We wanted a short break so sailed from Vancouver to San Diego. We arrived into the bus-train station and used the nearby Skytrain to get to Canada Place, which was very easy to use and inexpensive. We checked in at 1:00 and had no wait to check in or go through customs although the NA was the only ship in port that day.

We enjoyed the small port of Astoria, where we used the antique tram. In San Fransisco we took the HAL Hop On-Off excursion that included the boat trip around Alcatraz. The tour was fine, but took most of our in port time so we didn't get to explore. We really wish HAL would do overnights in the main ports. Tendered into Avalon next. Very small place with nice beach, restaurants and not much else (wish we'd just stayed another day in S.F.) Arrived into San Diego and walked right off at our allotted disembarkation time.

The food was the best we ever had and that's high praise as we cruise once or twice a year. We'll be on the Veendam next year so hope to have another great experience.