From the Pilot House

Great New Bag Designs

Crewmembers at Hornblower are constantly on the go! We work from boats and Islands, in California, New York and Canada and we need to be able to work from all these places. We also like to look to good! That's why we love HP's new partnership with Project Runway to create the perfect work bag.

For a few more days voting is open to the public! Our favorite is the 2 (Ways) 2 (Wear) Ultrabag! We think the flexibility is perfect when you spend your days hopping from shore to boat and we know and love the designer, Camille!

Vote for your favorite!

A Taste of the Far East

Today, we see sushi as a delicacy, something accessible, but also a treat. Sushi requires boldness, with its variety of intense flavors and raw fish, making it hard to believe that it was essentially a sandwich when originally created in South East Asia.

Luckily for you, we’re big fans, and in the spirit of diversity and adventurousness, we’ve crafted a snazzy new cruise…

Introducing our sushi and karaoke cruise! What better way to get to know your coworkers or get closer with your friends than rolling delicious sushi, sipping on sake, and belting your heart out as the beautiful San Diego scenery floats by. Our experienced sushi chef will help hone your craft while you enjoy every bite, sip, and sight!

The Olympics

Unless you live under a rock, you are well aware that the Olympics are in full swing. It seems every television is tuned to the same channel, with every fan out to support their nations finest in their pursuit of Olympic gold. These are the fields, the arenas, the pools, where dreams either come true or are crushed, where a single defining moment has the power to make years of training worth it.

Historically speaking, the first Olympic games began in Olympia (surprise, surprise…), Greece, in the year 776 BC. The games were closely linked to religion, and served to celebrate athletic prowess and perpetuate peaceful relations between the city-states.

Today we use the games for a similar mission. Sure, we’re not focused on glorifying Zeus, but we do seek to provide athletes with the stage and audience to be celebrated. Additionally, the games are a diplomatic feat, bringing nations together under five rings. So, show your support and national pride during this Olympic season! Even just watching is enough.

Photo Credit: http://www.olympic.org/photos/olympic-flame-burns-bright

The Rock

“Break the rules and you go to prison. Break the prison rules and you go to Alcatraz.”

This past Wednesday, a handful of Hornblower interns took the trip to Alcatraz. Each of us, having spent at least several years in the Bay Area, were shocked that we had somehow missed one of the city’s most prominent attractions.

Our trip commenced with a quick and smooth ride aboard one of Hornblower’s Hybrids, the greenest boats in the nation. As we sailed across the bay, we were treated to exceptional views of the city and the spinning wind turbine aboard the boat.  

To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was in for. Sure, I knew that Alcatraz was a prison, but that is where my knowledge of the history made its sad, incomplete end. Luckily, thanks to the audio guide we were given (which features the accounts of actual former inmates and prison guards), I can safely say I walked away educated.

The history of Alcatraz is seductive; it evokes images of another time, of dark speakeasies and fringed dresses, of smoky cigars and a dangerous underworld. The hardened criminals that watched life pass by behind those bars are some of the most famous in American history, including gangster Al Capone and Robert Stroud, also known as ‘The Birdman.’

From my perspective, what must have been the worst part of being held at Alcatraz was its proximity to San Francisco. You can see the city moving freely, but you are removed from it. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be able to see life evolving so close and yet have no access to it. I imagine that helped make Alcatraz so effective, constantly dangling freedom just out of reach. I was also surprised to learn that Alcatraz was not just a prison; rather it began its life as a military base, then a prison, then a Native American occupation site, and finally a National Park. 

Today Alcatraz lies at the intersection of the past and the present. Its infamous history continues to draw attention and interest while modern developments seek to improve the experience. All in all, a wonderful experience, and well worth a second trip!

Here Comes the Bride

If you’re headed anywhere near Pinterest prepare yourself for an onslaught of wedding ideas, decorations, dresses, cakes, flowers, and more. To a 21 year old, this at first seemed a bit daunting, but after clicking here and there and pinning this and that, I’ve been truly blown away by what I’ve found. 

Firstly, the amount of thought put into every tiny detail is extraordinary. Whether it’s a napkin ring or a seating chart, nothing is overlooked. At first I couldn’t get over the amount of work it all looked like, but as I continued to pin and repin I realized that every little thing was an expression of love. It is easy to approach weddings like a production, but in reality it is a celebration of love. Accordingly, it only makes sense that the thought, the attention to detail, are like saying “I love you” a million times.

It is impossible not to believe in love and surf Pinterest. Pinterest is like peering into a window of someone else’s life and then stealing whatever ideas strike your fancy. In this way, we get to bring some of that happiness into our own lives. 

As I continue to work at Hornblower, I’ve noticed that we are quite similar. We come up with grand ideas, and sort out even the smallest, seemingly insignificant detail, and then we get to make them a reality. The opportunity to provide the environment and the situation where people can find joy is pretty extraordinary, and it’s the reason our informal motto is “We create amazing experiences.” Day by day we work to provide the backdrop to your happiness. You are the reason we’re on Pinterest, just like you’re the reason we come to work every day. We want to know what you’re after so feel free to pin it, post it, like it, tweet it...we’ll be here.

Yet another successful Dog Day on the Bay!

Sunday July 22, was the 8th annual dog-friendly fundraising cruise, Dog Day on the Bay! This hectic and fun cruise was attended by 200 people and had over 100 dogs on board. 

The proceeds from the cruise will go towards the SF SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy’s, Puppy Dog Tails reading program.

Not only was this was my first Dog Day on the Bay but also my first Hornblower Cruise. Luckily for me it was a gorgeous day on the San Francisco Bay with the sun shining and little to no clouds in sight. The breakfast buffet not only looked phenomenal but also tasted fantastic, and from what I could tell the dogs loved their brunch too!

 

I love dogs, so naturally one of the highlights from the cruise was meeting and interacting with the diverse and adorable dogs on board. Although what was even more memorable was to see the special connection these owners had with their dogs and the SF SPCA. It was incredible to see all the people that came out with their four-legged friends to support such a worthy cause.

Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed Dog Day this year; for some pictures of all the cute pups check out our Facebook.

Sweet Summertime

As the temperatures inch higher and higher and the sky is cloudless more often than not, I find myself with a problem; blindness. While the sun is enjoying its time out and about, my eyes are squinting into nothingness and begging for protection. For all of you with this problem, we've cruised (haha get it?!) around to find you the best of the best sunglasses to keep those peepers safe! And the best part is, they not only look great on your face, uping your "mysterious" vibe, but perfectly complement that casual yacht in the background...

I personally love the classic Ray Ban Wayfarer. So mysterious. You celebrity, you.

Speaking of celebrities...for further sunglasses inspiration check out these studs who recently accompanied us on the Emerald Hornblower in San Diego...

For some more real life inspiration, we've also snagged this gorgeous couple for you off another recent cruise...

Happy hunting!

 

Time Together

This past weekend was my birthday. When asked what I wanted to do for it, I found myself for the first time drawing a blank. As someone who loves presents (I mean who doesn't...), I usually have a very long birthday list. But, this year, all I really wanted was to be surrounded by the people I love and have a wonderful night. That is exactly what I got, and it was without a doubt one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

I don't think we can put a price on experiences. Spending time with loved ones and sharing the good, the bad, and the hilarious is truly precious. However, as I learn more and more about the components of social media, I am amazed at its ability to do just that, bring people together spread throughout the world or across the street.

This past week I have been focusing on Pinterest, looking to connect with people who share common interests. As I've gotten to know it better, I was blown away by Pinterest's ability to bring people together, to create a place where they could share their thoughts or interests. Pinterest virtually created exactly what I sought for my birthday, a time, a place to share with the people that I love, no matter where they are.

Today on Pier 3, I saw yet another example of this. As I peeked out my window, I noticed an event was underway on our very own San Francisco Spirit. As I watched, I realized that even as the boat docked, the party goers did not seem to want to disembark, to let go of the beauty of time spent together.

As I get older and (hopefully) wiser, I've realized that experiences, time spent with others, is without a doubt the most precious thing. Luckily, I get to see this created everyday at Hornblower, and if you feel like some quality time with friends or family, come join us and we'll help you create incredible memories.  

Dog Day on the Bay This Sunday!!!

Hornblower Cruises & Events is holding its Eighth Annual Dog Day on the Bay this Sunday! Pups and people alike will board the San Francisco Belle for a two-hour cruise complete with a champagne brunch and canine amenities – and it all benefits the San Francisco SPCA, Puppy Dog Tales (PDT) Reading Program.

Dog Day on the Bay is the one time each year that dogs cruise free with their owners, and it’s a tail-waggin’ good time for all. Owners are treated to a gourmet brunch buffet and free-flowing sparkling wine, along with live entertainment and spectacular views of the San Francisco shoreline. Guests can also register for a selection of raffle prizes. Furry first mates can fill up on natural, house-made snacks at the bow-wow buffet and wash it all down at special canine water stations. A sod-covered outdoor deck accommodates doggie bathroom breaks as well.

The Dog Day photo contest was a huge success; over 90 adorable doggie photos were submitted. Thank you to everyone that participated, you guys rock! As our special gift to you, any participants in the contest will receive a special surprise while on board.

Event boarding begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 22, at Hornblower Landing (Pier 3 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero). Cruising follows from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To learn more about this event, visit our website.

On Your Own Turf

There are few things more exciting than travel. Unearthing a city’s secrets or exploring remote areas brings such adventure to our daily lives, as well as a fresh perspective. As a tourist, one is fully susceptible to the magic of a city, its people, its culture, its identity. We find ourselves willing to try risky foods, stay out all night dancing, and spend hour after hour just walking the streets. We open our eyes and our hearts to the splendor of our surroundings and make enjoying life our first priority.

What we forget is that we don’t have to pack a suitcase or hop on a plane to find adventure. Save yourself the stress of all those travel logistics and experience your city like a tourist. Grab your family and friends, visit all the stops, try something new, and fall in love with your hometown all over again.

Here at Hornblower we work to create experiences so that you can create memories. Whether you’re visiting or rediscovering the magic of your city, let us treat you to an adventure between the sea and the sky.