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I have lived in LA for over 15 years and visited Catalina only after about this year. (I had snorkeled its coast before only but stepped foot on it a few years ago) Avalon, the chief city of Catalina is a pleasant and scenic spot. It's also an unrewarding tourist trap. I don't feel I've missed much of anything not having been there. That said, I've also been there on other occasions which turned into pub crawl karaoke fests. The pubs were surprisingly shady in a way that only a transient yachtie or port can be.
What a shame that such a nice spot is so lame. I mean it's a glorious little town, but there's not much in it besides the usual tourist stuff. It was completely devoid of any character. I can't judge all of Catalina by this, since the majority of the island is pretty untouched and by all accounts has great hiking, camping, snorkeling etc. If you do come to Catalina, by all means, do try to get to other parts of the island!
You really kind of wish this place had something more than golf carts, luau huts, and shops selling t-shirts and junk. I can here on a goofy cruise one time. Now, I have nothing against cruises, boats, cruisers or anything else. But to me, the idea of being on a giant vegas floating around is about as far from what I'd like to do as possible. I wrote about it in a little travelogue. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I've had a few cruise enthusiasts get really mad...but hey, what can I say, it's just my opinion, and it's really just a tongue in cheek laugh.
Go ahead, read "Sizzler at Sea" for a laugh
- Pros:It's a little get away from LA
- Cons:Touristy, Expensive
- In a nutshell:Attractive setting, beautiful spot, tourist trap.
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Ticky Tacky Heaven
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Well if you want to buy a Catalina T-shirt you certainly can do that. Or if you want some potpourri or taffy or some... more travel advice
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Comments (68)
Papas and Beer sounds like my kinda place. Free drinks for getting yer kit off! ;)
Hilarious - and all the reasons why I've said I'd never do a cruise. You've just reinforced the decision to go places where I can trash my hiking boots instead of my diet. HA!
I have heard from many who cruised to Mexico on the Kmart cruise lines that is was just a lame party. The only cruise that I have been on was The Yangtzee River in China. That was enjoyable and not to long. Three days would be as long as I could handle.
Haha, I was forced to spend 2 weeks on a cruise this summer, and it was truly abysmal...had a rant on the forums and ruffled a few feathers. Was so tempted to "accidentally" miss the ship at one of the ports! Glad to find another cruise-hater ;@P
nice KMART cruise page! I guess cruises are not for me too because I don't like being on boats for a loooong time...my brother-in-law took the $30,000 African cruise and he said it was ok though (at 30T it should be!)
Worked on there in 2002 hated it! I have visited many places but Italy has to be one of the best,people the friendliest they didn`t even laugh at my attempt to speak Italian!!! An Italian friend showed me round the less tourist parts of Venice (amazing).
My daughter (teaches fitness on cruises) said that about Carnival. If you're offered a cruise on Crystal Cruises, take it! It's a different experience, a true luxury cruise. I went with her for a week, lost 3 lbs, swam with dolphins, and had a fine time.
Recently some friends asked me to join them for a 5 day cruise. I was tempted to go (they gave a good sales pitch), but I'm so glad I declined. Your account is exactly what I was avoiding.
I see we share pretty much the same view of the ships... of course I have never been a passenger on one, only a sparkled showgirl! Oh the stories I could tell you….
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again===How funny! Icecream at 9:00, hmm do we need a breakfast dessert? Now I know why we sail with our own boat!
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