Thread: which California port do you prefer?

Back on topic: I like San Pedro because I can fly into Long Beach (on Jet Blue), and catch a shuttle to the pier. Or, if I want to visit w/ family, I'll fly into SNA and they shuttle me to/from San Pedro. The Parental Units are retired and it's a nice drive for them, up Pacific Coast Hwy.

I haven't cruised out of San Diego, before, but I'd do that, in a New York Minute! The airport is so close to the pier (we watch the planes take off and land, from our balcony on the Monarch, all the time).

Originally Posted by lawoftheseas

Loca, I've considered cruises from SF, also ... but how are you planning to get to the pier? Aside from having a kindhearted friend drop us off, and pick us up (which would be wonderful, but unlikely), I'm trying to think of the logistics. Obviously, we can drive to the pier (we live a few miles from you), but what do we do with the car, as there really isn't a parking lot at the pier? The other thought would be to take Amtrak to Richmond and BART to The City, but we'd have to transfer to Muni ... and that's a lot of schlepping of the luggage (particularly on the Muni cars). So, I'm hoping that you'll have a suggestion that I haven't thought of. TIA!!!

The best way to get to the Pier from Sacramento is to take the train. The train goes to Emeryville and then a bus will take you to Fishermans Wharf. Along the way is the Pier, and for the most part the drivers are happy to stop and let you off there. It's about 24$ pp, a true bargain in this day and age!!

Great suggestion! I didn't know about Emeryville having a bus. I could just see us trying to wheel our bags, for a 7-night, down Market to Embarcadero!

I assume you take the train out of the Roseville Station. Where do you leave your car?

Thanks! You're so kind to entertain my questions!

I lived in the SF Bay area most of my adult life, and even thought I think The City is one of the greatest places on earth...I would not want to deal with the traffic, parking, and hassles associated with the pier's location when leaving on a cruise. San Diego would be my pick for best place in CA to cruise from.

I would love to cruise out of SF, but the cruises out of there are not going where I want to go.
San Diego..love that city. I would love to spend a couple of days pre cruise there , but haven't done that yet either.

There are two cruise line terminals in San Francisco. The most frequently used is near Fishermans Wharf. The other is just south of ATT park. The latter is in an area called China Basin. Lots of development going on there. The UC system is putting in its genetic research facilities. They have grown as much as possible at the Parnassus location (Just south of GG park and not far from the Haight Ashbury.