Grand leaving SF Which side?

[smilz]

Leaving on Grand in a few weeks out of San Francisco. What side will we pass Alcatraz Island? We have a port balcony (left side) but we will go up on deck if we pass it on our starboard side. We are traveling with another couple so we are trying to coordinate where to be when sailing under GG Bridge.

[Yehootu]

All we saw was fog. Believe Alcatraz on the starboard side.

[Colo Cruiser]

It's on the Starboard (right) side of the ship.

[wheezedr]

You need to be on the deck either far forward or far aft. Personally I prefer forward but the deck is much better than even the best balcony

[pris993]

I live near San Francisco, have gone in and out of San Francisco many times.

 

I hope you have a nice clear blue sky day when you leave... there are great sights on both sides, especially on a clear day. Even on a foggy day can be interesting.

 

It can be cool and breeze, so recommend that you hang out, out side the buffet area, in the back of the ship, this way you should be able to see the scenery on both sides and will also be protected from the wind. Good to have a jacket in San Francisco even in the summer.

 

Sail away is enjoyable going under the Golden Gate Bridge.... by the way the sail in on your return trip, generally around 5-6am in the morning can be very nice if not too foggy... the city lights and site of the city waking up is equally enjoyable to witness.

 

I worked in San Francisco for 30+ years, close to the port, so have enjoyed many an early morning in the city.

 

Happy cruising.

[Colo Cruiser]

You need to be on the deck either far forward or far aft. Personally I prefer forward but the deck is much better than even the best balcony

 

 

Anywhere along the starboard side of the promenade deck would be great.

[smilz]

Thanks for the tips! Its our first time on the Pacific Coast!

[Kauai Kid]

If you have to pick one side, port for sure. Port you can see SF and all along the Marina area.

If you are able to move around then do like some of the other posters said: outside the Horizon Court in the rear.

We live near and have cruised out many times.

Enjoy.

[Kauai Kid]

I should have mentioned that Alcatraz will be very visible from the ship while in port.

[Treven]

As been stated, The Rock will be visible while you are in port, off the back. However you need to be out on one of the upper decks while departing. You'll need to be moving around to see Alcatraz off the starboard side, The City off the port side, then under the Golden Gate Bridge above you.

 

This is, by far, my most favorite port to leave from or to arrive at.

[1spacecowboy]

Forward on the is ship is best, bring a beverage and maybe a sweater as it can be chilly.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[elliair]

Leaving on Grand in a few weeks out of San Francisco. What side will we pass Alcatraz Island? We have a port balcony (left side) but we will go up on deck if we pass it on our starboard side. We are traveling with another couple so we are trying to coordinate where to be when sailing under GG Bridge.

 

Starboard side. It doesn't matter which side you're on to go under the Golden Gate. You can go up onto Lido and see everything from there. IMHO Alcatraz is no big deal to see from the ship, you can take a ferry and visit it. IMHO it's a mess there. Too bad some investors don't take it over a put hotels, shops, and a casino. It would bring revenue into the city and provide jobs--maybe jobs for the homeless. When we took the Star out of SF to Hawaii we didn't leave port until 11:00 pm at night due to longshoreman having a labor dispute. Departure time is not always on time from our experience.

[DougH]

You need to be on the deck either far forward or far aft. Personally I prefer forward but the deck is much better than even the best balcony

 

I prefer aft, it's way too windy and cold forward. Also depending on when you sail you could be trying to take pictures of the GG Bridge directly into the setting sun. I like to be aft and photograph the bridge after we sail under and it is lit with the sun behind you.

 

And yes Alcatraz will be on the Starboard (right) side of the ship

[SheriffJoe]

There is too much to see and enjoy when sailing out the Golden Gate to limit yourself to your balcony, right after muster drill go stake out your spot up on deck so you can enjoy the entire view...

[gcvt]

Grab a couple cocktails, and a jacket, and head for the upper decks!

 

Hope you have good weather. It's so foggy right now that we can barely see across the street.

[sailinglisa]

I prefer aft, it's way too windy and cold forward. Also depending on when you sail you could be trying to take pictures of the GG Bridge directly into the setting sun. I like to be aft and photograph the bridge after we sail under and it is lit with the sun behind you.

 

And yes Alcatraz will be on the Starboard (right) side of the ship

 

What Doug said. I cruised with him on the Dawn Princess out of SF in 2008. Aft decks are the perfect place to be! Be sure to bring the jacket or sweater along - it does get cool out there especially the closer you get to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Edited July 3, 2016 by sailinglisa

[jwattle]

If we're in C753 (true aft) we should be able to see it all from our balcony, yes? Thank you in advance for any help you can give this newbie to Princess! :)

[triptolemus]

If we're in C753 (true aft) we should be able to see it all from our balcony, yes? Thank you in advance for any help you can give this newbie to Princess! :)

 

Yes.

[triptolemus]

Unsolicited San Francisco Sailaway Photos - Star Princess, May, 2015 - most of these taken from cabin A202 - port, fwd. You can see Alcatraz sitting there in the first pic off to the left. Princess ships usually dock with the bow pointed out toward the bay (rather than pointed into the City).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 3, 2016 by triptolemus

[triptolemus]

 

 

 

 

 

[jwattle]

Great pictures!!:)

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

YES beautiful pics.

 

When we went under GG bridge during March

Calif Coastal, the ship went underneath........at almost Midnight!

 

I think most of the ship was Asleep! lol

 

I managed to stay away & take some pics at night from our balcony.

 

But yours are even better. Thanks for posting.

[freshair8]

Love your pictures!! I was on that cruise as well. :)

[triptolemus]

Love your pictures!! I was on that cruise as well. :)

 

Small world, huh!? :)

 

Thanks.

[Giraffe Gill]

Get to highest point of the ship! Bring a jacket and camera. Be prepared for high winds and super crowded as everyone wants the same picture and view! It is amazing and I'm sure you will enjoy it.