Seattle is famous for its Space Needle, Astoria is at the mouth of the Columbia River and San Francisco is still hilly. All great places to enjoy.

Some cruise lines operate to Alaska from Seattle during the summer and fall. Prior to and after that season the ships have re-location cruises. As Seattle is a great city and is convenient for trips to other places in the region, many cruise passengers make time to visit it.

Seattle

The Space Needle can be seen from almost every location in and around the city. Conveniently there is a monorail from downtown to the Seattle Center where there is also the Pacific Science Center and the Experience Music Project.

On the waterfront is the famous Pike's Place Market with restaurants as well as market stalls. These consist of fruit and vegetables and a huge flower market where the colors and perfumes are enticing. In the Fish Market the fishmongers perform for the tourists by throwing fish to each other - they call it "flying fish".

Seattle has a wonderful shopping district in the center of the city and there are plenty of tours available. For getting around the city a great favorite is the Duck Tour which is on land and on Lake Union. Further afield are Mount Ranier, the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands.

Astoria

Originally called Fort Astoria, it is named for John Jacob Astor who sent trappers there to gather pelts for the Pacific Fur Company. It is a beautiful town with several Victorian style 19th century homes and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Astoria's other claim to fame is located eight miles south and that is the Fort Clatsop National Historic Park. This is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805/6 following their trek across the country.

The town's high point is the Astoria Column. All 125ft. of it on top of Coxcomb Hill. It was built in 1926 and is really splendid with artwork showing the history of the area. The views from up there are pretty terrific too.

The Maritime Museum is on the banks of the river and has some fascinating exhibits such as a lifeboat looking as if it is about to go through the roof.

There are plenty of shops and some interesting buildings to check out on a stroll through the town.

Shore excursions include a Seafood Cooking School and Oregon Wine Tour, the Ale Trail which visits three local breweries, biking, and visiting the exquisite Flavel House for a tour which finishes with tea and scones.

San Francisco

Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge is a never to be forgotten experience. To reach the dock ships glide slowly across the Bay past Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz.

With such a variety of things to do and see in this vast city, it is difficult to know where to begin.

Fortunately the dock isn't too far from Fisherman's Wharf and for those who haven't booked any tours while on board, it is simply a matter of taking one of the historic trolley cars - some are originally from Europe - which will take you either to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 or take one in the other direction into Market Street.

Grayline Tours have an office at Fisherman's Wharf which is a convenient way to get about the city or to take a Wine Tour to Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Cruise lines using Seattle and San Francisco as jumping off ports include Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess and NCL.

Some re-location cruises from Vancouver also stop at Astoria and San Francisco, as well as Victoria on Vancouver Island.