By masofficialllll@gmail.com 
San Francisco Cruise Ship Schedule
San Francisco, with its iconic skyline, historic Golden Gate Bridge, and lively neighborhoods, is the globe’s most tailored harbor. But lurking behind its cable cars and sourdough bread, it’s also a large cruise destination — from regal Alaska cruises, sun-drenched Mexican Riviera vacations, to balmy Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises.
If you want the San Francisco cruise ship itinerary — if you’re sailing away by ship, waving goodbye on the shore, or taking a port day — you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed specifically with USA and UK travelers in mind, who desire good, solid, and handy information.
You’ll discover here:
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When San Francisco cruises generally depart, month by month
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Best-selling itineraries and cruise operators
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How to obtain the individual ship schedules
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Tips for first-time cruiser and seasoned sailor
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Straight answers to common questions that are directly answering the most searched for Google & voice search questions
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And travel insider tips so you can plan your dream cruise
Why Cruise from San Francisco?
There are numerous reasons why cruises from San Francisco are a hit with American and British travelers.
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Panoramic sailaway: For many, one of the few experiences being under the Golden Gate Bridge with Alcatraz on your right and Marin Headlands on your left. Pure bucket-list.
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Easy to pair with a city stopover: Spend two days before or after cruise time discovering San Francisco’s quirky neighborhoods — from Mission murals to North Beach trattorias.
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Non-stop flights from Britain: A number of non-stop flights from London to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) make it conveniently within reach of British tourists.
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Single terminal, very convenient: Most cruises depart from Pier 27, conveniently located directly on the Embarcadero, one or two blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf. Walk from your hotel to your ship.
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Diversified schedules: San Francisco, unlike Caribbean-focusing ports, has Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, California coastal, and even Panama Canal passages on its schedule.
San Francisco’s 2025 Cruise Ship Schedule Overview
Cruising remains sizzling in 2025, and San Francisco’s schedule is filled to the brim. While individual calendars rotate yearly (and occasionally even from month to month), the overall rhythm is the same.
Spring (March, April, May)
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Panama Canal reposition cruises dock or leave in March and April as vessels change between Caribbean and Pacific seasons.
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Alaska season starts in late April or early May with Princess Cruises and Holland America paving the way.
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Coastal cruises from Los Angeles or Vancouver are also well-liked during springtime, ideal for weekend breaks.
Summer (June, July, August)
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This is high season for Alaska. Cruises sail nearly weekly for 7- to 10-night cruises to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay.
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Cruises that are suited for families are in demand during summer holidays, so expect larger vessels, more activities on board, and busy ports.
Fall (September, October, November)
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Extended Alaskan sailing goes on until mid-September with fewer passengers and sometimes cheaper fares.
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And Mexico, 7- to 10-night Mexican Riviera cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
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Even a few ships cruise to Hawaii, taking less crowded Pacific crossings.
Winter (December, January, February)
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Mexican Riviera season continues, occasionally featuring Christmas and New Year’s holiday cruises.
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A few longer Hawaii cruises (15+ nights) make a wonderful winter getaway.
Largest Cruise Lines and Itineraries from San Francisco
Princess Cruises
Maybe the best line in San Francisco. Princess is almost synonymous with Alaska, with dozens of sailings a year. Mexico and Hawaii cruises from SF are also available.
Recommended ships:
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Ruby Princess
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Crown Princess
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Grand Princess
Typical itineraries:
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10-day Alaska Inside Passage with Glacier Bay
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10-day Mexican Riviera
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15-day Hawaii round-trip
Carnival Cruise Line
For family cruising, fun, and affordable, Carnival’s a good bet. They run mostly Mexico itineraries.
Ship:
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Carnival Miracle
Typical itineraries:
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4-day Baja Mexico (Ensenada)
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10-day Mexico out of Cabo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta
Holland America Line
Mid-size, upscale ships with focus on Alaska landscapes and enrichment lectures.
Ships:
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Koningsdam
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Zaandam (seasonal itineraries)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Not homeported here year-round, but NCL has seasonal Panama Canal repositionings and occasional Pacific Coast cruises.
Luxury & Specialty Lines
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas cruise from San Francisco periodically, with luxury cruises to Hawaii or the Pacific Coast.
Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth also calls here on world cruises.
How to get the latest San Francisco Cruise Ship Schedule
Since the deployments of the cruise ships keep changing based on the market, the price of fuel, and the rotation of the ships, the best way to view the latest updated schedule is to:
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Visit the Port of San Francisco official cruise schedule webpage.
It is structured by date, arrival and departure, and pier designation. -
Visit popular ship tracking websites such as:
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CruiseMapper (updating ship locations)
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CruiseTimetables (providing upcoming sailings and port calls)
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Simply visit your cruise line’s website.
They will typically release sailings 18-24 months beforehand.
Pro tip: If you reside in or close to the Bay Area (or pre-traveling), these pages also inform you when ships are likely to be passing through the Golden Gate Bridge, so that you can shoot from Crissy Field or Fort Point for tremendous photographs.
The Best Time to Book a Cruise From San Francisco
To Alaska
Book 6 to 9 months ahead for summer peak sailings. May and September are cooler weather but generally slightly lower rates.
For Mexico
You can sometimes get a better deal closer in, as these sailings are less seasonal. Fall and early winter (Oct-Dec) is best.
For Hawaii
Since these are longer (15+ day) itineraries, they sell slower but balcony staterooms still book up early.
For Panama Canal repositioning
If you’re not set in your ways, you’ll probably be able to pick up last-minute deals during the spring and fall.
What to Expect on a Typical San Francisco Day Cruise
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Check-in will normally begin at 11 AM.
Your boarding time will be noted in your e-documents. Arrive early — terminals stagger passengers so that you won’t have too long a wait. -
Sailaway is usually 4-5 PM.
Rise on deck for a memory-provoking look over the Golden Gate. -
Chilly first sea day.
North to Alaska or south to Mexico, it’s not until two days that the weather shifts. Dress in layers!
Top Hotels Near San Francisco Cruise Terminal
With the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal located on the Embarcadero, being nearby means your boarding is hassle-free.
Top tips:
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Hyatt Regency San Francisco: 10-minute walk, stunning bay views.
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Hotel Zephyr: Nautical whimsy in a fun, quirky package right across the street from Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Argonaut Hotel: Brick building of historic significance, upscale, family-friendly.
Things to Do Before or After Your Cruise
Don’t skip San Francisco. In a day or three, don’t miss:
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Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Sea lion watching, buy a bread bowl of chowder.
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Alcatraz Island: Buy tickets in advance; they sell out weeks ahead.
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Ride the Cable Cars: Particularly the Powell-Hyde line for postcard views.
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Golden Gate Park: Larger than NYC’s Central Park, gardens & museums.
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Day cruises to wine country: Napa and Sonoma only 90 minutes away.
Smart Secrets for Cruising From San Francisco
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Arrive a bit earlier if flying.
San Francisco’s legendary fog can be a delay factor. A number of veteran cruisers arrive a full day early. -
Bring a jacket even in summer.
It can be 65°F and breezy under the Golden Gate even if it’s 85°F in Mexico. -
Watch for bridge clearance videos.
Many ships film “under the bridge” moments from the mast camera. It looks like you’ll scrape, but there’s plenty of room. -
Consider travel insurance.
Especially important if flying from the UK or across the US.
Voice Search-Friendly Q&A
“When do most Alaska cruises leave San Francisco?”
May through September, with sailings near weekly during peak summer.
“What cruise lines operate San Francisco to Hawaii?”
Primarily Princess Cruises and occasionally Holland America.
“Are there short cruises from San Francisco?”
Yes. Carnival operates 4-day Baja Mexico cruises fairly frequently.
“Where do San Francisco ships depart from?”
Nearly all depart from Pier 27 on the Embarcadero.
“Is San Francisco a round-trip cruise port?”
Yes. All cruises leave and arrive in San Francisco, i.e., Alaska, Mexico, and Hawaii.
San Francisco Cruises FAQs
How close is the cruise terminal to the airport?
Approximately 14 miles. In open traffic, it’s a 25-30 minute taxi or shuttle.
Do ships pass under the Golden Gate Bridge during twilight or daylight?
The majority of the departures occur during the day, though certain arrivals (principally from Hawaii) arrive in early morning for breathtaking sunrise vistas.
Can departures be viewed if one is not on board?
Yes. Crissy Field, Fort Point, and the Marin Headlands are good viewing spots.
How much does a San Francisco Alaska cruise usually cost?
For a 10-day balcony stateroom, anticipate approximately $1,500–$2,200 per person. Inside staterooms should be less than $1,000.
Is the port safe?
The Embarcadero neighborhood is very well patrolled and tourist-populated. That said, as with any large city, be aware of your environment.
Final Thoughts: Why the San Francisco Cruise Ship Schedule Should Be on Your Radar
San Francisco isn’t just a port of call for a cruise — it’s a destination that enriches your travel narrative. Seeing your ship sail past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate is an experience you never forget.
Whatever your group: a couple embarking on an intimate Alaskan adventure, a family off to Mexico, or a retiree at last checking off the comfortable tick of Hawaii from your list, San Francisco-bound cruising from San Francisco has something unique. And with rock-solid air links from the UK and throughout the US, never easier.