San Francisco cruises can be enjoyed for a full day or shorter excursions. The city is widely known as one of the world’s busiest and most popular ports for tourism, and there are many ways to explore the city and its wonderful skyline from the water. An even longer voyage, such as San Francisco to Alaska cruises to the far north can also be a wonderful way to see the California coastline along with the beauty of Alaska.

Just about all San Francisco to Alaska cruises sail up the California, Oregon, and Washington State coastlines, and may make a stop in Vancouver before entering the Gulf of Alaska. The length of these San Francisco cruises are usually at least two weeks, and there are others that last three or four weeks. Depending on the cruise line you choose, San Francisco to Alaska cruises will usually make various stops at coastline ports on its way up north. Much Alaska cruise sailing from San Francisco will include a stop in Seattle, where it will likely pick up additional passengers, as well as give anyone taking an Alaska cruise sailing from San Francisco a chance to hop off the ship and shop at the famous Pike Place Market.

Planning a San Francisco sunset dinner cruise through the harbor can be a great way to enjoy this beautiful area. There are also longer sightseeing excursions that often include picnic lunches and spend most of the day sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and viewing other sights in the bay. San Francisco cruises will ferry guests through the harbor of San Francisco beginning about an hour before sunset, usually lasting well past sunset. Many dinner cruises last far into the night, with unlimited drink services or a cash bar, depending on the cruise service, as well as dancing. There are a number of companies operating sunset dinner cruises in San Francisco, but it is usually a good idea to make your reservations in advance no matter which company you choose.

San Francisco Map

If you plan to stay within the United States, rules have remained the same regarding cruise travel over the years. If you plan to take a cruise to Mexico or Canada, note that passport regulations have recently changed, and it is a good idea to be fully aware of the most current regulations before booking your trip.

The Grand Princess San Francisco to Alaska Cruises

In May of 2013, the Princess Cruise Lines’ Grand Princess begins San Francisco to Alaska cruises, featuring such highlights as the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. There will also be cruisetours, most notably those that include a land stay in beautiful Denali National Park where guests will stay in the beautiful Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Launched in 1998, the Grand Princess spent an extensive time in drydock beginning in May of 2011 to undergo a complete redesign. If you’ve sailed on her before, you will hardly recognize her now. She boasts a number of new dining venues as well as a specialty tea lounge named “Leaves.” New window suites were added; the casino, art gallery, spa, wedding chapel, and other areas were redesigned or remodeled. You’ll also find a number of entertainment venues. The Grand Princes can accommodate 3,100 passengers and operates with a crew of 1,100.