From the Pilot House

Film Festivals Make Their Spring Debut

This year's Oscars are over, but California's film festival season is just getting started. Spring means silver screen magic in Orange County, where the 14th annual Newport Beach Film Festival happens from April 25 to May 2. The eight-day event takes place in 15 venues around town and spotlights 300 films from 40 countries. The San Francisco International Film Festival kicks off on April 25, as well, showing nearly 300 movies in 41 languages. Some 200 filmmakers participate in the 15-day affair.

Several upcoming events in Sacramento also toast French, Jewish and Japanese films, as well as other feature productions.

Step Back in Time in Old Sacramento

As California's capital city and a hub of activity during the Gold Rush era, Sacramento is one of the state’s historic treasures. Guests can trace the legends and lore at places like the Sacramento History Museum and the California Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, Sacramento Antique Faire vendors sell relics from the past, as well -- everything from military items and musical instruments to oil paintings, toys, vintage clothing, jewelry and more. The outdoor event is especially fun in the spring, and the next one takes place on Sunday, March 10. Visit the website for directions and details.

While you're in town, why not check out Hornblower's Champagne Brunch Cruise? The two-hour excursion travels the Sacramento River, passing Old Sacramento sites and pretty scenery along the way. Tickets start at just $45 for adults. Reserve your spot today!

Super mega-pod of Dolphins Spotted in San Diego

Guests on board Hornblower San Diego’s Whale Watching Cruise this past Valentine’s Day got to see an amazing spectacle of over 100,000 dolphins swimming by. The yacht followed the massive pod of dolphins spanning across 7 miles of ocean for around an hour. Our Captain Joe Dutra who has over 40 years of experience said it was truly spectacular and he felt lucky to enjoy such a rare phenomenon. Usually dolphins travel in packs of about 200 or less but a super-pod is not unheard of, dolphins are an extremely social animal.

Join Hornblower Cruises & Events San Diego to enjoy all the marine life the San Diego coast has to offer, there are two whale watching cruises daily at 9:30am and 1:30 pm and they also offer 1 and 2 hour  narrated Harbor Cruises daily. 

 

 

Welcome Back to Wedding Wednesdays

With wedding planning season in full swing, brides don't have to look far for information and advice on big-day decisions. But let's face it -- all those websites and magazines can get a little overwhelming. Hornblower is here to help! We've brought back our popular Wedding Wednesdays feature over on the Hornblower San Francisco Facebook page. Here, couples can find fresh bits of inspiration for their own special arrangements.

Each Wednesday, we explore some of the hottest wedding trends, from flowers and dresses to colors, cakes, meals and more. While you're there, don't miss all the deals and updates related to Hornblower's dining cruises and special events. Better yet, just like us to have the latest delivered directly to your Facebook news feed!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

It has been a big sports year here in San Francisco. The 49ers played tough in the Super Bowl, and we're still pinching ourselves about the Giants’ second World Series win in two years.

Of course, that means we're extra excited this week, as pitchers and catchers report for spring training! The Giants kick off the 2013 season in Los Angeles on April 1, and they'll also be home for pre-season games against our favorites from across the Bay, the Oakland Athletics, on March 28-29.

For many Hornblower guests, one of the highlights of baseball season is cruising past AT&T Park on a yacht. Several of our excursions cross under the Bay Bridge and offer great views of the stadium, often while games are in progress. With food, drinks and spectacular scenery, it's a real home run! Experience one of the city's favorite pastimes in a fun new way -- grab some friends and book your baseball season cruise today.

Valentine’s Day Cruises Boarding Soon

With Valentine’s Day just a week away, the clock is ticking, folks. And if history is any indicator, you won’t want to wait to reserve your seats aboard our very popular Valentine’s cruises. In fact, why not head over right now to www.hornblower.com to seal the deal.

Hornblower Valentine’s Day Cruises are a romantic way to celebrate the love you share with that someone special. We set the mood with the right music, delicious food and drink, and first-class service. All you have to do is board our luxury yachts and let us cater to you.

For a look at our cruises for Valentine’s Day, just go to www.hornblower.com and select your nearest port. Book your event and we’ll do the rest! 

How to Win a Free Romantic Valentine’s Day Cruise

When it comes to winning a free romantic Valentine’s Day cruise, we wanted to make it as easy as possible to enter. So instead of soliciting videos, essays or other pre-requisites, all you need to do is visit our San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles or New York Facebook page and click on the Valentine’s sweepstakes icon. One catch: you have to enter by February 8. 

At the close of the sweepstakes, we’ll be selecting one winner per Facebook page and each winner will receive two free tickets toward one of this year’s romantic Valentine’s cruises. One entry per person is allowed. 

So what are you waiting for? Jump on over to one of the aforementioned Facebook pages and enter to win before it’s too late!

A Free Romantic Valentine’s Day Cruise, You Say?

That’s right; now through February 8, you can enter to win free tickets for a romantic Valentine’s Day cruise. All you have to do is visit our New York, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego Facebook page, click on the sweepstakes icon and submit your information.  

What does a Valentine’s cruise aboard one of our luxury yachts look like? Imagine being greeted with a sparkling glass of champagne as you enter with your date and then politely escorted to a window table where you can both glance out on calming waters and coastal beauty. Meanwhile, enjoy a chef-prepared meal, romantic music in the background, and dancing with the one you love.

If this sounds like your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day, then enter today for your chance to win free tickets aboard one of our cruises. One entry per person will be accepted, and there will be one winner per Facebook page. Winners receive two free tickets for a Valentine’s Day cruise.  

Cupid’s Close-up: Valentine’s Day Cruises

You know you want to romance that special someone in your life, but maybe this year you need it to be different and unexpected. Well, do we have something for you: a Valentine’s Day cruise aboard our luxury yachts.

From the California coast to the New York harbor, each of our ports is offering a variety of ways to wine and dine your sweetheart. Think candlelight and chocolates, dinner and a live band, or even a classic brunch cruise; whichever way you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we have you covered. 

So what do you say? Head on over to www.hornblower.com and reserve your seats aboard one of our romantic Valentine’s Day events. Cupid would be proud!

 

Big Bay Whale Festival!

Tomorrow, January 26, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. will be the 5^th annual Big Bay Whale Festival in San Diego. This will be held at the Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier in Downtown San Diego. The festival will celebrate the incredible phenomenon of the annual California Gray Whale migration. This free community event for all ages will feature over 50 vendors providing giveaways, food, and entertainment. There will be plenty of family friendly activities such as a walk through whale, a bounce house obstacle course, a mini-train, free face painting, a sea life coloring mural and a main stage with entertainment throughout the day.

Our own Rebecca Milkey the Director of Marketing at Hornblower San Diego is the chair of the event  and created the idea. When the festival first began five years ago it had an attendance of 500 and has grown since to 5,000, and this year Milkey is hoping to draw in a whopping 8,000 visitors! Each year the San Diego Hornblower Cruises & Events port takes 35,000 whale watchers out on cruises to watch grey whales as they migrate down the coast. So come down and join the fun for Big Bay Whale Festival or come and experience another year of amazing whale watching from a Hornblower Cruises & Events yacht!