Cruises From San Francisco

Many of the world’s top cruise lines offer cruises from San Francisco. A world-class destination on its own—home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf—San 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 America’s greatest cities? The cruise destinations from San Francisco, too, are nothing short of superb, as you will see below. In this blog, we have mentioned the Top 10 Cruises from San Francisco to guide you better.

List of Cruises from San Francisco

Thanks to its convenient location in the middle of California—and the west coast of the North American continent—the 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 be—quite literally—at your doorstep, from Mexico to Alaska, Hawaii and even the Panama Canal.

#1. Norwegian Encore

Norwegian's newest ship, Encore, embarked on its inaugural journey in November 2019. The ship accommodates 3,958 guests and 1,735 crew members.

Encore stands out for its unmatched onboard amenities, which include the longest racetrack at sea. Cruisers can also enjoy virtual reality games and rides in the Galaxy Pavilion, two aqua parks with waterslides, a pool, a spa and a fitness center. Nighttime entertainment options are just as abundant, with more than a dozen bars and lounges on board. Live performances include various musical acts, including the ship's top-rated show Choir of Man.

When it comes to dining, you'll have your choice of six inclusive restaurants and seven specialty venues that range from casual American eateries to worldly fine dining establishments. Upscale options include the ship's alfresco steakhouse and Japanese hibachi restaurant, and coffee lovers will be pleased to find a Starbucks on board.

Stateroom options range from Inside and Oceanview cabins to Balcony and Suite accommodations. You'll also find Studios designed specifically for solo travelers, spa-themed cabins and The Haven staterooms, which are located at the top of the ship and feature exclusive luxuries and access to an additional courtyard, restaurant and lounge.

Norwegian Encore sails from Los Angeles, Seattle and Miami to destinations in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal and more.

#2. Queen Mary 2

Originally launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 underwent a major update in 2016 to introduce redesigned public spaces and restaurants, renovated staterooms and suites, additional spaces and kennels for transatlantic passengers traveling with dogs (the only pet facility of its kind at sea). The ship also received a complete exterior facelift. The ship has seen minor updates in the years since, including a rebranded spa and Champagne bar.

The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship, and it is known for its frequent transatlantic crossings and luxury cruising experience. Recent passengers rave about the upscale cabins, which range from Single staterooms designed for solo passengers to Princess Grill and Queens Grill cabins that offer extra perks, such as exclusive dining venues and butler service.

When travelers aren't in their cabins, they can participate in enrichment programming, visit the ship's planetarium, read in the largest library at sea and more. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy shows at the Royal Court Theatre or musical acts in various venues across the ship.

Queen Mary 2 offers six dining venues, including two specialty restaurants, as well as six bars and lounges. Overall, past cruisers were impressed with the specialty restaurants, while the main dining rooms received mixed reviews.

Queen Mary 2 completes transatlantic crossings and sails to a variety of destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Asia and more.

#3. Norwegian Joy

Built in 2017, the 3,776-passenger, 1,821-crew-member Norwegian Joy was refurbished in 2020. Accommodation options include Inside, Ocean view and Balcony staterooms, as well as Suites, Concierge rooms (which come with concierge service) and The Haven cabins (which include 24-hour butler service and private sundecks).

There are 13 dining venues on board including seven specialty restaurants, the latter of which offers American, French, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Thai cuisines. Complimentary restaurants include the ship's three main dining rooms.

Cruisers will find plenty of things to do on board, from shopping at duty-free stores and luxury boutiques to watching stand-up comedians. The ship also offers a spa, laser tag, a racetrack, a casino, mini-golf, a fitness center, two aqua parks and more.

Norwegian Joy sails from Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Quebec City to ports across Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda and more.

#4. Seven Seas Mariner

Similar to its sister ships, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, the 700-passenger (double occupancy) Seven Seas Mariner prioritizes service with 459 crew members on board.

Refurbished in 2018 (and debuted in 2001), the Mariner features neutral decor and finishing throughout, a remodeled library in a new location and a revamped pool deck with an open layout and new tile and teak surfaces. The spa received a new design with light wood accents and pebble-stone tiles, while the fitness and aerobics center offers modern equipment. Onboard activities include theatrical productions, casino games and sipping cocktails in one of five lounge areas.

Across the ship, all eateries are stylishly designed, including the Prime 7 steakhouse and the flagship Compass Rose restaurant. Chartreuse, a guest favorite, highlights modern French cuisine. During the day, guests can enjoy the expanded lunch offerings at the outdoor Pool Grill or snack at the informal Coffee Connection. As with all Regent Seven Seas ships, specialty dining and shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.

Best of all, the all-suite accommodations offer beds with plush leather headboards, cozy sitting areas and artwork. All cabins are outfitted with welcome bottles of Champagne, private balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

Seven Seas Mariner sails through much of the world, including ports in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Australia and more. 

#5. Azmara Quest

Like its sister ship, the Azamara Journey, Quest appeals to travelers seeking an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. According to recent cruisers, the 702-passenger vessel is small enough to provide individualized service (thanks to its excellent crew-to-passenger ratio) but large enough to offer seven dining venues, including two specialty restaurants. The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2021; the remodel added modern amenities, furnishings and European linens. There are now a number of large staterooms and suites with verandas, so guests can get picturesque views while sailing.

The ship's staterooms include flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Suites offer additional perks, such as 240 free internet minutes and complimentary seating at the ship's specialty dining restaurants. Cruisers can also spend time at the spa and fitness facilities, which previous passengers described as modern and comfortable.

Onboard entertainment includes seminars and wine tastings, among other enrichment programs. At night, passengers can sip cocktails in The Den lounge. On top of all that, itineraries that are seven or more nights include a complimentary night experiencing local culture in a port, known as AzAmazing Evenings.

Azamara Quest's itineraries feature stops across the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa and South America.

#6. Ruby Princess

With offerings like movie screenings beneath the stars and massages at the adults-only Sanctuary, Ruby Princess is a good choice for couples. Debuted in 2008, the ship was extensively refurbished in October 2018 to add top-deck dining options like Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones. Ruby Princess holds 1,200 crew members and 3,080 guests at double occupancy.

In terms of lodging, around 80% of exterior cabins are appointed with balconies, and all rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. While Interior cabins range from 158 to 162 square feet, Balcony category cabins offer more space. Each guest aboard Ruby Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, and track down friends and family and more.

Reviewers are complimentary of the ship's onboard programming and amenities. Activities include a nine-hole putting course, duty-free shopping boutiques and enrichment opportunities through the Discovery at SEA program. Dining is just as diverse, with a total of eight venues to choose from. Come nightfall, travelers can try their luck at the casino, see a show in the theater or dance until the wee hours at the top-deck nightclub.

Ruby Princess offers itineraries in California, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico.

#7. Island Princess

Like Coral Princess, Island Princess (which was most recently renovated in December 2017) was designed to access hard-to-reach ports in Alaska, South America and the Panama Canal. With a capacity of 2,200 passengers (at double occupancy) and 900 crew members, the ship also maintains quality customer service.

All cabins include amenities such as minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Those looking for more space can opt for a Mini-Suite, which offers 323 square feet of room and comes with additional perks like a bathtub and two TVs. Each guest aboard Island Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, and track down friends and family and more.

Outside of their cabins, passengers have plenty of entertainment options. Daytime activities include everything from poolside lounging to lectures and cooking classes through the ship’s Discovery at SEA enrichment program.

Recent cruisers commended the abundance of dining options as well. Guests can choose from one main dining room, three casual eateries and two specialty restaurants. For an extra special evening, cruisers can sign up for a Chef's Table dining experience, which includes a specially designed menu, an autographed cookbook and more.

Island Princess sails to a variety of destinations across the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Europe, the Panama Canal and more. The ship also has world cruise itineraries.

#8. Carnival Luminosa

Formerly a Costa Cruises ship, Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet in November 2022. This ship carries 2,260 passengers at double occupancy and 2,826 passengers at single occupancy. There are 926 crew members aboard this cruise ship. Highlights of the Carnival Luminosa include a casino, a spa, an adults-only retreat and a comedy club.

There are plenty of ways to occupy your time on board, from deck parties and art seminars to karaoke and martini tastings. Plus, Luminosa offers a slew of amenities geared toward kids, including story time, supervised camps, a video arcade and a teens-only hangout space. When hunger strikes, this Carnival cruise ship offers around 10 eateries serving staples like sushi, steak and pizza.

Interior staterooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, climate control, an in-room safe and a dedicated stateroom attendant. If you'd prefer accommodations with windows, consider upgrading to an ocean-view room or a cabin with a balcony. Guests seeking even more luxury can opt for a suite, which features exclusive perks like priority check-in; boarding and dining assignments; bathrobes and a pillow-top mattress. Cruisers looking for extra relaxation should consider a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, which includes a welcome ritual, two complimentary fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, priority spa reservations and more.

Carnival Luminosa departs from Seattle, Washington, and the Australian cities of Brisbane and Sydney. It sails to destinations in Alaska and the South Pacific, among others.

#9. Carnival Legend

First introduced in 2002, Carnival Legend last received routine cosmetic updates in 2022. The ship carries 2,124 passengers at single occupancy and 2,680 passengers at double occupancy. There are 930 crew members aboard this vessel. It is home to traveler favorites like the Alchemy Bar, Blue Iguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, Guy's Burger Joint and the Red Frog Rum Bar. The ship provides a wide array of entertainment and activities to satisfy multigenerational crowds.

Young cruisers (ages 2 to 17) can play at organized, age-appropriate clubs while adults attend a show at the comedy club or hit the casino. The ship was also one of the first to include the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.

When it comes to lodging, about 80% of the ship’s staterooms offer ocean views, and a large number of those cabins feature balconies. While Interior staterooms are more budget-friendly, Balcony and Suite category rooms are worth the splurge, according to recent passengers. All staterooms include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

The ship's food options include two main dining rooms, a steakhouse, a sushi restaurant, a buffet with everything from pizza to Chinese fare and more. 

Carnival Legend departs from Tampa, Rome, San Francisco and London for sailings in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and more.

#10. Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, Golden Gate Bay Cruise has been the highlight of any visit to San Francisco for nearly 85 years. They started along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and circle within feet of notorious Alcatraz Island.

You'll discover the city's colorful history and world-famous landmarks with award winning narration available in 16 languages. Get up-close with wild neighbors as well, including seagulls, pelicans, harbor porpoises, dolphins and sea lions. And keep an eye out for the occasional gray or humpback whale cruising San Francisco Bay!

Conclusion

The Port of San Francisco is one of the busiest cruise ports on the West Coast. Annually, it receives more than 100 ships and almost 400,000 passengers at its James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27) and Pier 35 Cruise Terminal.

Centrally located at the San Francisco waterfront, both piers offer great views of the city, while access to downtown couldn’t be more convenient. They are very close to each other on the northeastern edge of the San Francisco peninsula. Popular Fisherman’s Wharf is only minutes from these terminals, while views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge make this one of America’s most scenic cruise ports.

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