Cruises to San Diego

306 Reviews
San Diego (Photo:littleny/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to San Diego

San Diego, California, is an exceptional cruise port that combines coastal beauty with an abundance of sunshine. This lively city offers a seamless blend of urban sophistication and relaxed beach vibes, providing a myriad of recreational opportunities such as sailing in the sparkling bay and hiking in the stunning Cuyamaca Mountains.

The multicultural heritage of San Diego, influenced by its Spanish and Mexican roots, enhances its charm. Explore the iconic Balboa Park, savor delicious tacos, and admire the Spanish street names that embellish the city.

One of the city's highlights is its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique cultural and ethnic identity. Within just eight miles of the cruise terminal, you'll find captivating neighborhoods like the historically rich Old Town, the artistic atmosphere of Hillcrest and North Park, as well as the lively beach town of Ocean Beach. Popular areas such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy are also conveniently accessible by foot. And don't miss the magnificent Balboa Park, home to the famous San Diego Zoo and the Old Globe Theater, just a short distance from the port.

San Diego also offers exciting day trip options for those with extra time. Enjoy family-friendly fun at SeaWorld or Legoland, tee off with an ocean view at Torrey Pines, or treat yourself to a gourmet dinner overlooking the sea in La Jolla. Within an hour's drive, you can experience the adrenaline of Del Mar's summer racing season or explore Temecula's vibrant wine country. And for a truly unique adventure, spend the night camping among lions, tigers, and giraffes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

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.

  • More about San Diego

  • Why Cruise to San Diego?

  • San Diego Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 191 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Zaandam
Zaandam Cabins

17 Night
Circle Hawaii

558 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

9 Night
Repo - Pacific Coastal

2,355 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Majestic Princess
Majestic Princess TA Listings Page Image

11 Night
Pacific Northwest Cruise

731 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Zaandam
Zaandam Cabins

4 Night
Pacific Coastal Cruise

558 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
U. S. Pacific Coast Cruise

1,777 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

5 Night
Pacific Coastal Cruise

963 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
Classic California Coast

866 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

4 Night
Pacific Coastal Cruise

963 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

14 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,043 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
U. S. Pacific Coast Cruise

147 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
Mexican Riviera - San Diego

2,043 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

7 Night
Mexican Riviera

866 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

20 Night
Panama Canal

1,200 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

15 Night
Panama Canal

558 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

36 Night
Transpacific Cruise

1,777 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

More about San Diego

Why Cruise to San Diego?

Pros:

The Port of San Diego is located right downtown, in California's sunny second-largest city

Cons:

Itineraries are somewhat limited to the Mexican Riviera and coastal cruises

Bottom Line:

It's a beautiful city with optimal weather and anything you want to do is a trolley ride away

San Diego Cruise Port Facilities?

There are no cafes, gift shops, ATMs or visitor information booths inside the cruise ship terminal; however, just outside the terminal is the International Visitors Center where multilingual staff and volunteers have information on activities, attractions, lodging and dining options, as well as maps and discounted tickets. The center is open seven days a week.

Good to Know?

Trips to Tijuana or other nearby Mexican beach towns can be problematic, especially on ship departure days. Border crossings are long and unpredictable, and violence and crime, plus rising prices for everything from tequila to sombreros, act to deter even savvy locals from making the trip.

Getting Around?

Taxis and airport shuttles will be plentiful at the port, airport or at downtown hotels. The port offers a list of shuttle services you can arrange in advance.

On Foot: From the port, it is a short walk to harbor attractions, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. If you're feeling adventurous, licensed pedicabs lined up at the port and around downtown can be fun transportation along the harbor and into the Gaslamp Quarter. Make sure the fee is agreed to in advance.

By Bus: The hop-on, hop-off (HOHO) Old Town Trolley is an efficient way to see highlights of downtown, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy and Old Town. Along the way, drivers entertain with colorful history (and some tall tales). There are several pick-up stops downtown and free shuttle service to the trolley from select hotels.

City bus service in San Diego is fairly complicated and slow and not recommended for visitors, unless they want to see some of the city's diverse residential areas.

By Car: Taxis are plentiful, but expensive; so for longer visits, a rental car might be a better option. The city's network of freeways is fairly easy to navigate, but avoid the rush hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

By Rail: For just-beyond attractions like Old Town and Mission Valley, there is a light-rail service from several downtown stops. The Coaster commuter train from downtown to Oceanside is no-hassle transportation to north county beach cities, including Encinitas and Carlsbad Village where the station stops are convenient to beaches, restaurants and shops.

During the summer horse racing season, there's a Pony Express train to Del Mar. The train leaves from the historic Santa Fe Depot near the port on Kettner Boulevard several times daily. Roundtrip fare is $8 to $11 depending on the destination.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city and just off the cruise terminal.

Language?

English is spoken everywhere, including in the tourist-friendly areas of Baja, Mexico.

Where You're Docked?

San Diego Cruise Port Address:
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal in San Diego harbor at the bayside entrance to downtown. It's a 20-minute walk to the bustling Gaslamp Quarter and 15 minutes to trendy Little Italy or the novelty shops at Seaport Village.


San Diego Cruise Reviews
We did the amphibious vehicle in the San Diego bay. Very interesting, relaxing and informative. After that excursion we went on the aircraft carrier which was docked close to our cruise ship. Would have liked moreRead More
User Avatar
Fireman326
We did San Diego on our own/with family. It's a beautiful city and we really enjoyed it. Read More
User Avatar
flhokie
San Diego was also a great port. We did the hop on hop off tour and our driver was exceptional. He played music relating to each stop and was also very funny. Old Town was great and the food at Coyote Café was very gRead More
User Avatar
ikamm1
we chose this san diego tour which ended at the airport where we retrieved our luggage from under the bus. A surprise was Balboa Park, which is more like Epcot (somewhat) than a plain park. Time for an hour lunch Read More
User Avatar
Balliett

Related Cruises

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

77 Reviews
Cruises to Fanning Island

Cruises to Fanning Island

14 Reviews
Cruises to Montreal

Cruises to Montreal

94 Reviews
Cruises to Amsterdam

Cruises to Amsterdam

1,057 Reviews
Cruises to Rouen

Cruises to Rouen

121 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

449 Reviews
Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

120 Reviews
Cruises to Marseille

Cruises to Marseille

936 Reviews
Cruises to Izmir

Cruises to Izmir

187 Reviews
Cruises to Adelaide

Cruises to Adelaide

106 Reviews
Cruises to Lima

Cruises to Lima

110 Reviews
Cruises to Rangiroa

Cruises to Rangiroa

30 Reviews
Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

87 Reviews
Cruises to Buzios

Cruises to Buzios

27 Reviews
Cruises to Hakodate

Cruises to Hakodate

26 Reviews
Cruises to Picton

Cruises to Picton

165 Reviews
Cruises to Speyer

Cruises to Speyer

48 Reviews
Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

37 Reviews
Cruises to Kinderdijk

Cruises to Kinderdijk

8 Reviews
Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)

Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)


Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.