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.
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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.
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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Best Time To Cruise From San Diego
If you are planning a stay in San Diego before you board your ship, we suggest you plan your cruise in the March to May window or September to November window.
In the months of October and November, the hotel rates and other expenses come down further.
Weather-wise there is never a bad time to visit San Diego it is almost always between 60 to 70 degrees.
If your plan is a Mexico cruise from San Diego, any time of the year is good.
It isnt without reason that more than 6 million travelers visit Mexicos ports each year.
There are lots of things to do in San Diego for tourists looking for fun.
Where Is The Mexican Riviera
The word riviera means coastline in Italian, and the term Mexican Riviera was reportedly coined by Princess Cruises .
The Mexican Riviera begins in Mexicos northwest corner. The port of Ensenada, south of San Diego, is a regular cruise stop. One of the most popular parts of the Mexican Riviera for cruising is the Baja Peninsulas west coast all the way to its tip at Cabo San Lucas. Some cruises also enter the Sea of Cortez on Bajas eastern coast and visit the laid-back town of La Paz, with its Caribbean-style beaches and UNESCO World Heritage site, Espiritu Santo Island.
The Mexican Riviera continues south to popular resort destinations like Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, and to smaller ports like San Blas, Manzanillo, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, which has some of the worlds best waves and hosts pro surfing competitions.
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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.
Celebrity Cruises From San Diego To Panama
Celebrity Cruises has two 16-day cruises that visit Mexico from San Diego. After departing from San Diego, they cruise down Mexicos Pacific coast before transiting the Panama Canal and heading north to Florida. Mexican ports are Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, and the ship also stops in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia before returning to American waters.
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Best Cruises From San Diego California
San Diego in California is a cruisers paradise.
Almost all the major cruise lines run various cruises from or through San Diego Port, making it one of the busiest in the country.
From all-inclusive cruises to last minute cruises, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
San Diego offers a unique opportunity to club a city vacation with a cruise.
We recommend you spend a few days in the city before you get on your cruise from San Diego.
San Diego has 110 Kms of soft-sand beaches, a world-class zoo, a docked USS Midway Navy carrier, Balboa Park etc.
If your kids are also accompanying you on your cruise, plan in visits to Sea World and Legoland as well.
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San Diego is Californias third busiest cruise port behind Long Beach and Los Angeles, according to the port, and each voyage that begins and ends in San Diego has an estimated economic impact of $2 million. One stop on a cruise itinerary generates up to almost $600,000, according to port leadership.
The port anticipates more than 100 cruise calls through May 2022, primarily from Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line.
Coronavirus measures in place for the return of cruises in San Diego include:
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Carnival Cruises To Mexicos Pacific Coast
Carnival Cruises‘ Carnival Miracle has several sailings out of San Diego to Mexico, ranging from a short Baja Mexico three-day cruise up to a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise. All except the five-day cruises stop in Ensenada. Other ports are Catalina Island in California, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Holland America Line Salutes Military Heroes With Offer Of Onboard Spending Money For San Diego Cruise Departures Through 2021
Bonus onboard credit good for active and retired members of the military
SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Holland America Line is honoring members of the U.S. military with a special offer that adds $100 Onboard Spending Money to any cruise booking that departs from San Diego, California, though Dec. 31, 2021.
Holland America Line’sSan Diego sailings are especially convenient for the many troops stationed in southern California. The Military Appreciation Offer available to active and retired members of the military can be earned on a variety of seven-day cruises to Mexico and the California Coast aboard Koningsdam and the Dec. 23, 2021, 10-day Mexico Holiday departure on Zuiderdam,
The U.S. military has a large presence in San Diego with Naval Base San Diego, the U.S. Navy’s largest base on the West Coast and the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet. In total, the state of California has 32 military bases across all branches, with the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ bases clustered most heavily around San Diego.
Onboard, the credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, specialty dining, gift shop purchases and more. The offer is valid with standard cruise-only fares, as well as Holland America Line’s Have It All premium fare that includes four popular perks: shore excursions, a drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.
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CONTACT:Erik Elvejord
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San Diegos Cruise Port Terminals
San Diego Port has two cruise ship terminals, which are located on San Diego Bays two-mile stretch of downtown waterfront.
Most of the cruise ships dock at the primary terminal called the B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal.
Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier is the secondary terminal, which besides handling some cruise ships is also a venue for special events.
In case you are flying into San Diego to catch your cruise, you are in luck for the San Diego International Airport is only a 10 minutes drive from the terminals.
Besides, the area around the terminals has numerous hotels catering to all kind of tastes.
If you prefer reaching the terminals by train, Downtown San Diegos train station Santa Fe Depot should be your choice.
It is not far from the terminals just two blocks East.
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.
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Luxury Mexican Riviera With Ponant
The five-star 132-cabin Le Soleal by Ponant has a 14-day cruise out of San Diego that ends in Puerto Quetzal, near Antigua in Guatemala. This cruise explores what Jacques Cousteau called the “worlds aquarium,” thanks to the abundance of sea life, as well as several Mexican Riviera ports.
Ponant cruises drop anchor in remote locations and feature excursions in Zodiac boats with naturalist guides, so guest can learn in-depth about the flora and fauna of the area. Scuba diving is available at nine of the ports of call on this 14-day cruise.
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.
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San Diego Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- USS Midway Museum: it is within 5 minutes walking time from San Diego cruise port, along North Harbor Drive. Discover the naval tradition of San Diego.
- San Diego Maritime Museum: amazing historic ships collection. It is north of San Diego cruise port. You will find ships like Berkeley, Star of India and Californian.
- Seaport Village: the best place for shopping. It is 2/3 miles away from San Diego cruise port.
- Embarcadero Marine Park: located just across Seaport Village.
- Balboa Park: 12,000 acres with 15 galleries and museums like San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum.. There is also the San Diego zoo, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Inez Rose Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
- Gaslamp Quarter: the most attractive area of San Diego. It dates from 1867. Discover wide range of restaurants, fashion shops,sidewalk cafes,galleries, jazz clubs, nightclubs and bars. The Victorian atmosphere combines with a party atmosphere for an amazing experience.
- Spanish Missions: there 21 catholic missions. The first one is Mission San Diego de Alcala, known also as Mother of the Missions.
- Coronado Beach: you will need half an hour by ferry to reach Coronado island and discover that lovely beach.
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Holland America Line From San Diego To Mexico
Holland Americas San Diego cruise departures are on several different ships. Cruises are round-trip from San Diego, and typical ports are Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Aboard the Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and the Oosterdam, guests can experience cooking demonstrations and workshops from Americas Test Kitchen.
Another Holland America cruise that stops in San Diego before continuing on to Mexico and farther south is the 21-day Incan Empires cruise. It begins in Seattle, makes two stops in Canada and then visits several California ports of call including San Diego. It continues onto the Mexican Riviera, visiting Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco. Other ports of call are in Panama, Ecuador and Peru before passengers disembark in Lima.
References
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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.
Explore The Outer Beach Towns
Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu and Long Beach are four of Los Angeles’ most popular beach destinations. Of the four, Malibu is the most remote and least urban head here for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Depending on traffic, you can get to Long Beach in 40 minutes, while the others take around an hour.
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