SeeCalifornia.com

By C. MacDonald

LONG BEACH–This Holiday Season when you’re looking for ways to entertain your family and guests, a memorable, yet affordable cruise in Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors is offered on Harbor Breeze Cruise vessels. They have large observation decks from which you can easily see (and photograph) up close the legendary luxury liner, Queen Mary, gigantic container cargo ships, huge oil tankers, yachts, sailboats, sea lions and a variety of sea life.

The fascinating 45-minute narrated tours, which leave hourly from Dock 2 at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach (next to the Aquarium of the Pacific and a handy parking garage), enable passengers to sit inside or outside for the thrilling ride on usually smooth harbor waters.

You’ll hear and see how Disney designers hid the offshore oil islands (cleverly making them look like luxury resorts, especially when they’re colorfully lit up at night). You’ll see mammoth cranes loading and unloading ships from around the World. You’ll see the beautiful Long Beach Skyline, including the Historic Villa Riviera Hotel (that’s now condos) and the Sports Arena, painted with whales by the internationally-acclaimed marine artist, Wyland. Viewing the miles and miles of beaches will help you understand how “Long Beach” got its name. Your eyes might feast on a visiting cruise ship–check out its various levels, passengers and activities as you pass by.

If all this cruising makes you hungry, there’s a full snack bar and beverages (as well as restrooms) on board. It’s so special getting to be on the water, viewing things from a different perspective. Whether you take photos or not, the knowledgeable, caring crew will make sure this is a pleasant cruise of memories that you’ll always remember.

Harbor Breeze also offers special Holiday Cruises, year-round Whale Watching Trips and a variety of Private Cruises (for weddings and corporate events) on their 85-foot Cruise Ship, Kristina, and 70-foot motor Yacht, Christopher. To find out more about Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters & Cruises,  call 562-432-4900, or visit: harbor-cruises.com