Catalina Island Company

"My husband and I got married in the ballroom 20 years ago. It was a magical experience with relatives flying in from all over the country and out of the country. We had over 150 guests. We planned on renewing our vows for our 20 year anniversary and rebooked the ballroom. We lined up all vendors, sent out invitations, and were about a few months into the planning, when surprise at age 46, we found out that I was pregnant! Not planned at all. We immediately contacted the ballroom and told them our situation and asked if they would make an exception on our deposit. We were honest and upfront that we hadn’t even shared this news with our family but wanted to let them know in the spirit of full transparency and fairness. They had required a $6300 deposit. We would never expect the full amount back, but we’re hopeful that, especially if they rebooked it (which they most likely will since it’s 4th of July weekend - the BIGGEST WEEKEND ON CATALINA ISLAND!) they would consider giving us $1000 or $2000 back. We explained that we would rebook in the future, as soon as we had the baby and knew that baby was healthy & well. All of our other vendors were so gracious… Either giving the full deposit back or a portion of it. We gave all of our vendors over 8 months heads up. The contact in charge at the ballroom was rude and would not budge. He wouldn’t even communicate with us directly. It’s really disappointing to see their 10 page contract, all their requirements now (verses 20 years ago), and the lack of any sort of compassion in such an unplanned situation. It put such a sour taste in our mouth for the Catalina island company. We spent so much money 20 years ago and we’re planning on spending over $100,000 this time around! It’s too bad they’re all about a business now; especially when they work with people on their most special and joyous life events. Be careful before deciding to have your wedding or renewal in any of their facilities."

"We booked two excursions on 12/20 through Royal Caribbean. The first submersible tour was canceled because the submarine's engine broke down. We ere also informed the later tour was also canceled due to rain. This was the bison tour. I called Royal Caribbean for a refund and they refused because Catalina Tour Company did not inform them of the cancelation. After several calls and promises of a call back, no one from the Tour company returned my call and Royal Caribbean refund to help me sort this issue. The lesson is don't do business with this company because they are too big, unprofessional and extremely unorganized not to mention dishonest!"

"We went on a bison tour with an amazing entertainer named Halvey. He made the trip ann excellent experience, I had a blast. I recommend him, he was very funny and we saw many animals."

"We went on the bison expedition and had a great time. We only saw 2 bison, but Halvey, our tour guide made the trip worth it! We loved hearing about Catalina and getting such beautiful views. Halvey knew so many interesting things and he had a great sense of humor; kept us all laughing. The weather was great and the breeze felt amazing in the open trucks."

"We had a wonderful day on Catalina Island. We particularly enjoyed our undersea sub expedition. Seeing all of the different fish in their natural habitat was amazing. The highlight of our day was the Zip line eco tour. We did it as a family of four with our daughters (9&12). Marco V & Travis B were our guides and they were fantastic - funny, engaging, kind and they took such good care of us and our safety. The hummer ride up there was a brilliant start and then the five zip lines are so exhilarating and offer the most phenomenal views. We would all highly recommend."