Cruise
fans in the U.S. and Canada have an abundance of close-to-home cruise options,
including the coast of New England and Maritime Canada; the Bahamas; the
Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean; the Mexican Riviera; and the coast of
Alaska. And, if you’re looking for something a bit off the usual cruise
pathways, there’s yet another option: the Pacific Coast.
Cruise
lines like Princess and Holland America Line cruise the coastline of California,
Oregon and Washington: some itineraries also include British Columbia. There
are a number of appealing ports, including San Diego, Los Angeles and San
Francisco, Calif.; Astoria, Ore.; and Seattle, Wash.
San
Diego has enviable weather nearly every day and many wonderful attractions,
starting with the shops, restaurants and galleries of Seaport Village, near the
cruise terminal. The San Diego Zoo is one of the world’s best: don’t miss the
giant pandas. The zoo is just one of the attractions in Balboa Park, which has
numerous museums and gardens.
Los
Angeles is a cultural generator and a great place to spot trends in fashion,
food and entertainment. For a look at what makes Los Angeles run, tour a movie
studio; head to Disneyland; browse the boutiques of Rodeo Drive; or visit Hollywood
Boulevard to the Walk of Fame and the TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theater.
Cruise
ships dock at Pier 35 on San Diego’s Embarcadero (a new terminal at Pier 27 is
scheduled to open this fall). You don’t need to go far to experience the charm
of this city: Pier 39 is a busy marketplace of shops, restaurants and street
performers. From there, venture out to Fisherman’s Wharf, the redwood trees of
Muir Woods, the galleries of Sausalito or the infamous former prison on
Alcatraz Island.
At
the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria offers stunning natural beauty and a
gateway to Oregon’s wine country. If you prefer brewed beverages, follow the
Astoria Ale Trail to a collection of excellent craft breweries. Visit historic
forts built by Lewis and Clark and John Jacob Astor; or, take an excursion to
Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock.
Seattle’s
climate produces beautiful greenery that earned it the nickname “Emerald City.”
At Pike Place Market, check out the famous flying fish and the work of local
artisans, antique collectors and farmers. Take a ride up the Space Needle for
gorgeous views; or visit Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood.
To
find out more about a relaxing Pacific Coastal cruise, talk with Anita, your
personal cruise expert.
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
