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Thank you to Princess Cruises for hosting us on this California Coastal Cruise Aboard The Crown Princess to facilitate this review. All opinions and photos are ours.
Our third day started early in the morning with room service coffee on the balcony as we watched the pilot boat guide us into San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise is a breathtaking experience that we will remember forever!
Emmy has told everyone we have met today about it. I am 100% with her on this one; it was really cool, and I would even call it a bucket list item.
Once we docked we set off to explore the city and then we took a tour of Alcatraz Island Federal Penitentiary.
We had tried to do this tour before each time we were in San Francisco, but it was always sold out. I understand why now, it’s one of those things you just have to see. Be sure to buy your tickets early. Another tip, once on board the boat to the island, walk all the way around to where the bathrooms are. That’s where the best seats in the house are… they are right by the exit so you can get off quickly too.
Here is a picture tour of our visit to Alcatraz.
One quick note, we did the self-guided audio tour. When we were getting the headsets, I asked for new ones or once that were freshly washed. They have those in a separate area; you just have to ask for them. Also, with Emmy being only five, she was a bit concerned at some parts of the tour. We talked through those parts, but you might want to have them remove their headphones during the prison riot part, or at least be prepared to talk about it.
There is so much history on this island. You should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours on the tour and seeing the other parts. We brought a stroller, and I’m very glad I did. There is a lot of walking. If your child is old enough for a fold up stroller, that’s the best way to go because there are also stairs along the way. You can bring water with you, but no food so eat before you come over. There are two sets of bathrooms too… one at the bottom where you get off the boat and the other up at the prison.
After we got back from Alcatraz we headed down to the famous Pier 39.
Pier 39 is a quick 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal, and there are tons of fun foods available to purchase like cookies, crepes, ice cream, etc. to snack on… not that you will need to do that during a Princess Cruise! The girls all (yep even the older ones) went on the carousel! We took our oldest here when she was 2, and she rode it ten times then… so it was fun taking her back and telling her all about that visit!
It was “Funky Disco Party Night” for the 5 and 12-year-old in the kids clubs, so we had to get back to the ship quickly!
My oldest came with Pete and me to get coffee and dessert.
We love the premium coffees and are getting good use out of our pre-paid card. We sat and enjoyed some piano music and talked about tomorrow’s day at sea. There was also a mariachi band playing in one of the show rooms… it was packed in there, and everyone was talking about how awesome they were!
Day 4 is a sea day, so we are going to have lot’s of kids club fun, afternoon tea, good food and maybe a visit to the sanctuary for Pete and I! I’ll be back tomorrow with all the details!
What destinations are on your cruise wish lists?
PS. See our complete Crown Princess, Princess Cruises Review and Detailed Daily Posts Here.
Sounds like a lovely cruise. I love San Fran!
I haven’t done a California Costal cruise, but we did the Mexican coast cruise. So much fun, but not for kids!!
Oh it sounds like you are having an awesome time. I love cruising! I hope to go on a cruise with my husband some day. We have never been together on one.
I’ve missed out on so much in San Fransisco! Exploring Alcatraz must have been a crazy experience. I need to do that.
Wow, looks like you’re having a lot of fun. I have always wanted to visit Alcatraz.
I think it would be strange, yet fascinating. I definitely want to do that too.
What a lovely family adventure! I love San Francisco and can’t wait to visit again. It’s been too many years since I’ve been there.
This looks so amazing. I can’t wait for the day I get to head on a cruise. How beautiful and fun!
This is the PERFECT introductory cruise for anyone who is nervous about being in open water. I have a friend that needs to take this so she can see that cruises are perfectly safe and perfectly AWESOME!
What a lovely trip filled with a lot of educational opportunities. I love the view of the Golden Gate bridge. I’m sure it was a great trip for your family.
It looks like you guys are having an incredible trip! The Crown Princess looks awesome and so do all the SF attractions 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Alcatarz! Your photos are gorgeous. I heard that it’s beautiful out that (as morbid as it is) and that it’s a great spot for photography.
Looks like a wonderful cruise. I did the night tour of Alcatraz about 10 years ago and really enjoy it.
Never been to California–but I never say never! Not sure I could handle Alcatraz but then if I go I would have to go see it-probably would not use the headphones (thanks for the warning!)
I am a Californian and have yet to visit Alcatraz. Maybe I will go this summer with the family.
I loved Alcatraz when I was 7. I still vividly remember it and I can’t wait to go back. I haven’t been to the pier, though! And I saw your instagram of that yummy snack!
How gorgeous! i would love to go to San Francisco some day!
I got chills when I scrolled down to see photos of Alcatraz. I really want to see that place in person. Those walls are just full of so much history; so many tales. Glad you had an amazing time on your trip.
As for a cruise wish list–well I don’t really have one. I never had the desire to go out on the sea headed towards any particular destination.
For a while now, my husband has been convincing the kids for us to go to cruise but he hasn’t succeeded yet. I think that looking at your photos, my kids will enjoy it.
Looks like you are having a great time on this cruise. We have not tried a Californian coastal cruise, yet, but we did finally make it out west to do an Alaskan cruise last September. That was a great time and this Princess cruise looks amazing too. Guess we will have to add it to our to do list!
Well, I would love to cruise to/through/from Alaska. I would also love to take a Mediterranean cruise. I spent my entire life in California and have never gone to Alcatraz. It looks like it would be a great tour.
Beautiful pictures – looks like so much fun!!
Looks like you and the family had an amazing experience. Those are some great pictures too.
I am so excited for you guys it looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I can’t wait to see more of the adventure!
Boy would I love to take a cruise to San Francisco. I haven’t been on a cruise, not ever. Going to next year for sure and I’m going aboard Princess. I’ve heard nothing but good things about their line.
Oh my goodness, what a fabulous cruise. We have talked about going on a cruise and I really hope we book one soon 🙂
What a great adventure. I love that you took her headphones off. I am sure the prison could get a bit colorful at times. I love following along. Enjoy!
This sounds like an amazing cruise. I would love to go on a cruise to anywhere warm and tropical.
Ah I cruised underneath the SF golden gate back on Superbowl Sunday!! It was an incredible experience, I loved it.
That looks like a ton of fun. I’ve taken plenty of cruises, but I’ve never been on one that stays local like this. I love it!
What an amazing day in San Francisco! I love how cruises allow you to see so much while you travel.
It’s been years since I visited San Francisco and I would love to return as a family. The entire city is stunning and there is just so much to experience!
I love San Francisco and can’t wait until my kids are older to visit Alcatraz. Love seeing your adventure!
I’m so dying to go on a Princess Cruise. It looks so amazing! I hope I get the opportunity one day.
I would also love to sail on a cruise given the chance with my family. I’m sure everyone of you and not only your little one enjoyed the experience. 🙂
You are SO lucky! I so want to go to Alcatraz! It has always interested me. The photo’s are awesome!
Our family has never been on a cruise but I’d love to go. I think we’d like to go to the Caribbean!
I love the idea of a short, touristy cruise! I would love to visit San Francisco, and of course go see Alcatraz!
Thanks for the great tips about strollers on Alcatraz! I would be willing to cruise just about anywhere, but would love to do a European Cruise!
Princess Cruises was our favorite line for cruising. I want to take a cruise from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta again. What an awesome ship you travelled on. It is always fun to go to Pier 39.
What a fun and awesome adventure. I always wondered what Alcatraz looked like.
It looks like you hre are having an absolutely amazing time! Enjoy!
Well, as a local, none of this really excites me EXCEPT for seeing the bridge up close and at dawn! However, Princess cruises truly are amazing and make you feel like a star!
San Francisco is so fun to explore and you got to enjoy some of the highlights! What a great cruise!
I never knew that Alcatrez was such a can’t miss spot. THanks for sharing your daily cruise adventures, especially the food. MMMM
I was just in San Francisco last week! The bridge is quite a site and Alcatraz was in the distance. What a great experience you are having!
This looks like such an amazing cruise! I want to go on one!
Oh man, I’ve always wanted to go to Alcatraz! San Fransisco is calling my name! What beautiful photos!
We have a cruise booked with them at the end of the year! We have cruised with them before and they are great.
I would love to see Alcatraz in person! What a great experience. Looks like you are having an amazing time!
I definitely want room visit there someday. Looks like you had a blast with your family.