Carnival Radiance from Long Beach: 3-day vs 4-day vs 5-day—What changes?

If you want to compare Carnival Radiance cruises from Long Beach, then stop what you’re doing right now and read more.The ship is the same, the food still feels comforting and hearty and there’s even still plenty of “Carnival” fun to have. But a cruise’s duration disrupts the rhythm of your trip far more than you might anticipate.

A 3-day feels like a fast weekend escape. A 4-day feels like a proper mini-holiday. And a 5-day finally gives you that “I’ve actually been away” feeling—mostly because of Cabo San Lucas and the extra sea day.

Let’s break it down in a simple, real-life way.

The short answer: what each cruise includes

Here’s the easiest way to see the difference:

• 3-day Baja Mexico: Long Beach → Sea Day → Ensenada → Long Beach
• 4-day Baja Mexico: Long Beach → Catalina Island → Ensenada → Sea Day → Long Beach
• 5-day Mexican Riviera: Long Beach → Sea Day → Cabo San Lucas → Sea Day → Ensenada → Long Beach

So, yes:

• 4-day adds Catalina Island
• 5-day adds Cabo San Lucas
• 3-day keeps it simple and quick

3-day Carnival Radiance: quick escape, big energy

A 3-day cruise out of Long Beach is ideal for when you need the feel of a cruise without upending your routine.You get on, you tour the ship, and next thing you know you’re waking up for your port day in Ensenada.

Why people choose the 3-day

• It’s easy to take off work (or even go without taking much time).
• It’s an excellent first cruise if you’re not sure that you’ll enjoy cruising.
• It’s mostly about onboard fun, not planning a complicated port schedule.

What to expect

And because it is short,you’ll probably have to be a bit on it.If, for instance,you care about a specialty dining reservation or comedy tickets or showtime, you’ll be better off feeling happier just booking those plans early once you’re onboard.

The trade-off

You may feel like you didn’t fully slow down. It’s fun, yes—but it can feel like a “highlight reel” rather than a complete getaway.

Pick the 3-day if: you want a quick break, you love lively weekends, or you’re cruising for the first time.

4-day Carnival Radiance: the best balance for most travelers

The 4-day is often the crowd-pleaser because it adds Catalina Island while still keeping the trip short. That extra port day changes the whole feel—suddenly you have two different experiences off the ship.

What changes vs the 3-day

• You get two ports instead of one: Catalina + Ensenada.
• You still do have only one day at sea, so you don’t feel like you’re “at sea forever.”
• You have one more night onboard, so you can relax without feeling too pressured.

Why Catalina is a nice add-on

Catalina is a different vibe—more “coastal California getaway” than “Mexico port day.” It’s great for:

• easy walks
• pretty waterfront views
• casual shopping and snacks
• a calm day that doesn’t feel hectic

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The trade-off

If you are one of those who with a larger excursion and beach day in mind, Catalina is more mellow than dramatic. That said, for a quick cruise it’s a really good second stop.

Pick the 4-day you’re seeking the best blend of ports + time at sea, and would like it to feel like a true mini-vacation.

5-day Carnival Radiance: Cabo makes it feel like a real holiday

If the 3-day is just a weekend getaway and the 4-day is an even, mini-trip,then the 5-day is where your vacation finally feels like you went somewhere

The biggest reason is simple: Cabo San Lucas.

What changes vs the 4-day

• You add Cabo, which is the “wow” port on this set of itineraries.
• You have two sea days, so less busy mornings and more time to enjoy the ship.
• The cruise is less frantic because you’re not cramming everything into 72‐96 hours.

Why Cabo is the big upgrade

Cabo days often become the main memory of the trip because it’s the kind of port where you can:

• do boat/water activities
• enjoy beaches and viewpoints
• or just soak in that classic Baja scenery

Plus the extra sea day gives you time to experience the ship properly — spa, pool deck, shows, late breakfasts and those “let’s just wander” moments never possible on a 3-day.

Pick the 5-day:  If You want the real vacation vibe, you enjoy a longer port day or you just need the extra downtime.

What does NOT change across 3/4/5 days?

No matter which length you pick, you’re still sailing Carnival Radiance out of Long Beach, with the same onboard vibe and overall experience style.

So your decision isn’t about the ship being better or worse. Instead, it’s about:

• how many port days you want
• how much sea time you enjoy
• how rushed (or relaxed) you want to feel

Which one should you book?

Here’s the simplest way to decide:

Choose the 3-day if…

• you want the shortest getaway
• you want Ensenada + sea day and that’s enough
• you’re cruising for the first time

Choose the 4-day if…

• you want Catalina + Ensenada in one trip
• you like having two ports without needing a full week
• you want the best “mini vacation” balance

Choose the 5-day if…

• you want Cabo San Lucas (biggest itinerary upgrade)
• you want more time onboard and a slower pace
• you want the trip to feel like a true break