San Diego Cruise Guide
San Diego is called Americas Finest City, and for good reason this Southern California cruise port maintains a mild, enjoyable climate all year round. Whether its Summer or Winter, youll always find sunshine and chill beach vibes, making it a good port to extend your cruise vacation.
Depending on the season, you can find a variety of cruise deals and getaways. In the winter, cruise to sunny itineraries including Hawaii, Australia, Mexico, or South America. From January to April you can find many departures to the Pacific Coast, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and South America.
From the International Cruise Ship Terminal, you can walk along the beautiful bayside promenade to explore the chic shops and restaurants. Youll also find an assortment of family-friendly attractions, like the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum, which are just a 5-minute walk from the International Cruise Ship Terminal. Across from the museums youll find the Waterfront Park, a 12-acre plaza equipped with playgrounds, a large fountain, and seaside views. A quick 15 to 20-minute drive into the city takes you to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, as well as SeaWorld, which are all part of the giant urban complex of museums and gardens known as Balboa Park. You can also take a sea lion excursion or go snorkeling in one of the many beaches sprawled out along the San Diego bay.
What Cruises Leave From Southern California
Most cruises from California sail on itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, which encompasses several Pacific Coast towns known for sandy beaches with crystal blue waters, vibrant nightlife, ample watersports opportunities and stunning landscape views.
Port stops on Mexican Riviera cruises include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.
Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line, offer short cruises to Ensenada that also stop at Santa Catalina Island, which is 22 miles off the California coast and only accessible by boat or plane. Catalina is known for its views, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing opportunities and seafood restaurants.
Panama Canal cruises from Southern California stop in port cities along the man-made waterway that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. These trips may include stops in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.
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Be aware that Panama Canal cruises are one-way sailings and do not return to California, so youll need a way to return home from where the ship disembarks.
Some northern Pacific Coast itineraries include stops at Victoria and Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. But like the Panama Canal sailings, they arent round-trip.
Next Stop Go: Wherever The Tide Takes You
The Port of San Diego welcomes you to a charming waterfront paradise, a city that offers nothing but good times and even better fish tacos. Discover the perfect destination for fun with friends, a romantic getaway, or a trip with the little ones, all within sight of your ship. With our two cruise ship terminals located right in the heart of the city, picturesque sunsets and a dazzling skyline greet you and will have you wishing you could stay forever.
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San Diego Cruises Frequently Asked Questions
- What are San Diego cruises?
San Diego cruises are the best way to travel and explore parts of the world while also relaxing and rejuvenating. Each cruise has different stops and destinations, so be sure to do your research and find the one that includes the locations you’re interested in visiting! If you’re looking for a fun escape, then there’s a San Diego cruise for you.
- Whats included on a San Diego cruise?
San Diego cruises include meals and accommodation. Of course, each cruise has varying accommodation options and different dining options. Many amenities are also included, such as 24/7 front desk service, televisions in rooms, etc. There are also lots of great entertainment onboard, so be sure to take advantage of that!
- Whats the best San Diego cruise?
There isn’t one San Diego cruise that is better than the other because none is the same! It depends on the cruise you’re interested in taking, the length of the trip you’d like, and your budget. You’ll want to research to determine which one best works for you.
- How much do San Diego cruises cost?
Prices range drastically for each cruise, depending on how long of a cruise it is. Our San Diego cruises start around $60 per day and go up in price from there. Often, the longer cruises end up being a lower price per day, so that’s something to consider when choosing a cruise!
Cruises Starting And Ending In San Diego
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Cruise Lines Operating From San Diego Cruise Terminals
Holland America operates many cruises out of San Diego from October to April. Other cruise lines that home port from San Diego include Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity and Windstar.
In addition, the port serves visiting cruise ships from Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Hurtigruten, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Silversea, MSC and Viking Cruises. Destinations include Hawaii and the South Pacific, Mexico, South America, Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast
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Arizonans Are Interested In These Cruises
Not only is there more interest in cruise bookings among Arizonans, but theyre also booking longer itineraries than they did before the pandemic, Vazquez said.
On average, Arizonans are most interested in 14-night cruises this year, up from 10 nights in 2019, he said.
Cruises to Mexico from Southern California typically run shorter, while cruises to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe run longer because of the distances involved to get to the destination.
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Cruise Ships Still Part Of The View
The two lightly-manned cruise ships off the coast, Celebrity cruise lines Millennium and Eclipse vessels, are around to view from Coronados beaches for the foreseeable future.
The Centers for Disease Control extended its no sail order through Sept. 30, though cruise companies may opt for longer when planning ahead. Celebritys two ships nearby have been in the outer anchorage area off the Coronado coast managed by the US Coast Guard since the mid-March pandemic shutdown.
Deaton explained how the ships come into port every 15-20 days for supplies, although that cycle might become less frequent since theyll be going up to Long Beach for fuel while the companies try to wait out the pandemic.
The present crew isnt allowed to get off the ships for their protection, Deaton said, and there are no infections on board either vessel. He reviewed how there were some COVID-19 cases early on aboard the Eclipse but they have since recovered, and the ships remain safely quarantined.
Early on in the pandemic, Deaton said, there was a lot of communication with the ships and coordinating with the Coast Guard for health and safety as well as to get the crew down to minimal manning. Now the Port will communicate about the day the ships want to come in and about how many pallets of what they will need it also brings in a little funding.
Deaton added how the loss affects numerous businesses, from hotels and restaurants to shops.
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Taking A Cruise From San Diego Heres What You Need To Know
When you cruise from San Diego, or cruise to California in general, you are getting the best of both worlds: a beautiful cruise and everything that California has to offer. When planning your cruise vacation, it is important not only to know where you will be cruising from, but also what is there for you when the boat docks.
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San Diego Will Soon Be Home To Four Cruise Ships For The Next Several Weeks As The Holland America And Princess Cruise Lines Prepare For The Time When They Will Be Allowed To Transport Passengers On Voyages To Us And Foreign Ports
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Barred from sailing for the last nine months because of the pandemic, several cruise ships are making their way to San Diego this month, but dont expect to see thousands of passengers boarding or disembarking from the ocean liners.
The extended visit by the Holland America cruise ships is the first step toward getting certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the time when they will be able to begin welcoming passengers aboard next year.
For now, its not likely San Diego will see cruise lines resuming voyages until at least the spring, but even then it remains uncertain how many ships that normally sail out of the port will have met all the federal requirements.
The first of the four Holland America ships coming here the Koningsdam arrived at the B Street Pier on Wednesday. Because the vessels had not previously been in U.S. waters, they are taking that step now in order to begin laboratory testing of crew members on board. It is part of the first phase of the CDC process for the restart of cruising, which also requires the eventual launch of simulated voyages to test the ships ability to manage any outbreaks of COVID-19 on board.
During the time the Holland America ships are in San Diego, they will periodically return to the B Street Terminal to refuel and get more supplies. Each ship will average 90 to 120 crew members, who will not be allowed to disembark except for needed crew changes
Coast Guard Medevacs Woman From Cruise Ship Off San Diego
Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter file photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joel Guzman
SAN DIEGO The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 73-year-old woman from the cruise ship Sapphire Princess approximately 200 miles south of San Diego, Sunday.
Sapphire Princess crewmembers contacted 11th Coast Guard District command center watchstanders at approximately 11:00 a.m., Sunday morning, requesting assistance for a passenger who was displaying appendicitis-like symptoms.
Watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter with a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Special Tactics and Rescue Team paramedic aboard to assist.
Once on scene, the Jayhawk crew lowered the rescue swimmer to Sapphire Princess to assess the patient, and then safely hoisted the patient into the helicopter.
The crew transported the patient to awaiting EMS for transfer to Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego.
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Cruise From San Diego
Cruises from San Diego, California
A cruise from San Diego is a great option to get away on a cruise vacation. Cruises from Seattle range from 3 to 60 days and include Hawaii & South Pacific cruises, Mexico Cruises, Panama Canal cruises, cruises in the Pacific Northwest and a varity of world and exotic cruises. Guests taking a cruise from San Diego might enjoy some time in San Diego either before or after their cruise to take advantage of the citys many great attractions, restaurants and its wonderful downtown area. Those lucky enough to live within driving distance can also get some great last minute cruise deals when they cruise from San Diego.
Cruises To Alaska From California
Twenty cruises a year leave from California to explore Alaska. Departures out of San Francisco and Los Angeles are available April to September. Ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Scenic cruising of either Tracy Arm Fjord or Glacier Bay is also often included.
Alaska is an awe-inspiring destination for a cruise from CA. Most cruises are on Alaska’s Inside Passage, a coastal route that weaves through islands. Experience the wildlife, rugged scenery, glaciers, and friendly people.
is the state capital and can only be reached by boat or plane. Attractions include the shops of South Franklin Street, museums, hiking trails, and Mendenhall Glacier. See the humpback whales that visit the area in the summer.
Ketchikan is the town at the southern tip of the Inside Passage. It’s a tremendously rainy place. Many homes and businesses are built on stilts over the water.
Skagway is a popular cruise stop on the Inside Passage. The town was the starting point for Gold Rush stampeders headed for the Yukon. Many of the buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Take a walking tour of the historic district and see the nearby scenery on the White Pass & Yukon Railway.
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Where Do Cruises From San Diego Go To
Cruises from San Diego serve a diverse number of destinations including Hawaii, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera / Baja Mexico Cruises, as well as California Coastal / Pacific Coast cruises.
Many cruises lines also use San Diego as the starting or ending destination for very long cruises that visit Central and South America, Asia, and the South Pacific including Australia.
Holland America Cruises Things To Do
- The refined atmosphere of Holland America Line ships draws interest from older cruise travelers who can also afford to pay the cruise line’s higher prices. When you set sail on a HAL ship, you will enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. Therefore, guests onboard like the afternoon tea service and activities that feature ballroom dancing. However, that does not mean the cruise line does not attract families. KId-friendly programs are available online for the younger crowd, 3 to 17 years old. Nevertheless, if you are seeking a more family-friendly adventure, you may want to set your sights on a cruise provider, such as Disney or Carnival. Most families take a HAL cruise during the summer when the kids are on summer vacation from school. Older travelers, who have retired, like to take the world cruises as well as longer excursions. Because the cruise line features life enrichment programs, it draws people who have both creative and intellectual interests and goals.
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Princess Cruises Cancels 11 San Diego Trips Because Of Staffing Shortages
Darcy Healy is an avid cruiser.
My first cruise was in 1986, and since then Ive taken 44 cruises. And my last one was just last month we went to Alaska, the Carlsbad resident said about herself and husband.
Next up, shes cruising down to Mexico on the Princess Discovery out of the Port of Los Angeles in October.
Healy remains optimistic about her upcoming trip, even in light of the recent cancellations Princess Cruises has made in San Diego.
Princess has canceled, they say because of labor shortages which I believe. I mean because they want the money and San Diego definitely wants them here for the money, she said.
The cancellations include 11 cruises on the Diamond Princess, all previously slated to set sail from San Diego between September 1 and November 13.
That means 40,000 fewer passengers coming through the city, with each round-trip cruise pushing roughly $2 million into the local economy, according to the Port of San Diego.
In a statement Princess Cruises said:
With rising occupancy levels on the ships that have already returned to service and our commitment to guarantee the Princess experience is exceptional, Princess has made the difficult decision to cancel a limited number of voyages.
The company said the cancellations would provide the additional time needed to overcome staffing shortages.
In a written statement, Port of San Diegos vice president of maritime, Michael LaFleur, said:
Cruises From San Diego 2022
San Diego is hands down the finest embarcation port for west coast cruises . This is the only port city that combines an ambundance of hotels at various price points, a destination you might want to spend a couple days doing a pre or post-cruise stay, and best of all – easy access to the port by train, car, as well as plane. With summer Alaska cruise season windinding down, we’re thrilled to have our friends from Disney, Princess, and Holland America Line back in town along with some new friends that will be visiting San Diego this year.
One notable change that we’re excited about for this upcoming season is that Disney Wonder has a long season here and that means that for those fans of Disney Cruises, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to sailing from San Diego. Additionally, we are excited to see Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel spend some time here this season.
The following ship schedule features cruises that are departing from San Diego during the 2022-2023 season, including closed-loop cruises as well as open-loop cruises that start in San Diego but then end in another destination. San Diego has quite a few open-loop cruises that are either repoisitioning voyages as cruises move north to Vancouver and Seattle for the Alaska cruise season as well as Panama Canal cruises that start or end in San Diego.
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