Metro Vancouverites looking to dip their toes into cruising can enjoy a low-cost option this fall (that doesn't skimp out on luxury).
Holland America Line (HAL) sails its five-star Koningsdam from Canada Place to San Diego in late October on the final voyage from the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»cruise terminal.
Travellers only have to commit to four days at sea, making the voyage attractive for people new to cruising. It's also extremely affordable, costing just shy of $100 per day, per person for the lead-in staterooms.
The cruise departs Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. and spends two days at sea before stopping in California's Catalina Island on Friday, Oct. 6. The days at sea provide guests with ample time to explore the vessel, featuring two swimming pools, a live theatre, a tennis court, renowned spa treatments, movies under the stars, a basketball court, a video arcade, a casino and much more.
The "Pinnacle" class ship also allows guests to create their own wine blend from a selection of single vineyard red wines.
The cruise ends in sunny San Deigo on Saturday, Oct. 26.
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Tues., Oct. 22 | Vancouver | 3 p.m. | |
| Wed., Oct. 23 | At Sea | ||
| Thurs., Oct. 24 | At Sea | ||
| Fri., Oct. 25 | Catalina Island | 10 a.m. | 6 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 26 | San Diego | 7 a.m. |
Four-day Pacific Coastal cruise from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»to San Diego
An inside stateroom for two people costs $818.36 ($409.18 per person), which works out to $102.30 per diem for the four-night cruise. This price includes all meals, snacks, accommodation, and entertainment. The only extras it doesn't include are spa treatments, alcohol, or specialty restaurants (see slide three).
One-way flights back to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»from San Diego are fairly affordable, depending on the number of stops travellers are willing to make. Prices start around $150 and go up from there and it is possible to fly home on the day the ship arrives in port. However, travellers should aim to fly in the late afternoon or evening to allow time to get off the cruise and go through customs. They may also wish to spend a night or two in San Diego.
Famous for its live entertainment, jazz and blues fans will enjoy inspired performances in the B.B. Kings Blues Club on the Koningsdam. Fans of traditional cruising will also enjoy dressing up on gala nights when guests sport their finest formal attire.
Specialty restaurants on the ship include Pinnacle Grill (described as the "ultimate steakhouse at sea"), Canaletto (upscale Italian cuisine), and Tamarind (Pan-Asian Fine Dining).
Holland America Line's midsize vessels are popular with fans of traditional cruising, boasting elegant decor and classic designs.
Fans of HAL cruises typically enjoy sailing on ships they can become well acquainted with during the voyage and relish opportunities to speak with the captain and cruise director.
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