golden Shore Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 216-1666 Parking: $15/day(Approximately 1 hr)
- CATALINA EXPRESS – Dana Point, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 923-2255 Parking: $12/day(Approximately 1 hr and 30 min)
- CATALINA EXPRESS – San Pedro, , Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731 (800) 481-3470 Parking: $12/day(Approximately 1 hr and 15 min)
Ride FREE on Your Birthday to Catalina Island on the Catalina Express!
For more information, please click here: letsplayoc.com/posts/catalina-express-ride-free-on-your-birthday