• Introduction
• Cruising from the Northeast
• Cruising from the Southeast with Florida
• Cruising from the Gulf Coast
• Cruising from California
• Cruising from the Pacific Northwest with Alaska
• Cruising from Hawaii
• Our Favorite Homeport Cruises
• Tips for Booking Homeport Cruises

Cruising from California

California’s lengthy coast boasts four major cruise ports, with the great emphasis of itineraries placed squarely on the very beach-worthy ports of call in Baja, as well as further south along the Mexican Riviera. Those with more than a week to spare at sea can opt to venture north to Alaska, or head out into the Pacific, hull pointed towards Hawaii, French Polynesia, or even far-reaching Asia. Consistently good year-round weather in Southern California translates to a robust annual calendar of cruises; sailings from San Francisco are largely concentrated outside of the winter months.

What homeports can I sail from?

* Long Beach
* Los Angeles
* San Diego
* San Francisco

What cruise destinations can I sail to?

* Alaska (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Caribbean (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Hawaii (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Mexico & Central America (from Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Pacific Northwest (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Panama Canal (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* South America (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)
* Tahiti (from Los Angeles)
* World (from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)

Our favorite itineraries

* Holland America’s 10-night Mexican Riviera cruise from San Diego
Ports of call: San Diego; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico; Guaymas, Mexico; La Paz, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

* Carnival’s 4-night Catalina Island and Ensenda sail from Long Beach
Ports of call: Long Beach, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Ensenada, Mexico

PORT OVERVIEW: LONG BEACH
Located approximately 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach is the fifth-largest city in California. Among its beachfront attractions are the Aquarium of the Pacific and the permanently docked ocean liner, Queen Mary, which features a great dinner and ghost tour.

Cruise Terminal: Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Find cruise deals from Long Beach on ShermansTravel.com or Orbitz.com.

PORT OVERVIEW: LOS ANGELES
As the frontier of the American Dream, laid-back Los Angeles allows you to be a pampered star, an earnest culture vulture, a die-hard foodie, and anything else your heart desires. Head here for celebrity sightings, super shopping, and the chance to mix with the beautiful people.

Cruise Terminal: Port of Los Angeles's World Cruise Center

PORT OVERVIEW: SAN DIEGO
With world-class cultural events, a hip downtown scene, and numerous outdoor options, no other California locale offers big city tastes coupled with such a laid-back beach vibe like San Diego. Don’t miss its world-famous zoo, golden beaches, Mexican-flavored Old Town, and invigorating downtown Gas Lamp district.

Cruise Terminal: Port of San Diego

PORT OVERVIEW: SAN FRANCISCO
One of the most diverse cities in the United States (hence its numerous distinct neighborhoods) San Francisco shines as the jewel of California with its pristine coastline, historic architecture, and progressive sensibility. Visitors come again and again for the Golden Gate Bridge, unmatched cuisine, funky neighborhoods, and free-spirited local culture.

Cruise Terminal: Port of San Francisco

Find cruise deals from San Francisco on ShermansTravel.com or Orbitz.com. 

See Alaska Travel Guide | See Asia Travel Guide | See Bahamas Travel Guide | See Bermuda Travel Guide | See Canada Travel Guide | See Caribbean Travel Guide | See Europe Travel Guide | See Hawaii Travel Guide | See Mexico Travel Guide | See Pacific Northwest Travel Guide | See Tahiti Travel Guide | See Turkey Travel GuideSee United States Travel Guide