California Cruises

Experience the Wonders of California with CruiseAway

Welcome to **California**, a land of incredible diversity, where sun-soaked beaches, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities converge. A cruise to California is an unforgettable experience, offering cruisers a chance to explore world-famous attractions like the mesmerizing Golden Gate Bridge, beautiful coastal highways, and the glamorous lifestyle of cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Fun fact: California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, boasting some of the most stunning views in the United States! Booking a cruise allows you to soak in the beauty of this amazing state while enjoying luxurious onboard amenities and activities.

Must-Visit Harbours in California

When you cruise to **California**, you’ll have access to several top ports that offer unique experiences. Here are five key harbours to visit:

• Los Angeles: The City of Angels is a bustling metropolis known for its cultural hotspots and endless entertainment options. Spend your day exploring **Hollywood**, riding the iconic **Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel**, or visiting the star-studded **Walk of Fame**. Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out the trendy eateries in downtown LA, perfect for a quick bite before heading back to your ship!
• San Diego: Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe, San Diego is the perfect place to unwind. Visit the world-renowned **San Diego Zoo**, stroll through **Balboa Park**, or unwind in the **Gaslamp Quarter**. Pro tip: Try some authentic fish tacos from a local food truck—definitely a treat you won’t want to miss!
• San Francisco: As one of California’s iconic cities, San Francisco dazzles with attractions like the **Golden Gate Bridge**, vibrant neighborhoods, and the historic **Alcatraz Island**. Enjoy a ride on the famous **cable cars** for breathtaking views of the city. Insider tip: Experience a sunset walk at **Lands End** for stunning views of the Golden Gate and the coastline.
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: While technically outside California, this beautiful Mexican port is often included on cruise itineraries. Famous for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and unique rock formations like **El Arco**, it’s a perfect stop for water sports enthusiasts. Pro tip: Consider a sunset cruise to experience the beauty of the coastline in a whole new light!
• Ensenada, Mexico: Another port that’s just a stone’s throw away from California, Ensenada offers a delightful taste of Mexico. Explore the local markets, sample fresh seafood, or take a wine tour in the nearby Valle de Guadalupe. Insider tip: Try the fish tacos at the ‘Tacos del Gordo’ food cart—they’re famous for a reason!

Ideal Times to Cruise California

The best time to set sail to California typically lies between **May and September**, when temperatures soar between **22°C to 30°C**. This period is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the picturesque coastline. In the off-peak season, from **October to April**, you can enjoy milder temperatures ranging from **15°C to 22°C**, which may provide a quieter experience at some popular attractions. However, be mindful of the possibility of varying weather during these months, especially the rainy season!

Costs of Cruising California

Thinking about your budget? Expect to spend roughly **$1,600 to $3,000** for a one-week cruise to California, with two-week options ranging from **$3,200 to $6,000**. Prices for luxury cruises start at around **$5,000** for one week of pampered cruising. The most budget-friendly months to cruise tend to fall within the shoulder seasons, while summer months from **June to August** usually bring in higher costs. When it comes to dining, plan around **$20 to $50** per meal based on your dining preferences, whether it’s quick bites or sit-down meals.

Major Cruise Lines Offering California Adventures

• Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **11** sail to California, notably the **Ruby Princess** and **Island Princess**. Departures usually take place from **Sydney** and **Los Angeles**. Known for their broad range of onboard activities and experiences tailored to family fun, Princess Cruises has something for everyone on the high seas.
• Holland America Line: Featuring **11 ships**, **five** provide itineraries to California, including **Nieuw Amsterdam** and **Zaandam**. Most journeys begin from **Sydney** and **San Diego**. Holland America prides itself on delivering immersive cultural experiences, offering excellent onboard culinary and entertainment options.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: With a fleet of **29 ships** and **six** offering California cruises, the **Navigator of the Seas** and **Quantum of the Seas** are popular choices. Departures primarily happen from **Los Angeles** and **Vancouver**. Families and thrill-seekers will find plenty to love with innovative onboard activities like rock climbing and surf simulators, perfect for all adventurers.
• Carnival Cruise Line: With **26 ships** in the fleet, **five** sail to California, including **Carnival Radiance** and **Carnival Sunrise**. Departures often occur from **Long Beach** or **San Francisco**. Carnival is a top pick for those seeking budget-friendly vacations, offering tons of onboard entertainment and casual dining experiences.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With **20 ships**, **five** provide California itineraries, notably the **Norwegian Encore** and **Norwegian Joy**. Common departure points are **Los Angeles** and **Miami**. Norwegian’s freestyle cruising concept allows cruisers the ultimate flexibility, from dining to entertainment—perfect for families and individuals alike.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of **eight ships**, **four** travel to California, including the **Vista** and **Insignia**. Departures primarily occur from **Perth (Fremantle)** or **Los Angeles**. Known for its focus on culinary excellence, Oceania promises an exquisite dining experience featuring fine dining options designed by renowned chefs.
• Silversea: Featuring **13 ships**, **three** sail to California, with **Silver Shadow** and **Silver Moon** being popular vessels. Departures commonly happen from **Los Angeles** or **San Diego**. Silversea is distinguished by its all-inclusive experience, combining luxury with unrivaled service for an unforgettable journey.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury cruise line has **six ships**, with **three** cruising to California—namely **Seven Seas Grandeur** and **Seven Seas Mariner**. Departures most often occur from **Miami** or **Los Angeles**. Regent takes pride in its all-inclusive luxury concept, offering personalised service, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive excursions.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking’s fleet of **11 ships** includes **two** that offer itineraries to California, specifically the **Viking Neptune** and **Viking Sky**. Departures typically begin from **Los Angeles** or **Fort Lauderdale**. Renowned for their river and ocean cruises, Viking focuses on cultural enrichment and immersive experiences during various port visits.
• Seabourn: With a fleet size of **six**, **two** operate in California, specifically **Seabourn Sojourn** and **Seabourn Quest**. They usually depart from **Los Angeles** or **Miami**. Seabourn excels in delivering ultra-luxury experiences aboard smaller ships with elegant service and fine culinary choices.

Explore Alternative Regions

If you’re considering cruising to **California** but want to look at other exciting destinations, consider these alternative regions:

• Caribbean: Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, the Caribbean offers an idyllic escape with warm crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes for relaxation and recreation.
• Spanish Coast: With beautiful beaches and stunning views, the regions around **Costa del Sol** and **Balearic Islands** are sure to delight cruisers seeking sun and culture.
• Mexico: Exploring coastal towns and enjoying vibrant local traditions, Mexico offers a rich travel experience while also featuring beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.
• Southeast Asia: Experience exotic cultures, stunning beaches, and lush environments, perfect for those looking for adventure and a taste of vibrant street life.
• Florida: Renowned for its theme parks, beautiful coastlines, and diverse culture, Florida provides endless entertainment options for families and adventure seekers alike.

California promises a wealth of experiences, mixing stunning vistas, cultural experiences, and endless fun. Ready to take the plunge? Book your unforgettable cruise holiday with **CruiseAway** today and set sail for adventure!