THE 11 BEST 3 Day Cruises from San Diego Prices & Itineraries on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Ride in Style on the 13 Best Boat Tours & Bay Cruises
• Check the Suggested Dress Code
• San Diego Whale Watching Tours
• 90-Minute San Diego SEAL Tour
• California

With its ideal weather, rich cultural diversity, and proximity to numerous attractions, San Diego is the perfect place to embark on an unforgettable cruise. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, rejuvenating relaxation, or immersive cultural experiences, a cruise from San Diego offers endless possibilities. Set sail today and discover the wonders that await you in this enchanting coastal city. With a range of world-renowned cruise lines sailing from its cruise terminal, you can explore diverse destinations around the globe and plan their ideal getaway departing from this unique city.

Ride in Style on the 13 Best Boat Tours & Bay Cruises

Our expert guide will entertain you with local insights and panoramic views that connect San Diego’s past, present and future. This is our most popular cruise, a must-do for visitors and locals alike! From the moment your ship arrives, the Port of San Diego welcomes you with breathtaking views and nonstop excitement.

Check the Suggested Dress Code

This is an incredible way to explore the city and familiarize yourself with some of its top locations and best beaches so you can better explore them on foot later. Cruises and other tours through the harbor and San Diego Bay are a great way to get your bearings around the city, especially if you want to learn more about the area. Join Todd in the Embarcadero of San Diego neighborhood for an all-inclusive tour of Wyndham San Diego Bayside.

San Diego Whale Watching Tours

Tourism also plays a major role in the city, as do biotech and telecommunication services. By day, visit stunning port destinations in California and Canada, or Central and South America. Spend the evenings dining in one of our world-class restaurants, watching spectacular shows at the theater, and sipping on artisanal cocktails in one of our bars and lounges. Stay in one of our spacious accommodations and enjoy unbeatable views of the Pacific Coast, or experience the magic of crossing the iconic Panama Canal from the comfort of your own veranda. With 1,200 acres of hiking trails, fountains, beautiful architecture, gardens and museums it is easy to spend an entire day getting lost in Balboa Park. There are also venues located in the park featuring numerous performing arts shows like concerts, plays and youth ballet performances.

Don't forget to explore America's Finest City before you depart on your San Diego cruise!

If hiking, enjoying a seaside picnic and Pacific Ocean views are your thing, you've come to the right place. From the engine room to the flight deck, the USS Midway museum is home to 60 carefully preserved exhibit areas and 30 restored aircraft taking you on a unique warship journey the moment you step on board. The Embarcadero and nearby areas offer plenty of options for paid parking during your cruise. Please note that passengers may not park on the pier during their cruise.

Top San Diego Cruise Destinations Departing 2024

You can see it all when you embark on a cruise or tour of the harbor, which lets you explore many notable sites from the sea. Don't skip exploring beautiful beaches like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Cove with its adorable seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks, or spending some time meandering through fascinating architecture. Educational attractions like the San Diego Museum of Man, and the USS Midway Museum, offer the perfect balance to all of the sun and fun in this vibrant city. For a luxurious and unforgettable journey, choose to take one of the Panama Canal cruises offered by Holland America. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.

Robotaxis in San Diego? Autonomous car co. Cruise testing — with drivers — in Gaslamp - NBC San Diego

Robotaxis in San Diego? Autonomous car co. Cruise testing — with drivers — in Gaslamp.

Posted: Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Before you leave on your fabulous cruise, make sure to take some time to explore San Diego. The city is full of world class attractions like the San Diego Zoo (one of the best zoos in the country), Balboa Park, the LEGOLAND California. Beautiful historic neighborhoods like Gaslamp Quarter offer the perfect place to grab an excellent meal or a cocktail and some live music during your stay. Surrounded by spectacular views, luxury comforts and a relaxing breeze, Flagship puts you at the center of it all.

Exploring Mission Bay by kayak is an unforgettable experience that you must add to your bucket list! Rent a single or tandem kayak from us and enjoy the beauty of this stunning San Diego bay. Our clear bottom kayaks give you an up-close and personal look at the marine life below. Its inventive new restaurants and huge craft-brewing industry are something to be explored.

The cruises traverse the length of the Embarcadero and the San Diego Bay, starting off in the harbor and heading out into the Pacific Ocean. Take your pick of more standard cruise options with live narration, or look for more unique experiences like jet boat rides, whale watching excursions, dinner cruises, and paddle boat rides. You can even rent out your own sailing vessel and travel at your own pace, or with the assistance of a helpful guide. The Port of San Diego welcomes you to a charming waterfront paradise, a city that offers nothing but good times and even better fish tacos. Discover the perfect destination for fun with friends, a romantic getaway, or a trip with the little ones, all within sight of your ship.

With our two cruise ship terminals located right in the heart of the city, picturesque sunsets and a dazzling skyline greet you and will have you wishing you could stay forever. Additionally, the San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers real-time flight information, as well as additional parking and transportation options. SAN is less than 10 minutes’ drive from our cruise ship terminals, approximately two miles north. Come celebrate the sights, sounds and stories of San Diego aboard a Flagship harbor tour. Cruise alongside playful sea lions, Navy ships, scenic skyline architecture, past historic landmarks and under the Coronado Bridge.

They are led by knowledgeable whalers and captains who know where to find not only whales and dolphins, but also sea lions, sunfish, pelicans, gulls, herons, and terns. Sail in comfort on a luxury, modern yacht that includes three levels of indoor and outdoor seating areas. As you take in the view, you can also enjoy the complimentary snack bar, water, and soda, with beer, wine, and cocktails available to purchase.

Offerings include a carving station, multiple breakfast and lunch options, pastries, salads, seafood, and a decadent dessert to top off the afternoon. Soothing music completes the ambiance and ensures you’ll experience total relaxation during the cruise. The migration season for gray whales lasts from winter to spring, as the whales move south from the coast of Alaska down to Baja California to calve in warmer lagoons. Meanwhile, tour-goers who book tickets in the summer will have the chance to see blue whales, which can frequently be spotted feeding off the California coast.

Top Cruise Lines from Charleston SC: Find Your Perfect Voyage

Table Of Content

• Driving Directions to the Charleston Cruise Pier
• Cruise Line 7: Silversea Cruises
• Must-Have Travel Accessories
• Charleston to Florida Cruises
• Charleston to Southern Caribbean
• CRUISE PORTS BY REGION

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience, Fantasy Cruises offers an unforgettable voyage to create lifelong memories. In summary, American Cruise Lines offers a distinctive and enriching cruising experience departing from Charleston. With their small ships, intimate atmosphere, and carefully crafted itineraries, passengers can discover the beauty and charm of the Eastern Seaboard and beyond.

Driving Directions to the Charleston Cruise Pier

Carnival Ship Delayed Due to Severe Weather, Strong Winds - Cruise Hive

Carnival Ship Delayed Due to Severe Weather, Strong Winds.

Posted: Sat, 27 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Princess Cruises, another premier cruise line offering voyages from Charleston, SC, delivers an experience synonymous with elegance and relaxation. I’ve noticed their ships are often praised for their refined design and gracious service, making the adventure at sea as enchanting as the destinations themselves. The moment you step aboard, the atmosphere resonates with an aura of sophistication that’s both welcoming and intimate. Guests have several dining options, including Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, as well as miscellaneous cuisines such as Italian and Japanese. Once arrived at the destinations, guests can enjoy a myriad of shore excursions led by a team of professionals.

Cruise Line 7: Silversea Cruises

Located a 30-minute drive opposite Folly Beach, you can find the picture-perfect Isle of Palms Beach. Its white sand and sand bar make you feel like you’re in a tropical beach town rather than just being a short drive from the state’s most populous city. They even offer porter agents to help direct and assist those with wheelchairs and other mobility needs. As a bonus, the port even offers complimentary parking and shuttles from the parking lots to those with vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or identification card. You will also find plenty of benches and vending machines that can be used to pass the time before boarding your ship.

Must-Have Travel Accessories

Charleston cruise port terminal is located at the Union Pier, in the historic district of the city's downtown. It is easily accessible via Highway 17-North, Highway 17-South, and also Interstate 26. Charleston International Airport is at approx 20 min drive distance from the terminal. Port Charleston SC cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Charleston SC, South Carolina. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

FOOTSTEPS OF TIME

I’m able to choose from a wide array of culinary delights ranging from casual cafés to upscale specialty restaurants. And it’s worth mentioning that Norwegian also caters to various dietary restrictions, ensuring that nobody misses out on the feast. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Starting at just $409, choose the perfect cruise from Charleston that fits your traveling desires.

In summary, Silversea Cruises offers an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication departing from Charleston. With their small, elegant ships, all-inclusive offerings, and exceptional service, Silversea Cruises creates an indulgent and unforgettable journey. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking an extraordinary adventure, or desiring the ultimate escape, Silversea Cruises delivers an experience that is truly beyond compare. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and refinement, Silversea Cruises offers an exquisite cruising experience departing from Charleston. With their fleet of small, ultra-luxurious ships, Silversea Cruises provides an unparalleled level of elegance and personalized service. The spacious and stylish cabins offer ocean views, and some even feature private verandas.

Cruises out of Charleston

The cruise terminal is well-marked, so just make sure you are following the signs. You will eventually take the exit towards Morrison Drive, then turn right onto Washington Street, where you will find the main parking area and entrance to Union Pier Terminal. For cruise passengers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is located roughly 12 miles from Union Pier Terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive on the same day as their cruise. The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations.

Carnival passenger documents 24-hour nightmare as storm pounded cruise ship off Southeast coast - Fox Weather

Carnival passenger documents 24-hour nightmare as storm pounded cruise ship off Southeast coast.

Posted: Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This cruise is significantly cheaper than the Freeport and Nassau route, costing a total of $229 per person. After 10 years of sailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that its homeport agreement with the South Carolina Ports Authority will not be extended beyond 2024.

CRUISE PORTS BY REGION

Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this beach is popular with surfers and those looking to take in stunning sunsets. The beach is also surrounded by independently owned-restaurants and snack bars. Fort Sumter is a well-preserved sea fort built on an artificial island off the mainland of Charleston. View gun emplacements and a Civil War Museum on the exact location where the war’s first shots were fired. If you stick to the waterfront and walk 12 to 15 minutes north, you can find the South Carolina Aquarium. You can also explore the Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Center, which is attached to the aquarium.

Charleston Cruise Port offers relatively basic terminal facilities, as there has not been any concerted effort to renovate and update the main terminal. With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building. There are some cruise lines that do make calls at the port, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Taxis take about 20 minutes, but it is a good idea to set off early, as traffic can be an issue if you arrive on weekdays and get stuck in commuter traffic. Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher. To complement its impeccable service and luxurious ambiance, Princess Cruises is dedicated to environmental stewardship.

Their ships feature amenities like spacious family cabins, and the Adventure Ocean youth program keeps kids engaged with educational and fun activities. This careful blend of features makes Royal Caribbean a top choice not just for individual travelers but for families looking to create lasting memories. For those interested in culture and learning, the onboard programs are excellent. I’ve attended art auctions, cooking demonstrations, and lectures on various topics—all enriching experiences that add depth to the journey.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a solo adventure, there’s a cruise line that’s perfect for you. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a memorable journey from the enchanting city of Charleston. Following the failure to renew Carnival Cruise Line’s deal with the South Carolina Ports Authority, cruise ships will no longer be allowed to start journeys from the city. With that said, cruise ships will still be allowed to dock at Charleston temporarily, but only for same-day port of call stops rather than overnight stays. Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years. The passenger terminal couldn't be more convenient; it's within strolling distance of everything.

What sets American Cruise Lines apart is its focus on exploring the hidden gems and lesser-known destinations of the United States. From the historic charm of Charleston to the picturesque coastal towns of South Carolina and Georgia, these itineraries offer a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Guests have the opportunity to visit charming ports of call, experience local cuisine, and delve into the cultural heritage of each destination. Accommodations on Royal Caribbean’s ships are spacious and well-appointed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.