3 day cruise san francisco

3-Day Cruises from San Francisco

There are a couple of cruises from San Francisco that are just 3 days long. Quick 3-day cruises are popular because they are easy to fit into a schedule and they are affordable.

A 3-day cruise is a good way to try out cruising if you've never been before. You'll get to experience all of the entertainment and food without committing too much time or money.

The thing that prevents 3-day cruises from San Francisco is the federal law that mandates that ships must stop in a foreign port. There aren't any foreign ports close enough to complete that quick round-trip.

For other options, see 3-day cruises out of Los Angeles . That is the main departure port in California for really short cruises.

One-Way Cruises

April 27, 2024: 3-day cruise on Princess . One-way from San Francisco to Vancouver (Canada). Visit Victoria (Canada).

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5 night Mexico

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11 night mexico, find the best cruise from san francisco, what are the best cruises from san francisco.

Several great cruise lines from San Francisco in 2024 are available, including Royal Caribbean , Carnival , and Disney Cruise Lines . The best cruise ships out of San Francisco, California, ultimately come down to personal preference. The experience you have on a Royal Caribbean cruise from San Francisco will differ from Disney cruises leaving from San Francisco so be sure to look at pricing, destinations, and amenities to determine what cruises departing from San Francisco are most likely to appeal to you and your traveling companions.

How can I find a cheap San Francisco cruise?

Finding cheap cruises out of San Francisco is easy with Expedia so start by thinking about the characteristics and itineraries you seek. Shorter cruises cost less so consider a 2 night cruise from San Francisco for a quick and refreshing getaway. Refine your choices by price on Expedia or use our filter to search for specific elements to uncover cruise deals from San Francisco.

What cruise lines operate from San Francisco?

San Francisco is a massive port, and the variety of cruises leaving from San Francisco is equally large. Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises , P&O Cruises, Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean are just a few San Francisco cruise lines.

How can I find good deals on cruises from San Francisco?

By making your reservations on Expedia.com, you have the opportunity to get affordable cruises out of San Francisco in 2024. This platform makes it simple to get special offers and organizes the results of your cruise query by cost. San Francisco cruise ships in your price range are sorted by price so it’s always easy to see if you’re getting the best deal.

What to look out for when you book your San Francisco cruise?

The crucial factors you should consider when reserving a cruise from San Francisco include the ports of call, the ratio of passengers to staff, the onboard entertainment, the dining experiences, the onboard payments, the cabin options, as well as the decor. This is often a matter of preference, so use Expedia’s search filter to narrow your search and find the most suitable cruise from San Francisco in 2024.

What are some great luxury cruises from San Francisco?

Viking and Celebrity Cruises are some of the most opulent cruises that depart from San Francisco. Celebrity Cruises provide typical luxury cruise experiences from San Francisco, while Viking cruises are more opulent because of their smaller ships and larger suites that give guests a more exclusive ambiance. When you book a luxury cruise, you can expect first-rate amenities like fine dining establishments, spacious suites, world-class entertainment, enormous pools and so much more.

What are some good all-inclusive cruises from San Francisco?

"All-inclusive cruises from San Francisco in 2025 come in many forms, but they all feature tons of extras. Some include food and drink packages while others go as far as offering excursions and spa visits.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an all-inclusive package with limitless shore excursions, specialty dinners, soft drinks, wine, liquor, and gratuities. Additionally, shuttles between the airport and the ship, access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and room service are included."

What are some great family cruises from San Francisco?

"Family-friendly cruises are on the rise and provide a wide range of activities for parents and children onboard, including activities, cabin sizes, recreational spaces, and numerous dining selections.

Disney Cruise Line, Crystal, Princess Cruises , and Royal Caribbean Cruises offer some fantastic family cruises from San Francisco. Ice skating rinks, merry-go-rounds, and zip lines are among the onboard entertainment available on several Royal Caribbean cruise ships leaving from San Francisco."

How to book a cruise from San Francisco on Expedia?

Expedia will help you become seaworthy as quickly as possible. Decide if you'd like a luxury vacation, a tranquil river sail, or simply something that many other people have liked while choosing your cruise. Select the departure and destination ports for your cruise. Popular places listed include Mexico , the Caribbean , Hawaii , the Bahamas , and Alaska. Narrow your search by amenities and cruise lines. Finally, select your cabin type and book your trip!

How can I find last-minute cruise deals from San Francisco?

To find last-minute cruise deals from San Francisco, simply enter your planned departure date into Expedia. Yes, even if the date is just around the corner, you may find excellent cruise packages with very little notice. Look for the green box above the price on the search results page to see how much of a discount is available.

Do you need a passport to cruise from San Francisco?

"Should you board a closed-loop cruise, you may cruise with no passport to several idyllic locations as an American citizen. However, you will have to show your boarding pass, a valid birth certificate or proof of US naturalization, or a government-issued photo ID.

A cruise from San Francisco is ideal if you enjoy being outside and want to be surrounded by nature. Only three US departure ports—Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—offer closed-loop Alaska sailings . If you are entering a country other than the United States, you will need a passport."

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Although each cruise line has a unique cancelation policy, in principle, travelers are eligible for a full refund or a credit against a future trip. Keep in mind that the cruise line might instantly change your reservation to a new date, so you might need to get in touch with them if the new date conflicts with your plans.

Why should I book a cruise from San Francisco with Expedia?

Finding the right cruise type for your needs is simple when you make a reservation via Expedia.com. Using the cruise finder, you can filter by cruise line, category, destination, duration, and itinerary. Members of Expedia.com Rewards can enjoy additional perks by accruing points from approved purchases that may apply to future travel. There is no cost for joining, so don't be hesitant.

San Francisco Cruise Guide

San Francisco’s cruise port terminal is located at the western end of San Francisco Bay, midway between the Fisherman's Wharf and the Bay Bridge. The Port of San Francisco hosts over 300,000 passengers annually at the James R. Herman (Pier 27) and Pier 35 cruise terminals.

The city itself has a lot to offer, with a diverse range of fashion, art, museums, and food. Travel east to the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood for shopping and dining. Visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park to see ships that sailed more than a century ago. Enter the Golden Gate Park to visit de Young Museum, filled with art, costumes and textiles. Explore botanical gardens, play golf or tennis, and take a walk through the Japanese Tea Garden. End your day in the city by taking in some of the best views of the Bay from the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Escape to Alcatraz home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place. Or for a different kind of escape, travel north to tall redwoods in Muir Woods, and unwind at famous Napa and Sonoma wineries. There’s something for everyone in San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in San Francisco

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2024

King George Hotel

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

The Marker San Francisco

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Signature Lunch Cruise | Premier Brunch Cruise | Signature Dinner Cruise | Premier Dinner Cruise | Fleet Week Air Show Lunch aboard the San Francisco Belle | Rock the Yacht Cruise | San Francisco Belle Premier Dinner Cruise | Alcatraz Day Tour | Premier Dinner Cruise | Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour | Bay Discovery Cruise | Alcatraz Night Tour

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Cheap Cruises from San Francisco - Cruises out of San Francisco

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11 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You want a classy, big ship experience with lots of amenities
• You are traveling as a family and need a cruise for all ages
• You like having plenty of choice when it comes to food onboard
• You are looking for nonstop, Vegas-style nightly entertainment
• You dislike crowds; disembarking the ship can require patience
• You feel more at home on a smaller and more intimate ship

5 Night Cruise to Pacific Coastal

• You want a big ship experience with plenty of onboard choice
• You like a traditional cruise with lots of cutting-edge options
• You value having plenty of open decks to admire the scenery
• You want a ship that's got plenty of action-packed amenities
• You don't want to pay extra for optional purchases onboard

16 Night Cruise to Hawaii

11 night cruise to the mexican riviera, 7 night cruise to pacific coastal, 16 night cruise to the panama canal & central america.

• You are looking for a big ship sailing exotic itineraries
• You want quality fun for the family at a reasonable price
• You like scheduled activities that aren’t too wild or wacky
• You want to party all night long; this isn’t the right ship
• You want a ship with the latest cutting-edge technology

90 Night Cruise to Around the World

• You want to cross the Atlantic on the only true ocean liner
• You enjoy vibrant nightlife with plenty of live entertainment
• You like the grandeur and elegance of the transatlantic liners
• You are looking for a true ultra-luxury cruise experience
• You are looking for wacky activities, amenities and pool games
• You dislike formality; dressing up is part of the experience

31 Night Cruise to Transpacific

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Cruises from San Francisco

From the golden gate bridge to the painted ladies, sail on the best sf cruises with princess®.

Best Cruises From the West Coast

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Start your cruise from San Francisco by sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and into a sea of opportunity. Venture north to relive Alaska’s gold rush history, or head south to bask in the beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Tour the California Coast on a 4-day cruise from San Francisco, or explore the Hawaiian islands on a 15-day cruise. Arrive in Northern California and embark on your dream vacation with Princess.

Find the Best Cruises from San Francisco

Alaska Cruises

Glaciers, wildlife and mountains await you on a cruise from San Francisco to Alaska. Our roundtrip voyages bring you up close to untouched landmarks, including Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in Juneau and pan for gold in Skagway. Experience it all with Princess, the #1 cruise line in Alaska*.

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

California Coast Cruises

From Northern California to the Southern cities, The Golden State is brimming with breathtaking coast lines, creative cuisine and iconic marine life. On cruises out of San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, California’s very own living sanctuary. Explore Catalina Island’s underwater oasis where kelp forests dance to the rhythm of the ocean. Or enjoy crisp wines amidst the Sonoma Wine Country.

Hawaii Cruises

On a cruise from San Francisco, unpack once and visit multiple Hawaiian Islands. Drive through Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Then enjoy an evening in Honolulu with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays – included in every itinerary. With the sunset as your backdrop, conclude your trip with a traditional luau. Island hop with ease in a way that only Princess can offer.

Mexico Cruises

For a taste of fun, flavor and fiesta, sail to Mexico with Princess. On a cruise from San Francisco, dive into adventure in Cabo while snorkeling beside sea turtles and kayaking along the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Puerto Vallarta, zipline over vast jungle canopies. Or take the day to relax on one of the unspoiled beaches where sun-kissed sand and crystalline waters leave you feeling recharged.

Panama Canal Cruises

The Panama Canal is a true engineering wonder, but even more spectacles lie ahead when you cruise from San Francisco aboard the #1 cruise line in the Canal. Visit the Sloth Sanctuary in Limon. Stroll along the colorful streets of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Spanish fortresses nearby. Or zipline through Nicaragua’s lush jungles and relish in sweeping views of the region’s untouched landscapes.

Getaway Cruises

Enjoy convenient departures and itineraries with Getaway Cruises out of San Francisco. Sail down the coast to meet San Diego’s famous seals, and sip fine wines in Ensenada’s Guadalupe Valley. Or head North to Astoria to experience the iconic beauty of the Pacific Northwest while sampling ales at local breweries. Choose from a four-day cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver or a five-day voyage through the Golden State.

What to Know About Cruises from San Francisco

Make the most of your cruise out of San Francisco by taking in the flavor, beauty and history that lies before you. Here’s everything you should know before arriving in the Golden Gate City.

San Francisco at a glance

• Language: English
• Currency: U.S. dollar
• Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
• Docking: Your Princess ship docks at Pier 27, San Francisco Cruise Terminal.
• Attire: Light jackets, sweaters or blazers are recommended, especially for the mornings and evenings.
• Transportation: Taxis or rideshare vehicles can get you to and from the ship and are available pier side for all guests.

Things to do in San Francisco

Visit Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods National Monument. In the birthplace of blue jeans, shop boutiques on Market Street, or find the perfect souvenir at Pier 39. Then savor Italian seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and try the city’s signature dish — clam chowder in a bread bowl. Or spend time in Sonoma or Napa sipping locally grown wines before your cruise from San Francisco.

Ships That Cruise from San Francisco

Join our Princess fleet to sail on some of the best cruises leaving from San Francisco. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships, both small and large. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Crown Princess®

On a cruise from San Francisco, make ever-lasting memories aboard Crown Princess® with international fare in our specialty restaurants as well as hot music and cool cocktails at the Skywalkers Nightclub.

On a cruise out of San Francisco, you can also enjoy best-in-class service and expert-crafted activities on board Ruby Princess® or Grand Princess®.

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San Francisco, California, US

San Francisco is a city of dreamers, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and colorful Victorian houses. San Fran's vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic beauty, from the rolling hills to the bustling waterfront, make it a captivating destination for cruise passengers. Here’s how to experience this shining city by the sea.

Featured Shore Excursions

Visit some of California’s most celebrated attractions or venture off the beaten path. Our shore excursions are the best way to explore this charming city.

San Francisco and Pacific Coast Travel & Tips

Top Tours for Wine Lovers

The Nest of a West Coast Cruise

Plan your pacific coast cruise to san francisco.

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Book flights that depart and arrive in time for your Pacific Coast cruise with Holland America Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

Add a Hotel Package

Extend your trip by a few days. Add a hotel package to your San Francisco cruise and indulge in a comfortable, convenient overnight before or after your cruise.

Plan Ground Transportation

We make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your cruise.

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San francisco shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in san francisco.

Wander the Marin Headlands

View of Golden Gate bridge from Marin Headlands

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands for the best views of the famed bridge. Park a bit up the road and wander down the path for different perspectives. End up at Battery Spencer Park and snap a photo of the landmark that looks good on any day.

Mission Possible

Castro District Rainbow Crosswalk intersection in San Francisco, California

From Castro Street to Clarion Alley, the streets are full of color in the Mission. Spend a few hours walking around this quirky neighborhood, and discover brightly painted murals and creative street art. Stumble into one of the local shops near Castro Theater for an afternoon espresso.

Afternoon at Alcatraz

Board the ferry to Alcatraz from Fisherman's Wharf and walk the cell blocks that were once home to America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. Spend a few hours experiencing the Rock's mystique by visiting the Cell House and gardens, and hear firsthand experiences of time spent at the infamous prison.

Local Cuisine

San Francisco has a lot of delicious food — but you've got to grab something in a sourdough bread bowl. Fill it with clam chowder or chili, and wash it down with a frosty Anchor Steam, one of the first American craft brews after Prohibition. If you've still got room left, head to the Mission: Feast on carne asada burritos, or try the cult classic bread or sticky buns at Tartine bakery.

Shop till you drop in Union Square. Home to massive department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and more — it's the shopaholic's dream location. Jump onboard a San Francisco cruise and head to Fisherman's Wharf to pick up a souvenir from one of the many gift shops in the tourist district.

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The First Timer’s San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary

• San Francisco
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• Things to Do

Dear first-time visitors to San Francisco: Do you have bucket list items? Do you have to hit the famous attractions in the least amount of days in order to save on those oh-so-expensive hotel prices? For a perfect first-time trip to San Francisco, you need to be as organized as possible in advance. We’ve put together an itinerary that maximizes your group’s time in order to give you the best experience possible. Our 3 day San Francisco itinerary will show you a brief guide to the best of what San Francisco has to offer – and leave you excited to return. 

As city locals, we’ve also made sure to include our insider hints, extra tips, and things to know before you go to the “City by the Bay”. Read on to see the best way to make the most of your 3 day trip in San Francisco.

But, wait, you might ask yourself: “Can you see San Francisco in 3 days?”

Our answer is unequivocally: “Yes!” We believe that the key to making the most out of any vacation is planning, planning, planning – and San Francisco is no exception. Our itinerary will take you to the top things to do in San Francisco in only 3 days. 

Here’s the plan:

Day 1 – Morning

Day 1 – afternoon, day 1 – evening, day 2 – morning, day 2 – afternoon, day 2 – evening, day 3 – morning, day 3 – afternoon, day 3 – evening.

• Things to Know Before You Go

Ready? Let’s get started.

Day 1: Embarcadero, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach

So – You’ve touched down in San Francisco (or nearby), unpacked your luggage (or put it off), had a deep sleep at your hotel (hopefully)… What next?

Well, if you’re like us, you need a little fuel for the soul – A fresh cup of local coffee. Luckily, San Francisco has no shortage of options to choose from.

Begin your day at the San Francisco Ferry Building . This historical clock tower at the heart of Market Street has marked the passage of time at the surrounding waterfront every hour for more than a century. That might not seem like a long time, but when you take into consideration that the state of California is only 178 years old – that’s more than half of its statehood!

Today, in addition to the various ferries that operate out of its docks and cross the bay every single day, the Ferry Building plays host to a thrice-weekly farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. If you’re visiting on one of those days – you’re in luck!

Extra Tip : Be sure to come back later during your 3 day trip in San Francisco to pick from a wide variety of delicious miniature single-serving cheesecakes at local favorite CheeseQuakes – flavors include but are not limited to: Snickerdoodle, Dark Chocolate Jamocha, Wild Huckleberry and more. Or, if ice cream is more your taste, why not try Humphry Slocombe ‘s famous “Secret Breakfast” ice cream – whiskey and cornflakes?

If the first part of your itinerary isn’t on one of those days, don’t despair: we’re still here to help you make the most of your 3 day trip in San Francisco. There are a plethora of local options for you to choose from inside the Ferry Building itself even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, from freshly baked pastries at Acme Bread Company (cartoon anvil not included) to a hot cup of tea at the Imperial Tea Court . 

For those of you who also need to start their day with fresh coffee, there is no shortage of possibilities nearby. Nearly everyone knows about Starbucks and Blue Bottle, but what about Berkeley chains Peet’s and Philz? And nobody should miss out on our local favorite – Red Bay Coffee . The Bay Area has more than a handful of independent roasters that you won’t find anywhere else. Take some time to stop by as many local coffee shops as you can while you’re here!

Coffee or otherwise in hand, make your way north along the Embarcadero until we get to Alcatraz Cruises at Pier 33. A typical self-guided tour of Alcatraz island Island can take around anywhere from 12 to 4 hours, so make sure you eat up beforehand.

> Did you know? There are approximately 36 active ferry docks in San Francisco, from Pier 14 up to Pier 96. The even-numbered ferry docks run south of the Ferry Building, while the odd-numbered ones run along the north side. We don’t think you’ll have enough time to visit every single one if you only have 3 days in San Francisco (though we definitely recommend coming back to see most of them at least once!), so here’s a list of some of the ones to keep an eye on so that you can plan your itinerary in advance:

• Pier 15: The Exploratorium . A smaller but more family-friendly, interactive, and  accessible alternative to the California Academy of Sciences.
• Pier 33: Alcatraz Cruises landing. Read on to see our extra tip to score day tickets to the infamous Alcatraz Island. This is a must-add to your San Francisco 3 Day Itinerary!
• Pier 39: Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the big one. It’s got it all. Sea lions, the San Francisco Carousel , “Lefty’s” – a specialty store for left-handed people, an Alcatraz gift shop, San Francisco city souvenirs, local treats, and so much more. In fact, there’s so many things to do here, you could very well end up spending your entire 3 days in San Francisco at Pier 39 alone if you’re not careful! We recommend taking a look at what Pier 39 has to offer in advance and planning what you would like to visit ahead of your trip to San Francisco.
• Pier 41: This is the home of Blue & Gold Fleet, whose Escape From The Rock cruise sails around Alcatraz Island if you’d like an abridged experience without setting foot on the Rock itself. It also sails underneath the Golden Gate Bridge for a unique perspective you won’t find hardly anywhere else.
• Pier 45: Musée Mécanique , an antiques museum with more than 300 whimsical items and coin-operated games. A hidden gem! Admission is free.

Most of the even-numbered piers are industrial piers that have been turned into parking lots, but there are a couple places that we’d still like to point out, just in case you find yourself wanting to fill some windows of extra time you’ve found on your 3 day itinerary in San Francisco:

• Pier 24 – Pier 24 Photography . This serene art museum is open Monday-Friday with free admission (by appointment only).
• Pier 40 – SF City Kayak . Rent a kayak and paddle the open bay, the small canal between SOMA and Dogpatch, or even watch the latest game at Oracle Park from the water. They also offer kayaking lessons.

The Alcatraz Cruises ticket booth is actually not within the Pier 33 building, but rather between the Pier 31 and Pier 33 buildings. There will be a smaller building that reads “Tickets” bold at the edge of the overhang – you can’t miss it. There are no storage lockers on the Rock, so bring as little as possible, keeping in mind there will be a lot of walking and the prison is at the top of a tall hill. In addition, the boat ride over can get quite chilly if you’re outside in the wind, so you may want a jacket or sweater. 

If you’ve already purchased tickets (which we highly recommend, especially if you’re planning a date that is not that far out), you can go straight to the “Will-Call” line and pick them up. Here’s some tips if your tickets are pre-purchased:

• You’ll want to arrive at least 20-30 minutes ahead of the time on your ticket in order to get through the queue in time for your departure. 
• Don’t be late – your ticket is timed and you can only take the boat at your exact time. If you miss your boat, the day’s remaining tickets are first-come first-served, and you may have to pay for an additional ticket on top of the wait. 
• Be sure to have your ticket confirmation as well as a photo ID. Any government issued identification will do, including passports. 

If you haven’t already bought your tickets, it’s better to arrive as early in the day as you can. (The early bird gets the worm, after all!)

Once you have your tickets, all that’s left to do is board your ferry and it’s off to Alcatraz!

Extra Tip: Get your tickets from Alcatraz Cruises at least 6 months out to guarantee availability during the summer months. If your desired date is already sold out, it might still be available as a tour package with a third party (for example, Extranomical Tours’ Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour includes many of the attractions we’ll talk about in this article, in addition to the coveted Alcatraz tickets). If you have specific items you want to see, it’s also a great way to cover multiple bases at once. Shop around!

Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Morning Tour

This is the only Muir Woods tour with guided audio narration inside the park. Walk under the world’s tallest trees, then enjoy charming Sausalito.

Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour

This full-day tour breaks you into Alcatraz and and explores the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.

Once we’re back from Alcatraz, it’s time to fill back up with more uniquely San Francisco fare. Stop by Boudin’s (just a few blocks away at Pier 39) for a delicious sourdough bread bowl with chowder. Not only is Boudin Bakery the birthplace of the “Original San Francisco Sourdough™”, but it’s also recognized as the oldest continuously-operating business in San Francisco. They’re using the very same sourdough starter they began with from the California Gold Rush – how’s that for living history?

After you’ve had the opportunity to recharge your batteries, you’ll want to make your way through the Marina and Presidio. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so we recommend renting a bike (electric or otherwise) from our friends at Bay City Bikes – since it’s right there next to Fisherman’s Wharf. Ride up the Embarcadero to visit Aquatic Park Cove , Fort Mason, Crissy Field, and Fort Point – all gorgeous parts of northern San Francisco that belong to the National Park Service. At Fort Point, you’ll be right by the Golden Gate Bridge, so definitely visit or take pictures while you are there if fog allows! Then, return by the Presidio Cemetery, The Walt Disney Museum, Lucasfilm studios – if you’re a Star Wars fan, definitely stop to take pictures with the Yoda fountain – and the historical Palace of Fine Arts. 

After all that pedaling, you might be exhausted. So stop at the famous Buena Vista Café and order an Irish Coffee at the very place they were initially invented before taking the Cable Car up to the top of Lombard Street . This winding street almost became a toll road – if not for the bill that would have allowed it to do so being vetoed by the governor in 2019. It’s still better to walk around the area these days, especially due to the heavy traffic that can build up on this infamously steep hill.

Once you’ve had your fill of wandering, end our day in North Beach , San Francisco’s version of “Little Italy”. You’ll be able to mark the area by the Italian flags on the lamp posts! North Beach is also home to the Stinking Rose, where visitors can have.

Some Extra dinner suggestions from our “Local Experts”:

For an alternative Day 1 plan, you could have an all-in-one orientation to the city on a guided city tour by Extranomical Tours or Dylans, where you’ll be able to see Fisherman’s Wharf, Palace of Fine Arts , Lands End, Sutro Bath, & Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury , Mission, Chinatown and North Beach. Or, you could see San Francisco by air – at San Francisco Seaplanes. Any way you choose to do it, that’s the end of your day, so wrap up whatever time you have left and head back to your hotel. Time for Day 2!

Day 2: Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Sausalito, Chinatown

Next on the itinerary today: Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting the tallest trees in the west at Muir Woods National Monument, and finishing off the day with a visit to Chinatown and Nob Hill. Let’s get started.

Your day begins with a hotel pickup from Extranomical Tours . They’ll be taking you over the Golden Gate Bridge, up through the Robin Williams tunnel, and to the entrance of Muir Woods, where we’ll see the Coastal Sequoias. These trees are hundreds of years old, and even taller than the ones in Yosemite National Park! The oldest of them all is a whopping 1,200 years old  – these sequoias, for sure, have a long time to “stick” around. 

Coastal Sequoias might not be so wide as to drive a car through – those are the Giant Sequoias in Yosemite – but most of them are still wide enough to fit a whole person inside! 

The national monument charges for entrance as well as parking (which you must reserve in advance in increments), but going with a tour company takes all of the hassle out of that for you, so we definitely recommend it. 

Extra Tip: Be sure to check out the gift shop while you’re there for souvenirs made with authentic California redwood, as well as the serene Cathedral Grove, which has a plaque commemorating President Roosevelt’s passing near the end of World War 2

Once we’ve had our fill of the redwoods, the tour will be heading to the seaside village of Sausalito. Be sure to grab your lunch to go if the skies allow – you’ll have a lovely view of the entire San Francisco city skyline from the “ dock of the bay ”.

Time to float back to San Francisco – We’ll be taking the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry back to Pier 1 (at the Ferry Building we saw earlier in our 3 day itinerary). If you haven’t had the chance to see the Farmer’s Market, maybe you can check it out today! Alternatively, return with your tour guides back to San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge again. Whichever route you take, be sure to grab pictures of Angel and Alcatraz Islands on your way, as well as the stunning city skyline – now featuring the relatively-new and not-so-universally-loved Salesforce Tower, topped by a projection screen that’s displayed many various scenes from artistic dancing figures to fireworks every single night since the building’s opening.

After arriving back in Sna Francisco, have a nice walk through the iconic financial district, all the way down to Union Square. The fastest way to get there on foot is by taking Market Street. Be sure to check out the passing historic streetcars (aka trams). Not to be confused with the cable cars, these travel specifically on the “F” and “E” lines that run down Market Street. San Francisco is one of the few cities in the world to have still-operating streetcar lines, and each of the colored trams is modeled after their counterparts in a different place in the world. See if you can spot all of them during your stay! 

Once you’ve had our fill of high-end designer shopping in Union Square (and perhaps an early dessert from the Cheesecake Factory above Macy’s while we’re at it), head to San Francisco’s Chinatown. The iconic Dragon Gate at its entrance has stood since construction was finished in 1970 and was the first permanent ceremonial gate to be installed in the United States. 

Extra Tip: Explore Stockton Street (instead of Grant) during your three days in San Francisco for a less “touristy” vibe and an authentic Chinatown shopping experience.. 

We’ll follow our noses all the way to Ross Alley (initially named “Stout’s Alley”) to check out the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory – that smell is the scent of over 10,000 fresh fortune cookies made in-house every day! While fortune cookies themselves weren’t invented in Chinatown, the location itself is still making custom fortune cookies in many flavors even today, and has been operating since 1962. Take a free tour of it if you have a bit of time and learn about its history as a former sewing factory. Stop by the gift shop and take home unique finds you won’t get anywhere else!

Afterwards, visit Portsmouth Square , which is on the site of the first “official” designated plaza in the nation. It went through many phases throughout its history, and still shows hints of them in its design today – including from its original name as “Plaza de Yerba Buena” all the way to its current iteration.

I don’t know about you, but all that walking, you’ll be looking for somewhere to eat.

There are a couple of choices our “Local Experts” recommend for a Chinese food experience. For an elegant and refined ambience, our pick is Oriental Pearl. Its spacious room and white tablecloth service make this Chinatown classic one of the best. 

Alternatively, for an authentic San Francisco experience, visit the newly-relocated Sam Wo Restaurant , moved from its original location on Washington to its current one on Clay Street after a 3 year hiatus. This hundred-year-old restaurant is a local community establishment featured in many an article and even a late-night talk show for its one-of-a-kind appeal. For those who doesn’t mind a lack of frills, we’d say it’s definitely worth a trip off the beaten path. 

We’ll finish our evening on a high note with drinks and sights at the Top of the Mark – the Mark Hopkins Hotel, that is. If you have a larger party, this is most likely something you’ll need reservations for, but your time and effort will be well-rewarded. The impressive views from the top of Nob Hill are sure to leave you with fond memories for years to come. 

Day 3: Golden Gate Park, Haight Ashbury, Mission District 

With more than 1000 acres of land, Golden Gate Park is a forest-filled urban oasis about 20 percent larger than New York’s own infamous Central Park. From fine arts at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum (colloquially the “de Young Museum”), to nightlife among geological exhibits and an earthquake simulator at the California Academy of Sciences, the park has no shortage of things to do and places to see! There is a Japanese Tea Garden with imported bonsai, the Conservatory of Flowers with cultigens from all over, and paddle boats that will take you all around Stow Lake, and much, much more. See if you can spot the windmills and the bison paddock as well during your time in the city! We are certain the park has something to offer everyone who visits the city, so it’s definitely a must-see on your three day itinerary in San Francisco.

Once you’ve finished up there, head over to the Haight-Ashbury district to immerse yourself in the district’s Summer of Love history. Check out the 60s rock star homes and the iconic Four Seasons Victorians (more picturesque than the “painted ladies”, in our humble opinion), and don’t forget to shop for some tie-dyed souvenirs while you’re there!

We’ll be finishing up our three day tour of San Francisco in the city’s Mission District. The Mission is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Its name comes from the Mission San Francisco de Asís , more commonly known as Mission Dolores. Built in the late 1700s (and not to be confused with the much taller and more prominent “Mission Dolores Basilica” nearby), it is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. 

Today, the historical Mission district is home to many locally-loved restaurants, food trucks, bars, clubs, art galleries, and street life, including streetside wall murals in several alleys. Take the time to stop by and look at the murals in Clarion Alley, as well as its lesser known sister Balmy Alley. The murals painted by locals on the walls will change regularly, so be sure to come back to visit for a new and different local experience each time you’re able to visit San Francisco.

Finally, load up on Bi Rite ice cream and walk to the top of Mission Dolores Park for beautiful views and dog-spotting. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to downtown, where you first began our journey back on day 1. Extra Tip: Enjoy a guided experience in the Mission by taking the Extranomical Tours Mission District Food Walking Tour on Sundays.

As you approach the end of your stay in the city by the bay, reflect on the wonderful time you’ve had during evening dinner at Taqueria La Cumbre , home of the Mission Burrito. Afterwards, we can enjoy drinks at El Techo ; its wind screens and heat lamps make it a comfortable rooftop patio for drinks and Latin American street food. Or, if they’re still in stock, you might also be able to pick up the one-of-a-kind “Rebel Within” (a savory breakfast muffin complete with soft boiled egg) from Craftsman and Wolves, along with some truly delicious desserts.

We’ll end our time in SF with a stop at Dandelion Chocolate for warm hot cocoa and artisanal chocolate bars. Pick up some for your friends and family back home – or keep it all for yourself!

Either way, it’s officially time to say goodbye to the city by the bay. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time here, and hope that this 3-day San Francisco itinerary has given you a good enough idea of what we’re all about that you’ll want to come back and see more. 

Things to know before you go:

Now that you know what you want to do, the next step is figuring out what to bring. Don’t worry – We’ve got you covered there, too.

What should you bring? Extra spending money for meals, snacks, souvenirs etc.A light waterproof jacket (easily removable) Warm, layered clothing Comfortable shoes Hat and sunscreen (during the late summer and early fall months) Sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain)

What should you wear?

Temperatures vary depending on the season and time of day in the Bay Area, so we recommend that you wear layered clothing in case of unexpectedly climbing or falling temperatures. We do not recommend wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts in the winter. However, we realize that everyone is acclimated to different weather and thus trust you to make your own judgment. For footwear, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, such as regular tennis shoes, sneakers, or boots with rubber soles and treads. In the summer months, hiking sandals can be worn on the tour, but high heels, beach flip-flops, and other open-toed shoes are not recommended.

What’s the best way to get around San Francisco?

People tend to have a love-hate relationship with San Francisco’s public transit system. If you’re from an area that doesn’t have access to public transportation (if at all!), then the mass overlapping network of MUNI / BART / CalTrain / Golden Gate Transit / Ferries can definitely seem like a dream come true, if a bit overwhelming. You can get pretty much anywhere in the city and even nearly anywhere in the Bay Area without needing a car. For example, BART (the subway – short for Bay Area Rapid Transit) can take you straight from SFO to downtown San Francisco in just a short while – no car necessary. However, we do hear from people that visit from places with slightly-more well-managed and well-funded public transportation that it’s dirty at best and broken-down at worst. We’ll let you be the best judge of it for yourselves.

If you’d prefer to rent a car, there is plenty of parking available around the city – just be prepared to shell out for it. Some parking garages can easily cost $30 per day or more. And you’ll need to beware of vehicle break-ins – don’t leave anything visible in your car if you can help it, and travel insurance isn’t a bad idea either!

For a happy medium between the two, there are rentable scooters and mopeds around in addition to the ride-sharing apps that have somewhat taken over the taxi industry. These days, there isn’t much “sharing” of rides going on, so prices are rather inflated for Lyft and Uber. There’s a new TaxiVQ app released from the SFMTA (San Francisco Metro Transit Authority) that is promising to help close the gap between riders and taxis. It launched February 2022, so feedback is still scarce as of yet. We hope (for the sake of our local businesses) that it will begin to help everyday taxis and their drivers take back some of the market share that had been lost to Lyft and Uber. Only time will tell. 

When should you visit San Francisco?

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” This famous quote is attributed – accurately or not – to Mark Twain. (You can read more about its actual origins here !) Yet the statement stands, and we would happen to mostly agree that early summer can be quite cool here in the city. Here’s some of the average temperatures throughout the seasons:

SUMMER MONTHS (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST) Average High temperature: 67°F / 19°C Average Low temperature: 54°F / 12°C

WINTER MONTHS (DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY) Average High temperature: 58°F / 14°C Average Low temperature: 47°F / 8°C

San Francisco has the benefit (and drawback) of being on the beautiful Pacific coast, which means it is also buffeted by the wind and blanketed with daily fog. Winter months tend to be rainier, but by and large – we recommend you simply visit whenever your schedule permits. San Francisco has something to offer everyone 365 days of the year.

Where should I stay in San Francisco?

It’s best to keep in mind your travel requirements when booking your hotel/accommodation. If you’re planning to walk around a lot, then staying somewhere nearer what you want to visit is best – or at least, somewhere near one of the aforementioned public transportation options. 

If you’re planning on driving, then staying closer to Ocean Beach or Golden Gate Park would be a lovely option. Not only are you more likely to have free parking, but you’ll be within just a few minutes of gorgeous views and picturesque vistas.

Do you have more questions we haven’t answered? Ready to start making magical moments in the City by the Bay? Reach out to us at Extranomical Tours and start planning your 3 day San Francisco itinerary today.

Published on: May 23rd 2022

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My wife and I recently took our first ever Princess cruise on the Caribbean Princess out of Ft. Lauderdale. It was a 7 day cruise. We lived the ship. The ship had a classic, yet elegant cruise ship vibe. We had an absolute blast, and enjoyed everything on the cruise. We had previously cruised with a competitor, but Princess is definitely a step above! All of the staff from the dining room to stateroom stewards to art auction staff went above and beyond and were very nice and friendly. The food at Sabatini's and the main dining room and room service was great! The taste was wonderful and the service was just the right pace! We enjoyed all of our shore excursions as well and met some wonderful people in the process. I highly recommend Princess Cruises!

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Before the end of the year, I thought I should do a review of my food experience on Princess Cruise line in July. My husband and I booked a short trip to Mexico and San Francisco from LA on Princess Emerald boat. We have not been on Princess Cruise line since before the pandemic. In this trip, we noticed some major differences in our cruise experience from before the pandemic. The service, food, quality and attention to details have all diminished in quality. Let's talk about food first . Princess is not the cheapest cruise line, but not the most expensive cruise line out of Los Angeles. With that said, we expect average to above average food at non-paid restaurants. From our dining room experience, the food was horrible at the sit down restaurants. We had to return our food multiple times. The food was overcooked, salty, and in some cases just un edible. We also experience poor service on our first day in the dining room. We waited so long for food that we gave up after the waiter gave the next table, our food, and then back to us. Gross! Also, due to slow service we never got all of our items ordered. In the buffet area, you limited to just water, tea and coffee without paying. You now have to order lemonade. When we got water, it was highly salinated, so much that I had to spit it out. I tried another fountain, and the water was disappointment as well. I reported this to staff and nothing was done for a while. Later I notice a sign on the water machine. The sign stayed up the whole cruise! Why was nobody testing the water. In my opinion, the water was toxic and princess should've been providing bottled water to customers for free. Princess just started a new system to deliver food so we decide to test it out. Late at night we ordered cake and it took so long to deliver that we fell asleep to only be woken by the door hours later after ordered. As for pizza and ice cream stand by the pool? The pizza was pretty good: a bit salty. The ice cream has gone down hill too! The ice cream lacked flavor. The only good food experience was at the Italian paid restaurant. Finally we had great food and service. If I was to based my decision on food alone, I would never take a Princess Cruise again!

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Terrible customer service! Ordered a gift for my boss for their cruise and couldn't get a straightforward answer if it had been delivered. Customer service reps wouldn't provide me with the information "per policy" even when I ordered and paid for it! No confirmation that it and got hung up on twice by the reps even the supposed supervisor! Unprofessional and will never setting sails with this cruise line!

I will never trust Princess again. Platinum cruiser here- booked on the Sun Princess for 2/18. BEGGED for updates on status- continually- after the 2/8 was cancelled. Ended up cancelling for a medical emergency FOUR days before Princess cancelled the cruise 5 days before sailing. I would have held off to get the refund had I known there was a chance of cancelling- the cancelled folk all have their money. Now I have a serious health issue to deal with AND I'm in AON insurance hell. Thanks a bunch Princess. I will never sail with you again. I am so unhappy with this experience- as well as losing money and time and being frustrated as hell. They don't give a crap about their customers- book with them at your own risk.

I would say I'm a seasoned cruiser and I've been on a ton with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival cruises these last couple years. This was my first Princess Cruise (11 night Barcelona to Rome on the Enchanted Princess) and it was wonderful!! As good as the best ship I've been on (RCCL Ovation of the Seas) but the food was considerably better than RCCL. Like mindblowing - we would have lunches at the buffet where there were seafood days with unlimited crab legs, lobster claws, large shrimps. Amazing desserts every day too. Our balcony room was nice and modern (tho I didn't like the light on the way to the bathroom being on motion sensor - nothing like being blinded by light in the middle of the night. Also I found the entertainment lacking compared to RCCL. The shows were meh and casino was small. Also I find that most of the people on the ship were senior citizens. Might be a seasonal thing but I didn't find this on other cruise lines. The WiFi was much more user friendly than other cruise lines by far - superior easy to switch between devices. Also embarkation and debarkation were soooo smooth. And LOVE the Medallion - the door unlocking before I even reach for the handle has spoiled me.

Lobster night!

View from the balcony on Deck 10

Just got off Diamond Princess on a 9 day Japan cruise (Apr 2 - Apr 11, 2022). I was lucky enough to bump into Constantin in the dining room again. He is now in charge of the entire dining room at Pacific Moon. Well deserved. Same excellent service. I am glad Princess Cruise recognizes his value and promoted him. While the services in Pacific Moon is exemplary, it is light years ahead of other dining rooms. I would have to say room attendant did a stellar job maintaining our room as well. These two aspects are both 5 star rating worthy. Due to weather, the captain diverted one of the port of calls from Je Ju-do S. Korea to Busan S Korea. That was also a bonus because Busan is S Korea's second largest city versus a tiny island between the Korea peninsula and Japan. My beef with this trip was the food. Food quality definitely took a huge hit compared to the Halifax trip last year. I can appreciate the challenges of feeding thousands onboard and food is a production line. But I have also seen what is possible from multiple other trips. I can only say that the food preparation team brought down the ratings of the entire trip. All the mousse are like lard across the entire trip and was to be avoided at all cost. So dessert is really limited to ice cream or sorbet and fresh fruits. The Pad Thai is also a joke. Hence, despite the stellar service I cannot give them a 5 star rating. The other beef I have is their Medallion App. It is junk and they are limping along with a half broken system, pissing off guests along the way. Finally, Diamond Princess is an aged ship well past its prime. I can see crew members frantically suck up leaks and backed up plumbing here and there using shop vacs and carpet dryers. I can blame the careless guests for the ones outside guest rooms but the ones where they open up conduit closets to suck up water is a bit more concerning. Flooring at various parts of international dining room is so rotten that every time someone walks by, the floor sinks an inch or so and bounces back after. There is an indoor pool in addition to an outdoor pool mid ship. A large piece of paint peeled off and some guest left it on the side. That prompted the pool to be closed in the middle of the voyage and the entire pool resurfaced. I must say the crew did a great job refinishing the indoor pool. The captain also called off all shore leaves for the entire ship company at the Busan port of call. I can only imagine what problems they were fighting behind the scene to keep the ship sailing. Time for a major overhaul or retirement for Diamond Princess! I would highly recommend all who consider the Diamond Princess to hold off until after a major overhaul.

Princess Cruise Line's sorry version of "Pad Thai"

Wow! I am so surprised by the lack luster ratings! I just got off the Enchanted Princess on a cruise from NYC to Halifax and back. (Oct 22-29, 2022). I have been on a few cruises with Princess and Celebrity. I must say, this was the best service I experienced so far. We went to formal dining in Amalfi dining room every evening. The manager, Costantin, treated us with a surprise dish to try each night! The two waiters, Iketut and Natalia, provided really great service as well. I just can't recall a better experience on a cruise than this trip. Room service was also top notch. The shower curtain started to smell a bit towards the end of the trip. I mentioned it to my room attendant, Milton, and went to visit another guest. I was away for no more than five minutes and then returned to my room. The shower curtain had already been changed! Simply outstanding service!

In short, Princess Cruises messed everything up; their computer had a system error which cancelled our trip, they said they restored everything. They forgot to do the air tickets. So we arrive at the airport and we are told your friends have tickets but Princess canceled your air tickets. We had to leave our friends and we returned home. We go home, my wife crying the whole way home and then the nightmare continued... Three long calls and waits and many "Were so sorry CRM manual apologies they book on a flight the next day to Juneau. I had to book a room because the flight would arrive a day before the ship docking. Non- refundable. Our friends send me a letter given to all the ship passengers, "Due to possible bad weather we will not land in Juneau." I was transferred multiple times till I was talking to someone state side. It took them 5 hours to confirm that yes indeed the ship wasn't going to Juneau. It was at 4:58pm when they called to say yes the ship would not be at Juneau. So graciously they offered to fly us to the last stop of the trip. They made it sound like it was my choice not to take up the offer. Monday I called the insurance company and was told what happened would not be covered. I was told to go back to Princess and fight it out with them. I did and three hours later I was told in 4 to 6 weeks I might get a resolution. The day after that I received a pittance of 761 dollars on my credit card. That 761 dollars did not cover the airfare nor the fees, taxes, deposits, shore to ship costs I had paid for. Ok, here's the thing. They couldn't care less. The underpaid people in the Philippines are limited in what they can do, there are few if any workers in the US. The company makes every trip stop at a foreign port to bypass US laws. DO NOT TAKE A PRINCESS CRUISE

We have traveled on Princess since 1989 and are Elite level passengers. over the past 2 years we have seen and experienced the level of quality and customer service continue to degrade and devolve. We were booked on the Feb 8 inaugural Sun Princess cruise that was canceled. We received letters from our travel agent as well as directly from Princess, offering us 50% off a future cruise $1000 onboard credit and up to $200 per person for the inconvenience of having to rebook our flights, which didn't even come close to what we had to spend to get ourselves over to Rome where the cruise was ending so we could take our flights home. British Airways wouldn't work with us to move our flights to another date for us to take a later Sun Princess sailing. they wanted another $3k to change our flights. We were stuck taking our original flights to and from London but had to change our original flight to Barcelona where the cruise was to begin and work our way to Rome to our hotel because they wouldn't work with us either. Bottom line is we are now almost 3 months from when our trip was canceled and we're still having to fight with Princess to get them to follow through with what they have offered us in writing. we were even asked to produce proof that we were booked on that cruise and proof of the cancellation! This information is in their own system. We know we are not the only passengers experiencing issues like this. Princess should be ashamed of themselves! None of their passengers should be treated like this especially their loyal Elite passengers. there is such a thing as karma and they deserve everything negative that is coming their way, including a Class Action lawsuit!

Recently cruised on the Emerald Princess in June 2023. Upon arrival home, found an error on a custom photo template. Tried to contact princess, first attempt by phone- waiting 90 min with no success. 2nd attempt by phone, waited 60 min and talked to service rep and was given an email address for their photo support. Have sent 4 emails asking for resolution, with no return response. Very Frustrated

The customer service has been the worst. We (7 passengers) booked the Alaska Cruise before pandemic. Princess kept extending the credit without communicating. Calling to see what options we have and didn't want to talk to me without my "agent". My agent has not been too much help either... I also contacted the customer service manager and nothing back of course. Worst customer service and experience ever.

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