By: Lesa Caden, CTA and Director of Employee Development

The Princess Star was re-positioning from its Alaska season to Hawaii. With only a week in-between the two itineraries, we enjoyed the 7 Night Northern California Coast with Princess. This was our second cruise with Princess but the first time cruising the Pacific Coast.

Upon arrival in Seattle, we opted for one pre-night at the Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel near the Pier. This was a modern, colorful hotel with exceptional service. It was within walking distance of Pike’s Place and the Space Needle. I would highly recommend the hotel during a visit to Seattle.

Off To The Seattle Pier

Under the command of Captain Michele Tuvo, we set sail for the California coast. The total distance we would travel from Seattle to Seattle would be 1,891 nautical miles. We were ready; the sun was shining with a chilly breeze blowing and passengers prepared to set sail. Luckily, on Star Princess, more than 700 cabins onboard have verandas. That means you have a pretty solid chance of snagging the cabin you want. After mustering, we were off to the dining room followed by a night of music and gambling. The week’s entertainment would consist of four performers vying for Entertainer of the Year.

Astoria, Oregon

Overcast, 64 Degrees

Astoria is a romantic, quaint, and picturesque seaside village. The excursions offered ranged from Victorian home tours to drives to view Mount St. Helens. In our time there, we enjoyed walking downtown, shopping, and eating at a local diner. The local cuisine was delicious and included salmon, trout, and shellfish.

While in Astoria, we learned a few fun facts. Astoria was founded in 1811 and boasts some of the most consistent mild temperatures year-round with an average of 50 degrees. Astoria is named after America’s first multi-millionaire, John Jacob Astor. Astoria’s industries include salmon canneries, logging industries, and is a popular filming site

Day At Sea

Clear Skies, 70 Degrees

A day at sea provided you the luxury to sip on a specialty coffee, attend ship demonstrations, view the art gallery, and dine at specialty restaurants. We had a relaxing day. The evening consisted of dining at the Crown Grill and then we went to see one of the artists competing for Entertainer of the Year, Vocalist –Phillip Browne. A few gallery pieces from the art auction are below.

San Francisco

Clear Skies, 62 Degrees

The San Francisco view is spectacular from the ship. Colors abound while you take in the Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, and local foliage. Before it was named San Francisco, the city by the bay was called Yerba Buena.

It was a beautiful day so we decided to walk to Pier 39 and view the sea lions, dine on local seafood, and shop at Fisherman’s Wharf. Many sites were within walking distance of the ship. The foliage was vibrant and show-stopping.

Monterey

Clear Skies, Windy 70 Degrees

Monterey is a quiet seaside village tucked on the edge of the Monterey Peninsula. It is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, unique restaurants, and quaint architecture. You must tender from the ship to Monterey. While in Monterey, we visited a few antique/book stores, dined on local cuisine, and shopped at local stores. The Halloween décor around the town was in full force!

Fun Fact about Monterrey: The acclaimed Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the biggest revenue generators and largest festivals in the world.

Day At Sea

Sunny, 67 Degrees

Our last day at sea on our Northern California Coast with Princess cruise called for a spa treatment at the Lotus Spa! It was so relaxing to take in a few spa treatments and get pampered. Not only is it easy to soak up some tranquility onboard with the Lotus Spa, but it’s also not difficult to physically soak in one of the ship’s many pools and hot tubs.

Aboard is also the Vines Wine Bar, it is located off Star Princess’ Piazza, the three-story atrium that is a hub for entertainment onboard. The nice thing about Vines on Star Princess is, with the purchase of a glass of wine, you are welcomed to the day’s complimentary selection of tapas and sushi. Because the selections are rotating and not written down, you will enjoy a delicious surprise with your evening Sauvignon Blanc.

We also attended the Champagne Art Auction onboard and took in an evening show. During our cruise, it was announced that Jesus & Rosa More were the Most Traveled Guest! They have cruised with Princess for 1718 days!

Fun Fact about the Princess Star: The inaugural cruise was February 2002. The tonnage was 108,977 with 2,600 berths.

Victoria, British Columbia

Sunny, 57 Degrees

Victoria is very beautiful and has some of the most moderate weather in Canada. Founded as a trading post in 1843, the town is welcoming and colorful and is the Cycling Capital of Canada. Victoria is internationally known as the City of Gardens. The famous Butchart Gardens opened in 1904 and are visited by more than a million people annually.

We opted to take in the city via dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

Seattle

A Princess cruise is the perfect ship for you if you enjoy destination based onboard experiences and entertainment, want peace and quiet with ultimate relaxation and enjoy different dining experiences. I would highly recommend the 7 Night Northern California Coast with Princess Cruises for any family looking for a short but very fun and rewarding vacation.