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San Diego is one of my favorite places to take a day or weekend trip, particularly when I’m feeling spontaneous. Having visited more times than I can count, I still find that there are places I’ve never seen and activities I’ve never done within the city and its vicinity. The city itself sits on the San Diego Bay, making it highly desirable for visitors looking for adventurous or leisurely aquatic activities.
Last week, I saw the city from a unique vantage point as the sun was setting over the bay. An impromptu girl’s night out, we found ourselves aboard the Spirit of San Diego, one of Flagship Cruises’ luxury yachts. This locally-owned, family-owned yacht charter offers families a wide range of scenic, leisure, and adventure experiences including whale watching excursions, harbor tours, ferry and water taxi services, and gourmet dinner cruises.
Flagship offers nightly dinner cruises along the harbor, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying an evening out as a family. On certain nights, you’ll enjoy special discounts and events like Wine Wednesdays, Hops on the Harbor Beer Pairing Dinner Cruises (Fridays), and Champagne Sunday Brunch Cruises.
The two-and-a-half hour cruise offers views of the bay including the Coronado Bridge and the night-time cityscape of downtown San Diego. Once you’ve boarded the yacht, you’ll be greeted with champagne and seated for your dinner and cruise. Despite the size and capacity of the ship, the experience felt intimate and personal. Guests are seated on two levels, all of which offer views of the bay.
The three-course dinner begins with the Flagship Caesar Wedge and warm. locally baked breads from St. Tropez Bakery. Flagship Cruises also offers the option of purchasing additional starters including their Soup Du Jour, Chipotle Hummus and Grilled Flatbread, Chilled Jumbo Mexican White Prawns with Spicy Cocktail Sauce, and/or a Hazelnut Encrusted Baked Brie with a Dried Fig and Port wine Jam served with Toasted Crostini. I found the meal to be satiating, however, the starters looked highly appetizing!
Before your cruise, you’ll be asked to select from one of 4 entrees including a Grilled New York Strip Steak, Locally Caught Seasonal Fish, Chicken Osso Bucco, or Grilled Vegetable and Pearl Couscous Strata. Each dish is paired with fresh vegetables and a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes (which are incredible!) save the vegetarian dish which is simply served with couscous. The serving size was incredibly generous and the meal perfect for the experience. I liked the varied options offered which covers the meat eater, the vegetarian/vegan, and the pescetarian! While I didn’t bring my children aboard this particular cruise, it should be noted that this experience is incredibly family-friendly and Flagship Cruises offers a special Child’s Dinner.
The leisurely meal concludes with one of 4 decadent desserts including a Semi-Traditional Mud Pie, a Classic Cheesecake, a Pecan Brownie ala Mode, or Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Local Berries. As dessert is being served, the DJ begins his playlist of songs while those onboard dance on the lower deck. This was more popular than I would have imagined and a great way to end the evening.
I love to dance, but I used this opportunity to simply relax, enjoy the scenery and watch the fireworks off a barge near the U.S.S. Midway. Overall, we really enjoyed our girls’ night out and it was a unique and leisurely way to see San Diego from a unique vantage point.
Flagship Cruises is located at 990 North Harbor Drive in San Diego. Dinner Cruise pricing begins at $69.50 for adults and $41.70 for children. Boarding and photos begin at 7 pm and the ship leaves promptly at 7:30 pm. For reservations, information about Flagship Cruises’ additional events and coupons, visit FlagshipSD.com.
Parking: Options include the USS Midway parking lot, the B Street Pier parking lot and 5 Star Parking.
Flagship Cruises 100th Anniversary Celebration
To celebrate it’s 100th anniversary, Flagship Cruises will host a FREE Party on the Harbor on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 from 2 pm to 6 pm. Locals and visitors can stop by anytime for complimentary food, drinks and rides aboard some of the yachts owned and operated by Flagship Cruises. Here is what you can expect during this celebration!
- Live music by acclaimed dance band Sensation and jazz vocalist Celeste Barbier
- Complimentary appetizers
- Local craft beer and wine for sample and purchase
- Local olive oil tastings
- Professional commemorative photos
- Photos and memorabilia from Flagship’s 100-year history
- Kids entertainment including balloon art, games, face painting and a magician
- Prizes and giveaways
- Complimentary rids on the Patriot Jet Boat at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 pm
- Free harbor tour aboard the Quiet Heart yacht at 5 pm (space limited)
The Party on the Harbor will take place onboard the California Spirit, California Princess and Quiet Heart Yachts. Feel free to come and go as you please since the ships will remain docked throughout the event.
Be sure to follow Flagship Cruises on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #Flagship100Years
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