California Coast Cruises

Experience the best of the West on California cruises

Best Cruises From the West Coast

Cruise Critic

From the rolling hills of California to the mist-shrouded mountains of the Pacific Northwest, lies 1,478 miles of coastline dotted with modern metropolises and charming towns full of personality. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed week sampling local culinary delights through California’s renowned wine country, an adventurous trek along the rugged Pacific coastline, or the inside scoop on Hollywood’s entertainment industry, Princess Cruises offers the best cruises from California.

the golden gate bridge in san francisco

Classic California Coast

Journey through the land of golden hills on roundtrip cruises departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Gaze across Monterey’s mesmerizing shoreline from a waterfront eatery. Watch the fog roll in as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Literally walk in the footsteps of screen legends at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Soak in all of California’s laid-back spirit while enjoying newly added summer departures.

vineyard amongst the rolling hills of California wine country

Pacific Wine Country

Drink wine so close to the source that you could reach out and touch the grapes on a Pacific Wine Country or Coastal cruise. Befriend a local who teaches you the best way to swirl world-famous reds in Napa. Uncover new layers in a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from a tasting room near the ocean in Santa Barbara. Discover the beauty of city life as you tour San Francisco by cable car with a newfound appreciation of a perfect California Coast pour.

Sailboats anchored in Catalina Island harbor

West Coast Getaways

Escape the everyday on a West Coast Getaway. Immerse yourself in the diverse history and charms of San Diego on an open-air trolley. Cruise to the welcoming port of Santa Barbara, and discover the beauty of the “American Riviera.” Take advantage of our newly added summer departures and savor a few days away.

The Princess Difference

Cuisine inspired by world–renowned chefs. Broadway-style entertainment from award-winning creators. Shore excursions crafted to immerse you into what makes the region truly unique. Princess knows that the journey and the destination aren’t separate, but together they make the most cherished memories.

With 2- to 11-day sailings and departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C., it’s easy to see why Cruise Critic has named our California Coast cruises the "Best Cruises from the West Coast." Experience what draws people to California, from fog-covered redwood forests to bright lights and excitement.

two glasses of red wine clinking together for a toast

With spectacular ships offering everything you’d find at an seaside resort – from gourmet dining to world-class entertainment – there’s no better way to see the West Coast’s best cities, hidden gems and famed Wine Country than aboard our California cruises. Savor a unique selection of California wines, and partake in our new Silverado Wine Blending Experience. Sample cuisine from some of L.A.’s hottest chefs, such as Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura. Our Entertainer’s Showcase features Hollywood insiders, from actors to musicians and writers, sharing stories and plying their craft. Princess also offers Discovery™ and California Science Center curated activities that explore California’s wildlife, history and national parks.

a windmill

Extraordinary adventures await in diverse ports, from Ensenada to Santa Barbara and Vancouver, B.C., each rippling with indelible beauty. Rejuvenate your senses as you stroll sun-kissed beaches and sip luscious wines under the stars. Explore laid-back coastal cities and walk beneath ancient reaching branches in the Muir Woods. Watch for marine mammals with a keen eye and quick shutter finger, as the most beautiful parts of this coast are often hidden in plain sight. Learn more about California Cruise shore excursions

We have a wide range of comfortable accommodations for families or friends traveling together. There is room for up to four guests in all types of staterooms — Interior, Oceanview, Balcony and Mini-Suites — many with interconnecting options too! For families or groups traveling with five or more members, we offer a Two-Bedroom Family Suite option — with room for up to eight people, luxury amenities and a comfortable sitting room.

Indulge in the Finest Cuisine on a California Cruise

Wining and dining are integral parts of the California Coast cruise experience. From fajitas and margaritas to wine-tasting events and local delights that celebrate fresh ingredients and exotic influences, Princess serves up a diverse menu of food and dining options throughout the day.

Celebrate California Wines On Board a West Coast Cruise

Excite your palate with gourmet pairings at Vines wine bar. Learn what makes California wine some of the best in the world through tastings and talks with experts. Experiment with flavors and aromas under expert guidance to create your own signature wine blend.

California Cruise Entertainment

Hollywood has always been the mecca for entertainment so it should come as no surprise that we bring the hottest talent to the Princess stages. Enjoy the best music, entertainment and craftsmanship of Hollywood and Broadway in this exclusive opportunity on board a Princess California Coast cruise.

Culture & Marine Life on Cruises from California

Get to the heart of life on the coast with locally inspired programs and partnerships. Witness fantastic displays of nature like expressive sea lions and migrating whales. Learn about colorful, historical cultures and more on our California Coast cruise.

Pacific Coast Cruise Ports and Excursions

Immerse yourself in the colorful sights and sounds of the Golden State and beyond. Locals wear the region’s signature laid-back spirit like a uniform. It’s in the sand, on the streets and in hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Pictures don’t do it justice; it has to be felt and experienced, and the best way to do so is on board a Princess West Coast cruise.

view from a bridge off the california coastline

California coast cruise shore excursions

Uncover the history, natural wonders and culinary delights of the California Coast through shore excursions specially designed to show you more of the state. Inspire your mind with up-close encounters with fascinating creatures and sites on immersive Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ excursions.

Discover even more with discovery at sea

Princess has joined forces with Discovery to offer exclusive excursions and tours that are not only fascinating for the whole family, but also recommended by two of the most trusted names in world travel – Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Hear inside stories from regional experts, and learn what it’s really like to live in each of the areas you’re visiting during your Princess California cruise.

discovery exclusive and animal planet exclusive shore excursions

Explore the Ports of the West Coast on a California Cruise

Highlights of things to see and do on shore

rock formations appear down the coast of the astoria shore line
rock formations appear down the coast of the astoria shore line

Enjoy a narrated drive around Astoria, and visit the Astoria Column, view the Flavel House and many picturesque homes, hotels and neighborhoods that have been featured in movies like The GooniesShort CircuitBenji the Hunted and others. Take in the views and brews of some Astoria's finest craft beers while looking out over the scenic Columbia River.

a view of the ensenada coastline with rocky shore and houses
a view of the ensenada coastline with rocky shore and houses

Head south and dance to live mariachi music in the Riviera del Pacifico. Visit the oldest winery in Baja California, and enjoy the beautiful weather as you taste wines crafted from nearly ancient vines. Sample delectable dishes under beach umbrellas, and enjoy the day’s special from local street vendors. If you’d like to see one of the world’s largest marine geysers, visit the scenic peninsula of Punta Banda, home to La Bufadora.

a view of los angeles from behind the Hollywood sign
a view of los angeles from behind the Hollywood sign

L.A. is more than swimming pools, shopping and palm trees. It’s a world-class city that embraces its movie star good looks. Explore the star-studded Hollywood Hills. Visit the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre’s Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features the handprints, footprints and autographs of more than 200 stars like John Wayne, Judy Garland and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson preserved in cement. Wander Olvera Street for authentic colors and tastes of Old Mexico.

the coastline of san diego with palm trees in the foreground and city skyline in the background
the coastline of san diego with palm trees in the foreground and city skyline in the background

Relax on a sun-soaked beach. Take a tour of the county’s thriving wineries. ‘Ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the 4,000 rare animal breeds that call the San Diego Zoo their home. Watch thrilling shows featuring bottlenose dolphins at Sea World Adventure Park. Enjoy that south-of-the-border feeling with a stroll through Old Town. Sample the nightlife – all Classic California Coast cruises stay here until 11 p.m.

Princess cruise ship sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Princess cruise ship sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

You just may leave your heart in this iconic city. Home to cable cars, fog and world-class food, San Francisco is a cosmopolitan city with hip neighborhoods, parks and gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll down Lombard Street, the “most crooked” street in the world. Watch interesting characters flow through Union Square from a coffee shop window. Appreciate 1,000-year-old redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument.

vineyard in santa barbara at sunset
vineyard in santa barbara at sunset

Nicknamed “America’s Riviera,” Santa Barbara boasts whitewashed houses draped with bougainvillea, sapphire-blue water rolling up a rocky coast and palm-lined beaches. Even with all of that beauty, wine and whales may be the stars of this charming coastal city. Journey to the quaint Danish village of Solvang for wine tasting. Step aboard a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the glistening waters of the Channel Islands to watch whales and dolphins frolic.

downtown seattle skyline at daytime
downtown seattle skyline at daytime

At 110 years old, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is the country’s oldest continuously operated public farmers' market. It’s also home to the original Starbucks, where javaphiles toast to the legendary coffeehouse. Let your eye guide you to local art, and your nose to hole-in-the-wall eateries, along eclectic streets. Tour and sample the wines hidden away in the state’s most popular wineries’ private cellars.

park walkway in vancouver with a lake and some boats
park walkway in vancouver with a lake and some boats

If you’re looking for adventure in Vancouver, gather up your courage for a daring walk across the nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge swaying 50 meters high. Stop and smell the cherry blossoms in world-famous Stanley Park, a West Coast rainforest fittingly dubbed the “Green Heart” of Vancouver. Ascend Grouse Mountain in the Super SkyRide tramway for a postcard-worthy view of the city over rolling hills of Douglas firs.

California Coast Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about the must-see attractions, unique cuisine and the West Coast’s signature style you’ll encounter on a California coast cruise.

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