Best Cruises from San Diego

The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder first debuted in 1999 and was updated in fall 2016, rolling out new family-oriented amenities and entertainment offerings like meet and greets with Disney characters and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

The ship offers plenty of onboard activities, with 10 designated family areas, six youth clubs and seven adults-only spaces. While younger passengers play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. Infants and toddlers in swim diapers are limited to specified kids' wet play and splash areas (this is a requirement by the United States Public Health Service, not a Disney-specific rule). 

In terms of dining, Disney Wonder offers six options, including one adults-only specialty restaurant. At night, adults can unwind and enjoy After Hours, a section of the ship that features three nightclubs and lounges.

Like the majority of the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. Interior staterooms can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger Suites can sleep up to seven. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seating areas and classic Disney designs. Recent cruisers noted the expensive cost of a trip on the Disney Wonder, but most felt the quality of service was top-notch. 

In 2019-20, Disney Wonder departs from a range of ports, including Galveston, Texas and San Diego, California. It sails to destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and more.

The 2,218-passenger Celebrity Millennium debuted in 2000 and was fully refurbished in February 2019.  The renovation added brand-new staterooms, updated the ship's design and technology, debuted a new lounge area and more. 

When it comes to dining, Celebrity Millennium offers eight restaurants, ranging from the Tuscan Grille steakhouse to Qsine, an interactive restaurant with iPad menus (both require an extra fee). The ship also offers an array of bars and lounges, including the popular Cellar Masters wine bar.

While the ship offers programming for children, most of the activities are geared toward adults. Onboard enrichment includes language lessons, art classes and Zumba lessons. The ship also features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen.

In 2019-20, Celebrity Millennium sails to destinations in Alaska and Asia. 

Originally launched in 2008 and updated in late 2015, Eurodam carries up to 2,104 passengers and 876 crew members.

The ship’s 11 decks include five cabin categories: Interior staterooms (141 to 284 square feet), Ocean View and Verandah staterooms, and Signature and Neptune Suites. All cabins come equipped with plush Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. Suites received updates to the furniture, carpeting and bathrooms, as well as a USB outlet on the bed's headboard and a Bose Bluetooth speaker. 

Recent cruisers of Eurodam were pleased with the versatile selection of nine dining venues. Most notably, the ship offers Tamarind, which serves exotic fare from Southeast Asia, China and Japan. 

Daytime activities range from the new America's Test Kitchen to the BBC Earth Experiences. More active pursuits include two swimming pools and sports courts. In the evenings, passengers can sip cocktails at one of the bars or lounges or take in a show at the Lincoln Center Stage or B.B. King's Blues Club.

In 2019-20, Eurodam departs from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Seattle and Vancouver for sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and Tahiti, Mexico and more. 

Borrowing its name from the former city of New Amsterdam (now known as New York City), this 2,106-passenger member of the Holland America fleet launched in 2010 and is famous for its extensive art collection valued at more than $3 million. Guests can admire works from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein through a complimentary self-guided iPod tour.

Passengers can also pass the time by the pool or in the Greenhouse Spa, while more enriching programs include the new America's Test Kitchen, the BBC Earth Experiences and photography classes in the Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. While the ship offers youth clubs for kids ages 3 to 17, most activities are geared toward adults.

When it comes to dining, guests can choose from seafood at the popular Sel de Mer French restaurant, New York Pizza on the pool deck, Asian delicacies at Tamarind and more. Several casual eateries and the main dining rooms are included at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, staterooms range from Interior cabins to expansive Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites, all of which are equipped with Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs.

In 2019-20, Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale and Venice for sailings in the Caribbean and Europe.

Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newest ships and the first in the more contemporary Pinnacle Class. Passengers can participate in everything from cooking classes to duty-free shopping, or simply relax by the pool or at the spa.

Guests can spend their evenings playing casino games or watching stage shows and musical acts through partnerships with Lincoln Center and Billboard magazine. While the ship does offer youth clubs for children ages 3 to 17, most of the entertainment and activities are geared toward adults.

When hunger strikes, passengers can choose between 11 dining venues, ranging from the casual New York Pizza & Deli to the more formal Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The ship's cabin categories are also diverse. Staterooms range from Interior and Ocean View cabins that range from 151 to 231 square feet, to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories.

In 2019-20, Koningsdam departs from a number of ports across the United States, South America and Canada, including Fort Lauderdale, Buenos Aires and Vancouver. 

First introduced in 2001, the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit was recently renovated in March 2019 and offers unique activities and acts, like a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen. The renovation added new staterooms, lounge areas and more. The ship also features laid-back venues like the Sunset Bar (which offers spectacular ocean views) and the Cellar Masters wine bar. Cruisers looking for some R&R can retreat to the spa, the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor solarium. Meanwhile, children ages 3 to 17 can participate in pool games and Xbox tournaments at the ship's kids clubs.

When it comes to dining, there are eight venues on board, including a handful of specialty spots (for an added fee) serving up creative cuisine ranging from French to Italian fare. While some recent cruisers noted long lines and average food at the buffet, most travelers were in agreement when it came to the wait staff and room stewards: service was prompt and friendly.

Speaking of rooms, Summit offers the same four cabin categories found on other Celebrity ships (Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite). Cabins are generally a bit smaller, and only 58 percent feature balconies. Cruisers will find flat-screen TVs, bathrobes and 24-hour room service in all staterooms.

In 2019-20, Celebrity Summit will spend its time sailing in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and more. 

Launched in 2000, Zaandam attracts older, more sophisticated travelers, with onboard activities catering more to those in need of R&R than those seeking an adrenaline rush. The 1,432-passenger ship carries up to 604 crew members and was most recently updated in 2017. It is designed to cater to fewer guests while offering spacious common areas. 

While active pursuits include sports courts and a fitness center, the majority of onboard activities are geared toward enrichment, such as America's Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and Digital Workshops powered by Windows. The ship also offers kids clubs for passengers ages 3 to 17.

Most recent guests described the cabins as comfortable. Inside and Ocean View cabins measure between 151 and 267 square feet – large enough to fit a queen bed (or two twin beds), a sitting area and a vanity space. Travelers were also pleased with the multiple onboard restaurants, ranging from the casual Lido Market buffet to Canaletto, which serves Italian fare.  

In 2019-20, Zaandam sails from Boston, Buenos Aires, Fort Lauderdale, Montreal, Rio de Janiero, Santiago, Chile, and more for itineraries in Canada, New England, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Antarctica and beyond.

Emerald Princess, which debuted in 2007 and was recently updated in April 2019, is one of the largest ships in the fleet. It carries up to 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew members, and it offers balconies in 80 percent of its exterior cabins. Recent cruisers describe the accommodations as sleek and spacious.

While groups can opt for a Family Suite for more square footage, those who splurge on Suite category cabins are granted perks like specialty dining and priority disembarkation at ports. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. What's more, as of August 2020, each guest aboard Emerald Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Activities include duty-free shopping boutiques, the Lotus Spa and a photography studio. In the evenings, theater shows, outdoor movies and multiple lounging areas keep cruisers entertained. The ship also offers age-appropriate youth clubs; in fact, the Camp Discover Youth & Teen Centers were refreshed during the refurbishment. With four pool areas, seven whirlpool spas, the newly reimagined Sanctuary and an abundance of dining venues – including seven specialty restaurants – the ship rarely felt crowded (according to most passengers). Guests will be especially fond of the new Steamers Seafood restaurant and Planks BBQ venue. 

In 2019-20, Emerald Princess offers a variety of sailings in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the California Coast and more. 

Recently updated in 2018, Maasdam can carry up to 1,258 passengers and 569 crew members. Traveling with fewer guests means there are more spots in onboard learning programs like BBC Earth Experiences and the popular Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. Plus, you'll likely find fewer crowds at the pool deck and in the Greenhouse Spa. While the ship does offer youth clubs for kids, most activities are geared toward adults. In 2018, Holland America Line introduced the new EXC In-Depth Voyages aboard the Maasdam, which explore fascinating corners of the world over 12 to 32 days. Passengers can also participate in excursions on smaller Zodiac boats to get up close and personal with the destinations' flora and fauna. 

Dining options on Maasdam range from steaks and seafood at the Pinnacle Grill to pasta dishes at the Canaletto Restaurant to vegetarian and low-carb plates at the Rotterdam Dining Room. Interior cabins are appointed with sofas and flat-screen TVs, while travelers who upgrade to Lanai staterooms receive private balconies. For more luxury, splurge on one of three suite categories, which include whirlpool baths and access to a private lounge area (in Neptune suites). 

In 2019-20, Maasdam sails from a variety of ports – including San Diego and Sydney – to destinations in Alaska, Australia, Mexico and the Pacific Coast. 

The 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel (the namesake of the line's Jewel-class ships) has been cruising since 2005 and underwent an extensive renovation in December 2018. It reemerged boasting refreshed dining venues, updated lounges, premier entertainment options and redesigned staterooms. With its low 1-to-2 crew-to-guest ratio, the ship makes tailored experiences a priority.

With 15 eateries and 13 bars and lounges, every guest has plenty of elbow room. Passenger favorites include O'Sheehan's 24-hour bar and grill and the specialty Brazilian steakhouse.

While Jewel appeals to a variety of traveler types, it's especially well-suited for families thanks to its age-appropriate kids clubs, a video arcade and waterslides. But there are plenty of diversions to keep grown-ups occupied as well, such as a full-service spa, a casino and sports facilities.

As for lodging, cruisers can choose between Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite and Suite category cabins. Those looking for even more space and luxury should opt for a cabin in The Haven, which offers multiple bedrooms and access to a private sun deck. 

In 2019-20, Norwegian Jewel sails to a variety of destinations throughout Asia, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and more.