We’re excited to serve you onboard your Flagship cruise. Thank you for choosing San Diego’s most experienced local fleet. Here’s what you can expect:
Arrival
Boarding Times
Our ships board 15- 30 minutes prior to departure. Please allow enough time to check in at the ticket booth.
Parking & Transportation
For maps, detailed information and helpful tips, read Parking & Directions.
Onboard
Here's an overview of what to expect onboard any Flagship vessel. If you are unsure about any of our policies, please contact us in advance.
Safety
We comply with TSA guidance on health and safety. At this time, masks are not required on any of our cruises. Read our full safety policies.
Seating
For tours and excursions, all seating is open to all passengers on a first-come, first-served basis. For dining cruises, our hostess will seat your party at a private table when you board.
Children
Children ages 4-12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Children under 4 are free for all departures, except the Patriot Jet Boat. Due to safety restrictions, children under 4 are not allowed on that ship.
Dress Code
There is no official dress code. Dinner cruise guests tend to dress a bit more formally. For all other cruises, aim for casual and comfortable. We recommend dressing in layers. For daytime cruises, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
Food & Drinks
Dining cruises feature seasonal menus and full bar service. We have a snack bar on our harbor tours and whale watching excursions, with hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks and beverages (view menu).
Prohibited Items
No coolers, alcohol or glass containers.
No speakers or any audible device without headphones.
No smoking aboard any of our vessels.
General / Ticketing
Will I receive my tickets after I order online?
No, physical tickets are required. Check-in when you arrive and we will confirm your reservations and provide you with your boarding ticket.
Is gratuity included?
Yes, a service charge is included in the cost of your ticket. However, if your experience is exceptional, gratuities are appreciated.
What is a landing fee?
The landing fee covers a wide range of costs associated with maritime business operations, including Port facility expenses, licenses, regulatory fees, environmental costs and maritime security.
Can I cancel or change my tickets?
Reservations are non-refundable. Please provide Flagship with 24-hour notice prior to the cruise date to reschedule your cruise to another time and date.
Are your boats safe?
Yes, all of our vessels are inspected regularly and are 100% Coast Guard Certified.
Will I get seasick?
San Diego bay waters are usually very calm and seasick incidents are not common. If you are prone motion sickness, it is recommended you take any medication before boarding the vessel. Wristbands for motion sickness also work well. Either can be purchased at our dockside gift store, the Wheelhouse Gift Shop, or most drug stores.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours are not necessarily cancelled due to rain, however if there is a wind advisory or if weather conditions are extremely poor, then it’s possible the tour will be cancelled that morning. The Patriot, which has open-air seating, is more likely to be cancelled due to rain. If your cruise is cancelled, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
For whale watching excursions, the ship will leave the bay so plan on ocean conditions. For current conditions please visit the National Weather Service.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, you can purchase any Flagship cruise as a gift. Learn more about Flagship gift certificates.
Groups & Private Events
What’s the best way to book my party and purchase tickets?
For parties 20 guests or larger, please contact our group event team for information and special rates. For parties with fewer than 20 guests, you can book directly online if you prefer. Or contact us, we’ll be happy to assist.
Can I bring cake/decorations/etc.?
Yes. We do everything we can to accommodate your requests. Please contact us so we can speak about the details of your specific event.
Will we be sharing the ship with other events?
If you book a private event, the ship will be yours exclusively. Group bookings can be made on public cruises as well.
Accessibility
Our Commitment
It is the policy of Flagship Cruises & Events that ALL persons, regardless of race, color, gender, disability or any other protected characteristic are entitled to use its vessels. All Company employees are expected to comply with this policy.
Are any of the vessels wheelchair accessible?
The following vessels are partially accessible: California Spirit, California Princess, Spirit of San Diego, Marietta, Cabrillo and Silvergate.
For most of our fleet, the vessel and interior main deck are ramp accessible but the exterior top deck and restrooms are not. For the Patriot Jet Boat and Water Taxis, all guests, including those with disabilities or who use a wheelchair, must be able to transfer into and out of the Patriot by themselves or with the assistance of a member in their party.
Are the bathrooms on any of the vessels wheelchair accessible?
None of the restrooms are wheelchair accessible EXCEPT on the California Princess and the California Spirit.
Is boarding assistance available?
Yes. Since the ramps from the shore to the docks can be steep, Flagship Cruises & Events offers assistance by its uniformed staff for all persons using a wheelchair or who otherwise need assistance boarding a vessel.
Are animals allowed on any of the vessels?
Service animals are welcome onboard any of our vessels except the Patriot Jet Boat.
Are tours available to the hearing impaired?
Yes. Please Contact Us and we'll be happy to schedule this with you.
Contact Us
Our friendly crew is committed to providing first-class service to each of our guests. If you have questions, please ask any uniformed Flagship team member or contact us via:
Phone: (619) 234-4111 or toll free (800) 442‑7847