The Santa Rosa - Hornblower Yachts



The Hornblower yachts are docked at different piers along the Embarcadero depending on their mission. The photo above is of the Santa Rosa yacht which is docked at Pier 3 and cruises to various points North. I took many shots of this boat and chose this one as I wanted to give you a full view. This particular yacht has a capacity of about 500 and has a ballroom below deck. These yachts are available for private parties and dining. Many have lunch, dinner and brunch cruises. One also accommodates the tours to Alcatraz. I took one of those tours a while back and it was so much fun. Then again, I love boats. I remember having lunch consisting of a salad and chicken cacciatore - almost like my Mom used to make with a dessert that made my palate smile.

The tour to Alcatraz has become so popular that now you need to book days in advance which means you need to make your reservations before you leave home. I sent a couple of friends on a brunch cruise a couple of years ago for their anniversary. They had a great time with a buffet brunch which included champagne - they loved that treat!

It does however get choppy out there at times so if you are prone to motion sickness come prepared. While cruising the views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay Bridge are spectacular so make sure you have your camera with you.

Comments

AVCr8teur said…
I have never seen this beauty before. I'll have to keep my eyes out for it when I'm by the pier. It is always a treat to take a ferry around the bay.
Cruiselife & Co said…
Now I know where to go and what to do when I finally have the time to travel. What a great shot of the ferry.
Rick (Ratty) said…
I love the idea of boat rides. I just wish I could get over my fear of deep water to take one. Even a big boat like that one turns me into a coward. I still like them though. I guess that's kind of strange. :)
C. JoyBell C. said…
This reminds me of a HUUUUUUGGGGGEEEE yacht/boat that was tugged over here to the Philippines all the way from Hong Kong, and is now docked at the Manila Bay. It is SSSOOOOO big and all the rooms and ballrooms are used for renting out for weddings, birthdays, private dinners, and just for eating out at. It's like a big restaurant/event hall. And there it sits and floats at the dock, with many lights all over it at night. :) Just think, if you were here, you would take a million photos of it! :)
betchai said…
i love the hornblower yachts Jo, they have a branch here in SD and I always enjoy their whale watching cruise :)
Anonymous said…
oh! if there's one means of travel i can't bear, its by water. the last time i had to travel by ferry i took 2 anti-motion sickness pills and was knockdown the entire trip.

maybe one day i will conquer my fear of water and motion sickness. i am missing the joy of being in the open sea.

eng (of salitype society!)
Cherry said…
if only my hubby doesn't have the fear of water like Eng, i'd love crusin'! lovely yacht!
That's a beautiful shot of the yacht, and I like the short cruises.
Joanne Olivieri said…
AVC, it's pretty cool and docked around Pier 3

Dr. Lauren, :) it's a fun spot to visit.

Ratty, not really there are many people afraid of boats though love looking at them.

Charity, I sure would in fact it sounds so inviting that if I were there, I'd probably never leave :)

betchai, whale watching cruise? How cool, I would love that.

eng, Many have that same problem. I feel like that many times while traveling on a plane so I understand.

eng, it is so much fun.

Icy, yes these cruises typically are very short and beautiful on a warm sunny day.

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