San Francisco, California

United States

Ride the iconic cable cars up steep hills to glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge and Victorian architecture in one unforgettable journey.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone PST (UTC-8) / PDT (UTC-7)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Apr–Aug

🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights

💰 Price Range $351-$8,075 per person

⚓ Port Type Departure & Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Alaska cruises and iconic San Francisco Bay, offering stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and access to premium Pacific Northwest and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

Cruises that visit San Francisco, California

Build Your Day in San Francisco, California

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM

Usually about 8 hours ashore

🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

PIER 39 The variety of activities makes it a must-see in San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 137k 🕐 Open now

Golden Gate Bridge There's a lot to do in San Francisco Bridge · ★ 4.8 · 85k

Alcatraz Island It's a must do for your itinerary if you visit San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 44k 🕐 Open now

Golden Gate Park One of the best things to do in San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 44k

Union Square Surrounded by high end clothing stores, like Louis Vuitton and Macy's. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 37k 🕐 Open now

Great Mall Got my wife a Michael Kors handbag at a fraction of it's price in India. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 23k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Boudin Bakery One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 18k

Coit Tower Definitely put this on your to do list when visiting San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 16k

Fog Harbor Fish House This truly is San Francisco's Best Restaurant. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 10k

Macy's The store is spacious, beautifully organized, and has such a vibrant energy. Department store · ★ 4.3 · 9k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

The Buena Vista We watched the bar tender make our drinks and enjoy the cool atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.6 · 8k

San Francisco Botanical Garden A must do in San Francisco Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 8k

Stonestown Galleria Now all they have are Zara, Uniqlo, and a big Apple Store. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 7k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM

Japan Center Malls Great selection of unique stores, good food, super worthwhile visit. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 7k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

Brenda's French Soul Food I will eat at this place every time I visit San Francisco Southern · ★ 4.5 · 6k

USS San Francisco Memorial Must visit place in San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 6k

Potrero Center Convenient shopping center with many different stores and free parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 5k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM

Salesforce Park It's a must-do and must-see when you visit San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 5k

Asian Art Museum Great place to visit in San Francisco. Art museum · ★ 4.6 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu

Fort Point National Historic Site Definitely worth including on your San Francisco trip. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Smuggler's Cove Delicious drinks, expert bartenders, moody decor - couldn’t ask for more Bar · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

The View Lounge Great atmosphere, great drinks and great music Lounge bar · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Opens soon · 4 PM

San Francisco Symphony A good place to be when in San Francisco Orchestra · ★ 4.8 · 3k

Rincon Park This is San Francisco. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k

State Bird Provisions This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. American · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

TONGA ROOM & HURRICANE BAR Very expensive drinks but worth it for the amazing atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri

GoCar Tours Probably one of the best things to do in San Francisco! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Boulevard Probably my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. American · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Rich Table One of the best restaurants in San Francisco. New American · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Pier 3 Nice spot to visit in San Francisco, a lot of history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

San Francisco Love Tours Best thing you can do while visiting San Francisco! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 1k

The Progress We had dinner here during a recent visit to San Francisco. Californian · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Lazy Bear My favorite restaurant in San Francisco. New American · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Alchemist Bar & Lounge Dim lighting, loved the music, unique decor and of course great drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM

Pacific Cocktail Haven Great cocktails, lovely staff, nice music and good vibes. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

555 Ninth Street Spacious, various choices and wonderful staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM

Neiman Marcus It has great clothes and jewelry, home goods. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM

Blackbird Great atmosphere, good service and strong drinks! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

The Morris One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. New American · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Owl Tree Very friendly staff, good playlist, tasty cocktails and decent tap list. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Opens soon · 4 PM

Californios This is one of the best restaurants I've been to in SF. Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

The House Of Shields Elegant bar, delicious drinks and really nice staff. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k

The Devil's Acre Good drinks, good food, great atmosphere, and kind people. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM

San Francisco Armory Stanger Things exhibit was excellent. Event venue · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Camera Obscura & Holograph Gallery It's a snapshot of fun and curiosity that's definitely worth the visit! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Heart of San Francisco Series Great spot for a photo with the buildings in the background. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k

California Street vista It’s less crowded than Lombard Street but just as photogenic in its own way. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

San Francisco, California is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from San Francisco, California

About San Francisco, California

San Francisco stands as one of the West Coast's premier cruise hubs, with eight major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Virgin Voyages, MSC, and Explora Journeys offering 79 upcoming sailings from this iconic port. Whether you're embarking on your next adventure or arriving as a port of call, San Francisco provides excellent access to some of the Pacific's most coveted destinations. The most popular cruises from here span ten nights, with itineraries heading north to Alaska's Inside Passage ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, or south to California favorites like San Diego and Ensenada. Peak sailing season runs from April through August, so book early if you're targeting these popular months.

Stepping ashore in San Francisco, you'll find yourself in a city brimming with character and maritime heritage. The famous Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and waterfront charm await just steps from the cruise terminals, while the city's renowned culinary scene and vibrant neighborhoods offer endless exploration opportunities for the hours between embarkation and departure.

Golden Gate Bridge Icon

Walk or bike across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views of the bay, Marin Headlands, and Alcatraz Island. The bridge's iconic International Orange towers offer perfect photo opportunities, and the experience captures San Francisco's most recognizable symbol in just a few hours from the cruise terminal.

Fresh Dungeness Crab Feast

Savor San Francisco's legendary Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, where local vendors crack fresh crab right before your eyes. Pair it with sourdough bread from a nearby bakery for an authentic taste of the city's seafaring heritage and culinary traditions.

Alcatraz Island Prison Tour

Explore the infamous former federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island with an audio-guided tour revealing stories of notorious inmates and daring escape attempts. The ferry ride offers stunning bay views, and the self-guided experience takes approximately 2.5 hours from the cruise port.

Chinatown's Historic Streets

Wander through America's oldest Chinatown, passing through the Dragon's Gate entrance to discover vibrant markets, traditional temples, and authentic dim sum restaurants. Browse jade shops and herbal medicine stores while experiencing one of San Francisco's most culturally rich neighborhoods just minutes from the waterfront.

Cable Cars & Victorian Views

Ride San Francisco's historic cable cars up steep hills to enjoy panoramic city views and charming Victorian architecture. These iconic red and white streetcars connect major neighborhoods and offer an unforgettable, quintessentially San Francisco experience accessible directly from the cruise terminal area.