Things To Know Before You Go
- Booking a shore excursion can help you make the most of your limited time in the city and are especially helpful for first-time visitors to San Francisco.
- Theres long-term parking available for cruise passengers at the Reef Parking lot across from Piers 27 and 35.
- Pier 27 is the new terminal, while the older Pier 35 handles overflow.
- Pier 35 is located close to popular San Francisco destinations Pier 39, the Exploratorium, and Fishermans Wharf.
- San Francisco is a hilly city, so wear appropriate shoes if youre planning to explore on foot.
- The San Francisco Cruise Port is located roughly 14 miles from San Francisco International Airport and 20 miles from Oakland International Airport.
Where Are The Closest Airports
Some cruise passengers will be flying home after ending their vacations in San Francisco. Fortunately, Pier 27 is close to the citys two nearest airports. San Francisco International Airport is about 14 miles from Pier 27, and Oakland International Airport is located approximately 20 miles across the bay. From ride share to taxis to public transportation, visitors have many options for getting to the two airports. Lets break them down.
- Taxis: Those taking taxis to SFO from Pier 27 can expect to pay upward to $65 for the 20-minute ride . Cab fares to OAK can run as high as $85. A tip of 15% is customary, and most taxis will accept credit cards.
- Ride Share: Rideshares are a much cheaper option. UberX charges around $33 for the ride from Pier 27 to SFO, while Lyft charges $32 for the same trip. To Oakland, UberX charges $40-50 while Lyft can run around $48.
- Public Transportation: The cheapest and most convenient way to get to both airports from the city is by BART commuter subway cars. The fare from the city to SFO is only $9.65, while the fare to Oakland runs $10.20. A one-way ride to both airports is about twenty minutes.
Visitors will find a BART station at the Embarcadero Station at 298 Market Street in the citys Financial District, a short, 10-minute walk from Pier 27. Ticket vending machines are available at all BART stations. for detailed BART information, including fares, schedules, and convenient maps and guides.
Getting There By Public Transportation
Streetcar: The San Francisco Municipal Railway operates the F Line streetcar, which stops in front of Pier 27. If you are coming from the north, get off at the Embarcadero and Sansome Street. Coming from the south, get off at the Embarcadero and Greenwich Street.
Rapid Transit: If you are coming by BART , get off at the Embarcadero station, then walk to the intersection of Market Street and Main Street, where you can catch the F Line streetcar toward Fisherman’s Wharf. Get off at the Embarcadero and Greenwich Street, where you’ll see Pier 27 nearby.
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Bike To San Francisco Cruise Terminal
Bike rentals are available via Bay Area Bikeshare, which charges a daily, weekly or annual subscription fee after that, you can ride for 30-minute increments at no additional charge. You can change bikes as often as you like and take as many trips as you want, but additional fees apply if you keep a single bike out longer than 30 minutes. There is a Bikeshare station across the street from Pier 27, on the southwest corner of the Embarcadero and Samsone Street other stations are located around downtown and the Fisherman’s Wharf areas.
Carnival Cruise Line Begins Sailings From San Francisco For The First Time
Carnival Cruise Line begins sailings from San Francisco for the first time ever with the Carnival Miracle cruise ship.
For the first time in its 50-year history, Carnival Cruise Line begins sailings from San Francisco with the Carnival Miracle cruise ship. The cruise is offering its first-ever deployment from the city through Spring and summer.
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San Francisco Cruise Port
San Francisco is a turnaround port for major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, NCL-Norwegian. The port is often visited as part of repositioning itineraries between Florida and Alaska. In recent years, also offered are roundtrips from San Francisco to Alaska and Hawaii.
The port’s largest cruise liner so far is NCL‘s Alaskan ship Norwegian Bliss . The maiden call was scheduled for October 3, 2018. San Francisco was the only call port on the 4-day Alaska repositioning cruise from Vancouver BC to Los Angeles CA. NCL Bliss arrived at 9 am and left port at 7 pm.
In 2017, the port handled a total of 286,352 cruise passengers. For 2018 were scheduled a total of 82 ship calls and estimated ~300,000 passengers.
Port San Francisco provides shore-to-ship power capabilities. The technology enables docked vessels to receive electricity from the city’s power grid. From the berth, vessels can plugin directly to the grid which allows full onboard operations without using the diesel engines . The Japanese company has installed such shore-power systems in ports Los Angeles CA, , Goteborg, Travemunde, Livorno, Genoa.
Pier 27 Cruise Ship Terminal
The Port of San Francisco retained the services of Public Works to oversee the development of the existing Pier 27 into a new primary cruise ship terminal and public plaza. We provided overall project management and landscape architectural services for the construction of this significant capital project. The joint venture of KMD Architects and Pfau Long Architecture provided the architectural and engineering services. These teams will work in collaboration to deliver a complete, efficient, functional, and operational facility within the targeted quality, budget, and schedule goals of the project.
With our leadership, the Port transformed the existing ten-acre Pier 27 site into a vibrant year-round cruise terminal, public plaza and community facility that meets security and passenger handling demands of the cruise industry, while also allowing for public recreation and special event uses. The terminal is a 21st century new fresh face for the cruise line visitor designed to stream line the embarking and debarking exercise and enhance their visit to San Francisco.
The new terminal functions as the main point of entry for ships during the cruise season but will be available for rent most of the year for special events such as conventions, nonprofit fundraisers, private parties and community festivals such as Fleet Week and International Arts Festival.
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Carnival Miracle Begins Sailings From San Francisco
Its a historic day as Carnival Cruise line expands its west coast operations and begins sailing from San Francisco for the first time in its 50-year history. Carnival Miracle is welcoming guests onboard at the Port of San Francisco to start a season of 19 cruises through spring and summer.
After years of anticipation, Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to be sailing out of the Port of San Francisco for the first time, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Were proud to join the San Francisco community, support the revival of the tourism economy, and open up exciting travel options to beautiful destinations for those living in and visiting the Bay Area.
Port San Francisco Ca
Port San Francisco is managed by San Francisco Harbor Commission . The seaport itself manages the waterfront area from Golden Gate Bridge anchorage, along Marina district, all the way around the city’s northern and eastern shores and southward beyond Candlestick Point.
Port of San Francisco is a state-owned revenue-generating agency. It manages the seaport’s wide range of commercial and maritime facilities, plus approx 7,5 ml long waterfront. The port is located on San Francisco Bay’s western edge, near the Golden Gate Bridge. It is ranked as one of the world’s 3 largest natural harbors.
The port area, besides the waterfront lands, also includes commercial real estate and docking piers – between Hyde Str and India Basin . Among the landmarks under the Port Authority control is Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ferry Building, AT& T Park , Pier 70 . Huge piers jut out into the bay along much of the city’s waterfront, which is bordered by the roadway Embarcadero .
San Francisco Ferry Building used to serve steamship ferries to Los Angeles CA, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Alaska and Canada’s British Columbia. In 2003, this historic building was restored and reopened. Today it houses a premium gourmet marketplace and office spaces . The building also serves San Francisco Bay Ferry to ports in Oakland, Alameda, Bay Farm Island, Vallejo. The other ferry operator using this terminal is Golden Gate Ferry .
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More Tips About Cruiseport San Francisco
The closest hotels to the cruise port are located in the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf area, with major brands including Sheraton, Best Western and Holiday Inn, as well as one-off lodgings. If you want to be out of the wharf’s tourist hubbub, the Washington Square Inn is located in North Beach, the old Italian neighborhood. There’s a large Hyatt at Drumm Street and Market Street, and the boutique Vitale at the Embarcadero and Mission Street. The city’s grand old hotels are clustered near Union Square, while many of the newer upscale brands are located south of Market Street, in the SOMA neighborhood. Homesharing services like Airbnb are also a popular choice in San Francisco, particularly if you want to avoid the city’s steep hotel prices. Embarkation days are busy at the cruise port budget more than enough time to battle potential traffic to make sure you get there with plenty of time to spare.
Visit Chinatown And Little Italy
You can easily combine a visit to Chinatown and North Beach by foot during your time in San Francisco. Both are within a short walk of each other. We opted to take our own route and stop when we came across interesting shops and sights but you can take organised food tours.
Seek out the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley, where they make up to 10,000 fortune cookies a day!
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Pier 27 Cruise Ship Terminal San Francisco
Bike Touring Highlight
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San Francisco has two main cruise terminals. Pier 27 opened for cruise ships in 2014. Pier 35 is still used and is beside the touristy Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. cruiseportwiki.com/SanFranciscoPier 30 by the Bay bridge has also been used in the past when all berths were occupied. Cruise schedule available from the San Francisco Port website sfport.com/index.aspx?page=157James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 boasts 91,000 square feet in a two-story building with views to the Bay Bridge and back to the City skyline and Telegraph Hill. Sized for 2,600 passengers and able to handle ships with up to 4,000.
San Francisco Cruise Terminal
San Francisco cruise port terminal is located at the western end of San Francisco Bay in the midway between the Fishermans Wharf and the Bay Bridge. It is along San Francisco City’s waterfront at Pier 35.
Most of the city’s highlights are within walking distance from the terminal. Easily reachable are popular restaurants, hotels, theaters, museums. The cruise port is also at 1/2 hours drive distance from San Francisco International Airport.
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Places To Eat Near San Francisco Cruise Port
The first place you will come across near Pier 27 is the Pier 23 Café but be aware that it doesnt open for breakfast. Fog City is conveniently located across the Embarcadero from Pier 27 and offers some great lunch options including salads, fried chicken and wood-fire pizzas. If youre in search of a sophisticated setting for a pre-cruise lunch, Hillstone restaurant is located near Pier 33.
If you head to the San Francisco Ferry Building, , you will have a good choice of places to eat and get coffee. We enjoyed brunch at the Boulettes Larder but there are so many great options here including bagels, doughnuts, Vietnamese and hot sandwiches.
San Francisco United States
San Francisco is Northern Californias cultural hub. Exuding a laid-back vibe, the city is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the freshest seafood at Fishermans Wharf and the best art galleries and cafes in the famed Union Square neighbourhood. Alcatraz Island, the former prison, is a must-visit, as is the biggest Chinatown outside Asia. Hitch a ride on one of the iconic red cable cars, catch the San Francisco Giants playing baseball, feel movie magic at the Walt Disney Family Museum and take in spectacular views of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks.
Things to do in San Francisco
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Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, 1.25 mi offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison , and a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. Beginning in November 1969, the island was occupied for more than 19 months by a group of Native Americans from San Francisco, who were part of a wave of Native activism across the nation, with public protests through the 1970s. In 1972, Alcatraz became part of a national recreation area and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Places to stay in San Francisco
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Carnival Cruise Line Begins Sailing From San Francisco With Carnival Miracle
For the first time in its 50-year history, Carnival Cruise Line will set sail today from its newest homeport, San Francisco, Calif., with the Carnival Miracle.
According to a press release, Carnivals first-ever sailings over the spring and summer from San Francisco expand its West Coast service offerings and strengthen its position as the cruise line embarking more guests than any other operator from California.
After years of anticipation, Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled to be sailing out of the Port of San Francisco for the first time, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. Were proud to join the San Francisco community, support the revival of the tourism economy, and open up exciting travel options to beautiful destinations for those living in and visiting the Bay Area.
The Port of San Francisco is proud to welcome Carnival Miracle to its new homeport at the J.R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, said Elaine Forbes, the Port of San Francisco Executive Director. Carnival Miracle will set sail on 19 voyages from the Port of San Francisco drawing thousands of passengers and crew to our city helping to drive the economic recovery of the waterfront. Each cruise call at the Port of San Francisco supports the network of mostly small and family owned business that have made Fishermans Wharf, the Embarcadero, and all corners of our seven and a half miles of property internationally renowned.
Carnival Miracle San Fransicio Itineraries
The Spirit-class cruise ship is setting sail on April 28 on a four-day cruise to Baja Mexico. The vessel will be making a call to Ensenada in Mexico and two days at sea.
The first sailing will be followed by the first of a series of 11 ten-day cruises to Alaska. These offerings include stops at Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, in Victoria, BC, Canada, and scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.
Carnival Miracle will also be sailing four- and five-day voyages to Baja Mexico. The ships deployment in San Francisco will end with a 15-day Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii, departing on September 15, 2022.
The Port of San Francisco is proud to welcome Carnival Miracle to its new homeport at the J.R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27,said Elaine Forbes, the Port of San Francisco Executive Director.
Carnival Miracle will set sail on 19 voyages from the Port of San Francisco drawing thousands of passengers and crew to our city helping to drive the economic recovery of the waterfront. Each cruise call at the Port of San Francisco supports the network of mostly small and family owned business that have made Fishermans Wharf, the Embarcadero, and all corners of our seven and a half miles of property internationally renowned.
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San Francisco Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Port San Francisco cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port’s schedule lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from San Francisco, California. To see the full itineraries and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link.
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See The Sea Lions At Pier 39
To see the California Sea Lions, head to Pier 39 in the Fishermans Wharf area. They can be found sunbathing in big groups on the docks and draw quite a crowd of onlookers.
Its thought that the sea lions were initially attracted to the docks because of its plentiful herring and protective environment. Theyve now become sea-lebrities of San Francisco.
Pier 39 is a hub of activity with shops, bars and restaurants so whilst your there, Id recommend eating at one of the restaurants at the end of the pier.
We enjoyed some of the best chicken wings ever at Hana Zen Sushi and Yakitori Restaurant. It also has some unobstructed views of the Bay so ask if there is a table by the window available when you arrive.
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Where To Eat Or Shop Near San Francisco Cruise Terminal
There are no food or beverage services at the terminal, but it’s central location means you’re not far from plenty of dining and shopping. When you’re getting oriented, keep in mind that piers are not consecutively numbered. Odd-numbered piers are north of the Ferry Building , while even-numbered piers are south of the Ferry Building.
Across the Embarcadero from the terminal, Fog City offers California cuisine, including oysters, seafood and burgers. Walk north along the Embarcadero for Cal-Asian fusion at Butterfly . True foodies should head south 1 mile along the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building, which hosts farmers markets, prepared food stands and restaurants there’s also shopping here, and most businesses are local. If you’re headed north of the terminal to tourist areas Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find plenty of eats, from Boudin’s chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl to fast food outlets. Venture toward downtown for upscale Italian cuisine at Perbacco or hearty Cal-American dining at Tyler Florence’s Wayfare Tavern .
Major department stores and the Westfield Shopping Center are grouped near Union Square, about 2 miles away. You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops around Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf — but if you’ve got young kids or grandkids, don’t overlook the museum shop at the Exploratorium , a half-mile walk south of the terminal. It’s got oodles of fun, surprising, educational toys and books.