Cruise From Port of San Diego: Special Packages Offered for Hawaii, Mexico and Panama Canal

Friday, 29 January 2010
Contact: John Gilmore, 619-686-7206

The Port of San Diego is joining with partner cruise lines in reminding San Diego County residents they can take advantage of cruise bargains and sail round-trip from the Embarcadero to Mexico, Hawaii and even the Panama Canal.

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A variety of cruise packages, ranging from an 8-day voyage to Mexican ports to a 14-night journey to the Panama Canal, are available with prices starting as low as $499. Depending on the voyage, complimentary vouchers for shopping, dining and other discounts are available.

To encourage locals to book cruises from the Port of San Diego, a regional advertising campaign has been launched that includes television, radio and billboards. The ads are intended to drive business to the Port's tourism web site, thebigbay.com. Within two clicks, visitors can book vacations on Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, or Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Last year 840,000 cruise passengers visited the Port of San Diego on 223 cruise calls. This year the number is expected to be closer to 500,000 with approximately 150 cruise calls.

The number of cruise passengers visiting the Port of San Diego fell last year, primarily as a result of the world-wide economic downtown and a major drop in tourism in Mexico. Carnival Cruise Lines announced that the Elation, San Diego's only year-round cruise line service, will be leaving San Diego in April 2010. The Port is projecting fewer cruise passengers for 2010 and 2011. Port Marketing Director Rita Vandergaw noted that the Port is working to increase the local cruise business.

"We are committed to helping our current cruise line partners and working to secure new business," Vandergaw said.

Cruise deals from San Diego are available on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Holland American.

Currently, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering 8-day Mexican Rivera cruises aboard Carnival Spirit from Oct. 27, 2010 to March 28, 2011. Guests can book an interior room for as low as $449 and a balcony room for $679.

Celebrity Cruises has a 14-night voyage to the Panama Canal that sails on Sept. 27, 2010. An ocean view cabin is $1,739. Travelers can receive up to $150 credit per stateroom.

Holland America is offering a 14 –day Hawaii cruise starting at $1,499. Sail dates are Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and 21 and Dec. 5 and 12, 2010.

The Port is building a new $28-million auxiliary cruise ship terminal on Broadway Pier. It's projected to be finished at the end of this year. Meanwhile, the Port is planning for redevelopment of its primary cruise facility at the B Street Pier. That work is expected to be done over the next several years, as money becomes available.

When there are no ships in Port at the new Broadway Cruise Ship Terminal, the 52,000-square-foot building and 1,000 foot long pier will be available for public events and gatherings that will allow close-up views of the San Diego skyline and waterfront.

To view some of the cruise specials, please visit the San Diego Cruise Port site.

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