From the Pilot House

Start Your Summer with a Memorial Day Cruise

Looking for some fun in the sun this Memorial Day? Enjoy your relaxing weekend without the smokey BBQ and glistening sun burn. We'll be hosting brunch and dinner cruises as usual with specialty cruises in San Diego and San Francisco for a wonderful holiday on the water!  

San Francisco Memorial Day Beer Lunch Cruise

Everything you could ask for on your day off without the effort! Enjoy a two hour cruise, lavish lunch buffet, free flowing champagne and Premium & select craft beers while cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz and under the Bay Bridge with live entertainment.

San Diego Memorial Day Harbor Cruise

This is an educational experience with photo and video opportunities like no other! Enjoy a one- or two-hour narrated cruise with an up-close look at marine animals, historical information about over 50 San Diego landmarks, comfortable indoor and outdoor areas, snacks with bar and beverages, plus much more!

San Diego Memorial Day Lunch Cruise

Everchanging views under the San Diego sun! Enjoy a two-hour yacht cruise with free-flowing champange and selection of beers, full brunch buffet with seasonal dishes, a decadent dessert buffet, a narrated tour from the Captain himself, and a DJ for requests and entertainment.

Start your summer off right. Visit www.hornblower.com for more about Memorial Day Weekend Cruises in your area.

All Dogs Aboard for Dog Day on the Bay

Bring your pup on board for the 9^th annual Dog Day on the Bay – the only dog friendly brunch cruise in the Bay Area! We’ll be hosting owners to a full champagne brunch while their canine companions help themselves to a water bar and doggy buffet full of tasty treats. And it’s all for a great cause! Proceeds from this event will benefit the San Francisco SPCA’s Puppy Dog Tales Reading Program to promote literacy in at-risk children.

Our two-hour cruise will feature free-flowing champagne with your brunch, scenic San Francisco views, raffle prizes, a souvenir photo, and live DJ to teach your dog some new dances moves. They’ll never experience anything like Dog Day; it’s the perfect outing and social mixer for them to make new friends!

Can’t wait for Dog Day? Enter our Dog Day on the Bay photo contest for a fun voting competition to see who's got their dog looking its best! You’ll be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets on a future Hornblower Cruise. Winners will be announced on board Dog Day on June 2^nd, so make sure to be there to see if your dog gets drowned cutest pup.

We’re welcoming all dog lovers to join us for this wonderful event. Find more about cruise guidelines, Dog Day on the Bay, the San Francisco SPCA, and how to book your ticket at dogdayonthebay.com.

 

Newport Beach opens new community center

Newport Beach celebrated the grand opening of its new civic center this month, and the creative project serves as much more than just a hub for city business.

The new facility sits on a 16-acre park that is the city’s fifth largest, and it includes 1.23 miles of walking trails, a dog-friendly play area and restored wetlands. There’s an outdoor event venue, and a new community room available for presentations, arts programs and gatherings seats up to 150 guests. The project, which cost upwards of $130 million, also features a 17,000-square-foot library expansion and additional parking and office space for city operations.

Statue of Liberty Tickets Back on Sale: Re-Opening July 4th

Tickets are now available for Statue Cruises!  After a six-month hiatus, the grand re-opening of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is scheduled for July 4, 2013 and there is no better day to celebrate.

Lady Liberty has been closed since October 29th when Superstorm Sandy caused major devastation to the region. Luckily, the Statue of Liberty did not sustain any structural damage. The museum collection within Ellis Island did endure minor damages but the building is undergoing repairs to the infrastructure in anticipation of the re-opening.

We couldn't be happier for America’s greatest landmark and the city of New York! You can book your reservation with Statue Cruises today at http://www.statuecruises.com/.

Summer Fun in Marina del Rey

Warm afternoons and bright evenings bring people to Marina del Rey for summer fun. From salt marsh tours and children’s stories to a June fishing derby and a concert series kicking off in July, a variety of events appeal to locals and visitors alike.

Each Wednesday, impressive sailboats take part in the California Yacht Club’s Sunset Sailing Series. For a front-row seat to all the action, reserve a spot on Hornblower’s popular Summer Sights & Sips Cruise. Or, stroll through the Marina del Rey Farmers' Market, which sets up in the Marina Beach parking lot on Thursdays – and then stick around for the Tasty Thursdays food truck roundup that follows at 5 p.m.

The Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau has additional details on local events, attractions and more.

Enter your pup into our “Dog Day on the Bay” Photo Contest!

Do you believe you have the cutest dog there is? Show us a picture of your dog looking its best in our “Dog Day on the Bay” Photo Contest! The winning dog will be announced at Dog Day on June 2^nd, and its owner will receive 2 complimetnary tickets for a future Hornblower cruise.

How to enter

Submit a picture of your favorite four-legged pal(s) for a chance to win Dog Day on the Bay’s cutest pup! You can submit as many photos as you like by May 26^th.

You can enter through Facebook or Twitter and Instagram using #dogdayonthebay.

Share and vote 

Once you submit your photo(s), make sure you and your friends vote for your favorite entries! You can vote every hour up until the Dog Day on the Bay Cruise on June 2^nd so start planning your campaign! 

Crowning a winner

The dog with the most votes by June 2^nd at 9am wins. Come to Dog Day on the Bay to find out if you and your dog have won!

The Prize

The winning pooch will be announced on board Dog Day on The Bay on June 2^nd, while its owner will receive a complimentary table for 2 on a Hornblower Cruise, either for brunch with free flowing champagne and mimosas or a seated dinner complete with live entertainment. Once you submit your photo, make sure to share with your friends to vote!

Reserve your spot

Book your reservations for "Dog Day on the Bay" today. Tickets are still available and dogs cruise free! A portion of proceeds will go towards the SPCA to help prevent cruelty to animals. Looking for some helpful tips about how to capture the best photo of your dog? Check out these 12 ways to get creative with our Dog Day contest: http://bit.ly/144DnLE

Take Your Doggy on the San Diego Bay for Pet Day!

Bring your dog on board for Hornblower San Diego’s widely popular “Pet Day on the Bay” this May 18! The 13^th annual event will have a variety of fun for dogs and their owners to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the San Diego Harbor, while benefitting orphaned, abused and needy animals in the process. Event sponsor Petco is providing hands-on expertise from their dog training department and a delicious doggie treat bar to pamper your pup through the day. 

We welcome dogs of all sizes and breeds! Tickets are still available online and a portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go towards the Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) in Rancho Sana Fe. Guests are also encouraged to contribute a gently used blanket or towel for animals at the center.

Hornblower is very proud to partner with the HWAC for another year: “Since the Helen Woodward Animal Center was founded 40 years ago, we have served more than 40,000 deserving animals,” says Jessica Gercke, HWAC PR manager and spokesperson. “We couldn’t make the same impact without support of Hornblower Cruises & Events and the guests who attend Pet Day on the Bay. Thanks to the financial support and donated goods that come from this event, we continue to comfort orphaned and injured animals on a daily basis.”

We’re expecting a full crew of doggy first mates, so make sure to book early for one of our 3 different one-hour Pet Day Cruises.

Cruise times:

9:30am - 10:30am

11:15am - 12:15pm

1:00pm - 2:00pm

All cruises will be launching from the Hornblower ticket booth at 1066 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, Calif., 92101. Please make sure to arrive 30 minutes ahead for boarding. We look forward to “Pet Day on the Bay” as one of our favorite events of the year and hope to see your dog looking its finest!

A Salute to Travel: National Travel & Tourism Week 2013

Did you know that each U.S. household would pay $1,060 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by travel and tourism? This week, we’re recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week and the importance of our industry to the economy as well as our part to help create lasting memories. Courtesy of the U.S. Travel Association and Travel Effect, check out these fact sheets about the widespread impact our industry is having on jobs, families and relationships.

Download Fact Sheet - Creating Lasting Memories

• 84% of respondents 55 or older still reminisce with their family about vacations they took years ago.

Download Fact Sheet - Travel Brings Families Closer Together

• More than half (55%) reported that “I have fond memories of vacations that I took as a child, and I want to create similar experiences for my family.”

Download Fact Sheet - Travel Strengthens Relationships

• Couples that travel together are significantly more likely to report that their relationship is more romantic, intimate and balanced.

Download US Travel - A Leading American Industry

• 1 out of every 8 U.S. jobs depends on travel and tourism.

Hornblower has been a leader in creating amazing experiences for over 32 years. During that time, we’ve attracted thousands of travellers in the 8 cities we cruise and held ourselves to the highest standard by providing excellence service and accommodations. Within the last decade we’ve expanded our role to enhance the experience at Alcatraz, Statue of Liberty, and most recently, Niagara Falls, where we will be opening in 2014.

You can follow and participate with us this week on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and From the Pilot House as we emphasize the significance of travel and tourism with fun facts and important tips. We'd love to hear some of your best memories cruising with Hornblower!

Cool Cars in Sacramento

As families make their summer vacation plans, many will choose the classic road trip. With a network of inland highways crossing lush agricultural valleys, as well as gorgeous coastal routes that cling to cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, California offers excellent driving options.

Over in Sacramento, the California Automobile Museum makes a fun pit stop for car buffs and explorers on wheels. The museum houses more than 120 vehicles dating back to 1885, plus rotating exhibits that spotlight specific themes and models. Classes cover automotive photography, engine building for kids, Model A driving basics and more, and special events offer other exciting reasons to visit. Coming up this month is Wine, Tunes & Classics, an afternoon with live music from the 1960s and 1970s, cool car displays and samples from some of Lake County’s top winemakers.

Check out other exhibits at the California Automobile Museum website, or purchase tickets for the May 25 Wine, Tunes & Classics event here.

Our volunteer efforts all over California on Earth Day!

Hornblower San Diego organized an impromptu San Diego Embarcadero Clean Up on Earth Day this year. No formal event was scheduled in advance. It just happened that a crew member thought it would be a good idea. How cool is that?!

Drew Sahrbeck, an Event Manager for the past 16 years at Hornblower Cruises & Events, organized 22 crewmembers to volunteer and join him. The group gathered to clean up a stretch of the San Diego Embarcadero that they work around every day between Grape Street Pier and Navy Pier on North Harbor Drive.

During their two-hour clean up, Drew and crew gathered 30 bags of trash mostly filled with Styrofoam, plastic bags, straws - even needles and clothing too! Nice to have that out of our daily sights! When asked why he initiated the project, Drew said: “It’s a good way for Hornblower Cruises & Events to take an active part in keeping San Diego Bay clean. For a long time, our crew has been asking how they could help clean up the boarding areas where our customers gather."

Jim Unger, General Manager of San Diego Hornblower Cruises & Events, was very proud of his team for taking the initiative on their own. He said, “it’s the right thing to do and our customers deserve it.”

Alcatraz Cruises also celebrated Earth Day at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing with an ‘All Hands on Deck’ volunteer event. Along with our partners from Aquarium of the Bay, The Marine Mammal Center, the Gardens of Alcatraz, National Wildlife Federation, and Golden Gate Cetacean Research, we provided learning stations that teach visitors on sustainability, conservation, and preservation of our natural resources. There was music, an arts & crafts table, face painting, and lots of fun activities enjoyed by all ages!

Check out more photos on Alcatraz and San Diego's Facebook accounts.

Make Mother’s Day Extra Special

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away and, as happens every year, Hornblower is presenting exciting, affordable options for families. We’re offering both brunch and dinner cruises across California and in New York City, and each excursion includes special touches like jazz music, free-flowing champagne, incredible scenic views and even onboard massages.

Head over to the main Hornblower site to secure tickets in a port city near you.