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San Francisco: when your ship stops here

The ferry to Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck, and the last cable cars in the world worked by hand.

Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Cruise ships in San Francisco tie up on the northern waterfront of The Embarcadero: at the Pier 27 James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2014, or at Pier 35, a 6 to 8 minute walk to the north. Our sources do not say which pier Royal Caribbean uses, so ask on board. Pier 27 is about a 20 minute walk from the Embarcadero BART and Muni station.

Source: Port of San Francisco: Cruise

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Alcatraz

    An island about 1.25 miles (2 km) out in San Francisco Bay. It was a federal prison from 1934 until it closed on March 21, 1963, and it has the oldest working lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. The National Park Service runs it as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

    Tip: The only way there is the Alcatraz City Cruises ferry from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing), on The Embarcadero near Bay Street. The park service says a visit can easily take 2 to 3 hours or more, and asks you to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Alcatraz Island; National Park Service: Alcatraz Island, plan your visit; National Park Service: Alcatraz Island, directions

  2. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge

    It spans the Golden Gate, the strait about a mile (1.6 km) wide that joins San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. It opened on May 27, 1937, its main span is 4,200 feet (1,280 m), and its color is called international orange.

    Tip: Ships coming in from the ocean pass under it, so be out on deck for the sail in. People on foot use the walkway on the east side, and the bridge's Welcome Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our sources give no ride time from the pier, so ask on board.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Golden Gate Bridge; Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District: Visiting the Bridge

  3. 3. The cable cars

    The last cable car system in the world worked by hand. Three lines are left of the 23 built between 1873 and 1890, and they were named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Two run from Powell and Market to the Fisherman's Wharf area; the third runs on California Street from Market Street to Van Ness Avenue.

    Tip: At Powell and Market, Bay and Taylor, and Hyde and Beach you must buy your ticket before you get on. The city says paying ahead in the MuniMobile app or with a Clipper card saves time in the line.

    Sources: Wikipedia: San Francisco cable car system; SFMTA: Cable Cars

What to skip

  • A cable car ride when the line is long

    Wikipedia says the wait to get on can reach two hours or more. If the line at the start of the route is long and your day is short, see the cable cars from the street and ride another time.

    Source: Wikipedia: San Francisco cable car system

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in San Francisco

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in San Francisco, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 6, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in San Francisco

Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in San Francisco on the way.

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