Transportation In San Francisco
Beyond the classic cable cars running widely through San Francisco, several modes of public transportation are popular in the city. For example, the BART can help you get from the airport into the city. The Muni is one public transit option, which includes bus, metro, and some cable car options, mostly above ground. Youll also find taxis, Lyfts, and Ubers aplenty in San Francisco.
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.
Cruising From San Francisco
Thanks to its convenient location in the middle of Californiaand the west coast of the North American continentthe city is a strategic starting point for cruises to the northern wilds, the southern sun and the western islands.
Whichever region in and around the Pacific Ocean you desire to explore, San Francisco is a great city to begin your journey. On a San Francisco cruise, each corner of this vast ocean could bequite literallyat your doorstep, from Mexico to Alaska, Hawaii and even the Panama Canal.
Read Also: Cruise Out Of Cape Canaveral
Hawaiian Islands Cruises From San Francisco
Scared of flying but still want to fulfill your lifes dream of visiting Hawaii? Theres hardly a better way to do that than by going on a Hawaiian Island cruise from San Francisco. Board your ship at the Port of San Francisco, unpack only once, and settle in for a once-in-a-lifetime trip around whats arguably the worlds most famous archipelago.
Generally, cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii are round-trip sailings that last about 15 days . Youll spend a significant amount of your time at sea while you make your way to and from these volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Count on about half of the total number of days spent at sea. This, however, does allow for a super-relaxed cruise holiday. Because there are no new ports or destinations to explore each day, you have plenty of time to enjoy the ships amenities and services, spend time with your co-cruisers and unwind.
Once youre in Hawaii, youll get to visit several of the main islands, all of which have their own vibe and attractions. Explore the iconic city of Honolulu, visit Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, see Kauais sensational Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, and/or explore the vibrant coastal towns of Maui.
Want To Know More About San Francisco Cruises Call Us Today
Save the unneeded stress and contact us today or call us on for any additional enquiries you might have regarding a cruise from San Francisco or anywhere across the globe. Cruise Guru has a team of professional cruise consultants who will happily take your call and swiftly answer any issues you have. Alternatively, you can request a call back if you wish to chat at a time that suits you better.
For the latest developments in the cruise world or the latest amazing cruise deals and packages from Cruise Guru, follow our regularly updated and pages. Planning your next holiday has never been easier than with us at Cruise Guru!
Recommended Reading: Marriott Cruise Ship
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 around 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.
Alaska Cruises From San Francisco
Sail from sunny California to glacier-clad Alaska, a journey thatll take you along the entire northern part of the West Coast. Cruise along Northern Californias redwood-topped coastal cliffs, past the countless sea stacks of the Oregon Coast and through the orca-inhabited waters of Washington and British Columbia.
On most cruises from San Francisco to Alaska, youll spend the first couple of days at sea. Once youre up north, a typical cruise, depending on your cruise line and itinerary, may include a stop or two at British Columbia destinations, such as Victoria and the famed Inside Passage.
In Alaska, you can immerse yourself in the local Alaskan lifestyle, enjoy delicious fresh-caught seafood, learn about Native Alaskan culture and gaze at breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Popular ports of call on San Francisco cruises to Alaska are Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan.
Additionallyand arguably the highlight of your tripmany itineraries include a visit to spectacular Glacier Bay National Park, as well as Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord. These cruises usually take at least 10 days.
Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Baltimore
Cheap Cruises From San Francisco California
Cheap cruises from San Francisco are available to whisk you off to a variety of wonderful locations. Whether you’re looking for a tropical trip to Mexico or the Panama Canal, or have always wanted to see the ice caps of Alaska, we have pricing on cheap cruises from San Francisco for practically every type of adventure.
Spend 10 to 14 nights cruising to Alaska, viewing whales and glaciers, 10+ nights cruising to Hawaii, viewing volcanoes and beaches, even 30+ nights headed to Japan, viewing skyscrapers and pink cherry blossoms. Cheap cruises from San Francisco can give you the adventure you’re looking for, so worry less about the price and more about which of these many locations you’d like to visit.
Mexico Cruises From San Francisco
Enjoy some Mexican flair, fiesta and food on a cruise from San Francisco to the Mexican Riviera . There are several itinerary options available, from short 4-day sailings to more extended and in-depth 10-day journeys. However much time you have, a Mexico cruise from San Francisco is always a fun experience.
The shorter itineraries usually dont go further than Ensenada, on the way possibly stopping in San Diego, while the longer sailings take in sun-soaked spots like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Again, ports of call differ between cruise lines and itineraries. However, each Baja California cruise from San Francisco offers you that fun, stress-free and everything-is-possible feel that only a Mexican holiday can provide.
Don’t Miss: Marriott Cruise Partners
Best Cruises From San Francisco Ca
- Central America
Many of the worlds top cruise lines offer cruises from San Francisco. A world-class destination on its ownhome to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fishermans WharfSan Francisco is also a main departing point for cruises along the U.S. West Coast, as well as in the Pacific Ocean with all its tropical beauty and cultural diversity.
Also, how amazing is it that you can start, or finish, your dream cruise by exploring one of Americas1 greatest cities? The cruise destinations from San Francisco, too, are nothing short of superb, as you will see below.
Weather In San Francisco
Opposite to what one would think, the summer months are the coldest and dampest in San Francisco, with temperatures barely topping 70 degrees F due to the fog and breeze that rolls in off the bay. Once September comes, the temperatures rise and the sun comes out, but youll still welcome a jacket in the evening.
Read Also: Worlds Best Cruise Ship
Carnival Cruises From San Francisco
Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from San Francisco to Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. See the full schedule of departures below.
Carnival Cruise Line is well known as an affordable and fun vacation for couples and families with kids. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxed. They feature multiple dining options to fit all tastes, WaterWorks water park, supervised youth programs for kids, a spa for adults, and live entertainment.
The Carnival cruise terminal in San Francico is Pier 27. Photos are courtesy of Carnival Cruises.
Cruises From San Francisco
San Francisco, on the Californian coast, is one of Americas most attractive cities with its famous Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets that provide panoramic views of the beautiful San Francisco Bay and surrounding mountains, and its eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture. Perhaps also famous for the nearby Silicon Valley, this City by the Bay has become even more international with large numbers of immigrants from Asia and Latin America. Explore the amazing Fishermans Wharf that offers great food, and the numerous boutiques. Take a hop-on hop-off bus that crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery and expensive homes at the Marin Headlands. Read more
Recommended Reading: Most Expensive Cruise Lines
Cruises From San Francisco 2019
Explore cruises departing from San Francisco, the perfect place to kick off your dream cruise vacation. With its stunning scenery and one-of-a-kind culture, San Francisco is a destination hotspot in a class of its own. Take in the magnificent architecture of the Golden Gate Bridge, sample some fine chocolate and sweets in Ghirardelli Square, or take a tour of Alcatraz, the worlds most famous island prison. Arrange a pre- or post-cruise stay in San Francisco to take in this citys magnificent culture.
From San Francisco, you can cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, or undertake a Transpacific itinerary to Australia or the South Pacific. Or cruise the Mexican Riviera, stopping at landmark destinations such as Ensenada, Mazatlan, or Cabo San Lucas. Search from dozens of cruises from San Francisco on Dreamlines today. With popular itineraries from top cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises, Dreamlines is the perfect place to book your cruise from San Francisco.
Top Food And Drink Spots Near The San Francisco Cruise Port
You can stick with the classic chain restaurants near the cruise terminal, like Hard Rock Cafe or Bubba Gump Shrimp along the pier. Try the much-hyped In-N-Out Burgera California institutionwhile youre there, too. Here are a few other food and drink spots to try during your San Francisco cruise:
La Taqueria
Address: 2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
This traditional Mexican taqueria is famous for its unadorned, expertly-seasoned tacos and burritos. Limited seating is available in the restaurant, so La Taqueria is best for a quick bite before you go on to explore other parts of the Mission District.
Cotogna
Address: 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
In the mood for Italian? Try Cotogna, a James Beard award-winning Italian spot in San Frans Jackson Square. It serves all the classics, from wood-fired pizza to ravioli and carbonara with some twists, like ricotta gelato and seasonal specialties.
Mitchells
Address: 688 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94100
Support this local ice creamery to satisfy your sweet tooth while youre exploring the city. Mitchells has been making and serving their homemade ice cream daily for over 65 years.
Arsicault Bakery
Address: 397 Arguello Blvd San Francisco CA 94118
Bon Appetit once named the croissants at Arsicault Bakery the best in America.Venture a little ways out of the citys center to its Richmond District to taste their morning buns, tarts, and croissants for yourself.
Also Check: Cruises With Dialysis
San Francisco Pier 27 Cruise Terminal
The terminal has a new shore power technology which allows equipped cruise liners to use the city’s grid power system instead of their diesel engines to supply onboard services while berthed/docked. This innovation reduces the ships emissions at the cruise terminal.
The biggest ship ever docked at Pier 35 is RMS Queen Mary 2. The new San Francisco cruise terminal was inaugurated in August 2014. It was built at Pier 27 and replaced the old Pier 35 terminal facility.
The new Pier 27 cruise terminal is operational since August 2014. It features a new modern building, electric shore-to-ship power, large holding areas, customs screening. Currently, the cruise port handles up to 80 ship calls and around 200,000 passengers. In 2013, the Princess Cruises ship Grand Princess became the first-ever liner home-ported in San Francisco for year-round turnaround operations. The round-trip itineraries visited ports in California, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico Riviera.
Destinations From San Francisco
Taking your next cruise from San Francisco unlocks an abundance of unforgettable locations in North and South America. A popular itinerary for travellers is exploring wonderful Alaska, stopping at picturesque areas such as the Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, and Juneau. Holidaymakers searching for warmer climates can also escape to idyllic Hawaii, sailing into dream locales such as Hilo and Honolulu.
Alternatively, a cruise from San Francisco can take you to beautiful Mexico, where guests have the chance to experience authentic South American culture in places such as Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada. For longer cruises, there is a small selection of world voyages taking travellers to destinations across the continents, hosted by renowned cruise lines such as Cunard and the luxurious Regent Seven Seas.
You can also plan your next holiday from fantastic cities such as a cruise from San Diego or a cruise from Los Angeles!
Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises From Norfolk Va
Top Things To Do In San Francisco
Walk, Bike, or Drive Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Instantly recognizable through the California fog, walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Take photos alongside the signature structures, a special color called international orange, and stand in awe of views of the bay connecting San Francisco with Marin County to the north. Though the Golden Gate Bridge was completed less than 100 years ago in 1937, it feels like a quintessential, ageless part of San Francisco.
Take a Cable Car Along Powell Street
Powell Street connects many of San Franciscos districts, including Union Square and Fishermans Wharf. Hop on a cable car at the intersection of Powell Street and Market Street, where you can tackle those pesky hills the easy way while taking in views of the citys historic buildings.
Rent a Boat on Stow Lake
Need a break from the urban hustle? Within Golden Gate Park is Stow Lake, a manmade lake perfect for renting a rowboat or paddle boat to from one side to the other. Walk along the trails and bring a picnic to enjoy while youre at the park, or stop inside the Boathouse for a coffee or a quick snack.
See Alcatraz
Venture to Muir Woods
Sip in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
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 .
Don’t Miss: Hotel Near Mobile Al Cruise Port
San Francisco Cruise Guide
San Franciscos cruise port terminal is located at the western end of San Francisco Bay, midway between the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay Bridge. The Port of San Francisco hosts over 300,000 passengers annually at the James R. Herman and Pier 35 cruise terminals.
The city itself has a lot to offer, with a diverse range of fashion, art, museums, and food. Travel east to the Fishermans Wharf neighborhood for shopping and dining. Visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park to see ships that sailed more than a century ago. Enter the Golden Gate Park to visit de Young Museum, filled with art, costumes and textiles. Explore botanical gardens, play golf or tennis, and take a walk through the Japanese Tea Garden. End your day in the city by taking in some of the best views of the Bay from the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Escape to Alcatraz home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place. Or for a different kind of escape, travel north to tall redwoods in Muir Woods, and unwind at famous Napa and Sonoma wineries. Theres something for everyone in San Franciscos diverse neighborhoods.