From the Pilot House

Celebrate a Father’s Day designed just for Dad

Let’s be honest, it’s hard to pick out a gift for Dad. He’s always providing and asks for nothing in return. It seems that he has everything he’ll ever need and is most satisfied when he's spending quality time with family. Dad works hard and does it all to make everyone else happy.  

This Father’s Day, there’s nothing he would appreciate more than a relaxing day with his closest loved ones. Show how much you love Dad by treating him on the water; either for a Beer Brunch Cruise with unlimited beer, a hearty buffet with carving station, and breathtaking views, or a Dinner Dance Cruise with a delectable four-course dinner, scenic views, and entertainment.

Don’t settle for another typical “Dad” gift this year and surprise him with the joy of timeless memories.

For more information about Father's Day Cruises in San Francisco, Berkeley, New York, San Diego, Marina del Rey, or Newport Beach, visit hornblower.com.

Editor of SanDiego.com Goes Full Steam Ahead with Hornblower Cruises & Events

Looking for some summer fun in San Diego? If you’ve ever wondered about the magnificent yachts sailing on the San Diego Harbor, maybe it’s time to consider a summer outing a little more glamorous than the sandy, overcrowded beaches for a change. We had the pleasure of hosting Carli Leavitt, Editor of SanDiego.com, for a Sunday Brunch Cruise and she came away very impressed with everything Hornblower has to offer:

“For the past few years, I’ve been intrigued by the yachts on the San Diego Bay. I’ve taken countless drives down Harbor Drive and watched as the majestic white and black Hornblower Cruise yachts glide along the water in the glistening lights of Downtown San Diego. I would see hordes of smiling guests turning a normal evening into something special with a Dinner Dance Cruise and always thought, why haven’t I done that? As a San Diego native, I get my fair share of water and sunshine without ever having been on a yacht, but I finally decided to take my first voyage on a Sunday Brunch Cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events.

It was a warm, sunny, typical Sunday in San Diego and I had a good girlfriend in town to see what all the Hornblower Cruise hype was about. As we arrived at 1800 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego and caught a glimpse of the stunning Hornblower Inspiration luxury yacht floating atop the glassy bay, I began to realize what I’ve been missing. Being lucky enough to live in San Diego, we often take for granted all this city has to offer, but I’ve started exploring my city once again and a cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events was at the top of my list.

Checking in for our cruise was easy and stress free. We were greeted with a smile and immediate photo op in front of the elegant Inspiration Hornblower yacht. As we walked up the ramp to the ship, we met our captains, both courteous and professional in full uniform. Once inside, we were surrounded by elegant décor including crisp white and red tablecloths and lots of other excited guests enjoying the experience, champagne in hand. The morning was off to a great start.

After being escorted to our VIP window-front table, we quickly set down our jackets and hit the buffet. It had everything from rich eggs Benedict and French toast to fresh fruit, pastries and savory choices like roasted turkey, pasta salad and a sort of bruschetta salad with mozzarella balls, tomatoes and basil. As we enjoyed our delectable brunch, the service was impeccable. Our champagne glass never had a chance to empty as our server checked in on us often, even going as far as to find us on the deck to top off our bubbly.

Since it was such a gorgeous day on the water, we went upstairs to enjoy the sunshine and views of the bay. The yacht cruised north toward the mouth of the harbor, alongside the Naval Air Station North Island, known as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation”, where we had an up close and personal view of massive military ships and helicopters.

The cruise continued along the side of Coronado Island and underneath the Coronado Bridge boasting remarkable views of the Downtown city skyline with snow-covered mountains in the background, the popular local attraction Seaport Village and the gorgeous San Diego hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt, as we headed back to port. All the while, my guest and I were basking in the sun, sipping champagne and enjoying a narrated tour of the San Diego Bay.

Our two-hour tour seemed to come to an end too soon, as we were delightfully stuffed from a scrumptious buffet, decadent desserts and three chocolate covered strawberries to cap off our cruise. It was beautiful, relaxing and the perfect way to enjoy a great weekend in San Diego.

For the ultimate experience in San Diego luxury, I definitely recommend booking a tour with Hornblower Cruises and Events. Their staff is professional, friendly and extremely helpful. The luxury yacht is elegant, clean and very comfortable – and the views of San Diego from the upper deck of the Hornblower Inspiration are awe-inspiring. For visitors and locals alike, I highly recommend going full steam ahead with Hornblower Cruises and Events!"

Thank you Carli! We appreciate your contributions to our industry and SanDiego.com as a rich source for highlighting everything great about the city of San Diego.

This article was written by Carli Leavitt, the editor of SanDiego.com. Carli is a San Diego native with a wealth of knowledge about local attractions, hotels, beaches and nightlife venues in Southern California.

San Diego Dogs and Owners Enjoy a Pet Day on the Bay

Nearly 500 dog lovers and 300 dogs from all over San Diego came out to support "Pet Day on the Bay" for the 13th straight year! These pups had a fun opportunity unlike any other to "shake paws" and make new friends while Petco offered great hands-on expertise to owners from their dog training department. CBS8 TV also provided amazing coverage of our tail-wagging event! We'd like to thank everyone who attended and made generous contributions to the Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) with ticket proceeds and donations. We collected hundreds of blankets and towels for the HWAC to benefit orphaned dogs and cats with bathes and cage bedding! Your feedback is welcome to help this event grow and make it more dog-friendly every year. Here's a testimonial from Nancy Miller (a Corgi owner), complimenting our staffmembers who made her pet day more enjoyable:

"A crewmember was extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. I was with the San Diego Corgi Meetup Group and he spent time welcoming us, played with dogs, and made us all feel very special. Another crewmember handing out dog treats inside the second deck was extremely kind in filling up my dog's little water bowl with water and even offered an ice cube. These individuals stand out in my mind and helped make my cruise experience much more pleasant. Also, I compliment your staff on how orderly all the dogs behaved. Didn't see any dog problems at all." -- Thank you Nancy!

We appreciate everyone who sent letters with your overwhelming thanks. You can check out more pictures from "Pet Day on the Bay" on our Facebook photo albums. We hope to see you next year!

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.

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!

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.

Surprise Mom this Mother's Day with a Cruise!

Celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day by surprising her with the perfect gift she’ll never forget! We’re giving away 4 complimentary tickets per port for our “Surprise Mom with a Cruise” sweepstakes. What a great way for mom to relax on a worry-free afternoon with her family or 3 of her closest friends. Show your mom some love and enter today!

San Diego

~Table for 4 on one of our Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises. Enjoy beautiful views of San Diego, complete with a bountiful Brunch Buffet, free-flowing champagne and/or bottomless mimosas, and a chance to meet up with the Captain of the Ship! Enter for a chance to win: Enter for a chance to win.

Greater Los Angeles County

~Table for 4 on one of our Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises. Enjoy beautiful views of Marina del Rey or Newport Beach, complete with a bountiful brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne and/or bottomless mimosas and a chance to meet up with the Captain of the Ship! Enter for a chance to win.

Bay Area

~Table for 4 on one of our Champagne Brunch Cruises. Enjoy views from the San Francisco Bay, complete with a bountiful brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne and/or bottomless mimosas! Enter for a chance to win.

Old Sacramento

~ 4 Tickets on our one-hour Sacramento Historic River Cruise. Enjoy a narrated history of the Sacramento River and views of Tower Bridge! Enter for a chance to win.

New York

~Table for 4 on one of our Premier Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruises. Enjoy beautiful views of New York, complete with a bountiful brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne and/or bottomless mimosas, and live jazz music! Enter for a chance to win.

 

All entries will receive a participatory discount code. Contest runs through May 6, 2013. Visit www.Hornblower.com for more information about Mother's Day Cruises in your area.

Thank you for cruising!

By upholding a commitment to service, our goal is to satisfy 100% of our guests 100% of the time. We genuinely appreciate those who come aboard and your feedback is encouraged. Not only do we try our best to meet your expectations, we wish to exceed them. With more sunny days ahead, celebrate everything spring has to offer and dine with us on the water! Here are a few recent reviews from customers we had the pleasure of serving.

Ron C., San Francisco

“Your dining cruise experience is one of the best in the Bay Area. On numerous occasions, we've taken family, friends, and visitors on dinner/dance cruises. We had a great time and everyone was satisfied. The service was great, the staff was great and went beyond expectations.” 

Christian, Greater Los Angeles, Vibe With Me

 

“I went on this Champagne Brunch Cruise in Marina Del Rey about a year ago and this is the epitome of what ‘Sunday Funday’ should be. Since the weather is slowly getting warmer, I would highly suggest to go between now and May, although, you always have the marine layer in the marina so I’m sure it would be just as beautiful during the summer months.”

 

We look forward to having you! Looking for a closer location? Feel free to visit www.hornblower.com for more information about the ports nearest you. Also, make sure to check back in later this week about changes to our San Diego Dinner Cruise Menu.

Happy Good Friday!

We’re excited to be featured in a recent post by Carli Leavitt on Sandiego.com! Make sure to check out her “Top 5 Things to Know About Hornblower Cruises & Events”. Still looking to plan your Easter Sunday? Carli’s article includes a $10 off discount code for any Easter Brunch or Dinner Cruise with Hornblower San Diego. We’re also located in Marina Del Rey, Newport Beach, New York, Sacramento and San Francisco.
For more details on Easter Cruises in your area, visit www.hornblower.com.