Cruises from San Francisco in 2023
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After a series of winter storms and warmer weather on the horizon, you might be dreaming of a cruise from San Francisco.
Here’s the good news: There’s plenty of deals up for grabs in 2023, with destinations from Hawaii and Alaska to Mexico and Canada. Whether you’re looking for a short-term trip (hello, Valentine’s Day dinner on the water) or long-term plans, we have a variety of options for you to choose from.
“Sailing off San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge is an unforgettable moment that you will never forget,” John Shallo, publisher and founder of online cruise community Cruise Addicts, previously told SFGATE. “The pristine destinations of Alaska and the Mexican Riviera are often listed as all-time favorites among seasoned cruisers.”
A few quick tips: As we’ve previously reported, you’ll find more “off-season” prices during the school year; Peak times to avoid include spring break and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. And you should consider seasonality when booking a cruise from San Francisco. For example, “Alaska cruises typically only operate from May through mid-September, while Mexico cruises can sail year-round,” writes contributor Megan duBois.
Check out our guides to the best cruise deals and find out when to book a cruise to Hawaii. Then check out some of the best cruises from San Francisco in 2023:
Cruises in February
Valentine’s Day cruise
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway but don’t want to stay the night, consider a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise. City Cruises takes people on a three-hour joyride with onboard entertainment; and you can opt for upgrades like champagne and roses. use code VDay15 for 15% off the starting price of $160.
5 day getaway on the west coast
Interiors stay under $400 for this Princess cruise from San Francisco with stops in San Diego and Ensada. Shore excursions (surcharge) include a trolley tour of Old San Diego and a wine tour of Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley.
March cruises
15 days Hawaiian Islands
do you want to leave soon This two-week Princess cruise to Hawaii has available March dates with interiors starting at $879. Expect stops in Maui’s Lahaina as well as Kona, not to mention an overnight stay in Honolulu.
Cruises in April
7-Day Classic California Coast
Choose between April or October for this week-long excursion with Princess. They make stops in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Ensenada. “The best thing about this sailing is that port times are often very long and last into the late evening hours, giving you almost all day to explore a destination,” duBois previously reported. Interiors start at $349 per person.
May cruises
10-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)
Princess offers this Alaskan cruise in both May and June, with interior accommodations starting at $848 per person. “You’ll probably want to upgrade your room to at least an ocean view so you can watch Alaska go by while you get ready in the morning,” duBois writes.
4 nights Mexico
If you’d rather spend your spring break in Mexico, Carnival is offering a short trip to Ensenada this spring. Right now, Expedia has slashed prices by more than 60%, with indoor rooms starting at $424 and ocean-view rooms just $549.
June cruises
10-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)
There are two sets of June dates for this voyage on the Ruby Princess (yes, it’s the previous one that also offers May dates). Expect four stops in Alaska, including Juneau and Ketchikan, plus another in Victoria, Canada.
cruises in July
11-day interior passage
There are multiple July dates available for this Princess cruise to Alaska, which includes four stops in the state with a final stop in Victoria. You can explore Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau. Interiors start at $1,347.
cruises in August
5 nights Mexico
This five-day carnival tour begins August 31st and ends September 5th and includes stops in San Diego and Ensenada. It’s also massively discounted on Expedia, with inside cabins more than half the price, starting at $479.
Cruises in September
11-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)
You have almost two weeks to enjoy the beauty of Alaska on this Princess cruise that takes you to the breathtaking Glacier Bay National Park. It departs from San Francisco in May, June, July, August, and September; Interiors start at $1,297.
Cruises in October
7-Day Classic California Coast
While there are April dates for this week-long Princess getaway, booking for October gives you a little more time to include long stops in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Ensenada. Interiors start at $349 per person.
cruises in November
5 Day West Coast Getaway with San Diego
While you can find higher prices on cruises across the board around the Thanksgiving holiday, this five-day excursion begins November 21 with interiors starting at around $439. Stops are San Diego and Ensenada.
December cruises
16 days Hawaiian Islands
If a Christmas cruise to Hawaii sounds like a good idea, this is the option for you. However, with travel options ranging from the first week of November through early 2024, you can choose the two-week trip that best suits your schedule. You’ll spend time in Hilo on the Big Island as well as Honolulu and more. Interiors start at $1,149.
