Where Do Cruise Ships Leave From in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf are just a few of the iconic sights that make San Francisco a popular tourist destination. But did you know that San Francisco is also a major cruise ship port?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of passengers embark on cruises from San Francisco, taking in the sights of the city before setting sail for destinations around the world.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where cruise ships leave from in San Francisco, what to expect on a cruise from San Francisco, and some of the most popular destinations that San Francisco cruises visit.

So if you’re thinking about taking a cruise from San Francisco, read on for all the information you need to know!

| Cruise Ship Line | Cruise Ship Name | Departure Port |
|—|—|—|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Spirit | Pier 21 |
| Princess Cruises | Crown Princess | Pier 27 |
| Royal Caribbean International | Radiance of the Seas | Pier 29 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Star | Pier 35 |

Port of San Francisco

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport located on the San Francisco Bay in California. It is the 5th busiest port in the United States in terms of container traffic and the 7th busiest in terms of total cargo. The port is home to three cruise ship terminals, which are located at Pier 27, Pier 39, and Pier 80.

Location and history

The Port of San Francisco is located on the northern shore of San Francisco Bay, just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. The port was established in 1848, shortly after the founding of the city of San Francisco. The port quickly became a major shipping hub, due to its strategic location on the Pacific coast and its deepwater access to the San Francisco Bay.

In the early 20th century, the port was expanded to accommodate larger ships. The first cruise ship terminal was built at Pier 39 in 1958. Pier 27 and Pier 80 were added in the 1970s and 1980s, respectively.

Facilities and services

The Port of San Francisco has a variety of facilities and services to support cruise ship operations. These include:

  • Three cruise ship terminals
  • A passenger terminal building at Pier 27
  • A cruise ship parking lot at Pier 80
  • A variety of restaurants and shops at Pier 39
  • A ferry terminal at Pier 39
  • A public transportation terminal at Pier 39

Cruise lines that call on the port

The Port of San Francisco is home to a variety of cruise lines, including:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport and a popular destination for cruise ships. The port offers a variety of facilities and services to support cruise ship operations, and it is home to a variety of cruise lines.

Where Do Cruise Ships Leave From In San Francisco?

There are three main cruise terminals in San Francisco:

  • Pier 27, operated by Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises
  • Pier 35, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International
  • Pier 80, operated by MSC Cruises

Pier 27 is located on the Embarcadero, just south of Fisherman’s Wharf. Pier 35 is located on the waterfront in the South of Market (SoMa) district. Pier 80 is located in the Bayview district, about 5 miles from downtown San Francisco.

The distance from downtown San Francisco to each cruise terminal is as follows:

  • Pier 27: 1.5 miles
  • Pier 35: 2 miles
  • Pier 80: 5 miles

The best way to get to a cruise terminal in San Francisco depends on your starting point. If you’re staying in downtown San Francisco, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to the terminal. If you’re staying in a different part of the city, you can take public transportation.

The following table shows the public transportation options for each cruise terminal:

| Cruise Terminal | Public Transportation Options |
|—|—|
| Pier 27 | |
| Pier 35 | |
| Pier 80 | |

For more information on how to get to a cruise terminal in San Francisco, visit the San Francisco Port Authority website.

Things to Do in San Francisco Before or After Your Cruise

San Francisco is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of things to see and do, both before and after your cruise.

Here are a few of the top things to do in San Francisco:

  • Visit the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It’s a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco.
  • See the Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses that are located in the Haight-Ashbury district. They’re one of the most photographed landmarks in San Francisco.
  • Take a cable car ride. San Francisco’s cable cars are a national historic landmark. They’re a fun and unique way to see the city.
  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination. It’s home to a variety of seafood restaurants, shops, and attractions.
  • Explore Chinatown. Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. It’s a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that’s full of interesting things to see and do.

For more ideas on things to do in San Francisco, visit the San Francisco tourism website.

Tips for Planning Your Cruise from San Francisco

Planning a cruise from San Francisco can be a lot of fun. But it’s also important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared.

Here are a few tips for planning your cruise from San Francisco:

  • Book your cruise early. Cruises from San Francisco tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. If you want to get the best selection of cabins and prices, book your cruise as early as possible.
  • Choose the right cruise line and itinerary. There are a variety of cruise lines that offer cruises from San Francisco. Each line has its own unique offerings, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. You also need to decide what type of itinerary you want. Do you want to explore the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, or something else?
  • Pack the right clothes. The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack a variety of clothes. You’ll need to pack clothes for warm weather, cold weather, and rain. You should also pack comfortable shoes for walking around the city.
  • Get a passport. If you’re sailing to a foreign destination, you’ll need a valid passport. Make sure you get your passport well in advance of your cruise.
  • Don’t forget your travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you in case of illness, accidents, or other unexpected events. It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance before your cruise.

For more tips on planning your cruise from San Francisco, visit the San Francisco Port Authority website.

San Francisco is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. It’s a great place to start or end a cruise. With its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods,

Where do cruise ships leave from in San Francisco?

  • Fisherman’s Wharf is the most popular departure point for cruises from San Francisco. Cruise lines that depart from Fisherman’s Wharf include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
  • The Port of Oakland is another popular departure point for cruises from San Francisco. Cruise lines that depart from the Port of Oakland include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises.
  • The Port of San Francisco is the third and final departure point for cruises from San Francisco. Cruise lines that depart from the Port of San Francisco include MSC Cruises and Cunard Line.

What is the best time of year to take a cruise from San Francisco?

The best time of year to take a cruise from San Francisco depends on your interests. If you want to see whales, the best time to go is from December to April. If you want to experience warm weather, the best time to go is from May to September.

What are the different types of cruises that depart from San Francisco?

There are many different types of cruises that depart from San Francisco, including:

  • Alaska cruises: These cruises depart from San Francisco in the spring and summer and take passengers to Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
  • Hawaii cruises: These cruises depart from San Francisco in the winter and spring and take passengers to Hawaii’s beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests.
  • Mexico cruises: These cruises depart from San Francisco year-round and take passengers to Mexico’s beaches, Mayan ruins, and colonial cities.
  • Caribbean cruises: These cruises depart from San Francisco year-round and take passengers to the Caribbean’s white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.

What are the best things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise?

There are many great things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise, including:

  • Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf: This is the most popular tourist destination in San Francisco and is home to Pier 39, where you can see sea lions, and Ghirardelli Square, where you can enjoy chocolate treats.
  • Exploring Chinatown: This is the oldest Chinatown in North America and is a great place to experience Chinese culture.
  • Riding a cable car: San Francisco’s cable cars are a national historic landmark and are a fun way to see the city.
  • Visiting Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

How do I get to San Francisco from the airport?

The best way to get to San Francisco from the airport is by public transportation. The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system has a direct line to San Francisco’s downtown area. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $10. You can also take a taxi or Uber, which will cost about $50.

there are three main cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27, Pier 35, and the Port of Oakland. Each terminal offers a variety of amenities and services, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a longer cruise, San Francisco is the perfect place to start your journey.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.