Hello Marileemoo,
I tried to respond to the mail you sent regarding what things to do in Catalina, but the message came back as undeliverable....so here you go.....
Rather than pay for expensive shore excursions, you can do some of the things offered as "shore excursions" on your own much cheaper. Some great and relativiely inexpensive things to do are:
* The Semi-Sub boat ride is neat. You enter the boat above the water and descend steps to an underwater observatory area where you sit and observe all the underwater life of the Avalon area through large windows as the boat takes you on about a 45 minute ride. If the day is clear you will see some great stuff (maybe even dolphins). The last time I was there, the ride was about $10 cheaper per person than is advertised by Carnival as a "shore excursion" (and children are cheaper).
* There is a glass bottom boat as well, but it's not as great as the Semi-Sub because you have to stand on deck and look down through the glass bottom the whole time. The semi-sub is more comfortable and you see more.
* Most people who live in Avalon get around by golf cart (very few cars there due to limited parking space). You can rent a golf cart for about $40/hr. The cart can hold 4 people. There is only one road that circumvents Avalon. It takes about 45 minutes to go all the way around...this allows time to stop for awhile at the botanical gardens. The hour ride around Avalon is great....the architecture is amazing and the views of the ocean breathtaking.
* If you're interested in the native history of Catalina there is a bus tour that goes all the way around the island. The guides share the history of the native population, etc. The bus goes up to Rigley Ranch where there is a little store and a short horse show in the arena. You would probably also see buffalo on this tour. They're almost tame. This tour is about $60 for about 3 hours (but I think there are group rates).
* There is a small horseback riding stable in Avalon, but I don't know how much it is to horseback ride.
* There is also a 9 hole golf course. Not sure of the prices.
I think your daughter would love the semi-sub ride and the golf cart ride. There is scuba diving too but I think it's expensive.
I hope you have a great time. I'm counting the days too. Although I go to Catalina every October for the awesome Jazz Fest, this will be my first cruise...can't wait. Enjoy!!