Do You Need A Passport For Cruises From San Diego
Yes … and no. Customs and Border Control / Immigration officers coming back to the United States may not always require US Citizens to have a passport when traveling to Mexico or Canada. However, your cruise line will almost always require it. If you do not have a passport though, other documentation is generally required which can be complicated and time consuming or even disruptive if something happens where you need to leave the cruise ship for some reason.
Additionally, while a US Passport Card or even the Secure ID Drivers License cards are great for getting back into the United States at land crossings, we strongly recommend bringing your Passport Book to avoid any issues.
Top Things To Do In San Diego
USS Midway
The USS Midway is an old naval aircraft carrier turned museum that is permanently docked in the harbor of San Diego. Learn about the areas naval history and tour the control room, the sailors bunks, and the deck where fighter jets used to land on the ship. Dont miss visiting the large statue of a sailor kissing a nurse located in the small park area next to the ship.
Walk Around Balboa Park
Take a stroll around San Diegos Balboa Park and admire its historic architecture and attractive landscaping. Visit one of the parks 17 world-class museums, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the San Diego Railroad Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Man.
Visit La Jolla Cove
If your ideal beach experience is less about sand and more about views, head to La Jolla Cove. This breathtaking coastline curves magnificently around the Pacific Ocean, and along with steep cliffs and rocky tide pools, youll see sea lions, seagulls, and other sea birds frolicking in the surf and on the rocks. The cove is next to La Jollas upscale shopping district, where youll find fine restaurants and designer boutiques. Adventure enthusiasts can go sea kayaking through the caves or snorkeling and scuba diving within the cove.
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Disney Wonder Departs On First Test Cruise From San Diego Ca
As San Diego prepares to welcome the return of ship cruising next month, DCL-Disney Cruise Line launched on Monday, September 20, the first of two test cruises in preparation for Southern California’s first departure in 18+ months. DCL will be sailing out of San Diego on October 1 for a 4-day itinerary visiting Cabo San Lucas .
Disney Wonder’s simulated voyage was reserved for DCL employees and their guests. It is a 2-night roundtrip to Ensenada . A second test cruise, departing Thursday, is 4-night and visits Cabo San Lucas.
Cruise vessels across the USA are gradually returning to service after the Coronavirus/COVID crisis paused the industry in March 2020. A series of no-sail and conditional sail orders from the CDC agency kept ships off the high seas until early this summer.
DCL notes that for all sailings, passengers 12+ years of age must be fully vaccinated and take a COVID test upon embarkation. Passengers 11 years old and under aren’t required to be vaccinated but must take a pre-trip COVID test, as well as a rapid test upon embarkation.
The last time Disney Wonder was in San Diego with passengers on March 19, 2020, when the boat sailed into port early in the day after a Panama Canal voyage that originated in New Orleans ~13 days earlier. In a move to minimize exposure to COVID, the line at the time said it had opted to skip its calls after leaving Port NOLA.
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Are There Cheap Mexico Cruises From San Diego
As the west coast cruise market re-builds, most cruises to Mexico from San Diego are longer cruises compared to the cheap three day and four day Mexican Riviera and Baja cruises that you might find out of San Pedro and Long Beach.
As the industry continues to recover, we expect to see more cheap cruises to Mexico like we saw before the pandemic.
Add San Juanto Your Bucket List
Centuries of history. Rich culture. Stunning landscapes, and famously friendly people. There are so many things to see and do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, youd never guess it had to bounce back from a hurricane. Not only is it a must-visit destination all on its own, its central location also makes it the best jumping off point for you to explore the exotic shores of the Southern Caribbean. From Arubas pastel colonial promenades and Curaçaos ancient rugged caves, to Antiguas colorful reefs and Barbadoss golden-sand beaches Cruises from San Juan unlock the most beautiful shores on the south side.
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View All Cruises From San Diego
San Diego Cruise Port Facilities & Location
Cruises from San Diego depart from the modern B Street Cruise Terminal and Broadway Pier. Here, you’ll find souvenir shops and a beautiful park where you can sit and admire the beautiful view of the water. There is ample off-street parking available, with shuttles that will take you to the cruise terminal, as well as easy access via taxi or public transportation from the airport or downtown area.
Cruise Lines That Go Out Of San Diego
Sail away from San Diego on a cruise ship.
Cruises leaving from San Diego, California depart from the downtown ship terminal, where travelers gather to board their chosen ship. Cruisers driving into town will find an abundance of lots offering long-term parking, while those arriving by airplane can take a 10-minute taxi ride from the San Diego International Airport to the cruise ship terminal. Some cruise lines offer baggage service, which means ship personnel will pick up luggage and take it to the ship so passengers don’t have to. Several cruise lines depart from the port, heading to various destinations like Mexico and Hawaii.
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Ahoy San Diego Cruise News
With two centrally located cruise ship terminals downtown just minutes from the San Diego International Airport, as well as chic bayside hotels, restaurants and exciting attractions, San Diego is the perfect cruise port, serving a wide range of cruise lines with diverse itineraries.
Ten cruise lines make calls in San Diego including Disney the newest addition Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Silversea. Each year, about 75 cruise ships dock in San Diego Bay, one of the most beautiful natural harbors on the West Coast.
San Diegos cruise ship season runs September through May. Exotic destinations include Hawaii, Tahiti/French Polynesia, the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, the Panama Canal, South America, Central America and Mexico. San Diego Bay is considered the Gateway to the Mexican Riviera with numerous 3-11 day cruises to popular ports of call like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Acapulco, Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta.
Taking A Cruise From San Diego Here’s 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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Its Overdue Were Ready
Melanie Arnold, an assistant manager at Madison San Diego, a womans boutique at the Headquarters at Seaport that is a 12-minute walk from the cruise ship pier, was almost giddy when she heard the news that cruise ships were returning this week to San Diego.
Without the conventions and the cruises, its felt like a ghost town down here, especially at the Headquarters because were facing inward, Arnold said. The cruises are huge for us, and theyre right there, were one of the first spots they might want to check out when getting off the boat or before embarking.
Im excited. Im looking forward to it, its overdue, were ready.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt will benefit from some pre- and post-cruise overnight stays, although the room night revenue for the 1,628-room hotel is not particularly significant compared to the much larger meetings and convention business, said General Manager Daniel Kuperschmid.
In todays world, though, every room counts, he said. Its just a sign that things are coming back, that there are more eyes on San Diego. Whether people are walking by Portside Pier or they see the county building and theres an outdoor event there, theyll think, this is a cool city, I think Ill come back.
Its such an unusual time for all of us, and how do you operate during this new environment? Kapich said. I can understand some hesitancy. Theres a little more caution about everything these days.
Interested In Setting Sail A Look At The Cdc’s Latest Cruise Guidance
According to the Port, when a ship like the Disney Wonder home ports in San Diego meaning it starts and ends along the Embarcadero it has the potential to bring about $2 million into the local economy. And when a cruise stops into San Diego even for the day, like the Grand Princess, the passengers coming off that ship can bring about $600,000 to the local economy.
They get off the ship and they do everything we love them to do, said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. They eat in our restaurants, they shop at our local retailers, they support all of the small businesses here in San Diego.
But then it also gives them an opportunity to see San Diego on that one day stop and, oftentimes, they will then book future trips to come back to San Diego and spend more time here, Coker added.
According to the Port, San Diego is Californias third busiest port, just behind Long Beach and Los Angeles. Its also the gateway to the Mexican Riviera, plus the path for major cruising destinations like Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific Coast. Since the start of the pandemic, the Port if San Diego said 173 local passenger cruises have been canceled.
Over the past year and a half, cruise liners have sometimes docked at the Port of San Diego, but not for actual cruises. Holland Americas Koningsdam, for instance, has docked to refuel and restock supplies.
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Cruises From San Diego
There are many cruises from San Diego. This is the complete schedule of cruises leaving in 2021 and 2022.
Spring cruises departing out of SD go to Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, South America, through the Panama Canal, and up the Pacific Coast. In the fall, cruises go to Mexico, South America and Hawaii. Winter cruises go to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal.
If you’re interested in short cruises, check our schedules of 2-day cruises and 3-day cruises from San Diego. For more departures from Southern California, check the cruises out of Los Angeles.
Top Sights & Attractions For Cruises To & From San Diego
Mission Beach
Head to Mission Beach for a quintessential San Diego beach experience. Mission Beach is known for its miles of wide, golden sand and its bustling boardwalk full of rollerbladers and surfers enjoying the sunshine. Its conveniently located adjacent to Belmont Park, a carnival-style amusement park with a wooden roller coaster and games.
Windansea Beach
For a more serene beach day, head north to Windansea Beach in La Jolla. Located in the laidback Bird Rock neighborhood, Windansea Beach is surrounded by large flat rocks that create the perfect hideaway to lay your towel over the powdery soft sand. While its secluded location may make you feel like youre far away, youll be just a couple of blocks from coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the world, thanks to its incredible conservation efforts and large animal enclosures. Visitors of all ages will enjoy its wide variety of species and educational live shows. The San Diego Zoo is known for its panda exhibit, as its one of the few zoos outside of China where you can still see them in person.
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San Diego Cruise Terminal Information
There are two cruise terminals in downtown San Diego, along the Embarcadero waterfront district. The main Cruise Terminal is located at 1140 North Harbor Drive.
The 2nd Terminal, Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, which acts as an overflow terminal is located at 1000 North Harbor Drive.
Both cruise terminals are close to hotels, restaurants and shopping.
The newer, architecturally stunning, Port Pavillion acts as a flexible event space and has public access to the waterfront, a visitors centre, and restaurant. The airport is located 10 minutes away from the cruise piers, and the main train station, only 2 blocks. There is also a waterfront shuttle which operates during the summer, providing rides all day for one low price.
San Diego is known for its temperate climate and distinct landscape. There are many vibrant neighborhoods such as Old Town and Pointe Loma, located within a few miles of the ship. Little Italy and the Gaslamp district are located within walking distance of the pier.
Norwegian Cruises From San Diego
Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises from San Diego to Mexico, up the coast, and through the Panama Canal. All Norwegian cruises are very casual and relaxed.
Features of the Norwegian Jewel ship include entertainment day and night, Le Cirque Bijou, Body Waves fitness center, Jewel Club casino, Mandara Spa, Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites, Pit Stop bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and Splash Academy for kids. Complimentary dining options are two main dining rooms, O’Sheehan’s Grill, Chin Chin Asian, Garden Cafe buffet, Great Outdoors, and Topsiders Grill. For an additional charge you can try dining at Moderno Churrascaria, Sushi, La Cucina, Atrium Cafe, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro or Teppanyaki.
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The Ports cruise sector has a tremendous economic impact. A homeported cruise those that begin and end in San Diego, generates $2 million for the region.
When San Diego is one stop on the cruise itinerary, the port call brings in nearly $600,000.
Health and safety remains a focus for the Port as the pandemic continues. The Port is working with the cruise lines, along with various other local, state, and federal agencies on precautions, including:
- Crew members and eligible guests must be fully vaccinated . In special and rare cases, medical exemptions may be allowed.
- Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess must maintain that at least 95% of all guests are vaccinated. Disney Cruise Line will test guests on departure days.
- Unvaccinated guests must provide negative PCR test results between three days and 24 hours before departures.
- People must complete a health screening form to declare that they have been vaccinated, are not experiencing any symptoms, and had a recent negative COVID-19 test .
Best Hotels To Stay At Close To The San Diego Cruise Port
San Diego is one of the absolute best cities in the United States when it comes to taking a cruise vacation. Not only is the weather almost always awesome and the port facilities are large enough to be efficient … but not overwhelming, but there are a huge number of hotels at different price points just minutes away from the cruise port.
For instance, if you are looking for a waterfront view so you relax as you overlook San Diego Bay before or after your cruise, places like Wyndham Bayfront, Manchester Hyatt, and Marriott Marquis are great options.
If you want something more urban where you can walk to food, shopping, and nightlife attractions downtown then we recommend Pendry hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something a bit more affordable when selecting a hotel before or after your cruise, Point Loma has a number of boutique hotels such as Dolphin Motel and The Pearl Hotel that are good quality but less expensive.
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San Diego Cruise Terminal
San Diego cruise terminal is very close to downtown, being located at B Street Pier . The Airport is just 5 mi from the cruise port.
The âfirst green buildingâ or the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier also has a terminal.
It is used if more than 4 vessels are in port or if the “B Street” Terminal is not operational .
Both San Diego cruise port terminals offer a wide range of passenger-use facilities. Parking fees are USD 10â20 daily .
B Street Pier has 5x wharves. Wharf 1 and Wharf 2 are on the north side, Wharf 3 is on the west and Wharf 4 and Wharf 5 are on the south side. Wharves 1, 2, 4 and 5 can accommodate bigger cruise liners. Smaller vessels dock at Wharf 3. In October 2017, at B Street Cruise Terminal was installed a new passenger boarding bridge.
What Is The Cheapest Month To Go On A Cruise
Unlike Caribbean cruises, San Diego is mostly a seasonal cruise port and highly dependent on ships that sail in Alaska during the summer spending time in San Diego during the winter as well as Fall and Spring cruises when the ships transition from summer to winter cruising destinations.
Additionally, because of this, most cruises from San Diego are seven days or longer.
Based on our expert advice though, you can still find a cheap cruise from San Diego. Repositioning cruises offer great value if you are willing to fly home, instead of having the cruise ship return to San Diego.
These cruises aren’t your typical experience and have fewer port visits than other options but if you are looking to cruise from San Diego to Vancouver for cheap then this is a great option. Prices for these repositioning cruises will generally be $100 or less per day based on double occupancy, not counting port expenses, taxes, and other fees.
This would ultimately make March and April the cheapest months to take a cruise vacation from San Diego.
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