Expanded Holland America in San Diego

[DaveOKC]

13 hours ago, sleslie said:

Do you have any particular hotel recommendation near the pier?

I like the fairly new combination hotel, Springhill Suites/Residence Inn on Bayfront Ct.  It is right opposite the pier, but entrance is from the street behind, Pacific Hwy. (easy walk to ship though through courtyard).  Its less than 5 years old, has a nice breakfast buffet (free) and staff is very friendly.  No shuttle from airport though (unless this has changed so check).  Walking distance to most places in downtown area.

[Caribbean Chris]

2 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

I like the fairly new combination hotel, Springhill Suites/Residence Inn on Bayfront Ct.  It is right opposite the pier, but entrance is from the street behind, Pacific Hwy. (easy walk to ship though through courtyard).  Its less than 5 years old, has a nice breakfast buffet (free) and staff is very friendly.  No shuttle from airport though (unless this has changed so check).  Walking distance to most places in downtown area.

Glad to read your good comments. It sounded good when I was researching a while back so I booked that hotel for two nights prior to our upcoming January HAL cruise to Hawaii and back. 
 

Also glad to have the restaurant tips. Last Hawaii cruise in 2013, we ate one evening at Buon Appetito in Little Italy and enjoyed it. Also had a great lunch at one of the Mexican restaurants in Old Town. We used the Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley for a sightseeing tour that time.

[Caribbean Chris]

22 hours ago, TheEmerson said:

I do wish one day HAL would have some sailings from San Francisco.  But with Princess claiming that turf I doubt HAL will encroach on their sister brand.

A few years ago they had some longer Alaska cruises out of San Francisco and back. 

[RuthC]

36 minutes ago, Caribbean Chris said:

A few years ago they had some longer Alaska cruises out of San Francisco and back. 

Two years ago (2019), and three sailings only. They were wonderful! Great itinerary, marvelous lectures, interesting non-lecture enrichment programs. Chock full of learning about Alaska. 
I hated to see they were not going to be repeated in 2020, and likely never again. I am thrilled I had the one opportunity to take the final departure, and wish I could take that same cruise again some day. 

[kangforpres]

11 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Two years ago (2019), and three sailings only. They were wonderful! Great itinerary, marvelous lectures, interesting non-lecture enrichment programs. Chock full of learning about Alaska. 
I hated to see they were not going to be repeated in 2020, and likely never again. I am thrilled I had the one opportunity to take the final departure, and wish I could take that same cruise again some day. 

Yea I think those were part of the EXT or Extended Experience Program, they were on smaller ships with longer Itineraries, like going all the way up to Dutch Harbor. I've talk to some HAL cruise bookers onboard various ships about HAL's West Coast strategy and non of them seem to think sailing on a regular basis from SF is on the corporate radar. At least as of 2 years ago.

 

Edited June 30, 2021 by kangforpres

[Caribbean Chris]

15 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Two years ago (2019), and three sailings only. They were wonderful! Great itinerary, marvelous lectures, interesting non-lecture enrichment programs. Chock full of learning about Alaska. 
I hated to see they were not going to be repeated in 2020, and likely never again. I am thrilled I had the one opportunity to take the final departure, and wish I could take that same cruise again some day. 

 

I had my eye on those and wish now we had booked. We had such a wonderful experience on the Maasdam for two weeks out of Seattle at the end of August 2016. 

[TheEmerson]

1 hour ago, Caribbean Chris said:

A few years ago they had some longer Alaska cruises out of San Francisco and back. 

 

I completely missed seeing those.   Grumble.

[CruiserBruce]

The 14 day routes they were doing out of Seattle, and later scheduled (canceled by Covid) out of Vancouver,  were also excellent in depth looks at Alaska...actually docking in Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Whittier, (the 26 Glacier tour is awesome if the weather cooperates, as it did perfectly the day we were there)...just tons of scenery and new stuff, as opposed to the standard 7 day routes.

[DaveOKC]

52 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

The 14 day routes they were doing out of Seattle, and later scheduled (canceled by Covid) out of Vancouver,  were also excellent in depth looks at Alaska...actually docking in Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Whittier, (the 26 Glacier tour is awesome if the weather cooperates, as it did perfectly the day we were there)...just tons of scenery and new stuff, as opposed to the standard 7 day routes.

Agree.  We did the 14 day on the Amsterdam and really enjoyed the entire experience.

[rkacruiser]

21 hours ago, DAllenTCY said:

However, Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, and Monterrey all are tender ports.

 

For me to have to fly from where I live to visit such ports:  no interest whatsoever.  

[Boatdrill]

On 6/29/2021 at 4:14 PM, kangforpres said:

I Got a notice today about itinerary changes to my California Coastal in November. Monterrey out, SF now Overnight and Ensenada now 8am-4pm instead of 6pm - 11pm.

 

Don't really mind I just want it to sail somewhere!

 

-Paul

San Francisco was an overnight on the original itinerary. Too bad they replaced Monterey with Avalon. Monterey was one of the best things about this cruise.    

[kangforpres]

Just now, Boatdrill said:

San Francisco was an overnight on the original itinerary. Too bad they replaced Monterey with Avalon. Monterey was one of the best things about this cruise.    

Oh I thought Avalon was always on, it's the Catalina, Island stop right?

[Boatdrill]

Just now, kangforpres said:

Oh I thought Avalon was always on, it's the Catalina, Island stop right?

Yes.

[AncientWanderer]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

For me to have to fly from where I live to visit such ports:  no interest whatsoever.  

 

Honestly, being fairly familiar with these ports, they are at least equal to some of the tiny places we have visited in the Med -- many of which were done in a brief walkabout and perhaps a bite to eat.  Catalina has an interesting history.  I'm hoping that tours will be available of the old casino, and I'm anxious to get a look at the old Wrigley Mansion -- of chewing gum fame.  

Many years ago, we stayed at a B&B there that had been Zane Grey's home -- of western novel fame.  I was pleased to see that it is still open as a hotel.   

Of course, Monterey is wonderful.  Sadly, San Fran has lost much of its charm to DH and I, but a day out in the country wine-tasting or a jaunt over to Sausalito is a day very well-spent.  And for any Disney fan,  I can't recommend highly enough the Disney Family Museum not far from the port.  It's fantastic.

 

Of course, deciding to get on a plane for any distance during these trying days is a point to ponder.  But to me the itinerary is solid for the West Coast.  I mean, some of the wealthiest people in the world choose to live in Santa Barbara.

 

[Florida_gal_50]

42 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

Honestly, being fairly familiar with these ports, they are at least equal to some of the tiny places we have visited in the Med -- many of which were done in a brief walkabout and perhaps a bite to eat.  Catalina has an interesting history.  I'm hoping that tours will be available of the old casino, and I'm anxious to get a look at the old Wrigley Mansion -- of chewing gum fame.  

Many years ago, we stayed at a B&B there that had been Zane Grey's home -- of western novel fame.  I was pleased to see that it is still open as a hotel.   

Of course, Monterey is wonderful.  Sadly, San Fran has lost much of its charm to DH and I, but a day out in the country wine-tasting or a jaunt over to Sausalito is a day very well-spent.  And for any Disney fan,  I can't recommend highly enough the Disney Family Museum not far from the port.  It's fantastic.

 

Of course, deciding to get on a plane for any distance during these trying days is a point to ponder.  But to me the itinerary is solid for the West Coast.  I mean, some of the wealthiest people in the world choose to live in Santa Barbara.

 

It appeals to me as well.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[CATandSQUID]

On 6/28/2021 at 4:37 PM, AKJonesy said:

I'm thinking of taking about 4 days in San Diego before heading up Seattle for our cruise in September.  So, this would be mid-September.  I will not book a rental car and plan to book a hotel then get around on public transportation.  I would like to see the zoo, USS Midway, hit some good restaurants and anything else that might be interesting.  This is going to be a last minute situation, and would like to put it out there for any comments.  I guess what I am trying to do is extend the vacation a little bit now that cruises are only 7 days and we usually only go for a minimum of 14 days.  We've done everything in Seattle, so we are not really interested in heading there any earlier than necessary.  Any comments on a must do's etc.?

Liberty Station | San Diego, California

[takemewithyou]

1 hour ago, CATandSQUID said:

Liberty Station | San Diego, California

How far is Liberty Station from the cruise terminal?

It’s relatively new, right?

[CATandSQUID]

9 hours ago, takemewithyou said:

How far is Liberty Station from the cruise terminal?

It’s relatively new, right?

It's about 15 minutes from the cruise terminal.  It is in the Historic Navy RTC/NTC  buildings (1923). There are allot of restaurants and nice walking areas.

A Walk Back Through Time | Liberty Station | San Diego

[vswan]

These itineraries really appeal to me. Have a niece in San Diego we could visit and have spent a lot of time up and down the coast of California. My grandparents had a ranch - mom has since inherited - near San Luis Obispo and have flown into both north and south (including Santa Barbara) airports to visit many times. May just be me, but I love exploring the CA coast - if I lived there I would probably not be as excited about visiting the stops. Catalina Island was an interesting stop and I generally don't see it listed as an option on most cruises.

[Florida_gal_50]

@CATandSQUID I am staying at the westin at 400 west Broadway before my cruise.  I’m wondering if there is a drug store close.  I’m looking to pick up a few things pre cruise. There used to be a cvs (I think) very close at the shopping “complex” for lack of a better word next door.  I can’t remember the name.  I understand that has been knocked down.  Thank you for your help.

[DaveOKC]

17 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

@CATandSQUID I am staying at the westin at 400 west Broadway before my cruise.  I’m wondering if there is a drug store close.  I’m looking to pick up a few things pre cruise. There used to be a cvs (I think) very close at the shopping “complex” for lack of a better word next door.  I can’t remember the name.  I understand that has been knocked down.  Thank you for your help.

Rite Aid about a 6 block walk to the North and a Ralphs supermarket (nice) about that far to the SE.

[Florida_gal_50]

11 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

Rite Aid about a 6 block walk to the North and a Ralphs supermarket (nice) about that far to the SE.

Thank you so much.  Now if I can figure out which way is north and SE.  I’ve gotten lost a lot in San Diego 😛

[DAllenTCY]

Rite Aid is on the north east corner of Kettner and Ash Sts.

 

Ash St. is 1 block from the B Street Pier.  The north side of the Wyndam hotel is on Ash st.

 

Kettner is blocks east......just past the rail and trolley tracks.

 

David

 

 

 

 

 

[DaveOKC]

2 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Thank you so much.  Now if I can figure out which way is north and SE.  I’ve gotten lost a lot in San Diego 😛

Just ask at the front desk, they will know where Rite Aid is (also Ralphs).

 

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, DaveOKC said:

Just ask at the front desk, they will know where Rite Aid is (also Ralphs).

 

For sure, I will do that.  Hopefully it’s straight forward.  I get turned around easily.  It does sound pretty straight forward.   I think Ralph’s sounds the best for one stop shopping.  

Edited July 1, 2021 by Florida_gal_50