LynnSD

We do a mix of princess and local vendor tours, rarely on our own.  
Last year in the med, we’d been to the major cities many times before, so we took several Princess tours to local farms.   All were very well done — they were family farms with a new generation trying to keep it going, so the stories were interesting.  We usually had lunch prepared with home grown ingredients.  Added benefit was smaller tour groups and no crowds!

Malibu Farm just opened in Seaport Village too , we haven’t been there yet. 

Thanks for the input.  I ended up booking directly for $10 less than the cruise line,  and skipped the vip since I was buying for 7 of us.  I’m happy to hear that it was entertaining!

We usually buy the 12 for $7 too, for simplicity sake; but on our last cruise I discovered I could have exchanged our elite bar set up for water.  I’m trying that next time!

Customs/ clearance disembarking in San Diego can sometimes take a very long time for no apparent reason.  Other times it’s a snap.  But if they aren’t allowing anyone off the ship, there’s nothing you can do about it….

Maybe think about spending an extra night in SD if you don’t want to get home late? 
Good luck.  

Thanks. 

I should know this but apparently I don’t…

I can make reservations in the MDR for our cruise next May, but how/when can I make reservations for specialty dining rooms?

Thanks for helping me out!  The last time I did this was for a cruise over a year ago, and I don’t remember having any trouble!

Is there any advantage to booking with their website vs the Princess excursion?  
 

Has anyone tried the VIP ticket?

thanks 

When we have done this, we were able to tour at our own pace.   The guide gives you a meeting time & place.  
But be sure to clarify that upon arrival!  
 

It was crowded but the worst crowd was around the house, shop, restrooms.  

Our go-to is Brigantine or Ketch.  Good food, exceptional view.  
It’s just north of the pier.  

Agreed. There’s no way to be sure.

We go to concerts at the Rady Shell.   They now have signs posted in the area, alerting people to the fact that pedicabs cost $100 plus, beware.   
 

As for the trolley, it’s easy to research and decide if it’s for you.  We’ve had visitors who thoroughly enjoyed it.   Touristy but fun!  Riding over the Coronado bridge with the wind blowing is quite an experience!!

Of course the trolley drives you around the city, covering 25 miles; and of course it does not drive you through each and every corner. 

The Old Town Trolley will drive you  around the city, and you can choose to get off and explore Old Town, Balboa Park, Coronado, etc.   So it is a good way to get a glimpse of a lot of places.  
 

I’d recommend a harbor cruise before a ferry to Coronado, I love seeing the navy ships and coastal sights.    There’s Hornblower and one other, I think.  Look at the groupon site for SD for a ticket deal, and go early.  
 

Walking the Embarcadero is always pleasant , you can go from the ship to seaport village easily.  The Midway museum and Maritime museums are right there too. 
 

All depends on what you like.  

We’ve been to most of these ports at least three times.  The best tours we did were small groups with local companies.  The leaders are so friendly, and will customize your visit.  We find a good guide is invaluable; there’s a huge difference between wandering by yourself, and hearing history, stories, anecdotes etc.  
 

We did walking tours run by a local in both Guernsey and Cobh; found online.  They were great.   Small tours in other places. 
 

Also, if you plan to do-it-yourself, get as many tickets beforehand as you can for things like Book of Kells.  

 
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Bottom line is you will probably have great weather for being out and about.   Just have a light jacket, and be aware that you can have rainy days in January. — which is unpredictable bad luck.  

I’m not so sure they are doing it on purpose.  Every vendor transaction that used to take a few weeks now takes a few months; they are probably understaffed.

You can walk along the water on the SD Embarcadero side,  or at the Coronado Ferry Landing, and there are plenty of places to sit and watch the water both at restaurants, and at benches along the paths.  

We’re cruising with our kids and grandkids, 3 cabins total.  
 

I’m able to make dinner reservations for everyone.  
Is there a way to make excursion reservations for everyone at the same time, or do we need to access the three bookings separately?

Thanks.  

You  can google a 10 day weather report.   Hopefully it will be beautiful!
But yes, bring a light jacket.  

You can have a nice day right on the Embarcadero by walking a few steps to the Midway aircraft carrier / museum.  
When you’re done there, there are plenty of restaurants with great views and margaritas in Seaport Village, Portside Pier, or Little Italy.  

I’d pick Little Italy too, but Gaslamp is a close second.  
 

Pre pandemic we went on all the Bite food tours, it’s a fun outing.  

Since I started this thread , we’ve gone on our 7 day Discovery cruise.   We were prepared to pay for our grandkids’ drinks, but we were never charged and no one ever asked about it.  They enjoyed the mocktail drinks ….

You can get coffee at the buffet. 

Thanks!    Exactly.  Something for everyone.