Top Attraction: Hornblower Cruise in San Diego, California

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Waiter holding a tray of champagne

A trip to California always guarantees a good time, no matter what you’re into. In Hollywood, you just might catch a sighting of your favorite celebrities, while Yosemite National Park offers thrilling rock climbing and rafting adventures. The snow-capped peaks of Lake Tahoe in the winter can wow just about anyone, while the golden beaches of Malibu beckon those who want some fun under the sun. Whatever you choose to do, there’s no shortage of enriching activities to experience throughout the Golden State. But for those who want to satisfy their culinary curiosity, San Diego is a delight to epicureans, offering diverse food options that are sure to please any palate.



Renowned for its top-notch seafood and some of the best Mexican cuisine you’ll find in the country, the city also offers an opportunity to embark on a luxurious two to three-hour fine dining experience that lets you marvel at the stunning downtown skyline and some of its most iconic landmarks, including the Cabrillo National Monument, the Star of India ship, and the famous Coronado Island, among many others. Operated by the Hornblower Group, City Cruises offers a variety of dining experiences year-round, from a laid-back, boozy brunch on an open-air deck to a cozy, sit-down dinner that’s great for date nights or special celebrations. The combination of exquisite dining and mesmerizing views makes for a one-of-a-kind experience in America’s Finest City. 

A gastronomic adventure awaits those who board

@marileetravels

My husband planned a romantic 4 year wedding anniversary for us for a Hornblower 2 hour brunch boat cruise with CityCruises and we got our own private window. It was so romantic and brunch is my favorite meal, their buffet had so many options from French toast, meat, sausages, potatoes, eggs, oven roasted salmon, smoked salmon, fruit, dessert, mimosas, champagne, 3 different salads and so much more yummy food. Plus the customer service was amazing our server was Lisa and I loved her she made our experience amazing. We have been on a lot of cruises, so it truly felt like we were on a an actual cruise, but was nice to enjoy in our city. Mike did such an amazing job planning this for me, thanks to @citycruises helping him. Bookmark this TikTok to plan your brunch or dinner boat Hornblower cruise with @citycruises ! #sd #sandiego #boat #anniversary #traveltips #reel #contentcreator . . . . . . . . . . .#food #foodie #viral #trending #fyp #travel #instagood #tiktokcruise #ship #reels #itinerary #bucketlist . . . . . . . . . . . . #video #videooftheday #explore #adventure #igers #instadaily #influencer #traveling #blogger #cruise #tiktok #tiktoker #foryourpage #foryoupage #foryou #sandiegotiktok #sdtiktok #weddinganniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

♬ On The Floor – Jennifer Lopez



Gone are the days when all-you-can-eat buffets were the highlights of cruise ship dining. City Cruises is revolutionizing this with sophisticated dining experiences and voyages featuring carefully crafted menus, offering passengers a taste of luxury with a diverse gastronomic feast. 

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Early birds who want to bask in the sun can join the Premier Brunch Cruise, which offers unlimited champagne, mimosas, and cider, complemented by a rich selection of pastries, entrees, and desserts. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Scottish smoked salmon and hand-carved tri-tip steak. Fresh fruit options are plentiful, and there’s a dessert station with various sweet treats and endless coffee and tea. Prices start at $100, and kids under three eat free. Per TikTok user @marileetravels, the experience was nothing short of remarkable. “It was so romantic,” she wrote. “The customer service was amazing … It truly felt like we were on an actual cruise.”

Meanwhile, the Premier Dinner Cruise, starting at $125 per head, offers a more elevated experience, with private table seating and a plated meal for each guest. The menu packs an array of gourmet delights like California clam chowder, smoked chili-rubbed Atlantic salmon, and Za’atar flat iron steak. Have a sweet tooth? Decadent desserts like Spanish basque-style cheesecake and orange olive oil cake await. There’s also a jam-packed bar where you can sip on a cocktail, wine, or beer. If the timing aligns, you may even enjoy the full moon, enhancing the nighttime views of San Diego Bay.



Upgrades are available to take your experience to greater heights

Window seat in cruise ship

Both of City Cruises’ San Diego brunch and dinner dining cruises glide through the harbor, providing unbeatable views of the city skyline, all accompanied by background music. The dinner cruise is especially lively with a DJ on board, encouraging guests to dominate the dance floor. Whichever option you choose, you’re in for a grand time through the marina.

If you have extra to spare, you can elevate your experience further with the upgrade options available. Opt for a window seat at an additional $11.92 for brunch and $19.92 for dinner to enjoy unobstructed views as you savor your scrumptious meals. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, it costs $100 per head to enjoy perks like priority boarding, a welcome glass of champagne, table embellishments, access to the premium open bar, and even a boarding photo to commemorate the event. Those looking to booze it up only need to shell out $12 for unlimited bloody mary cocktails at brunch or choose the $44.80 drink package available at both brunch and dinner, which includes four drinks from the top shelf.

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Foodies can also indulge in gourmet add-ons: a shrimp cocktail for $14.56, or select from baked brie, a Mediterranean Mezze platter, or spiced Ahi tuna with mustard aioli for $18.20. Vegetarians are not left behind, of course. At no additional cost, simply book the vegetarian option to relish in a delightful plate of braised summer vegetables, arugula pistachio pesto, and more.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.