Hawaii Cruises From San Diego and San Francisco
Long voyages from San Diego, and a Golden Gate sail-away from San Francisco.
Get Quotes From Your PortSan Diego: Home of the Long Voyages
San Diego is where many of the longer Hawaii cruises begin. Holland America has long used it for Hawaii and circle-Hawaii voyages, sometimes combined with Mexico, and for 2027 the line lists Koningsdam on voyages from San Diego that range up to a month.
A circle-Hawaii voyage spends more time in the islands than a standard round trip, often adding extra ports or longer calls, and the longest combine Hawaii with Mexico’s Pacific coast or the Sea of Cortez. These trips suit retirees and anyone who wants a slow, complete voyage. San Diego’s cruise terminal sits on the downtown waterfront, close to the airport, which makes flying in easy if you do not live nearby.
San Francisco: Under the Golden Gate
San Francisco’s Hawaii cruises are seasonal, with Princess the line most associated with them, usually in autumn, winter and spring. The trip starts with one of cruising’s great sail-aways, under the Golden Gate Bridge and out past the Farallon Islands. Because San Francisco lies farther north, the crossing can be a little longer and the first sea days cooler and breezier than from Southern California.
For Northern Californians, it means sailing from home; for others, it is a chance to add a few days in the city before boarding.
San Diego or San Francisco?
| San Diego | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical voyages | Round trips and long circle-Hawaii voyages | Seasonal round trips |
| Line most associated | Holland America | Princess |
| Sea conditions at the start | Usually milder | Often cooler and breezier |
| Getting there | Airport minutes from the terminal | Bay Area airports; BART and taxis |
| Best for | Long, unhurried voyages; combining Hawaii and Mexico | Northern Californians; a classic sail-away |
For both ports, Free Cruise Parking covers parking and Cruising Checklist has printable packing lists for a two-week voyage.
Choosing Your Voyage
Look at the number of island days, not just the length. A 30-day voyage may have far more ports, including Mexico, while an 18-night round trip may still have only four or five Hawaii calls. Our sister site Cruise Ship Itineraries explains how to read a cruise itinerary, and A Voyage Travel compares voyage types and lengths. When you are ready, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will line up the current San Diego and San Francisco departures.
One practical point for both ports: these voyages sell out their best cabins early, especially around the winter holidays, when a Hawaii escape from a cool California December is most appealing. If you have a particular date or cabin type in mind, start looking a year or more ahead.
Compare San Diego and San Francisco Hawaii Cruises
Tell us which port suits you and how long you can travel. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will send free quotes for current Hawaii voyages.
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