My wife and I decided that a little vacation was needed so we started searching for something a little different besides going to the Caribbean. We found this cruise on the Grand Princess going down the California coast from San Francisco to be just what the doctor ordered.

We arrived in the Bay Area five days early and explored the coast down to San Simeon and back ending at the Presidio Inn and Suites (do not stay there pre or post cruise). Access to the port was easily obtained by using public transit, cost is $2.25 for regular fare (less for seniors and for all surface routes excluding cable cars) and the bus we ended on (bus 8) dropped you off a couple hundred yards from the terminal. If this is too far to walk, you can get on the historic street car to take you the last little bit.

Embarkation was a breeze, one of the easiest times we have ever had. We showed up a little early from the time requested by Princess but were still onboard in fifteen minutes and were able to get into our cabin immediately to drop off ourcarry-on luggage. Disembarkation was similarly easy. Read more