Pacific Coastal Cruises
Short one-way hops along the West Coast, mostly in spring and autumn.
Get Pacific Coastal QuotesShort Hops Along the West Coast
Pacific Coastal cruises are the one-way sailings ships make between Southern California and the Pacific Northwest or British Columbia, mostly in spring and autumn as they reposition for Alaska. They are short, scenic and often priced to fill, which makes them one of the easiest repositioning cruise deals to try.
A typical sailing links Los Angeles, Long Beach or San Diego with Vancouver, and sometimes calls along the way at ports such as San Francisco, Astoria in Oregon or Victoria in British Columbia. Sea days alternate with port calls, and the whole trip stays within one time zone.
Why So Many Start or End in Vancouver
U.S. rules for foreign-flagged ships do not allow a passenger to board in one U.S. port and leave in another unless the ship has visited a distant foreign port. A stop in Victoria or Ensenada does not count, because Canada and Mexico are treated as nearby. So a ship sailing from Los Angeles to Seattle cannot sell that trip as a simple one-way cruise. Ending in Vancouver solves the problem, because the passenger leaves the ship in Canada.
For travelers, it means a Pacific Coastal cruise is usually a cross-border trip. Allow time for customs and immigration on arrival, and carry a passport.
Who Pacific Coastal Cruises Suit
First-time cruisers
A few nights is enough to see whether you like life at sea, with short flights at each end.
West Coast residents
Sail from a port near home and fly or take the train back.
Alaska add-ons
Arrive in Vancouver by ship, then board an Alaska cruise or begin a land tour.
Ship samplers
Try a newly arrived ship before its summer season fills.
Because these sailings are short and the ships are heading somewhere with a busier season ahead, lines often price them to fill. Watch for them when spring and autumn schedules open, and compare a few dates, since the same ship may make the trip only once each way.
Open Pacific water off Oregon and Washington can be lively in spring and autumn, so choose a cabin low and midship if you are prone to motion; our sister site Cruise Ship Deck Plans shows how. For a pre-cruise night in Southern California, RoomsCheap.com lists Los Angeles and Long Beach cruise hotels.
Pacific Coastal Cruise Questions
How long are Pacific Coastal cruises?
Many are short, from two to five nights, which makes them a popular sampler for first-time cruisers. Some lines run longer coastal voyages with more ports.
Do I need a passport for a Pacific Coastal cruise?
If the cruise begins or ends in Canada, which most do, you cross an international border, so carry a valid passport. Check the line’s document rules for your nationality.
Is there a time change on a Pacific Coastal cruise?
Usually not. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver all share Pacific Time.
Book a Pacific Coastal Cruise
Tell us your nearest West Coast port and the season you prefer. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare Pacific Coastal cruises and send free quotes.
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