san francisco yacht new years

• 2024 Events
• Alcatraz Tours
• Attractions
• Family-Friendly
• Itineraries
• Things to Do
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• SF Bay Area
• Cruises from SF
• All Beyond SF
• Northern California
• SF Arrivals and Transfers
• Weather & What to Wear
• Getting Around SF
• Earthquakes
• Games & Puzzles

SIGN UP  FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE  SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.

• NYE Cruises

San Francisco New Year's Eve Cruises to Ring in 2024

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: September 2, 2023

San Francisco New Year's Eve Cruises are my favorite way to celebrate the new year. The best part is that there are several types so you can find the one that fits you best.

On this night, you will find party cruises for those 21+ and higher-end dinner and dancing cruises. All offer some food, drinks, and of course, an amazing view of the fireworks show at midnight.

Many of these cruises return to port shortly after the fireworks display. 

Be prepared to fight through the crowds as the thousands of people watching from the shore will also be heading home. 

Also, many of them sell out early, so grab your tickets as soon as you know this is what you want to do for New Year's in San Francisco!

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

San Francisco New Years Eve Cruises 2023 to 2024

Red & white cruises.

• Leaves at 10 pm from Pier 43 1/2 in Fisherman's Wharf
• 21 and older only
• Includes two drink tickets per person, snack and dessert bar, and a cash bar
• Huge outdoor roof deck to watch the fireworks at midnight, indoor seating is also available
• Live DJ and a roaming photographer
• Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
• Visit their site to book your tickets today

Speakeasy New Year's Eve Cruise 2024

• 20's Themed fireworks party cruise
• Hosted Bar with the VIP Experience
• Great views of the fireworks at midnight
• 2 DJs / 3 Decks with music 
• Complimentary Premium NYE favors
• Flapper attire encouraged. Cocktail attire required.
• Check in starts at 8:45 pm, VIP priority boarding starts at 9:15 pm, general admission boarding starts at 9:30 pm, boat departs at 9:45 pm, and returns at 12:45 am
• Boarding is at Pier 40 (near Oracle Park - NOT near Pier 39)
• Find tickets

New Year's Eve Party on the Empress Yacht

• Party Cruise aboard The Empress Yacht
• Features two spacious decks and plenty of room to watch the fireworks at midnight
• 3-hour standard open bar from 10 pm to 1 am and a champagne toast at midnight
• Complimentary appetizers during the cruise from 10 pm to 1 am
• Leaves from Pier 40 near Oracle Park (is not near Pier 39)
• Boarding at 9:30 pm, leaves at 10 pm and returns around 1 am

2024 New Year's Eve Under the Fireworks Cruise

• 4 hour cruise with an open bar
• 2 decks of music, 2 live DJs with Hip/Hop Throwbacks and Top 40/Remixes
• Top deck is an open air deck with a Quaint Bar and Lounge with the best views for the fireworks
• Heavy appetizers severed throughout the cruise
• Cruise is aboard the San Francisco Spirit
• Check in starts at 8:45 pm, VIP boarding at 9 pm, General boarding at 9:15 pm, leaves at 9:30 pm (gate closes at 9:25 pm, so don't be late!)
• Cruises from 9:30 pm to 1 am
• Leaves from Pier 3 - Hornblower Landing

NYE Fireworks Dinner Cruise

• Leaves from Alameda (2394 Mariner Square Drive) not San Francisco
• Dinner, dancing and a perfect view of the fireworks display from the Cabernet Sauvignon Yacht
• Buffet dinner includes Hand-Carved Strip of New York and pan Seared Chicken Breast Carciofi, salads and side dishes with a tasty dessert. 
• Hosted bar (pay per drink) with cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne (sodas and juices are included in the ticket price)
• 4 decks with outdoor access for the fireworks display
• Live DJ spinning all night long
• Boards in Alameda at 8:30 pm, departs at 9 pm, returns after the fireworks display at around 1:15 am

Hornblower San Francisco NYE Premier Dinner Cruise

• 4 hour cruise that starts boarding at 9 pm on Pier 3
• Four course plated meals with entrees, salads, and desserts
• Top shelf open bar and bottomless Champagne (with certain packages)
• Dance the night away to DJ entertainment
• Watch the fireworks from one of the best spots in the bay
• Smart dress is recommended
• Visit their site for more ticketing information

Fun Things to Do During the Day

Do you love exploring on New Year's Eve Day? If so, you will find plenty of things to see and do. Here are just a few of my top recommendations.

Tours & Cruises : You can also explore SF on New Year's Eve Day on one of many tours or cruises. Here are just a few ideas for this day.

Hotel Rooms

Whether you are staying for a few days or are just in town for the night, I highly recommend checking out the great hotel deals in San Francisco. They offer dozens of options throughout the city. The best way to grab the top deals is to book your room early! Check out the current special offers here .

Are you looking for a few recommendations? If so, then check out my Union Square Hotels and my Fisherman's Wharf Hotels pages for the best options for every budget.

Other 21+ Parties

If you prefer to stay on land, you also have several amazing options. Most of the 21 and older parties feature several dance floors, a variety of music, open bars (for at least part of the night), and a chance to meet some new friends.

Learn More : 21+ Parties on NYE 2023/2024

SF NYE Fireworks Display

The biggest event on NYE 2024 is the fireworks display along the SF Bay. This year's display starts at 11:59 pm and lasts for about half an hour. You will find it (and thousands of other fireworks lovers) just to the south of the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero.

Learn More : Tips to Attend the 2023/2024 NYE Fireworks Display

All 2023 & 2024 NYE Activities in SF

In addition to all the parties, you will find some other fun things to do in SF this night. You will find theater performances, live music, and several other fun things to do. You can also find out details on the extended hours for all public transit options in and out of SF.

Learn More : All NYE Activities for 2023/2024

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

About Me    |    Contact Me    |   Privacy Policy    |   Terms of Service    |    Advertising Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

Copyright © 2009-2024 by SFTourismTips.com. All rights reserved.

This website does not sell any personal information. (See privacy policy )

Follow us @sfevents_

Speakeasy™ San Francisco New Year’s Eve Cruise 2024

buy tickets Buy Tickets on Eventbrite var exampleCallback = function() { console.log("Order complete!"); }; window.EBWidgets.createWidget({ widgetType: "checkout", eventId: "549786184277", modal: true, modalTriggerElementId: "eventbrite-widget-modal-trigger-549786184277", onOrderComplete: exampleCallback });

• Breathtaking views and snaps of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Spectacular San Francisco Skyline
• Complimentary Premium NYE Favors
• Dessert Bar
• Black Jack Casino Tables for fun playing
• Unbeatable Table Service Packages (check out ticket information section)
• Affordable Group Saving Packages for your Squad
• VIP Experience with 3 Hours Hosted Bar
• 3 Specious Decks
• 2 Top San Francisco’s DJs playing the hits of today House/Top 40/Hip Hop and more

Check-In Begins at: 8:45pm @ Pier 40 (near Frankie’s Java House/by Oracle Ball Park )

VIP Priority Boarding: 9:15pm | General Boarding: 9:30PM | Cruise: 9:45pm-12:45am

CHECK IN/BOARDING LOCATION: Pier 40, (8 The Embarcadero ) – foot of Townsend Street – Near Oracle Ball Park. Please keep in mind that Pier 40 is NOT by Per 39!!!

* No refunds if you miss the boat * Please allow enough travel time, and to find parking!*

** Please note this is NOT a dinner cruise. We suggest arranging dinner plans prior to boarding. There are many restaurants is SOMA district that is in close proximity to Pier 40**

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR NYE DINNER CRUISE PLEASE CLICK >>> HERE <<<<

______________________________

STRICT DRESS CODE will be enforced. This is an upscale event with cocktail attire required for entrance. Flapper attire encouraged but not required. Men will not be allowed to wear ball caps, plain t-shirts, hi-tops or tennis shoes. If you do not meet the dress code, you may NOT be allowed to board and no refund will be given.

This NYE party sells out well in advance due to limited capacity! Please plan accordingly and purchase tickets for any expected/additional friends by December 20th!

Follow and Share

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

San Francisco New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise | City Cruises™

What makes city cruises' new year's dinner in san francisco special compared to others, can i book a private table for the new year's dinner cruise in san francisco, is there a dance floor or dj on the nye dinner cruise in san francisco, what sights can you see on a nye dinner cruise in san francisco, are food and drinks served on the nye dinner, why is city cruises the best option to celebrate going into 2025, be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

2024 SF New Year's Eve Under the Fireworks Cruise

Ring in the new year in style--with views, music and open bar the entire cruise grab tickets now; and get ready for an experience you won't soon forget ... but will most likely want to indulge in again.

VIP Nightlife & Bay Area Nightlife present ...

Pier Pressure SF

2024 new year's eve under the fireworks cruise.

Sun, Dec 31, 2023, 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM PST

• Mix & Mingle Food Menu heavy hors d’oeuvres

• 4.5 Hours with Open Bar Entire Cruise

• 2 Decks of Music

• 1 Amazing Fireworks Show

aboard the San Francisco Spirit Yacht , at Pier 3 - Hornblower Landing

The only way to catch the true spirit of San Francisco is to embark on the Pier Pressure ™ cruise. Let loose & set sail along gorgeous San Francisco Bay aboard the multi-million dollar luxury yacht, the San Francisco Spirit .

Bring your significant and or group of favorite friends; and create the ultimate experience that no club, bar, or land entity could possibly offer.

PREMIUM OPEN BAR FEAT. TITO'S VODKA

• Tito's Vodka, Tanqueray, Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan, and more…
• Premium Wines, Beers, Soft Drinks, Fruit Juices, Mineral Water, Iced Tea, Coffee and Hot Tea

AMAZING MIX & MINGLE MENU

• Mediterranean Station – Roasted Garlic Hummus and Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus, Tzatziki, Seasonal Roasted Vegetables, Pita Chips, Naan.
• Artisan Cheese Display – Grand Cru Reserve, 4 Year Aged Cheddar, Buttermilk Bleu, Fontina, Dried Fruits, Assorted Crackers and Crostini.
• Accompanied by fresh breads and butter
• Caesar Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese, Herb Crouton, Traditional Caesar Dressing
• Kale Quinoa Salad – Quinoa, Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette

III. STATIONS

• Chef’s Carving Station – Hand Carved Strip Loin, USDA Choice, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Bordelaise Sauce, Horseradish Crème
• Italian Station – Chicken Vesuvio with Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Vegetable Farfalle, Pasta Al Forno

IV. Dessert:

• Hornblower Signature Dessert Station – Mini Cakes, Brownies, Seasonal Fruit

Pier Pressure SF Under the Fireworks Cruise will have a two LIVE DJs on board keeping you and your friends moving on the dance floor while the city skyline passes you by. Party on the dance floor and get a drink in your hand with the fully stocked bars on board.

The San Francisco Spirit Yacht is a beautiful 150 ft. luxury yacht built to sail in comfort. This spacious yacht has 3 decks, 3 bars, 3 dance areas, and an expansive outdoor bow & sky deck to enjoy the views.

Ring in the New Year in style--with views, music and open bar the entire cruise! Grab tickets now; and get ready for an experience you won't soon forget ... but will most likely want to indulge in again.

• 1st Deck: Hip Hop/Throwbacks
• 2nd Deck: Top 40/Remixes
• 3rd Deck: Spacious Open Air Deck with Quaint Bar Lounge - Premium Views of Fireworks.

PERKS OF THIS VIP CRUISE

• Breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the spectacular San Francisco Skyline & more.
• Three decks with 3 dance areas playing the hits of today with House, Top 40, Hip Hop
• A gorgeous fun filled crowd
• Three fully stocked & professionally staffed bars
• Spectacular group saving packages

PERFECT FOR ...

• Local Singles and Couples looking to expand their Social Circle, or just simply dance the night away under the stars
• Tourists or anyone new to the city that wants to make the most out of their visit
• Something Fresh and Fun for a Guys or Ladies Night out

CELEBRATE ON BOARD ...

• Birthdays, Work Parties, Bachelor or Bachelorette Party, Ladies Night, Guy’s Night & more...

CURRENT SCHEDULE

• Check-in: 8:45 p.m.
• VIP Boarding: 9:00 p.m.
• GA Boarding: 9:15 p.m.
• Gate Closes at 9:25 p.m. sharp - Do not be late, NO Refunds!
• Cruise Time: 9:30 p.m. – 1:00 A.M.
• Boarding Location: Pier 3 - Hornblower Landing (x-street: Washington St.)

SOME INFO TO KNOW

Age Requirement: Must be 21+ to participate. Valid Photo ID must be able to compare with guest. ID's will be checked and bag searches will be conducted randomly (discretion of Captain).

All Sales Final: No refunds or exchanges. Prices may increase based on supply & demand.

Boarding/Yacht Location: San Francisco Spirit Yacht boarding location (Hornblower Cruises & Events) is located at Pier 3, on The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111. ** Click To View Pier 3 - Hornblower Landing Directions .

Do Not Miss the Boat: Gates close at 9:25pm. Cruise leaves sharply at 9:30pm. Absolutely NO Refunds or exchanges. We reserved a spot for you on our cruise.

Dress Code: Dress to impress. Upscale cocktail / semi-formal attire required. If you have any questions about dress code please email us: [email protected]

Bag Requirements: The only permitted bags that are allowed onboard the vessel must meet the following requirements: All bags must be completely clear and no larger than 6 inches long and 5 inches tall. Any other bags or purses will not be allowed onboard.

Parking: Attend parking lot available at Pier 3, on the Embarcadero. Additional Parking: On Davis St. between Broadway St. & Vallejo St, On the corner of The Embarcadero & Broadway St and On The Embarcadero & Washington St. (directly across from Pier 3). ** Click To View Pier 3 Hornblower Landing Parking Options **

* Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Bay Area Nightlife and Hornblower Cruises & Events are not responsible for any parking lots.

Party Responsibly: Please DO NOT Drink & Drive. Opt for Ride Share Apps (Lyft or Uber), a taxi service or designated driver.

Covid-19 Protocol (if any at all) For All Guests will be announced closer to the event date, and will be based on current CDC Guideline and City of San Francisco's protocols to party safely and responsibly. If the event is canceled due to Covid-19; you will be refunded.

Questions? Please email: [email protected]. We look forward to celebrating with you responsibly.

PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA DISCLAIMER

By attending our event, you agree to the following:

Allowed: Non-Professional Recording Equipment (Point & Shoot Cameras, Flip Video Cameras, etc.) Cameras for personal use only.

Not Allowed: Professional Recording (Photo, Video, Audio) Equipment (NO Detachable Zoom Lenses, Tripods or Other Commercial Equipment without the written consent of VIPNightlife.com.

VIPNightlife.com reserves the right to use any photograph/ videography or other, similar reproductions or recordings taken at any event hosted, or any affiliate of VIPNightlife.com. VIPNightlife.com also reserves the right to use any photograph/ videography without the written permission of those included within the photograph.

Photographs may be used in publications or other forms of media produced, used, or contracted by VIPNightlife.com. This includes, but is not limited to: magazines, websites, social media, blog, presentations and other VIPNightlife.com marketing materials or other, similar reproductions or recordings.

A person attending a VIPNightlife.com event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution should make their wishes known to the photographer and or event organizers.

Any person or organization not affiliated with the VIPNightlife.com may not use, copy, alter or modify VIPNightlife.com photographs, graphics, videography or other, similar reproductions or recordings without the advance written permission of VIPNightlife.com.

FOR ALL PHOTOS FROM OUR PAST CRUISES CLICK HERE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

No alcohol, open containers or outside food is permitted. No illegal drugs or controlled substances, including prescription drugs & marijuana, are tolerated. Using marijuana on the water is illegal, regardless of medical condition(s). The use and or possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances is absolutely prohibited by the US Coast Guard.

Yacht Company holds a zero tolerance policy related to illegal substances aboard all vessels. Anyone caught participating or processing any such items will not be allowed to board and substances will be confiscated.

If you are thought to be under the influence of, or caught participating in, illegal substances on board, you'll be quarantined until boat can safely return to dock and the cruise is subject to end for all guests immediately upon doing so; no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Let’s have fun and party safe!

PURCHASE POLICY

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. ALL SALES FINAL: There are NO REFUNDS, NO CANCELLATIONS, no credits, no exchanges, and no transfers after the order has been made.

Credit Card & ID:

You must present the original credit card used to purchase the ticket and a valid Government Issued Photo Identification (along with your e-tickets that have been emailed to you via Eventbrite when your order was placed): the name on both the credit card and ID match the name on your purchased tickets, in order to gain entry to the event. If the name on the Credit Card and/or ID does not match the tickets, or if you do not have both the credit card used to make the purchase and government issued identification, you will be denied entry to event without a refund.

Covid Policy:

No credit or refund will be issued as a result of the ticket purchaser or any person in the party contracting COVID-19 or a variant alike. By purchasing tickets to a VIP Nightlife Event, you understand and agree that tickets are non-refundable and you are assuming the risk that you may not be able to use tickets purchased if you contract COVID-19 or variants alike. You further agree that you will not attend any VIP Nightlife event if you currently have symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to attending and/or have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not completed the CDC recommended quarantine period. Be advised attendees may be required to show proof of vaccine and/or a negative test result. As the rules for events vary by location and change often, please check your local listing and respective government authorities for any applicable rules that may apply to you. You will not receive a refund if you are unable to attend an event due to any non-compliance with local rules, event guidelines, vaccine status, or failure to provide a negative test result. However, VIP Nightlife may allow you to transfer your tickets for any reason to another person by having the ticket purchaser email customer service within 24 hours of the event [email protected] with a copy of the original ticket purchaser's photo ID and credit card used to purchase the tickets along with the email address and name of the customer to whom the tickets will be transferred. Please be advised that VIP Nightlife may not be able to honor all requests for transfers if they are made outside of business hours or too close to the time of the actual event.

If you encounter a problem at the event, you must file a complaint with Promoter within 5 calendar days following the date of the event; failure to contact Promoter within the 5-day period will be a complete waiver of your right to request compensation whether monetary or otherwise. If you need customer support, Promoter’s email is [email protected].

Purchase Policy:

By placing an order, you are confirming that you received this policy and are agreeing to abide by the clauses within. This Purchase Policy is a binding contract between you and event Promoter.

Event Booking:

By purchasing a ticket, package or reservation you're entitled to entry to event you're purchasing it for. At the time of your order, Eventbrite will place an order for your ticket(s) in the Promoter’s ticketing system, reducing the number of tickets available for the chosen event. Before purchasing your ticket(s) we urge you to confirm the title, time and location of the event(s) you wish to attend, as there are no refunds. Each event has a definitive date, start time and end time. If you do not show up to the event, you understand that you are forfeiting your ticket(s) and therefore your ticketing fee (the entirety of what you paid) will not be returned to you. If you do not attend your event, you're still 100% financially liable for your purchase. If you cannot attend event, you will not receive refund.

Event Cancellations:

If the event is canceled you will receive a refund for the face value of the ticket.

No Refunds:

Unforeseen circumstances beyond promoter’s control will not be grounds for a refund, including but not limited to the following: local or national weather conditions, natural disasters, waiting in lines, extended waits in lines, family emergencies, medical emergencies, employment issues including layoffs, traffic, parking, public or private transportation issues, etc. If you purchased for the incorrect date, location, event, etc, promoter is not obligated to provide a refund, credit, exchange or transfer. If cancellation or transfer request is approved, promoter reserves the right to charge a $10 administrative fee for its time, in addition to charging a $10 restocking fee per ticket if tickets are placed back on sale. Promoters, Venue Owners, Venue Management, Security, Event Staff, and other agents of the event, have the right to refuse entry to any ticket-holder, without a refund, for any reason at their discretion , including but not limited to: disorderly behavior, failing to comply with the rules of the venue, incorrect attire, intoxication, venue capacity, breach of security, and other restrictions. Ticket-holder is aware that the Venue and Talent are subject to change without notice, which are not grounds for a refund. Ticket-holder is aware that amenities promised by Promoter are not guaranteed, and are not grounds for a refund, including but not limited to: VIP amenities, drink specials, drink tickets, gifts, express entry, special areas, celebrity guests, etc. Dissatisfaction with any aspect of the event is not grounds for a refund, including but not limited to: music, DJ(s), decorations or lack thereof, party favors or lack thereof, beverages or lack thereof, alcohol selection, bar staff, food availability and selection, fellow patrons/attendees, venue staff, event staff, security, performances, ambiance, amenities, venue, check-in process, seating or lack of seating, wait in lines, emergency closures of event, emergency return of boats or yachts, delayed commencing of events, early ending of events, public amenities such as fireworks or public performances or the lack thereof, line of sight of public amenities such as fireworks or public performances being blocked by trees, buildings, boats, people, and/or other things, etc.

Release of Liability:

By purchasing the tickets through Eventbrite, you hereby release and forever discharge Promoter from any liability or claims for damages that may arise as a result of your attendance at, and voluntary participation in, the event(s), including claims for personal injury, or damage to personal property, or any other claims for negligence on the part of the event’s Promoter. By purchasing the tickets through Eventbrite for this event, you hereby release and forever discharge event Promoter, and their officers and agents, from any liability or claims for damages that may arise as a result of your attendance and participation at the event(s). It is hereby understood that the purchase of tickets by you and your participation in the events shall not be construed as an assumption on the part of Promoter of responsibility, liability, or control of the events.

By Purchasing tickets for this event, ticket purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless event Promoter, said entities officers, owners, employees, and agents, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees arising out of or by reason of complying with this Indemnity Clause. Ticket purchaser, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby release, remise, and forever discharge event Promoter and its entities owners, officers, employees and agents, from all manner of actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, judgments, executions, claims, demands whatsoever, known or unknown, in law or equity, which ticket-holder has ever had, now have, may have, or claim against event Promoter.

Collections & Legal Action Against Debt:

Once you make a purchase, if those funds are removed from the Promoter's account and given back to you, you owe the Promoter that money back, plus applicable fees as outlined below. If you owe money to Promoter, Promoter reserves the right to take legal action against you and/or send you to collections for the recovery of said debt. If you are sent to collection or there is legal action taken against you, you are fiscally responsible for any and all legal costs and fees, directly associated and/or indirectly associated, with recovering the debt owed by you. Promoter's collection’s agencies reserve the right to negatively affect your personal credit score until your debt is paid. Once an account has been placed in collections, the only way to get yourself out of Collections is to pay the debt owed by you to the collections agency.

Arbitration Agreement:

In the event there are any legal disputes against Promoter, by agreeing to this Purchase Policy, you agree that such disputes will be arbitrated. You further agree that the location of arbitration will be set in Los Angeles County, California.

Severability:

If any clause, aspect, part or provisions of this Purchase Policy is found to be null, void, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the rest of this Purchase Policy remains in full binding effect, and the unenforceable provision(s) shall be deemed modified to the limited extent required to permit the enforcement of said clause that required modification and of the agreement as a whole.

Thank you for your purchase!

Related events

San Francisco New Years Eve Pub Crawl Party 2025

The ultimate New Years Eve night out with drink specials at the biggest & best…

San Francisco Halloween Night Pub Crawl Party

Enjoy a spook-tacular Halloween night out with drink specials at the biggest & best Pub…

San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl Party Saturday

Enjoy a spook-tacular night out with drink specials at the biggest & best Pub Crawl…

2025 SF New Year's Eve Under the Fireworks Cruise

Ring in the New Year in style, 2 levels of music, open bar, mix &…

SF Halloween Party Cruise - Pier Pressure Black Pearl Yacht

This is SF Bay Area's #1 Selling Halloween Cruise Every Year. Dress up in full…

SF Labor Day Weekend | Pier Pressure® Sunset Party Cruise

Celebrate your San Francisco Labor Day weekend with views, music & drinks all night long…

Advertise HERE With US

Get Your Venue + Events Noticed

VIP nightlife complete party guide

Search events

Join our vip nightlife team

View list of availiable positions

find out more

Join our VIP List

Get the best deals & free tickets to events in your area!

Atlanta Austin Baltimore Baton Rouge Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Hoboken Houston Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami Montreal Nashville New York Orange County Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Raleigh San Diego San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Tampa Bay Toronto Vancouver Washington DC

Empress Yacht San Francisco New Year's Eve 2024 Party Cruise

Sun Dec 31 2023 at 09:30 pm to Mon Jan 01 2024 at 01:00 am

Pier 40 | San Francisco, CA

A New Years Eve party cruise aboard the Empress yacht with a panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline under the stars and city lights

About this Event

For additional ticket options and more information about the , visit us at

AGE REQUIREMENT

• 21 and Over

FOOD AND DRINK INCLUDED

• Standard Open Bar | 10 PM - 1 AM
• Complimentary Appetizers | 10 PM - 1 AM

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Enter 2024 on a wild NYE party cruise in the Golden City aboard the Empress Yacht! We’re ending the year with a bang; cruising on The Bay, dancing, drinking, and getting the absolute best views of the annual fireworks show. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Order your tickets to this superb San Francisco New Year’s Eve yacht party now, before it’s too late.

End the year on the double-decker beauty known formerly as The Empress. A truly stylish vessel, this yacht sports hardwood finishings throughout its climate-controlled interior, and panoramic window displays on each deck. Take in the truly astonishing views of The Bay, and enjoy a sweet vantage point for the yearly fireworks show.

We’re not done yet, there’s a whole lot more to this epic San Francisco New Year's Eve party than just sights. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll hear the sounds of our live DJ cutting it up with a mix of the latest and greatest hits, anthems, and bangers. Grab a tasty app from the tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, then become acquainted with the bartender as you take advantage of the 3-hour open bar.

Don’t be shy, get social with us!! We know how much you just love capturing memories on that phone of yours. Why not share those memories with the rest of us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook? We wanna see all those awesome pics and vids too! So you better not forget to tag us. While you’re at it, use hashtag #NYEOnTheBay so everyone knows where the real party’s at.

We’ve told you everything needed to know about our San Francisco New Years Eve yacht party. Now all that’s left is to tell your friends, make those plans, maybe a new fit for the night, and order those tickets. Hurry, because these tickets won’t last long.

Empress Yacht San Francisco

Pier 40 @ 89 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

• BOARDING: 9:30 PM
• DEPARTING: 10:00 PM
• RETURNING: 1:00 AM
• The boat is scheduled to depart the dock at 10:00 PM sharp
• Please allow plenty of travel time
• NewYears.com is not responsible if you miss boarding the boat

TICKET DETAILS

Golden Ticket

Ticket Price is PER PERSON and includes the following amenities:

Admission to the event, as well as

• Access to both decks of the Empress Yacht
• (3) Hour OPEN BAR from 10 PM - 1 AM
• (3) Hours of Complimentary Appetizers from 10 PM - 1 AM
• Complimentary Toast at Midnight

REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE:

• This ticket provides standing room only - Limited seating may be available but is not guaranteed
• All guests MUST be age 21+
• All guests MUST present a valid form of government-issued photo ID to enter the event; Passport, US Driver's License or Canada Driver's License ONLY
• Purchasers may be required to submit a Credit Card Authorization Form after the ticket order is processed
• Coat check NOT included - A mandatory coat check fee between $5-10 may apply at venue discretion

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NEW YEARS EVE CRUISE

• Tickets for this event provide guests with access to a New Year's Eve party taking place on a boat
• All cruise sights, destinations, and itineraries are subject to change without notice as determined by US Coast Guard, local authorities, or event staff (Unforeseen restrictions may be enforced the night of the event)
• Large crowds should be expected and you may be required to wait outside for a period of time (Show up early and help reduce the wait time)
• This event will take place regardless of weather conditions
• NewYears.com is not liable, nor is refund or credit warranted, for claims due to changes in cruise schedule or itinerary
• Fireworks display provided at the discretion of local authorities (weather permitting)
• Tickets are sold on an on-demand / dynamic basis, meaning the price increases as ticket availability goes down. July 4th ticket prices often go up significantly (100% +) the closer it gets to July 4th. IMPORTANT: Events will sell out in advance of July 4th.

Where is it happening?

Host or Publisher BallDrop.com

It's more fun with friends. share with friends.

Slide Title

Write your caption here

Sail the Magnificent San Francisco Bay

Private charters.

 Just your group and the captain and crew.

Three Excellent Yachts

3 convenient locations, all trips are private charters.

Outdoor, Fresh Air, Covid-Safe Activity.

Pet friendly.

Bring your puppy sailing!

Sailing San Francisco Bay for over 25 Years

Join us for private sailing yacht charters in San Francisco Bay with an experienced captain and crew. The captains at Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing have many years of experience and an accumulation of over 200,000 ocean miles.

Let us show you the beauty and thrill of sailing in San Francisco Bay. Bay Wolf, Osprey, and Mahalo are professionally-maintained yachts that sail very well in all conditions.

Your journey can begin in Sausalito or San Francisco with easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the San Francisco waterfront, and more. We strive to meet your desires; each trip can be as exciting, relaxing or romantic as you wish. You can actively participate in sailing the boat or simply enjoy the ride.

BEAT THE HEAT

Come sailing!

• Come out on the bay and cool off! The bay is regularly at least 10-20 degrees cooler than on land, and out in the wind it’s impossible to be too hot.
• The cool sea breezes keep the temperatures down on the water so while people are sweltering on land in 100 degrees, you’ll be cool and comfortable on the water. We’ll even tell you to bring a jacket!
• Last minute spots are often available. CALL US.
• Team building, Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations – all good reasons to sail.
• Dog and Kid friendly! Bring your child or puppy for a sail. 

Slide title

Great experience sailing with Captain Kirk and crew.. great views. Great time.. a day to remember! Highly recommended

Crystal Totah 

Terrific experience sailing out of Sausalito for sunset!  Beautiful boat, engaging crew and a chance at the helm during a magnificent sunset!  How can you not love that?

Marie Gimbrone

View more of our five star reviews on YELP , TRIPADVISOR and FACEBOOK

Santa Cruz 50 - (1-20 passengers)

Length 50 ft

Sailing From: Sausalito, or San Francisco

Freedom 35 - (1-6 passengers)

Length: 35ft

Sailing From: Sausalito only

Gulf Star 50 (1-20 passengers)

Length: 50 ft

Beam: 13 ft

  © Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing, LLC 2021 San Francisco Sailing Charters

Links ׀ Maritime Website Design

• Group Rates
• NYE Tips – FAQs
• Live View of the Times Square Ball Drop
• Best Cruises
• Best Family Parties
• Biggest Dance Nightclubs for New Years Eve
• Best Lounges
• Best Rooftops
• Times Square
• Unique Experience

New Years Eve Parties produced by New Yorkers

Get in touch with our NYC Concierge

New York City New Years Eve

New Year’s Eve aboard Empress Yacht San Francisco

Completely SOLD OUT - here are some available similar venues:

Embark on a dazzling New Year’s Eve journey aboard the Empress Yacht in San Francisco Bay, where the city’s iconic skyline becomes the backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. Our cruise offers a unique blend of elegance and excitement as you sail through the glittering waters, enjoying live entertainment and a premium selection of cocktails. Revel in the breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge while indulging in gourmet cuisine. With the Empress Yacht’s spacious decks and upscale ambiance, your New Year’s Eve will be filled with panoramic splendor, making every moment a highlight of this extraordinary nautical adventure.

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, our cruise reaches its pinnacle, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular fireworks display over the bay. The Empress Yacht promises an immersive experience, combining the thrill of a cruise with the glamour of a New Year’s Eve celebration. Join us for an evening of opulence, live entertainment, and unparalleled vistas, as we sail into 2024 in style on the shimmering waters of San Francisco Bay.

Itinerary: Empress Yacht San Francisco Pier 40 @ 89 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

• The boat is scheduled to depart the dock at 10:00 PM sharp
• Please allow plenty of travel time
• NewYears.com is not responsible if you miss boarding the boat

Tickets are sold on an on-demand / dynamic basis, meaning the price increases as ticket availability goes down. NYE ticket prices often go up significantly (100% +) the closer it gets to New Year’s Eve.  IMPORTANT : Events will sell out in advance of December 31.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE

• Tickets for this event provide guests with access to a New Year’s Eve party taking place on a boat
• All cruise sights, destinations, and itineraries are subject to change without notice as determined by US Coast Guard, local authorities, or event staff  (Unforeseen restrictions may be enforced the night of the event)
• Large crowds should be expected and you may be required to wait outside for a period of time  (Show up early and help reduce the wait time)
• This event will take place regardless of weather conditions
• NYCNewYears.com is not liable, nor is refund or credit warranted, for claims due to changes in cruise schedule or itinerary
• Fireworks display provided at the discretion of local authorities  (weather permitting)

Speak to a Concierge

Have a question? Tickets not available for a specific event? Fill out the form below and let our Concierge help you plan your New Years!

• Name * First Last
• Is everyone in the group 21 or older? * Yes No
• What is the per person budget for your group? *
• Comments / Requests
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

New Year's Highlights:

• 3 Hours Open Bar 10pm-1am
• Complimentary Appetizers
• Cruise Around San Francisco Harbor
• Event Time 9:30pm - 1:00am

Empress Yacht San Francisco

Pier 40 - 89 King Street San Francisco, CA 94107

New Year's Eve In New York City

As the new year approaches, New York City gets ready for its annual Times Square celebration. The famous ball drop atop One Times Square has been a tradition dating back to 1906.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people descend upon Times Square to experience this free event. If you are planning to join the festivities, get there early and be prepared - you'll be corralled into barricaded areas where you'll have to stay for the duration. If you leave, you can't get back to where you were.

Where Drinks Culture Lives

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Reddit
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Pinterest
• Send by Email

Things to Do

What to do in san francisco on new year’s eve, celebrate new year’s eve in san francisco for a night full of glitz, glamor, and surprises..

Haven’t figured your New Year plans? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. From sitting by the water and admiring the fireworks to sipping Champagne on a cruise, here are SF’s most happening NYE parties. 

[[relatedPurchasesItems-28]]

NYE at Waterbar

Waterbar, source: Facebook

Ring in 2022 by the water at the Waterbar . This impeccable seafood spot gives stunning panoramic views of the SF skyline, along with a menu of some of the best seafood out there. Party with your friends or family in their restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums packed with an eye-catching collection of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean, a casual ambiance, and a waterfront patio for outdoor dining.

At the New Year’s Eve event, you will be offered an extensive list of wines made using organic and biodynamic practices. In addition, they also serve cocktails, dessert wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. Try the Sirena cocktail made with Gray Whale Gin, Den Sake, Shiso, and lime. Don’t miss the opportunity and just reserve the seats on their waterfront patio, as the bay lights, party favors & hats, a midnight champagne toast and fireworks will be an addition on New Year’s eve. 

Price - $135 onwards

Where - 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

View on maps

Hours - 6 pm - 1 am

Buy tickets

MOANY New Year's Eve

Event poster, source: Website

New Year's Eve deserves some glitz, so celebrate with the  Mother Of All New Years (M.O.A.N.Y.) team. Take advantage of the glitz and glam of this unique evening. The trademarks of an outstanding experience that only MOANY San Francisco New Year's Eve countdown can deliver are over-the-top production, a lively party environment, and an element of surprise. The venue is close to several hotels, so gather your friends or that special someone and make a night of it as you bid farewell to 2021. The party features:

• Grand Ballroom - Nano The DJ, DJ Papi Chulo, and Nosa.
• Social Hall - DJ Suave, DJ Gio, and Ed Blzveer.
• Parlor Room - Ronny Romero and DJ 3nzo.
• 8 Master Class DJs.
• Silent Disco inside VIP Annex.
• Premium Bar featuring Tito’s vodka, mezcals, domestic beers, wines, and more.
• Countdown experience with massive confetti and ball drop.

Price - $50 - $165

Where - The Regency Center, 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109

Hours - 9 pm - 2 am

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay

Cabernet Sauvignon Yacht, source: Website

Celebrate New Year's Eve with Luxe Cruises and Events on a multi-leveled Luxury, the Cabernet Sauvignon Yacht, and bid farewell to  2021 in style. Cruise San Francisco Bay while enjoying a delicious dinner buffet, hosted standard bar, and a midnight display of fireworks along the San Francisco City Front. The cruise will offer cocktails, beers, wines, champagne, sodas, and juice, along with a dinner buffet. 

Take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. Snap pictures with your family and friends as you sail then get ready to take over the dance floor! Onboard, you will enjoy a live DJ spinning nothing but the best tracks all night long!

Price - $279 onwards

Where - LUXE Cruises | Cabernet Sauvignon Yacht, 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA 94501

Hours - 8:30 pm - 1:15 am

View from Sens Restaurant, source: Facebook

Located on the 2nd floor of Embarcadero Center, Sens is a bistro that offers Mediterranean dining & dramatic views of the Ferry Building & the bay. Prep yourself for one of the best New Year Eves parties with the Premium open bar at Sens. The party will offer:

• Front row view to San Francisco's spectacular fireworks shows on the Embarcadero.
• Overlooking the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building.
• Private VIP tables with bottle service.
• 2 different dance floors of music & entertainment.

P.s - The event is strictly 21+

Price - $94 onwards

Where - 4 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111

Hours - Mon-Fri (3:30 pm - 8 pm) New Year party hours - 9 pm - 2 am

New Year's Eve Yacht Party - Alameda

Cruise for New Year's yacht party, source: Facebook

Join one of San Francisco’s most elegant oversized luxury yachts to celebrate this New Year’s Eve. Head over to the Pinot Noir Yacht for this extravaganza midnight cruise party and you will be offered the following things:

• Level 1: bar & lounge with a scenic outdoor deck.
• Level 2: main room, bar, dance floor, and DJ spinning Hip Hop, 80’s, dance, and top 40.
• Champagne Greeting.
• Taco Bar Dinner.
• New Year’s Eve Party Favors.
• NYE Countdown.
• Firework Show.

Note - Boat begins boarding at approximately 8:30 pm, returns at approximately 1:00 am.

Price - $229 onwards

Where - Pinot Noir Yacht, 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA

Hours - 9 pm - 1 am

NYE 2022 Masquerade Ball at Origin Nightclub

Party at Origin Nightclub, source: Facebook

Welcome the New Year at Origin Nightclub’s  NYE 2022 Masquerade Ball. In their 8,000 square feet of timeless elegance, enjoy the high-energy nightlife experience as they countdown to 2022. The party will be all about glitz and glam, so you need to dress to impress. 

They will be getting the festivities started by hitting the dancefloor starting at 9:30 pm with sounds by the best Persian and International DJs from around the world. At the event, you can enjoy complimentary party favors and cocktail specials all night/ Wait for the celebratory ball drop and champagne toast. Artists performing this year will include:

• Moeen (Los Angeles).
• Deejay PS (Toronto, Canada).
• Kia (San Diego).

Note - The event is strictly 21+

Price - $50 onwards

Where - 1538 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Hours - 9:30 pm - 2 am

San Francisco New Years Eve Pub Crawl Party 2022

Comet Club, source; Website

Sticking to a particular bar for New Year’s Eve will be boring, instead go pub crawling and experience the late-night fun in San Francisco. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to the biggest night of the year, simply head out to the Comet Club in the Marina District and get yourself registered for the SF Pub Crawl Party. At the event you can experience the following things:

• Bay Area's most famous bar hopping destinations.
• VIP entry to fantastic venues.
• Exclusive deals and drink specials as low as $4 Drafts + 2-for-1 premiums and champagne.
• Experience the local nightlife with a professional party leader.
• Enjoy exclusive drink deals throughout the night.

Note - You must be 21+ to attend this event and please bring a valid photo ID. 

Price - $20 onwards

Where - 3111 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Hours - 6 pm - 2 am

Zeki’s Bar NYE Bash 2022

Zeki’s Bar, source: Facebook

Zeki’s Bar is back with its annual New Year’s Eve Bash and is ready to welcome in 2022. Join them for their annual party and you get the ultimate premium open bar all night. At the event, you can hit the dance floor to show your moves, get photographed at their epic photo booth to save the memories of the night, and welcome 2022 by champagne at midnight. If you are planning to attend this event, please buy your tickets early, as they are limited. 

Note - Attendee must be 21+ and has to bring a valid picture ID.

Price - $75 onwards

Where - 1319 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Hours - 8 pm onwards

Header image, source: Edoardo

Popular on San Francisco Drinks Guide

Features / Stories

The transformative impact of wine tourism on the growth of the wine business.

18/07/2023 Exploring how wine tourism drives economic growth, brand reputation, sustainability, and community engagement in the flourishing wine industry.

Features / Brands

Spirits of the golden state: discovering the best distilleries in california.

04/07/2023 Meet the Makers, Passionate Craftsmen Behind California's Top Spirits

Features / People

Food and wine harmony: the expertise of paul carayas.

03/07/2023 Flavor Alchemy with the Wine Director at Chez TJ, Paul Carayas!

The Rarest Alcohol Varieties to Invest In

21/04/2023 A fan of collecting limited editions? So are we! Here’s the ultimate list for 2023 including cognacs, champagnes, and single malts.

Next Events

South san francisco conference center, 255 south airport boulevard, south san francisco, ca 94080, united states., bartender spirits awards 2025, south san francisco conference center, 255 south airport boulevard, south san francisco, ca 94080, united states, sommeliers choice awards 2025.

Morgan MFG, 401 N Morgan St Suite #204A, Chicago IL 60642

Usa trade tasting 2025.

SUBMIT YOUR WINES

Related Blogs

Connect with us!

Receive the latest updates from San Francisco Drinks Guide on the drinks industry, informative stories, and drinks reviews.

San Francisco New Year's Eve Events

Empress Yacht San Francisco

The best san francisco new year’s eve boat party out there.

Pier 40 - 89 King Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107

Dec 31, 2024 at 9:30 PM PDT

We're Coming to San Francisco!

While we don't have any San Francisco events at this time, that doesn't mean we're not working.

If you're a venue that has a New Year's Party in San Francisco, click 'Add Your Event'.

If you're looking for a San Francisco New Years Party, join the waitlist below and we will notify you when we're here and ready to celebrate!

Your submission has been received!

About San Francisco New Year's Eve 2025

Whether it’s a black-tie gala dinner in Nob Hill, a high-octane party with global DJs, or a top-deck yacht party off Pier 39, San Francisco never fails to deliver an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. However, ask any San Franciscan what to do on New Year’s Eve in SF, and their reply will be: ‘Fireworks!’ Come midnight on 31 December, a show-stopping display glitters across the skies over the Bay, illuminating in full technicolor the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a spectacular backdrop to the ultimate San Francisco NYE 2023. The question is, where to enjoy the show? 

Fresh Start Festival is something of a New Year’s Eve tradition in San Francisco. Kicking off on 31 December, this color-saturated, glitter-washed, two-day party is for the fiercest of festival-goers… what happens in Fresh Start stays in Fresh Start. It’s brilliant fun, and you’ll be ringing in NYE 2023 with some of the world’s finest DJs. The venue is perfectly placed at The Waterfront. Just remember to look up at the big moment to catch those epic San Franciscan New Year’s Eve pyrotechnics.

If you’re keen for something a little less Lollapalooza, head offshore aboard a yacht. San Francisco puts on some excellent above-deck NYE festivities, a mere glide out from the city’s most famous piers. As well as enjoying a rewarding taste of SF’s gourmet foodie scene, you’ll enjoy dazzling views across the Bay—including, of course, that celebrated night-sky extravaganza. And what more appropriate snapshot of a New Year’s 2022 perfectly spent in San Fran?

Get inspired

New Years Dresscode

Don’t miss out on new events.

Be the first to know when we add a new event to your city.

Select Your City

Ask a question

Need help? Call 212-NEW-YEAR ( 212-639-9327 ) or complete the form below.

• ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live stream Watch Now
• Watch the latest ABC7 newscast here Full Story
• Track wildfires across CA with this interactive map Full Story

SF could be paying $600K to $3M a year to delay officers' retirement amid staffing crisis

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to put a new measure on the ballot to help with police staffing levels.

It's called the Deferred Retirement Option Program, known as DROP and it hopes to incentivize officers to postpone their retirement in exchange for more pay.

"If we can keep those members around a few more years as we fill the ranks of incoming officers, then the department will grow," said SFPD Chief Bill Scott.

With 500 officers short, the San Francisco Police Department is facing a staffing crisis leading to an increase in overtime.

"There is about 800 or so in operation and those officers in operations, almost top to bottom, are doing overtime daily," said Chief Scott.

VIDEO: San Francisco police commission votes to expand powers for chasing suspects

Chief Scott is hoping DROP will help the department. This week, a charter amendment breaking down how DROP will work was presented by Supervisor Dorsey to the board. Eight out of 11 supervisors voted to send it to the November ballot.

Supervisor Dorsey is projecting about 50 officers a year would join the program.

"To convince officers to stay a few extra years. Up to 5 extra years, provided that they work in patrol or investigations. If they do that, their retirement will be paid in interest bearing account that will earn a 4% interest rate and continue to earn a regular salary. When they do retire in three of five years, they will be able to take the payout," said Supervisor Dorsey.

Supervisor Dorsey said the program could cost between $600,000 to $3 million a year. Supervisor Hillary Ronen voted against it and categorized it as a "dumb policy proposal."

MORE: SFPD shoot, kill man carrying gun while investigating armed robbery near Tenderloin

"What DROP would do is that it would in fact allow in their last five years of employment officers to practically earn double their salary. They would earn that salary with that 20% pay raise bonus which we already agreed to last year to retain those officers," said Supervisor Ronen. "On average an officer that is enrolled in the DROP program would earn $447,000 a year, inspectors would earn $522,000 a year and sergeants would earn an average of $517,000 a year. This is an obscene amount of money."

Tracey McCray, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said officers won't be making that much.

"You have to work a lot of hours to earn that much money and it's not like we are taking home $3 - $400, $500,000. You get hit with the tax bill so it's not that. Then she makes this assumption that all officers are working the same amount of overtime and that is not true either," said McCray.

As San Francisco faces a nearly $800 million two-year budget deficit, Mayor Breed said retaining officers longer is just one strategy.

VIDEO: San Francisco police to start using non-lethal BolaWrap restraint tool

"Using 21st century technology in addition to having community ambassadors, retired police officers on the streets in some of the commercial corridors. It's all of the above. All of those things are helping to see one of the lowest crime rates we have seen in 10 years," said Mayor Breed.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said having experienced officers stay longer will be beneficial for the city.

"It's going to cost our city in order to make it safe and I think we have to be willing to make that investment as a city," said Jenkins. "My desire is to make not only the police profession once again something that people desire to join but also there is a prosecutor shortage, so we are trying to restore law enforcement."

Officers who have been with the department for 25 years or more would be able to defer their retirement for up to five years would qualify.

Voters will decide in November. If approved, it would take effect starting in July of 2025.

Related Topics

• SAN FRANCISCO
• POLICE OFFICER
• SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Top Stories

Evacuations underway due to brush fire in East Bay

• 9 minutes ago

Crews battling 50-acre vegetation in Sunol, CAL FIRE says

• 4 minutes ago

2 dead after car goes over cliff at Devil's Slide, CHP says

• 3 hours ago

Gov. Newsom urging Oakland to update strict police pursuit policy

• 29 minutes ago

Oakland man dies from 'overmedication' at nursing home: complaint

Bay Area mayors respond to order to remove homeless encampments

Chevron says Richmond ballot measure to tax refinery will cost drivers

• 39 minutes ago

Massive Park Fire in NorCal becomes CA's largest wildfire of 2024

Iconiq Capital buys priciest home this year in San Mateo County at $54M

Family office to tech billionaires deals for house on 13 acres in Woodside

A trust tied to Iconiq Capital, a family office known for managing the assets of tech billionaires such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, has completed the priciest home trade so far this year in San Mateo County. 

The San Francisco-based firm bought 160 Mountain Wood Lane, a four-bedroom, seven-bath home in Woodside, for $54.4 million, according to a deed filed with San Mateo County’s Clerk-Recorder’s Office. The deal closed on July 15. The transaction appears to be an off-market deal, and it’s unclear who represented both the buyer and the seller. 

The home was built in 1996 and sits on a 12.8-acre lot, according to a listing on Redfin. The seller is Spencer Lane Woodside LLC, an entity that has a San Francisco post office box business address. The limited liability company acquired the home in 2021, property records show. 

At $54.4 million, the transaction ranks as the priciest home sale so far this year in San Mateo County, according to a TRD analysis of closed sales and reported deals. The top spot in the rankings previously belonged to Gap co-founder Doris Fisher , who sold the bulk of her family estate in Atherton for $48 million in June. 

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

In November, an entity tied to Iconiq Capital closed one of the priciest home sales in San Francisco during 2023. The firm represented the buyer of 3052 Pacific Avenue, the long-time Presidio Heights home of Foresite Capital CEO James Tananbaum. That deal was valued at $31.2 million. 

The Woodside deal comes with the luxury home market in the Bay Area on an upswing.  According to brokerage Compass, there were 450 deals above the $3 million threshold across the Bay Area in April. That represents a 66 percent increase compared to a year ago. 

In the higher price range, San Mateo County led the Bay Area with 21 deals above $10 million. That figure is slightly less than the other nine counties in the Bay Area combined.       

Iconiq was founded by former Morgan Stanley executive director Divesh Makan. The firm managed $77 billion in assets at the end of 2022, according to a previous report from Bloomberg.  

Follow Eater New Orleans online:

• Follow Eater New Orleans on Twitter
• Follow Eater New Orleans on Facebook
• Follow Eater New Orleans on Youtube
• Follow Eater New Orleans on Instagram

Site search

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco
• Twin Cities
• Washington DC
• Neighborhoods

Filed under:

The Best Bars and Bartenders in the World in 2024, According to Tales of the Cocktail

New Orleans has a winner among them

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: The Best Bars and Bartenders in the World in 2024, According to Tales of the Cocktail

After nearly a week of parties, seminars, tasting, and panels, world-renowned spirits conference Tales of the Cocktail ended its 2024 gathering last night by crowning the best bars and bartenders in the world at the Filmore Theater in New Orleans. Excitingly, one New Orleans bar that’s been getting a lot of attention the last few years took home a top honor: Jewel of the South , a 2024 James Beard Award winner for Oustanding Bar, won Best U.S. Bar Team.

Below is this year’s list of the best bars and bartenders in the U.S. and internationally, as voted on by a mix of veteran bartenders, bar owners, historians, and writers. For a full list of international Spirited Award winners, media winners — including Punch — and a list of judges, see Tales of the Cocktail’s website .

U.S. Categories

Best U.S. Cocktail Bar:  Yacht Club — Denver, CO

U.S. Bartender of the Year: Kapri Robinson — Allegory, Washington, D.C.

Best U.S. Restaurant Bar: Cleaver - Butchered Meats, Seafood & Classic Cocktails — Las Vegas, NV

Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar: Superbueno — New York, NY

Best U.S. Hotel Bar: Allegory at the Eaton Hotel — Washington, D.C.

Best U.S. Bar Team: Jewel of the South — New Orleans, LA

Best U.S. Bar Mentor Alex Jump

Best U.S. Brand Ambassador: Anna Mains — Monkey Shoulder

Global Categories

World’s Best Bar: Alquímico — Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

World’s Best Spirits Selection: Baba Au Rum — Athens, Greece

World’s Best Cocktail Menu: Handshake Speakeasy — Mexico City, Mexico

International Bartender of the Year: Eric van Beek — Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, Mexico

Best International Bar Team: Handshake Speakeasy — Mexico City, Mexico

Best International Hotel Bar: BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Bangkok — Bangkok, Thailand

Best International Restaurant Bar: Danico — Paris, France

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Bar Leone — Hong Kong, China

Timeless International Award: Café Pacifico — London, UK

Timeless U.S. Award: The Buena Vista — San Francisco, CA

Tales Visionary Award: Colin Asare-Appiah

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award: Hidetsugu Ueno

Jewel of the South

More from eater new orleans, sign up for the newsletter eater nola.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Trader Joe’s Is One Step Closer to Opening in Uptown New Orleans

Don’t Forget to Tip Your Eater

Finally, a New Cocktail Bar Promises Late-Night Food in Downtown New Orleans

One of New Orleans’s Most Exciting Restaurants of 2023 Is Branching Out

Hugely Popular Schiacciata Sandwich Pop-Up Is St. Roch Market’s Newest Vendor

The Latest New Orleans Restaurant Closings, June 2024

Kamala Harris' Record as a Prosecutor Comes Under Scrutiny

C onservatives opposed to Kamala Harris are focusing on her role as a former prosecutor and California Attorney General, especially the case of a man on death row for murdering four people and her stance on marijuana.

Harris denies any wrongdoing in the case of Kevin Cooper, a Black man convicted in California of murdering four white people in 1983 and sentenced to death. He has maintained his innocence but lost at least a dozen appeals. He remains on death row in San Quentin State Prison.

Now that Harris has entered the presidential race as the presumptive replacement for President Joe Biden , pro-Trump commentators are highlighting her role in the Cooper case.

Kamala Harris and Kevin Cooper Case

Trump supporter, Jacob Faber, wrote on X, formerly Twitter , on Monday that the Cooper case should dissuade people from voting for Harris.

"To all Kamala Harris supporters, just look up Kevin Cooper. Respond with what you please. But I bet you don't look it up first. Because if you do, it must affect your words of anger to people that think little of her," he wrote.

Attorney Bill Shipley, who was a federal prosecutor and now represents January 6 suspects in court, wrote on X that the Cooper case should be highlighted.

"I think a lawsplainer is in order about Harris' efforts as AG to prevent an appeals court from considering DNA evidence that would have exonerated a man on death row."

"Her office litigated aggressively against allowing that evidence to be considered in federal litigation to say his execution date. The details are fuzzy but I'm going to refresh my recollection and bring everyone the story," he wrote.

The campaign to exonerate Cooper received a major boost with a lengthy investigation in The New York Times by journalist Nicholas Kristof in 2018.

"This is the story of a broken justice system. It appears that an innocent man was framed by sheriff's deputies and is on death row in part because of dishonest cops, sensational media coverage and flawed political leaders—including Democrats like Brown and Kamala Harris, the state attorney general before becoming a U.S. senator, who refused to allow newly available DNA testing for a black man convicted of hacking to death a beautiful white family and young neighbor," Kristof alleged.

"This was a failure at every level, and it should prompt reflection not just about one man on death row but also about profound inequities in our entire system of justice...in 34 years at The New York Times, I've never come across a case in America as outrageous as Kevin Cooper's," he wrote.

Cooper's case also received renewed attention in 2018 with Democratic California Senator Dianne Feinstein and then-Senator Kamala Harris calling for DNA testing of evidence —a reversal of Harris's position when she was California attorney general.

Cooper had been imprisoned in Chino, California, in 1983 and was serving a sentence for burglary but escaped two days before the murders took place.

Three members of one family—Doug and Peggy Ryen and their 10-year-old daughter Jessica—and an unrelated 11-year-old boy named Christopher Hughes were killed.

They were stabbed 143 times with an ice pick, an ax, and a knife, according to The Los Angeles Times , and the bodies were discovered by Hughes' father.

The Ryens' 8-year-old son Joshua was slashed across the throat but survived.

Newsweek has asked Kevin Cooper's attorney for comment.

On January 13, 2023, a special counsel appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly rejected Cooper's claims of innocence.

"The evidence of Cooper's guilt is extensive and conclusive," it stated, but Kristof disagreed, quoting Thomas R. Parker, a 30-year law enforcement veteran who was deputy head of the F.B.I.'s office in Los Angeles, who said, "The evidence was planted, he was framed, the cops lied on the stand."

Kamala Harris and Marijuana Convictions

Separately, the conservative news site Right Angle News accused Harris on X of jailing Black men for marijuana while she was a prosecutor in California.

"The American people do not want a president who incarcerated black men on simple marijuana charges and then gloated about smoking marijuana in her college days," it wrote.

Like other conservatives, Faber also rounded on Harris' alleged role in jailing people for marijuana offenses.

"Just like how she let people be sentenced to prison knowing full well that the marijuana tests were giving false positives. Never disclosing that fact to defense attorneys. That's not the BLM supporter we have seen," he wrote.

Newsweek sought email comment from Harris' campaign on Wednesday.

The Reuters news agency reported on July 23 that Harris was neither fully conservative nor liberal as a prosecutor and state attorney general.

It stated that she "started her political career as a California prosecutor who blended criminal justice reforms with a tough stance on some crimes."

Related Articles

• Harris Campaign Outlines 'Multiple Pathways' to Victory Against Trump
• Trump to Focus Attack on Harris at North Carolina Rally
• Kamala Harris Raised More in 48 Hours Than Donald Trump in June
• Is America Ready For a Black Woman President? | Opinion

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial

‘Thread that needle’: Kamala Harris’ criminal justice policies in California angered progressives and police 

As the new Democratic standard bearer, Vice President Kamala Harris has described her contest with former President Donald Trump in blunt terms — tough prosecutor versus civil and criminal defendant .

“I took on perpetrators of all kinds, predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own game,” Harris said at a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday. “So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump’s type.”

But critics say that Harris’ record as a prosecutor, first as the district attorney in San Francisco and later as the California attorney general, reveals a political chameleon rather than a tough-on-crime top cop, according to interviews with current and former law enforcement leaders across the state, civil rights advocates and politicians.

In a statement, Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer said, “During her career in law enforcement, Kamala Harris was a pragmatic prosecutor who successfully took on predators, fraudsters, and cheaters like Donald Trump.”

Harris has written two books about her time as a prosecutor and attorney general. In her 2009 book, “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safer,” published near the end of her tenure as DA, Harris described herself as a prosecutor who was “tough on crime by being Smart on Crime,” said she promoted programs to fix recidivism and made “improving my office’s felony conviction rates my number one priority.”

Five years later, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, which vaulted the Black Lives Movement onto the national stage and made criminal justice reform a top issue, Harris embraced the calls for change.

In her 2019 memoir, “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” published while she was senator, Harris described herself as a “progressive prosecutor.”

“I knew I was there for the victims. Both the victims of crimes committed and the victims of a broken criminal justice system,” Harris wrote. “For me, to be a progressive prosecutor is to understand — and act on — this dichotomy.”

Trump and his allies are now trying to emphasize the “progressive” part of Harris’ identity. On Tuesday, the former president attacked Harris as a “radical left person” and blamed current crime in the city on her tenure as district attorney.

“Really, what you should do is take a look at San Francisco now compared to before she became the district attorney, and you’ll see what she’ll do to our country,” Trump said.

'Tough' and 'compassionate' 

Harris, the daughter of an economist and a scientist , was born in Oakland, grew up in Berkeley and graduated from Howard University in 1986. She then attended the University of California law school in San Francisco, then known as Hastings, graduating in 1989, according to her congressional biography , and immediately began working as a prosecutor. She first worked at the Alameda County District Attorney’s office, prosecuting child sexual assault cases and later moved to the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, which provides legal services to the city and represents it in civil claims; she served as head of the office’s division on children and families.

Louise Renne, who as San Francisco city attorney at the time was Harris’ boss, said she hired Harris because she was known for being “tough on the law” as well as “compassionate and kind,” Renne told NBC News in an interview this week.

In 2003, after working five years in San Francisco, Harris was elected the city’s first Black, South Asian and female district attorney.

During her seven years in that office, Harris began formulating a reputation of being a careful prosecutor committed to holding individuals who commit serious crimes accountable and helping nonviolent offenders turn their lives around.

Lateefah Simon, who started the office’s first youth offender re-entry division under Harris, praised her approach.

“She’s the only district attorney that I would ever work for to this day, because I believed the ethics that she put into the office,” said Simon, who is now running for Congress in the Bay Area as a Democrat. “She tried to create an office that was fair and balanced.” 

Four months after Harris was sworn in, a gang member shot and killed police Officer Isaac Espinoza in April 2004. She declined to charge the gunman with a capital offense, sparing him from the death penalty. Harris’ decision rankled California’s political leadership.

During Espinoza’s funeral, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., slammed Harris’ decision. “This is not only the definition of tragedy, it’s the special circumstance called for by the death penalty law,” Feinstein said at the time. 

Throughout her tenure as district attorney, Harris focused on securing convictions. Felony conviction rates rose from 52% to 71%, and gun crime convictions rose to 92% in the first five years she was in office, according to her book.

“We are sending three times as many offenders to state prison [as] we were in 2001, three years before I took office,” Harris wrote in her 2009 book.

She also increased convictions for drug sellers, from 56% in 2003 to 74% in 2008, Harris noted. At the same time, Harris also implemented the Back on Track program, which provided nonviolent offenders — many of whom were low-level drug dealers — with the chance to receive a high school diploma, job training and access to available work, instead of prison sentences.

“The imperative today is both to go after the worst criminals and also to redirect the future of lower level offenders,” wrote Harris in her 2009 book.

Her relationship with progressives grew strained. She pushed for the prosecution of truancy cases — which resulted in the parents of children who were habitually absent from school being prosecuted and forced to pay fines of up $2,500 and potentially serving up to a year in jail. Some critics said the policy disproportionately affected Black families.

A Harris campaign aide said the policy was effective: "Truancy dropped by 33 percent because of the policy and it also helped people in the community — this wasn’t one or two days; this was kids missing 60 to 80 days out of a 180-day school year."

Harris clashed with San Francisco City Council policy regarding undocumented immigrants . In 1989, the council had made San Francisco a “sanctuary city,” which meant that local police were generally not allowed to share any information with federal immigration agencies that they had obtained from interactions with undocumented people.

Harris, along with then- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom , later supported a policy that would require law enforcement to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if an undocumented juvenile immigrant was arrested under suspicion of committing a felony.  

David Campos, who has served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as well as the Police Commission, said he and other progressives have not always agreed with Harris, but supports her bid for the presidency.

“She will be able to bring forward an experience, that perspective, that points to results where she was able to thread that needle between being tough on crime and also being reform-minded when it comes to criminal justice,” said Campos, who is now the vice-chair of the California Democratic Party.

A Harris campaign aide said, "If you’re angering the far left and the far right, you’re probably doing something right."

Prison reform

Several years after Harris was elected state attorney general in 2010, California voters passed a ballot measure that enacted sweeping sentencing reforms across the state. In an effort to relieve overcrowding in the state's prison, the proposition reclassified a list of felonies as misdemeanors, including certain drug crimes and theft — including shoplifting of property valued at less than $950.

The attorney general’s office under Harris released a summary of the law , called Proposition 47, which predicted that prison and jail populations would decrease while funding for truancy reduction programs and mental health services would rise. It also predicted that the state criminal justice system would save hundreds of millions of dollars due to the changes, and local prosecutors and sheriffs would have reduced workloads.

As of last week, prison officials reported, there were 92,480 people locked up in California’s prison systems, down from a height of more than 156,000 inmates during the early 2010s before the law was passed. But as NBC News reported last year , California’s reforms created a prison-to-homelessness pipeline, as counties were overwhelmed with an influx of returning inmates.

Violent crime, meanwhile, has increased across the state. The state attorney general’s office reported that from 2014 to 2023, violent crime had risen by more than 30% — including jumps in rapes, aggravated assaults and murders.

Although Harris didn’t take a formal position on the measure, Republicans accused her of misrepresenting Proposition 47 to the public. Steve Cooley, who served as the Los Angeles County district attorney from 2000 to 2012, blamed the rise in crime on Harris and the referendum.

“The damage has been untold and, in a sense, irreparable,” said Cooley, who ran as a Republican against Harris for attorney general. “It was beyond a bait and switch. It was fraud by misrepresentation.”

Critics also blame a rise in retail theft in California on Proposition 47. They say the reforms enable serial shoplifters to cycle in and out of police custody with little accountability. Even if they are repeatedly arrested, they are only charged with misdemeanors as long as the goods are valued at less than $950.

Frustration over shoplifting is now driving voters to try to amend the law. In November, California residents will decide whether to amend Proposition 47 to allow people with two theft convictions to be charged with a felony after being caught stealing a third time. It would also permit judges to sentence repeat “hard drug” offenders to prison instead of jail.

Douglas Eckenrod, a former deputy director of parole for the California prison system, who is now running for sheriff as a Republican in Sedona, Arizona, said Harris was too lenient on criminals. 

“Kamala Harris is not a hard-liner [on crime],” Eckenrod said. “Prop 47 couldn’t happen without the AG’s office support. Her support of it was literally critical.”

In 2017, Harris left her post as California’s attorney general after being elected to the U.S. Senate.

Police reform

Harris’ relationship with both police officers and police reform activists has been fraught. 

When she ran for attorney general in 2010, the San Francisco police union president did not back her, citing her refusal to seek the death penalty in the killing of Officer Espinoza. “That is a relationship that is never going to be OK,” union boss Gary Delagnes told SF Weekly at the time.

Harris also attracted criticism from those on the left. Civil rights attorneys and police reform advocates lambasted her for failing to charge police officers who they said had used excessive force in deadly confrontations. 

John Burris, an Oakland-based civil rights attorney who has sued police departments and officers across the state, said he couldn’t recall a police violence case that Harris, as San Francisco district attorney and later as California attorney general, chose to prosecute. But he added, prosecutors during that era rarely challenged police officers.

“It’s no secret that prosecuting police in shooting cases is an uphill battle for the most part,” Burris said. “I thought that she appreciated those issues, even though I didn’t necessarily agree with the ultimate decision.”

Harris also rarely used a state law, enacted in 2001, that allows the attorney general to investigate problematic local law enforcement agencies for widespread abuses. In December 2016, weeks before she was sworn in as senator, Harris announced that her office would investigate the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the Bakersfield Police Department over allegations of excessive force and serious misconduct.

A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, defended her record and said in a statement to NBC News that Harris also opened an investigation into the Stockton School District and its school police department. The California Department of Justice later found that the Stockton school district had referred a disproportionate number of Black, Latino and disabled students to law enforcement.

The spokesperson also noted that Harris launched an open data initiative that releases the number of law enforcement officers killed or assaulted on the job, the number of people who die in custody, and the number of arrests and bookings. She also announced new requirements for reporting officer-involved shootings and use of force incidents. 

Despite complaints that she failed to hold police accountable for abusive behavior, Harris said in her 2019 memoir that she supported the mission of Black Lives Matter. She credited the protests for motivating her to make several policy changes. 

Harris wrote that she required officers in California to attend anti-bias training and ordered some state-level officers to start to wear body cameras.

“I was able to do it because the Black Lives Matter movement had created intense pressure,” Harris wrote. “By forcing these issues onto the national agenda, the movement created an environment on the outside that helped give me the space to get it done on the inside.”

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated where Harris grew up. She grew up in Berkeley, not Oakland (where she was born).

Alexandra Chaidez is an associate producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit

Simone Weichselbaum is a national investigative reporter for NBC News, focusing on local and federal law enforcement issues. She previously was a police reporter for The Marshall Project, the New York Daily News and the Philadelphia Daily News. She holds a graduate degree in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Andrew Blankstein is an investigative reporter for NBC News. He covers the Western U.S., specializing in crime, courts and homeland security. 

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Reveals Epic 2026 Alaska Season

Newest ship - star princess - 1 of 8 ships headlining 2026 alaska season.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 24, 2024) – Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in Alaska, today unveiled its biggest-ever Alaska season for 2026, highlighted by the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess. The exciting, expanded Alaska program for 2026 features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, providing travelers with an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea, or by both land and sea.

For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to explore Alaska aboard a Sphere Class ship as Star Princess sails her first summer season in the Great Land, offering unparalleled views of glaciers and wildlife. As the second ship in the Sphere Class following Sun Princess, Star Princess launches in fall 2025 and promises an elevated cruising experience. A true engineering marvel and a global citizen, this ship features innovative architectural spectacles like The Dome, the industry's first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Additionally, it is celebrated, along with sister ship Sun Princess, as the greatest foodie destination at sea, promising to tantalize taste buds with world-class culinary offerings.

Bookings open August 1 with the "Better Than Best Price Guarantee" offering the best rates and 120% of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. This promotion ends September 2, 2024 with full details here.

“2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Princess is the ultimate choice for luxury and adventure, with awe-inspiring glaciers, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the freshest seafood imaginable.”

Highlights for Alaska in 2026 include:

Eight Ships Sailing Alaska in 2026

For 2026, guests can choose from 180 departures from five convenient ports aboard eight incredible ships, including the new Star Princess. Options include:

• Voyage of the Glaciers: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess will offer seven-day journeys to experience the breathtaking views of two Alaska glaciers—and Princess takes more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Can’t get enough? These itineraries are combinable for adventure-seekers, nature enjoyers and Alaska lovers to indulge in a 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure.
• Inside Passage: Guests can enjoy seven- to 20-day cruises and up to four glacier-viewing experiences when they sail the Inside Passage and visit the highest-rated Alaska destinations and lesser-known gems from convenient homeports including weekend departures from Seattle ( Royal Princess and Star Princess ), San Francisco ( Ruby Princess ), Vancouver, B.C. ( Emerald Princess ), and Los Angeles ( Emerald Princess).  
• Longer Sailings: Guests who want to spend more time with Princess this Alaska season can opt for a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess sailing roundtrip from San Francisco, and a 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles.

Adventures Ashore

Princess gives guests the chance to expand their cruise experience with exciting and authentic shore excursions at their ports of call. From “Cook My Catch” fishing for dinner, flying on a helicopter through mountainous views, watching breaching whales, and more, guests have a plethora of exciting excursions to choose from.

Award-Winning, Onboard Activities with “North to Alaska with Princess” Program

The award-winning “North to Alaska with Princess” program enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities, including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a deliciously fresh local Alaska seafood menu. In addition, the popular Junior Ranger program for young cruisers, ensures guests of all ages enjoy their Alaska cruise as they explore the Great Land’s rich history.

Cruisetours – Cruise, Rail and Lodge in Interior of Alaska

Combining a cruise with a land tour is a great way to maximize an Alaska vacation, including the chance to visit Denali National Park and beyond. The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options.

One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those who want to seamlessly get their National Parks Passport stamped. Guests will adventure to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, with eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

Advertisement

Supported by

Park Fire, Now California’s Largest This Year, Spreads Rapidly

One man is being held without bail after a witness saw him push a flaming vehicle down an embankment on Wednesday, the authorities said. The Park fire has burned more than 164,000 acres.

• Share full article

By Heather Knight Mike Baker Amanda Holpuch and John Yoon

An enormous wildfire in Northern California has destroyed buildings, left at least two people injured and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of people as it raged in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. As of early Friday morning, the fire had burned more than 164,000 acres, making it the state’s largest fire so far this year.

• Air quality

Active 1 days Updated Fri. 3:02 AM PT

• 164,000 acres
• Containment unavailable
• +164,000 acres/past day

Track all the major fires here › By The New York Times Base map from Mapbox and OpenStreetMap

The blaze, known as the Park fire , was burning near Chico, north of Sacramento. It was only 3 percent contained by firefighters as of Friday morning, and conditions were ripe for it to continue to spread, with gusty southwesterly winds and very low humidity. Its path of growth so far has mainly been to the north, away from Chico.

“Red flag” warnings of high fire danger are in effect through the day for a wide region around the Park fire, according to the National Weather Service. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Butte and Tehama Counties.

The fire was believed to have been started when a burning car was pushed into a gully on Wednesday afternoon, rolling 60 feet down an embankment.

A witness said he saw a man “get into the vehicle, do something in the vehicle, get out of the vehicle and then push the flaming vehicle down in the embankment,” Michael Ramsey, Butte County’s district attorney, said in a news conference on Thursday. The man was then seen leaving the area, apparently trying to blend into a crowd of people who were fleeing the flames, Mr. Ramsey’s office said.

The man accused of starting the fire was identified as Ronnie Dean Stout, a Chico resident.

Mr. Stout, 42, was being held in a local jail without bail on suspicion of intentional arson, and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday. The district attorney said specific charges would hinge on whether someone is injured or killed in the fire.

The Park fire was one of scores of blazes burning in the West, creating smoky skies that reached all the way to the East Coast . In the Canadian province of Alberta, a wildfire destroyed as much as half of the town of Jasper this week, forcing tens of thousands of tourists and residents to evacuate.

The evacuation orders in Butte County covered about 4,000 residents, including 400 in Chico, Sheriff Kory Honea said in a news conference Thursday, adding that at least two people had suffered minor injuries from the fire. The town of Paradise, the site of the 2018 wildfire that was the deadliest and most destructive in the state’s history , is not far from the current fire and was under an evacuation warning.

Sheriff Honea urged residents to know their evacuation zones and be prepared to move, saying he and his staff had encountered people whose vehicles were completely out of gas. “You have to be ready to go,” he said.

Dan Collins, a fire captain and spokesman for the Cal Fire unit in Butte County, said hundreds of firefighters were battling the Park fire, with many more driving in from around the state. Aircraft were also being used to fight the fire. State fire officials said on Thursday that firefighters were focused on evacuations and protecting structures, and were using bulldozers and fire crews to build lines to contain the fire.

Beyond California, there were 43 active wildfires in Oregon and Washington, covering more than one million acres , according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Many of the fires are exhibiting “extreme fire behavior,” the center said.

The Durkee fire in Oregon, near the border with Idaho, grew amid thunderstorms on Wednesday and is now the largest wildfire in the United States, covering more than 288,000 acres as of Friday morning, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

On Friday, the authorities found a plane — a single-engine, single-seat tanker — that they lost contact with on Thursday evening as it responded to an Oregon fire caused by a lightning strike.

A spokeswoman for the Malheur National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management, Lisa Clark, said the pilot had died. The authorities, who did not immediately release the pilot’s name, were investigating the cause of the crash.

More than 7,400 people in Oregon were under evacuation orders as of Friday morning, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Air quality warnings were issued in parts of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, with health officials cautioning that the wildfires and strong winds could combine to raise pollutants to unhealthy levels.

Active 9 days Updated Fri. 3:00 AM PT

• 284,000 acres
• 20% contained
• +14,000 acres/past day

Fire investigators have said that some fires in Oregon that began in the early hours of July 11 were human-caused and “suspicious,” and have asked for the public’s help to investigate.

Officials in California have not publicly offered a motive in the Park fire arson case. They said at a news conference on Thursday that the car that was believed to have started the fire belonged to Mr. Stout’s mother.

Mr. Stout has previous convictions for crimes that required him to register as a sex offender, and for robbery with great bodily injury, according to the district attorney’s office. He was sentenced to 20 years in state prison in the robbery case, but was free again in 2020, when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the authorities said.

State inmate records showed that Mr. Stout was booked just before 5 a.m. on Thursday and was in custody at Butte County Jail.

Maps: Tracking Air Quality and Smoke From Wildfires

See maps of where smoke is traveling and how harmful the air has become.

Reporting was contributed by Jesus Jiménez , Ian Austen Derrick Bryson Taylor , Qasim Nauman and Alan Blinder .

Heather Knight is a reporter in San Francisco, leading The Times’s coverage of the Bay Area and Northern California. More about Heather Knight

Mike Baker is a national reporter for The Times, based in Seattle. More about Mike Baker

Amanda Holpuch covers breaking news and other topics. More about Amanda Holpuch

John Yoon is a Times reporter based in Seoul who covers breaking and trending news. More about John Yoon

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Auto Racing
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

World’s first hydrogen-powered commercial ferry to run on San Francisco Bay, and it’s free to ride

The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry will start offering free rides on San Francisco Bay as California seeks to phase out diesel-powered vessels and reduce planet-warming carbon emissions. (AP Video/Terry Chea)

The MV Sea Change, the first commercial passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells, is seen on the water, Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The MV Sea Change will begin offering free rides to the public along the San Francisco waterfront on Friday, July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

• Copy Link copied

A person walks off the MV Sea Change, the first commercial passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells, Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The MV Sea Change will begin offering free rides to the public along the San Francisco waterfront on Friday, July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

The MV Sea Change, a hydrogen-powered ferry, is docked at the San Francisco ferry terminal Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The zero-emission vessel will begin offering free rides to the public between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf on July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry will start operating on San Francisco Bay as part of plans to phase out diesel-powered vessels and reduce planet-warming carbon emissions, California officials said Friday, demonstrating the ship.

The 70-foot (21-meter) catamaran called the MV Sea Change will transport up to 75 passengers along the waterfront between Pier 41 and the downtown San Francisco ferry terminal starting July 19, officials said. The service will be free for six months while it’s being run as part of a pilot program.

“The implications for this are huge because this isn’t its last stop,” said Jim Wunderman, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, which runs commuter ferries across the bay. “If we can operate this successfully, there are going to be more of these vessels in our fleet and in other folks’ fleets in the United States and we think in the world.”

Sea Change can travel about 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before it needs to refuel. The fuel cells produce electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an electrochemical reaction that emits water as a byproduct.

The technology could help clean up the shipping industry, which produces nearly 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, officials said. That’s less than from cars, trucks, rail or aviation but still a lot — and it’s rising.

Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, said the ferry is meaningful because it’s hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels.

“The real value of this is when you multiply out by the number of ferries operating around the world,” he said. “There’s great potential here. This is how you can start chipping away at the carbon intensity of your ports.”

Backers also hope hydrogen fuel cells could eventually power container ships.

The International Maritime Organization, which regulates commercial shipping, wants to halve its greenhouse gas releases by midcentury.

As fossil fuel emissions continue warming Earth’s atmosphere, the Biden administration is turning to hydrogen as an energy source for vehicles, manufacturing and generating electricity. It has been offering $8 billion to entice the nation’s industries, engineers and planners to figure out how to produce and deliver clean hydrogen.

Environmental groups say hydrogen presents its own pollution and climate risks.

For now, the hydrogen that is produced globally each year, mainly for refineries and fertilizer manufacturing, is made using natural gas. That process warms the planet rather than saving it. Indeed, a new study by researchers from Cornell and Stanford universities found that most hydrogen production emits carbon dioxide, which means that hydrogen-fueled transportation cannot yet be considered clean energy.

Yet proponents of hydrogen-powered transportation say that in the long run, hydrogen production is destined to become more environmentally safe. They envision a growing use of electricity from wind and solar energy, which can separate hydrogen and oxygen in water. As such renewable forms of energy gain broader use, hydrogen production should become a cleaner and less expensive process.

The Sea Change project was financed and managed by the investment firm SWITCH Maritime. The vessel was constructed at Bay Ship and Yacht in Alameda, California, and All-American Marine in Bellingham, Washington.

Associated Press journalist Jennifer McDermott contributed to this report from Providence, Rhode Island.

Kamala Harris: Everything you need to know

• Copy Link URL Copied!

Kamala Harris’ life has been filled with milestones.

Her elementary school class in the 1970s was the second one to integrate Berkeley schools .

Harris was the first woman elected as San Francisco’s district attorney.

She was the first woman to be elected as California’s attorney general.

She was the first woman of color to be elected to the U.S. Senate from California.

She was first woman elected vice president of the United States.

Now, with President Biden announcing Sunday that he will step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee and endorsing Harris, she is close to becoming the party’s Democratic nominee for president.

The Times has been covering Harris extensively for two decades. Here is an overview of her story from our pages.

California roots

From Oakland to Canada and back, with inspiration from India

• Harris was born in Oakland to parents who had come to California to study at UC Berkeley. Her father, who has roots in Jamaica, was an economics professor; her mother, who had roots in India, was a cancer researcher. Harris spent several years as a child in Oakland and Berkeley, but after her parents divorced, she and her mother moved to Canada.
• Harris has spoken of her Indian grandfather as being a key force in her life, and of her interest in government. P.V. Gopalan was an Indian civil servant on assignment in an era of postcolonial ferment. As The Times reported, “Until his death in 1998, Gopalan remained from thousands of miles away a pen pal and guiding influence — accomplished, civic-minded, doting, playful — who helped kindle Harris’ interest in public service.”
• From seventh grade to the end of high school, Harris and her mother lived in Montreal and its Westmount neighborhood.

Harris earned her bachelor’s degree at Howard University in 1986.

• After graduating from the University of California Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, Harris passed the bar examination and worked her way up in the Alameda County and San Francisco County district attorney’s offices. Harris was San Francisco district attorney from 2004 to 2010.
• Harris started dating entertainment attorney Doug Emhoff and permanently relocated to Brentwood by the time they married in 2014.
• In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, leaving her California job to take office early in 2017.

More to Read

The 5 places that shaped Kamala Harris, including Montreal

Aug. 11, 2020

A political awakening: How Howard University shaped Kamala Harris’ identity

March 19, 2019

Kamala Harris celebrates Oakland, but the feeling isn’t necessarily mutual

Feb. 11, 2019

The progressive Indian grandfather who inspired Kamala Harris

Oct. 25, 2019

Political beginnings

A prosecutor with an ambition for Bay Area politics

• Harris got her start in Bay Area politics and law enforcement. She prosecuted murder, rape, assault and drug cases at the Alameda County district attorney’s office in Oakland from 1990 to 1998.
• San Francisco Dist. Atty. Terence Hallinan had hired Harris in 1998 to lead his career-criminal unit. She ended up running against him and winning in 2003. The campaign was bruising, with critics citing her relationship with San Francisco’s colorful and controversial Mayor Willie Brown. Her record as a prosecutor included some progressive policies but other ones that critics would later say were too “tough on crime.”

In 2010, Harris moved to statewide politics, defeating Republican Steve Cooley for attorney general.

• As attorney general, she started implicit-bias training for law enforcement, and as district attorney she launched a program that enabled first-time nonviolent offenders to get their charges dismissed if they finished job training. Critics have faulted her, though, for working in court to uphold California’s death penalty, despite her personal opposition, her threats to jail parents of chronically truant schoolchildren and flop flops.
• In 2016, The Times editorial board praised Harris for being willing to stand up for the little guy as attorney general. But it issued this warning: “Harris has at times seemed more focused on her political career than on the job she was elected to do. She has been too cautious and unwilling to stake out a position on controversial issues, even when her voice would have been valuable to the debate.”
• Harris gained national attention for her efforts to have courts overturn California’s ban on gay marriage and allow same-sex couples to legally marry.

Kamala Harris was shaped by the crucible of San Francisco politics

Jan. 21, 2019

Kamala Harris regrets California truancy law that led to arrest of some parents

April 17, 2019

California’s tough-on-crime past haunts Kamala Harris

Oct. 24, 2019

How Kamala Harris’ California career prepared her for the White House | Covering Kamala Harris

Jan. 19, 2021

Kamala Harris calls for same-sex marriages to resume ‘immediately’

June 26, 2013

National stage

Breaking barriers with a rise to Washington

• Her next move was the 2016 race to replace the retiring Barbara Boxer as U.S. senator. With Democrats dominant in California, it came down to a history-making battle between her and Southern California’s Loretta Sanchez. When Harris won, The Times declared that she tore “down a color barrier that has stood for as long as California statehood.”
• In 2019, she began her campaign for U.S. president. Early on she built strong momentum, drawing a crowd of roughly 20,000 to a lavish Oakland rally. She raised $1.5 million in just 24 hours. She boasted a string of endorsements from California politicians.
• But her campaign slowly sputtered. As The Times reported in March 2019, the fall “stems in part from Harris’ failure to present a compelling case for her candidacy beyond her background as a prosecutor, her buoyant personality and a deep contempt — shared by others in the contest — for President Trump.”
• In December, she suspended her campaign. The Times called it a “lackluster end to an initially soaring presidential bid premised on the California senator’s personal biography and prosecutorial acumen. Ultimately, her run foundered with a muddled purpose, campaign infighting and an inability to sustain support from vital Democratic voting blocs, particularly African Americans.”

• Biden locked in the nomination, but there was no guarantee he would pick her as his running mate. Some felt the Biden team was angry at her treatment of him during the campaign. But Biden ended up selecting Harris. The Times said at the time: “In many ways, Harris is a safe pick — broadly popular in the Democratic Party and well acquainted with the rigors of a national campaign. But her selection also carries symbolic heft in this moment when race relations are at top of mind for voters.”
• Harris held her own during her debate with Vice President Mike Pence and serving as an effective surrogate. The Times reported “Those who have spoken with Harris say she sees the changes — in style, in her approach to campaigning, in the faces surrounding her — worth the goals she now pursues: replacing Trump with Biden and becoming the first female vice president in history.”

Kamala Harris emerges as a 2020 front-runner, but is that a good thing?

Jan. 27, 2019

After dazzling debut, Kamala Harris falls from top of presidential pack

May 31, 2019

Kamala Harris’ bid for the Democratic nomination comes to an end

Dec. 3, 2019

After being her own boss, Kamala Harris embraces new role as Biden’s No. 2

Oct. 21, 2020

Kamala Harris makes history many times over as vice president-elect

Nov. 7, 2020

Kamala Harris, the first Black woman in her role, just broke a record held by an outspoken slaveholder

Dec. 5, 2023

Vice president

Struggling to find her footing in a big job

• Harris made history when she took office.
• But her term has been marked by successes and struggles.
• After her first year in office, The Times offered this assessment: “Harris has struggled to tell her own story, leaving others to fill the void. Conservative media have attacked her while mainstream outlets have published a string of stories about low morale and high staff turnover in her office. Like many vice presidents, Harris is learning how hard it is to define herself as a No. 2.
• She was handed a difficult assignment in those early months: Leading diplomatic efforts to curb migration from Central America. There were early controversies, such as when she told would-be immigrants not to come to the United States . As the immigration issue has become hot in the 2024 race, Harris faces tough questions about her role in Biden policies.
• Democrats worried about Harris’ lackluster poll numbers as they considered a leader of the party after Biden. “Harris has become a source of tension among Democrats, as growing worries over Harris’ political stature collide with concerns that any move to sideline her would alienate the voters needed to win elections and undercut the party’s promise of equity,” The Times wrote in 2021.
• After the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs. Wade, Harris emerged as a leading voice in protecting reproductive rights.

• Barabak in early 2024 rated her this way : “Harris finally seems to have found her footing in a role to which she is accustomed and adept: prosecuting attorney.”
• Harris has endured unprecedented levels of hate on social media. “Research shows that Harris may be the most targeted American politician on the internet, one who checks every box for the haters of the fever swamps: She’s a woman, she’s a person of color and she holds power,” The Times found.
• Before Biden’s disastrous debate performance, Harris was still struggling to present herself as a successor. “More than three years into the oldest president in history’s first term, his understudy has failed to win over a majority of voters or convince them that she is ready to step in if Biden falters, according to polls ,” The Times reported in April.
• Harris’ star rose as Democrats began to call on Biden to step aside and end his reelection campaign. She had remained publicly supportive of Biden, even as calls for her to replace him at the head of the ticket grew louder.

The abortion debate is giving Kamala Harris a moment. But voters still aren’t sold

April 16, 2024

Letters to the Editor: Should Kamala Harris step aside as Joe Biden’s running mate?

April 23, 2024

Kamala Harris: Vice president on front lines of political crisis

July 7, 2024

Kamala Harris faces political pressure — and opportunity — as Biden struggles

July 3, 2024

Correction: A earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Harris was the first person of color elected to the U.S. Senate from California. She was the first woman of color elected to the Senate.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter

Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Ali: Kamala Harris has a campaign soundtrack: Beyoncé’s ‘Freedom’

July 26, 2024

From Let’s Go Brandon to Let’s Go Brenda. Trump merch sellers say they’ll be just fine after Biden exit

World & Nation

Prosecutors urge judge not to toss out Trump’s hush money conviction, rejecting immunity claim

Newsom calls on Oakland to allow more police chases, stop suspects from ‘fleeing with impunity’