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.
Top Destinations On Cruises From San Diego
Panama Canal
Admire the engineering masterpiece of the Panama Canal, the water channel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During your journey, youll visit top beach destinations in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta the jungles of Costa Rica in Puntarenas and the towns of Cartagena, Colombia and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, where colorful, colonial architecture is found at every turn.
Pacific Coast
From picturesque vineyards to gorgeous ocean views, all of the port destinations on a Pacific Coast cruise are a sight to behold. Overnight in the exciting city of San Francisco, where you can cross the Golden Gate Bridge or spend an afternoon touring Alcatraz. Sip on wine and stroll around the hills of Californias wine country. Embark on an outdoor adventure in Vancouver, head to the top of Seattles famous Space Needle, and stop by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the worlds best aquariums.
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.
What should I eat in San Diego?
Whats the history and culture of San Diego?
Where can I go shopping in San Diego?
How can I get around San Diego?
What are the currency and tipping customs?
Read Also: Short Notice Cruise Deals
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.
Hawaii Cruises From San Diego California
Interested in leaving for Hawaii from the West Coast? When you want to sail and donât want to fly directly out to Hawaii, begin a cruise from San Diego.
Three cruise lines currently offer such an itinerary, with trips departing from fall through spring and lasting at least 15 days. Depending upon your itinerary, you could return round-trip to North America, see a bit of Mexico first, or explore Tahiti and other points in French Polynesia.
Don’t Miss: Employment On A Cruise Ship
Cdc Extends Cruise Line Health Rules Until Mid
Federal health officials on Monday extended for nearly three more months its rules that cruise ships must follow to sail during the pandemic.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the extension makes only minor modifications to rules already in effect. The agency said that after Jan. 15, it plans to move to a voluntary program for cruise companies to detect and control the spread of COVID-19 on their ships.
The current regulations, called a conditional sailing order, were scheduled to expire on Nov. 1.
The CDC imposed the first no-sail order on cruise lines in March 2020, after most companies sailing in U.S. waters had agreed to suspend voyages. The CDC issue technical guidelines for the industry five months later, and began approving trial sailings this spring.
Cruises have since sailed from Florida and other parts of the country. Most lines require adult passengers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
The CDC noted on Twitter that since it first issued restrictions on sailing, cruise lines have developed and implemented health and safety protocols to manage COVID-19 and have resumed cruising.
A cruise industry trade group pledged to continue working with CDC on health measures on board ships. It cited the CDC announcement as evidence that lines have made a successful if only partial return since the pandemic shut down the industry worldwide.
Panama Canal Cruises From San Diego
On a Panama Canal cruise, youll get a first-hand look at how the canal and its famous lock system work.
Along the way, youll stop at ports of call in chic Mexico beach havens like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Sail, swim, or snorkel at some of the worlds most beautiful beaches. Savor fresh seafood and authentic Mexican food. Zipline over a lush rainforest or explore the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains on an ATV.
Read: Where to Go Whale Watching in Mexico
In Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, explore Mayan history and see Central Americas deepest lake, Lake Atitlan, thats surrounded by three volcanoes.
In Puntarenas, Costa Rica, walk in a cloud forest over suspension bridges or experience Costa Ricas rich cultural and coffee heritage. The country takes eco-responsibility seriously, as more than 25% of the country is made up of protected land.
On the last port of call before passing through the magnificent Panama Canal, spend a day in Colon, Panama, where you can visit world-renowned architect Frank Gehrys Biomuseo, then hear all about the worlds greatest engineering feat on a guided tour of the Old Canal Zone.
Also Check: Best Cruise Line Food
San Diego To Welcome Ships And Passengers Back
The Port of San Diego will welcome the return of cruise lines and cruise passengers on Friday, October 1, when the Disney Wonder and Grand Princess will be the first sailings out of San Diego since spring 2020. The Disney Wonder is setting sail for a four-day cruise beginning in San Diego to Cabo San Lucas and back. The Grand Princess sailing will begin in Los Angeles on September 30 and stop in San Diego on October 1 on its way to Ensenada and back to Los Angeles.
The port said it currently anticipates more than 100 cruise calls through May 2022. Those calls will primarily be from Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
According to a prepared statement, health and safety is a top priority. To safely resume cruising, the port said it is working with the cruise lines, along with various other local, state, and federal agencies to put extra precautions in place to minimize community spread of and exposure to COVID-19.
In conjunction with the cruise lines, precautions include that all crew members and eligible guests must be fully vaccinated .
All unvaccinated guests must provide negative PCR test results between three days and 24 hours before embarkation day. All persons must complete a health screening form to declare they have been vaccinated, are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, and had a recent negative COVID-19 test result .
All persons must wear a face covering while inside the cruise ship terminal.
Holland America Line Restarts Operations From San Diego California
Holland America Line restarts operations from San Diego, California, with the Koningsdam cruise ship to the California Coast and the Mexican Riviera.
Holland America is restarts operations from the Port of San Diego with one of its newest cruise ships, Koningsdam. With the ship remaining on hold since the start of the pandemic, guests can finally experience one of the most advanced ships in the fleet.
Don’t Miss: Cruise Leaving Galveston Tx
Is Carnival Cruising In November 2021
Carnival Miracle will reposition to Long Beach. The ship will assume the three- and four-day itineraries for Carnival Radiance from 03.05. She will then operate a new program of four- and five-day cruises to Mexico during the winter season, beginning November 2021 and continuing through April 2023.
How Far Is The San Diego Airport From The San Diego Cruise Terminal
The San Diego Airport is about three miles from the San Diego cruise terminal, and the trip takes about 10 minutes.
After your cruise, you can book a shore excursion that includes a tour of the city, followed by an airport drop-off.
A good option for families or groups who are flying to San Diego to embark on a cruise is to take a rideshare from the airport to the port area since youll be charged for the cost of the car and not a fee per person. You can also take a taxi, the most expensive option, but still reasonable given the short distance.
There are also shuttle services with affordable rates.
If you are staying at a hotel before your cruise, check to see if the hotel offers a shuttle service that will pick you up at the airport, then drop you off at the cruise port the next day.
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Leave Out Of New Orleans
The Disney Wonder Scheduled To Depart Next Month For A Sailing To Mexico Was In San Diego Monday For The First Of Two Test Cruises In Preparation For A Long Delayed Return To Cruising That Had Been Shut Down By The Pandemic
A rare sight surfaced Monday on San Diegos embarcadero passengers boarding a cruise ship.
As San Diego prepares to welcome the long-stalled return of cruising next month, Disney launched on Monday the first of two test cruises in preparation for its first Southern California departure in almost two years. It will be sailing out of San Diego on Oct. 1 for a four-day cruise that will include a stop in Cabo San Lucas.
The test cruise on the Disney Wonder was reserved for Disney employees and their guests. It is a two-night sailing that will include a stop in Ensenada, Disney said. A second preparatory cruise, departing Thursday, will be four nights and include a stop at Cabo San Lucas.
Cruise ships across the United States are gradually returning to service after the coronavirus pandemic last year forced an unprecedented shutdown in March. A series of no-sail and conditional sail orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention kept vessels off the high seas until early this summer as the cruise lines developed protocols and COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies for passengers and crew.
The Disney Cruise Line notes on its website that for all sailings, guests 12 years of age and older must be fullyvaccinated and take a COVID-19 test upon embarkation. Guests 11 years old and under are not required to be vaccinated but must take a pre-trip test for COVID-19, as well as a rapid COVID-19 test upon embarkation.
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.
Recommended Reading: Mobile Alabama Port Cruises
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.
Disney Cruise Line Is Sailing From California Again
Disney Cruise Line has officially resumed sailing from San Diego. Today, Disney Wonder sets sail in southern California for its first cruise in over 18 months.
Sailing at reduced capacity, the Halloween on the High Seas voyage will call on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Disney Wonder at sea
The vessels three-night sailings will run just opposite, calling to Ensenada instead. On November 5, the 84,000-gross registered ton Wonder will reposition to Galveston, Texas on a 14-night sailing. The line is requiring that every guest, regardless of their age, be vaccinated on the two-week Panama Canal transit. This means that kids who are not eligible for the vaccine will not be allowed to sail.
Disney Wonder wont be the only ship sailing from San Diego in the coming months. As the cruise industry returns to service, the Port of San Diego is expected to have over 100 cruise calls from various lines, including Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity.
Like other cruise lines, Disney has used a phased-in approach to the resumption of cruising. During the shutdown, all four ships were docked in Brest, France for health enhancements and crew repatriation.
Disney Fantasy docked at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.
READ MORE: Disney Fantasy Trip Report, Day 1
Disneys current cruise protocols require that every guest 12 and older be fully vaccinated within 14 days of sailing, as well as be tested at the pier prior to embarkation. The pierside testing cost is taken care of by the cruise line.
Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Mobile Al
Is There Good Parking Close To The San Diego Cruise Port
There are multiple options for long term cruise parking close to the port. This includes many of San Diego’s long term airport parking providers who offer cruise ship shuttles on days that ships are in port as well as cruise parking in garages walking distance to the cruise piers.
Two of the best options for cruise parking are in the BRIC North and South Garages as well as the Wyndham as they are located directly across from where the cruise ships dock and are easy walk, even with bags.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In San Diego
San Diego has two cruise ship piers located on the Embarcadero just minutes from the San Diego International Airport and the downtown Gaslamp Quarter entertainment district.
Depending on the date and cruise line, different piers are used for different cruises. Luckily, both the B Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal and Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. B Street Pier is the larger of the two and is where the majority of cruise ships dock, this is especially true of the larger vessels like those from Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Carnival.
Recommended Reading: Last Minute All-inclusive Cruises