Why Does Celebrity & RCCL Avoid the West Coast

[ehfl]

The only available west-coast destinations are Mexico and Alaska (and Hawaii). Mexico was popular, but now is very dangerous. If the Mexican government can reduce the crime rate, that would probably attract the cruise lines back to the Baja.

[maggie.1008]

We were in Cabo last year at this time. Airport was full of American Tourists. I feel very safe in Cabo. Carnival, Princess, HAL and Crystal all feel safe going there.

[CRUZBUDS]

. Mexico was popular, but now is very dangerous. If the Mexican government can reduce the crime rate, that would probably attract the cruise lines back to the Baja.

 

I never saw any facts about Mexico being dangerous for cruisers.

 

They do have a lot of problems though :(

[constantcruiser]

Two years ago we did a special "America's Cup" cruise on Solstice, which left from Seattle, spent 2 days in San Francisco to coincide with the yacht races, then stopped in Monterrey, Santa Barbara, Catalina, Los Angeles and San Diego before ending in Ensenada. Out of 40+ cruises, it was one of our favorite itineraries--so much to see at every port.

 

I'll admit the uncomfortable bus ride from Ensenada back to San Diego at the end wasn't enjoyable. But now that Solstice has been modified to sail out on Vancouver, I think starting there and ending in San Diego would be a popular itinerary. Seems like Celebrity could easily add a few cruises up and down the West Coast before and after the Alaska season. We would definitely book that itinerary again.

[elena7seas]

Two years ago we did a special "America's Cup" cruise on Solstice, which left from Seattle, spent 2 days in San Francisco to coincide with the yacht races, then stopped in Monterrey, Santa Barbara, Catalina, Los Angeles and San Diego before ending in Ensenada. Out of 40+ cruises, it was one of our favorite itineraries--so much to see at every port.

 

I'll admit the uncomfortable bus ride from Ensenada back to San Diego at the end wasn't enjoyable. But now that Solstice has been modified to sail out on Vancouver, I think starting there and ending in San Diego would be a popular itinerary. Seems like Celebrity could easily add a few cruises up and down the West Coast before and after the Alaska season. We would definitely book that itinerary again.

 

Hi Constant Cruiser, I was on that cruise also and it was a wonderful itinerary. As you say, now that we would not have to disembark in Ensenada, it would be even better.

 

I thought the following would make a great 12-night Pacific Coastal cruise on Solstice:

 

1. Vancouver

2. Seattle

3. Astoria (for Astoria and Cannon Beach)

4. At sea

5. San Francisco (overnight)

6. San Francisco

7. Monterey (for Monterey and Carmel)

6. Santa Barbara

7. San Diego

8. At sea

9. Cabo San Lucas (for Cabo, Todos Santos and San Juan del Cabo)

10. At sea

11. Catalina Island

12. Los Angeles overnight (this allows people to go to LA for a full day and evening, or to Disneyland if they want)

13. Depart ship 7:00 AM.

 

I would sail that itinerary every year if Celebrity offered it. Every port is interesting and it is such a relief not to have to fly across the continent.

[phoenix_dream]

We did a Mexican Riviera cruise years ago. While any cruise is nice there is just no comparison to the Caribbean ports in terms of the quality of beaches and cleanliness of the water. We'd never travel to the West Coast again just for a Mexico cruise even if offered. I can see the appeal for those that live in California but I don't think there is as much appeal for anyone who has to fly in any event.

.

 

I almost always agree 100% with what you post, but can't go with you on this one (but it is just a matter of personal preference:)). We are not big beach people, so for us experiencing the culture of various Mexico ports holds much, much more appeal to us than continually cruising the Caribbean. After visiting too many times to count, so many of the Caribbean islands look so much the same. Not a complete lack of culture to experience, but not a lot of sightseeing overall in the Caribbean. So for those of us who maybe visit the beach once on a cruise, Mexico is much more appealing. Our 10 day cruise years ago as far south as Zihuantenajo was tied for our favorite with our first Alaska , Vancouver to Anchorage cruise. So if you get offered one, feel free to contact us and we will take it off your hands:D

[phoenix_dream]

Also on the America's Cup cruise. (in fact Elena, didn't we join up for a tour in SF with a number of others? - forgive me if my memory fails me - it often does these days). I have to modify what I said in my previous post - of all the cruises we have taken (30+), the America's Cup cruise joins the other two I mentioned as our top favorites of all. It was an absolute delight. We were one of the lucky ones who caught an early bus from Ensenada that had air conditioning and a driver who knew where he was going, thank goodness.

[elena7seas]

Also on the America's Cup cruise. (in fact Elena, didn't we join up for a tour in SF with a number of others? - forgive me if my memory fails me - it often does these days). I have to modify what I said in my previous post - of all the cruises we have taken (30+), the America's Cup cruise joins the other two I mentioned as our top favorites of all. It was an absolute delight. We were one of the lucky ones who caught an early bus from Ensenada that had air conditioning and a driver who knew where he was going, thank goodness.

 

Hi Phoenix Dream....honestly, I am ashamed to say it, but I can't remember what we did in San Francisco on our second day. I was with a group of six, and on the first day, we rented a crossover and went up to Napa, the CIA and Thomas Keller's "Bistro". I feel sure that if I had met you I would have remembered, so possibly we didn't take that tour together. I was travelling with people who don't participate on Cruise Critic, so I didn't make as many CC events on that cruise.

 

I agree with you....I would love to add Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo to any west coast cruise. As well, there are some beautiful beaches in Huatulco....Celebrity used to go there a lot, but it doesn't seem to be on itineraries lately, so don't know if there is an issue there.

 

I am not a particularly a beach person so I'm getting pretty tired of Caribbean ports. I am just as happy in any of the west coast ports. There's tons to see and do in all of them. Lately it's costing me more to fly than to take the cruise. West coast itineraries will allow me to cruise twice as often!!

[maggie.1008]

Sign me up for that 12 day coastal on Solstice !

[scifimonkey]

Two years ago we did a special "America's Cup" cruise on Solstice, which left from Seattle, spent 2 days in San Francisco to coincide with the yacht races, then stopped in Monterrey, Santa Barbara, Catalina, Los Angeles and San Diego before ending in Ensenada. Out of 40+ cruises, it was one of our favorite itineraries--so much to see at every port.

 

I'll admit the uncomfortable bus ride from Ensenada back to San Diego at the end wasn't enjoyable. But now that Solstice has been modified to sail out on Vancouver, I think starting there and ending in San Diego would be a popular itinerary. Seems like Celebrity could easily add a few cruises up and down the West Coast before and after the Alaska season. We would definitely book that itinerary again.

 

Vancouver to San Diego would be brilliant. I am sure that they would fill the ships with Europeans even if it was not popular with the U.S. market. A back to back with an Alaskan itinerary would be a trip of a lifetime although it might represent a challenge with the packing unless it was mid summer.

[phoenix_dream]

Elena, no worries - your name sounded very familiar, but I probably remember you from our Roll Call.

 

As to some other's comments about US cruisers not being interested in the west coast - I just don't see why not. There are tons of things to see and do along the west coast of the US. If the cruises went all the way up to Vancouver, or all the way down to some Mexican ports, I would think even Californians would be interested. The weather may not always be warm like the Caribbean, but compared to what the east coast has been experiencing this winter it is paradise!! We enjoyed our America's Cup cruise so much, I convinced my sister to join me for a road trip from LA to north of SF (she is not a cruiser). We had a great time, and only wish we had enough vacation to be able to start all the way down in San Diego. I think if they had some cruises that had a couple overnights in LA and SF for example, that would entice people even more., I agree with the point about the airfare - these days that can sometimes cost almost as much as the cruise!

[midwestchick]

Hi Constant Cruiser, I was on that cruise also and it was a wonderful itinerary. As you say, now that we would not have to disembark in Ensenada, it would be even better.

 

I thought the following would make a great 12-night Pacific Coastal cruise on Solstice:

 

1. Vancouver

2. Seattle

3. Astoria (for Astoria and Cannon Beach)

4. At sea

5. San Francisco (overnight)

6. San Francisco

7. Monterey (for Monterey and Carmel)

6. Santa Barbara

7. San Diego

8. At sea

9. Cabo San Lucas (for Cabo, Todos Santos and San Juan del Cabo)

10. At sea

11. Catalina Island

12. Los Angeles overnight (this allows people to go to LA for a full day and evening, or to Disneyland if they want)

13. Depart ship 7:00 AM.

 

I would sail that itinerary every year if Celebrity offered it. Every port is interesting and it is such a relief not to have to fly across the continent.

 

 

This is not available though, correct? I'm really trying to find a west coast cruise on a cruise line I prefer.

[Terpnut]

You all bring up great points about the attractiveness of some of the west coast ports however everyone has missed the most important reason why very few ships sail these itineraries--most of these ports are just as easy to visit by land than by sea. I too love most of these west coast cities, but I've regularly visited them all and I've always done them by driving due to many advantages--airfare is cheap to any starting point, car rentals are cheap, gas is cheap, driving offers more scheduling flexibility, a land trip allows more time in any or each city, and it's all a beautiful drive to boot!

 

Please remember that cruise itineraries sell best where there is no cheap and easy air and land transportation options available. Alaska, Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean itineraries are the most popular and profitable routes not because their ports are inherently better or more popular than west coast cities but because travellers cannot easily fly, drive or take train to or between the majority of their ports. They are all ideally visited by sea. This cannot be said for any west coast itinerary and explains why they are limited sellers and a low-priority market.

Edited March 2, 2015 by Terpnut

[scifimonkey]

You all bring up great points about the attractiveness of some of the west coast ports however everyone has missed the most important reason why very few ships sail these itineraries--most of these ports are just as easy to visit by land than by sea. I too love most of these west coast cities, but I've regularly visited them all and I've always done them by driving due to many advantages--airfare is cheap to any starting point, car rentals are cheap, gas is cheap, driving offers more scheduling flexibility, a land trip allows more time in any or each city, and it's all a beautiful drive to boot!

 

Please remember that cruise itineraries sell best where there is no cheap and easy air and land transportation options available. Alaska, Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean itineraries are the most popular and profitable routes not because their ports are inherently better or more popular than west coast cities but because travellers cannot easily fly, drive or take train to or between the majority of their podrts. They are all ideally visited by sea. This cannot be said for any west coast itinerary and explains why they are limited sellers and a low-priority market.

I don't think this fully stacks up as it's pretty easy to drive around Europe but people still choose to cruise. In my younger years I did 3 separate fly drives to the west coast and covered most of it from the Mexican border to NW Canada and enjoyed them all, but I no longer want to live out of a suitcase for my two or three week vacation each year or to do 1000's of miles of driving and a cruise is the best way of touring without having to do that. Despite the fact that I have visited most of the west coast before I for one would jump at the chance to bring my family over and do it all again by sea.

Edited March 2, 2015 by scifimonkey

[phoenix_dream]

I think there may be something to the thought that the west coast ports are easier to reach by car, etc.., but I don't think that is the reason they don't do them as I don't think that would turn most people off - at least not those who lived east of California. Not sure what is.

 

I did in fact drive up from LA to SF last year because I loved our America's Cup cruise so much and wanted to spend more time in some of the cities, but I would take another similar cruise in a heartbeat. Do you know how much time it would take to drive from Vancouver down to San Diego or Cabo?? And have you ever priced a hotel room along the California coast? That alone makes the cruise worth it and more! And gas and car rentals being cheap? I guess we have different definitions of cheap (allowing that for now, gas prices are very reasonable but how long that will last who knows). In order to make that kind of a drive, I also would have to fly an open jaw (and therefore usually more expensive) flight from the Midwest, and pay a surcharge to return a rental at a different location. And you had better be retired, because it would require a lot of vacation time otherwise.

 

Could I visit all these places in multiple trips? Sure. But on a cruise I get all the pleasure and convenience cruising brings, with stops in some beautiful places along a beautiful coast that have a lot to do, are clean and safe, and are places I likely won't visit any other way. Sounds like a win/win to me.

[OCA REP]

Vancouver to San Diego would be brilliant. I am sure that they would fill the ships with Europeans even if it was not popular with the U.S. market.

 

We agree. We recently booked a cruise on the Infinity for this reverse route (San Diego to Vancouver) for May 2016.

[Terpnut]

I don't think this fully stacks up as it's pretty easy to drive around Europe but people still choose to cruise. In my younger years I did 3 separate fly drives to the west coast and covered most of it from the Mexican border to NW Canada and enjoyed them all, but I no longer want to live out of a suitcase for my two or three week vacation each year or to do 1000's of miles of driving and a cruise is the best way of touring without having to do that. Despite the fact that I have visited most of the west coast before I for one would jump at the chance to bring my family over and do it all again by sea.

You simply cannot compare the breadth, variety and history of European ports to West Coast ports! One can sail the Baltic or Med annually and never see or do the same thing twice, but a couple west coast cruises and you're mostly done. And this is not just my personal opinion--the market has and continues to speak to this truth! :)

 

I think there may be something to the thought that the west coast ports are easier to reach by car, etc.., but I don't think that is the reason they don't do them as I don't think that would turn most people off - at least not those who lived east of California. Not sure what is.

 

I did in fact drive up from LA to SF last year because I loved our America's Cup cruise so much and wanted to spend more time in some of the cities, but I would take another similar cruise in a heartbeat. Do you know how much time it would take to drive from Vancouver down to San Diego or Cabo?? And have you ever priced a hotel room along the California coast? That alone makes the cruise worth it and more! And gas and car rentals being cheap? I guess we have different definitions of cheap (allowing that for now, gas prices are very reasonable but how long that will last who knows). In order to make that kind of a drive, I also would have to fly an open jaw (and therefore usually more expensive) flight from the Midwest, and pay a surcharge to return a rental at a different location. And you had better be retired, because it would require a lot of vacation time otherwise.

 

Could I visit all these places in multiple trips? Sure. But on a cruise I get all the pleasure and convenience cruising brings, with stops in some beautiful places along a beautiful coast that have a lot to do, are clean and safe, and are places I likely won't visit any other way. Sounds like a win/win to me.

Your points about the benefits of cruising are not specific to west coast cruises--they're discussing the benefits of cruising in general. The rest is all a fine rationalization but the hard cold reality is that there are simply not tens of thousands of customers willing to pay (this is what a cruise line needs to deploy and support multiple ships on these routes) every week during a season to fill cruise ships to do these itineraries! Remember that most of the posters on this thread are supportive but there are just not enough people like us to support anything but a small ship seasonal deployment or the occasional special itinerary. As I already pointed out, there is just too little diversity of ports and too much in the way of land alternatives. Edited March 2, 2015 by Terpnut

[maggie.1008]

I have been looking at the Pacific Coastal cruises on X and they are $$$$. They must be in demand. I have lived in California for 25 years and have not seen half of it. All the port cities are beautiful and I could continue to visit many times. Hope I can see them with X.

[midwestchick]

I have been looking at the Pacific Coastal cruises on X and they are $$$$. They must be in demand. I have lived in California for 25 years and have not seen half of it. All the port cities are beautiful and I could continue to visit many times. Hope I can see them with X.

 

 

What ship and what are the dates? I've been on line looking at Princess cruises but would rather sail with X.

[wwcruisers]

I have been looking at the Pacific Coastal cruises on X and they are $$$$. They must be in demand. I have lived in California for 25 years and have not seen half of it. All the port cities are beautiful and I could continue to visit many times. Hope I can see them with X.

 

What ship and what are the dates? I've been on line looking at Princess cruises but would rather sail with X.

 

Check out the Infinity Pacific Coastal cruise -- Sept. 4, 2015. It's a 9-nite r/t out of SF. :)

[maggie.1008]

9 nt. SFO RT Sept. 4 2015. 11 nt. San Diego- Vancouver May 11th, 2016 and 7 nt. Vancouver - San Diego Sept. 11, 2016.

[Karynanne]

Check out the Infinity Pacific Coastal cruise -- Sept. 4, 2015. It's a 9-nite r/t out of SF. :)

 

 

I'll be on this cruise with a friend. Nice itinerary!

[RealDeal]

Also on the America's Cup cruise. (in fact Elena, didn't we join up for a tour in SF with a number of others? - forgive me if my memory fails me - it often does these days). I have to modify what I said in my previous post - of all the cruises we have taken (30+), the America's Cup cruise joins the other two I mentioned as our top favorites of all. It was an absolute delight. We were one of the lucky ones who caught an early bus from Ensenada that had air conditioning and a driver who knew where he was going, thank goodness.

 

Ditto, ditto, ditto. The America's Cup cruise was one of our very best ever. TOTALLY bummed out they're not doing it anymore. And we were on bus #1 from Ensenada!

Edited March 2, 2015 by RealDeal

[wwcruisers]

I'll be on this cruise with a friend. Nice itinerary!

 

Hi there -- be sure to drop by the r/c and say "hello". :)

[phoenix_dream]

You simply cannot compare the breadth, variety and history of European ports to West Coast ports! One can sail the Baltic or Med annually and never see or do the same thing twice, but a couple west coast cruises and you're mostly done. And this is not just my personal opinion--the market has and continues to speak to this truth! :)

 

Your points about the benefits of cruising are not specific to west coast cruises--they're discussing the benefits of cruising in general. The rest is all a fine rationalization but the hard cold reality is that there are simply not tens of thousands of customers willing to pay (this is what a cruise line needs to deploy and support multiple ships on these routes) every week during a season to fill cruise ships to do these itineraries! Remember that most of the posters on this thread are supportive but there are just not enough people like us to support anything but a small ship seasonal deployment or the occasional special itinerary. As I already pointed out, there is just too little diversity of ports and too much in the way of land alternatives.

First of all, I don't think anyone is saying (or perhaps they are, but I am not) that we want or expect multiple ships along these routes every week during a season. What we would like is some more sailings rather than the paltry few that are offered occasionally. I am also not suggesting that the west coast has the breadth, variety and history of European ports. But then neither does the Caribbean and there are tons of cruises that go there. After awhile a beach is a beach is a beach. And yet people still go back over and over. One reason? Proximity - a trait shared with the west coast.

 

I also am not sure how you know that there are not tens of thousands of customers willing to pay for these cruises? When they do an awesome cruise, like the America's Cup I keep referencing ad nauseam, they sell out quickly and can command good prices. Since they have never attempted to increase their sailings along the west coast that I know of, I don't know how the market can be speaking at all! I don't recall ever seeing or hearing about any market surveys regarding west coast sailing options in all my 25+ years of cruising. I suspect their reasons for not doing so are less about interest and more about some other factor(s) but I am not sure what they would be.

 

I am also impressed that anyone would think they could do all there is to offer in LA, San Francisco or San Diego in a couple of cruises. You're a much more energetic traveler than me:). Perhaps Monterey or Santa Barbara, amazing as they are, might lose interest after 2 or 3 cruises, but since the sailings are so rare most people have not had the opportunity to take even 2 or 3.

 

So we have each presented our points fully and I'm sure will not come to agreement - but that's ok - as long as we debate civilly these boards are working as they should. But I hope Celebrity agrees more with me and puts a few more options out there. :D