Vancouver to California - Best time to cruise

[Dreamer115]

When would be the best time to cruise weather wise and which is best ship for this cruise and why? Perhaps having 3 generations. Pre teens to 70's.

Thanks Connie:confused:

[Adventures ahead]

When would be the best time to cruise weather wise and which is best ship for this cruise and why? Perhaps having 3 generations. Pre teens to 70's.

Thanks Connie:confused:

 

If you do the twice a year (only) 10-day RT itinerary from Vancouver that overnights in San Francisco, my research told me fall over spring. Spring is colder and foggier and fall is better than summer (in San Francisco), though the teens would be in school. The ship this year is the Emerald. We've been on it twice and have no issues with it. I've been considering this itinerary for three years and we're finally doing it this September!

[Steven_&_Daniel]

We did a West Coast Itinerary from L.A. to Vancouver in May and it was colder than we were expecting. Don't know if that helps.

[xavier]

We did the 7 day cruise last October from Vancouver to Los Angeles. It was on the Star. It was superb. The weather on the other hand was not the best. Was cold and rainy in Vancouver and Seattle. We missed the port of Astoria due to weather. But once we got to San Francisco it was 80 and sunny! That being said, would go on this cruise again as we didn’t let the weather deter us from doing anything.

Edited July 31, 2018 by xavier
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[lstone19]

If you’re asking about a one-way from Vancouver to California, they’re all positioning cruises done in September as ships leave Alaska at the end of the season. Princess might do one or two round-trips out of Vancouver at the beginning (April/May) or end (September/early October) of the Alaska season but other than that, almost all Princess cruises embarking or disembarking in Vancouver are Alaska cruises or positioning cruises in connection with the Alaska season.

 

 

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[Dreamer115]

If you do the twice a year (only) 10-day RT itinerary from Vancouver that overnights in San Francisco, my research told me fall over spring. Spring is colder and foggier and fall is better than summer (in San Francisco), though the teens would be in school. The ship this year is the Emerald. We've been on it twice and have no issues with it. I've been considering this itinerary for three years and we're finally doing it this September!

 

Thanks for your answer, very helpful. Will look into the Emerald and think fall does sound better than spring. San Francisco is the one place I want to go for sure. Was there in the 70's so a long time ago.

Connie

[cr8tiv1]

Most repositioning cruises (LA/SF to Vancouver or reversed) are in May and September. Most of them do not stop. It is a 2-3 night sailing. There are roundtrips from SF/LA to Alaska. There may be a cruise out of Vancouver. But I am sure those itineraries are very limited. I could be wrong.

[Cruise Raider]

The repositioning cruises from Vancouver to California are generally scheduled in September. Some stop in San Francisco, some disembark in San Francisco but there are also those that go directly down to LA or maybe San Diego.

The weather is generally really good along the west coast in Sept and October. We don't usually get the morning fog like we do in the summer months. Spring can be ok but the best weather is in the late summer / early fall.

The seas are usually not as rough when cruising south as when cruising north in the Pacific ... but I say 'usually' ... so take that for what it is worth.

Even though the weather is usually nicer in Sept., it is still not guaranteed to be a warm weather cruise so I would choose a ship that has an indoor pool. The Ruby, Emerald, Crown do not. For me, those would be out of the running.

If San Francisco is important to you, I would look for a ship that has an overnight or at least one full day there. If the cruise disembarks in SF, it is very pricey to book a stay afterwards.

[Dreamer115]

The repositioning cruises from Vancouver to California are generally scheduled in September. Some stop in San Francisco, some disembark in San Francisco but there are also those that go directly down to LA or maybe San Diego.

The weather is generally really good along the west coast in Sept and October. We don't usually get the morning fog like we do in the summer months. Spring can be ok but the best weather is in the late summer / early fall.

The seas are usually not as rough when cruising south as when cruising north in the Pacific ... but I say 'usually' ... so take that for what it is worth.

Even though the weather is usually nicer in Sept., it is still not guaranteed to be a warm weather cruise so I would choose a ship that has an indoor pool. The Ruby, Emerald, Crown do not. For me, those would be out of the running.

If San Francisco is important to you, I would look for a ship that has an overnight or at least one full day there. If the cruise disembarks in SF, it is very pricey to book a stay afterwards.

 

Thanks for your response. Good info I will rule out those ships. Wondering if a balcony is good or not worth the extra cost. There are other cruise lines that travel the same route so will check them out as well. It looks like a fall run not spring, that is almost certain now. Now to find the best itinerary and ship. Thanks again.

[Dreamer115]

Most repositioning cruises (LA/SF to Vancouver or reversed) are in May and September. Most of them do not stop. It is a 2-3 night sailing. There are roundtrips from SF/LA to Alaska. There may be a cruise out of Vancouver. But I am sure those itineraries are very limited. I could be wrong.

 

Actually many do make stops and do 6 and 7 night cruises. Not too interested in a roundtrip as we are thinking of heading to Vegas and then flying home from there. There are lots of cruises out of Vancouver.

Thanks Connie

[DnA2010]

We are booked on the 4 day Emerald cruise in Oct- Vancouver to LA- our first Princess cruise- I plan to report back :)

[Cruise Raider]

Thanks for your response. Good info I will rule out those ships. Wondering if a balcony is good or not worth the extra cost. There are other cruise lines that travel the same route so will check them out as well. It looks like a fall run not spring, that is almost certain now. Now to find the best itinerary and ship. Thanks again.

 

The need for a balcony is a good question. If we have one, we use it and if not, we really don’t miss it. The indoor pool is a big sticking point for us, though. We’ve enjoyed this itinerary on Celebrity. In that case, we get at least an ocean view cabin to snag the beverage package. On princess, you don’t get that perk unless you book a balcony or above and it’s only available once a year for booking ... oh, and it’s not available on shorter sailings on Princess, either.

[Cruise Raider]

Actually many do make stops and do 6 and 7 night cruises. Not too interested in a roundtrip as we are thinking of heading to Vegas and then flying home from there. There are lots of cruises out of Vancouver.

Thanks Connie

 

Btw, the casinos in Vegas have relationships with different cruiselines ... and there are perks availlable for both the cruiseline if you have any status in Vegas and in Vegas if you have any status with the cruiseline.

I know Celebrity and Royal have a relationship with the Mirage / MGM properties and NCL with Harrahs / Caesar’s properties. So, if you have status with either the casino corporations or with a particular cruiseline, it might be worth considering to get some extra perks or promotional pricing.

[Dreamer115]

The need for a balcony is a good question. If we have one, we use it and if not, we really don’t miss it. The indoor pool is a big sticking point for us, though. We’ve enjoyed this itinerary on Celebrity. In that case, we get at least an ocean view cabin to snag the beverage package. On princess, you don’t get that perk unless you book a balcony or above and it’s only available once a year for booking ... oh, and it’s not available on shorter sailings on Princess, either.

 

I await your report. We won't be going this year anyway so can wait to book. We actually had a cruise booked a couple of years ago with this itinerary and had to cancel, but now we question weather and cabin choice and even ship. I enjoy the indoor pool on the RCI ships don't like the big crowds on the outdoor one so that would be important I think. I wish RCI did this cruise.

Thanks for your response.

[Dreamer115]

Btw, the casinos in Vegas have relationships with different cruiselines ... and there are perks availlable for both the cruiseline if you have any status in Vegas and in Vegas if you have any status with the cruiseline.

I know Celebrity and Royal have a relationship with the Mirage / MGM properties and NCL with Harrahs / Caesar’s properties. So, if you have status with either the casino corporations or with a particular cruiseline, it might be worth considering to get some extra perks or promotional pricing.

 

I actually have points with Royal to get 250 obc but they don't sail the coast. If we choose to go to Hawaii instead I would use them.

[partybarbie]

I've done multiple California Coastal cruises. As others have said, September is the best month. Princess is offering one cruise that meets your criteria. It's 9/16/19, the Island Princess, which has a very nice covered pool. If you are interested, the pricing is good now. I wouldn't wait to book.

[Dreamer115]

I've done multiple California Coastal cruises. As others have said, September is the best month. Princess is offering one cruise that meets your criteria. It's 9/16/19, the Island Princess, which has a very nice covered pool. If you are interested, the pricing is good now. I wouldn't wait to book.

 

Thanks I will check it out.

[Serious Cruisers]

I see you too are from BC like us. We luv the 10 day no flying needed buy as much stuff as you wish in the ports w/o having to worry about how to get it on the plane!

 

We do them twice a year and always buy them about 3 to 4 weeks out when you just can't beat the last minute prices they offer.

[Dreamer115]

I see you too are from BC like us. We luv the 10 day no flying needed buy as much stuff as you wish in the ports w/o having to worry about how to get it on the plane!

 

We do them twice a year and always buy them about 3 to 4 weeks out when you just can't beat the last minute prices they offer.

 

Thanks for your reply Sounds like a good deal I will check that this year to see how it goes and am planning next year or perhaps 2020. I like to plan ahead and dream, can't afford yearly anymore.

Connie

[darstamp]

When would be the best time to cruise weather wise and which is best ship for this cruise and why? Perhaps having 3 generations. Pre teens to 70's.

Thanks Connie:confused:

 

We are doing a ten day round trip from Vancouver to California on September 24th on the Emerald. It is our first cruise on Princess. I picked it because it involves no flights for me as I live in Vancouver. Although I usually sail on NCL, their west coast itinerary is not very good. Stops are San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco for half a day and overnighting for a full day, then back to Van. Vancouver usually gets pretty decent weather around then but the weather is never guaranteed.

[Dreamer115]

We are doing a ten day round trip from Vancouver to California on September 24th on the Emerald. It is our first cruise on Princess. I picked it because it involves no flights for me as I live in Vancouver. Although I usually sail on NCL, their west coast itinerary is not very good. Stops are San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco for half a day and overnighting for a full day, then back to Van. Vancouver usually gets pretty decent weather around then but the weather is never guaranteed.

 

Thanks, we live in the Fraser Valley so am aware of our weather, just wanting to know weather it is nice enough to use a balcony or just get an inside and save the money for other things. Hoping for an inside pool too. I understand The Emerald doesn't have one so looking for others.

Thanks for your response.

[earlydiner]

We have taken this cruise on the Star a couple of times. I believe they were 10 days. Also taken it on Celebrity and Royal. All have very similar itineraries including Astoria, San Francisco, and Victoria. Royal is R/T Seattle, two cruises every September. They were all great. (I've yet to be on a bad cruise). Fall definitely gives you the best opportunity for good weather.

[tanyaewa]

We did LA to Vancouver - May 9-13 this year. The weather was nice. Very warm and sunshine in Victoria. We were on the Emerald. Only used the pool on Victoria port day. Every time I’ve done the west coast the weather has been quite cool at sea along Washington and Oregon

We also did 3 generations and all had an absolutely amazing time

[SJSchell]

I'm glad to hear so many people have had a great time. I've sailed this route 3 times (4th we booked last night for this September.) Beware of the swells if you are prone to sea sickness it might not be the route for you. Our last time was on the Star in December before Drydock with 20 ft swells. Have also sailed in September and May with similar conditions.

 

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[Dreamer115]

We did LA to Vancouver - May 9-13 this year. The weather was nice. Very warm and sunshine in Victoria. We were on the Emerald. Only used the pool on Victoria port day. Every time I’ve done the west coast the weather has been quite cool at sea along Washington and Oregon

We also did 3 generations and all had an absolutely amazing time

 

Thanks for the info. Glad you enjoyed the cruise.