Explore the Baja outback atop a camel, watch capuchin monkeys frolic in the rainforest, see the deepest lake in Central America and learn the rich history of the Mayans. These are just a few of the many offerings in the Port of San Diego’s 2013-2014 cruise season.
The Holland America Zaandam will be the first ship of the season on September 19, 2013 as it finishes up a four-day Pacific Coast cruise which began in Vancouver, B.C. Guests departing the ship will be welcomed by San Diego’s balmy late-summer weather which may persuade them to extend their vacations for a day or two.
On September 22, 2013, the Celebrity Solstice pulls into harbor early in the morning from Catalina Island, its last port of call. Passengers can spend the day exploring San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town, or enjoy prime shopping and culinary adventures in picturesque La Jolla before departing for the final port of call; Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
That same day, the Celebrity Millennium departs San Diego for an exciting, 15-day Panama Canal adventure. This action-packed voyage starts in San Diego and heads for more sunshine and warmth in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It then heads for the exotic and lush landscape of Panama and crosses through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal before heading to Cartagena, Columbia and finishing up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
There are plenty of offsite excursions for guests when the Millennium docks in the various ports of call. Of special note is an eco-tour through the Baja outback in Cabo San Lucas. Adventurers can appreciate the beauty of the desert landscape with an ocean view from atop a camel. The outing takes guests to a local ranch where they can dine on regional Mexican food and tequila.
In October, additional cruises with San Diego on the itinerary include a 30-day journey to Hawaii and French Polynesia on Holland America’s Statendam. The cruise begins in San Diego on October 4, 2013 and returns to San Diego on November 3, 2013.
For those wanting to take in the best of California, Princess Cruises offers a seven-day California Coast voyage on the Star Princess. The cruise begins September 29, 2013 in Los Angeles and arrives in San Diego on October 4 , 2013. It also stops in San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Ensenada.