Ten days fly by as you take inventory of the West Coast’s most intriguing ports of call and cuisines. Small ship-only moorages in places like Portland alternate with grand dames like Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego. Go wine tasting in Sonoma and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Take a cable car to lunch in San Francisco’s Chinatown and taste wild California sardines at Monterey’s famous Cannery Row. From food trucks to fine dining, farmers’ markets to cooking classes that put you at the heart of the action, this is a cruise for people who have a taste for life and a thirst for adventure.

Sometimes referred to as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is home to lovely beaches and parks, a large naval fleet, including the USS Midway, numerous microbreweries and enormous Balboa Park, the site of the famous San Diego Zoo. This favorite travel destination is full of things to do on or off the water. Brave souls can take a ride on the Giant Dipper of Belmont Park, a historic wooden roller coaster on the coastal boardwalk, or spend some time at Legoland and Knott’s Soak City. Fantastic shopping and sightseeing can be found at Old Town or Seaport Village and kayaking and surfing opportunities are everywhere.

With the Santa Ynez Mountains as its dramatic backdrop, Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean-style white building with red tile roofs gracefully reflect the Spanish heritage of the area. A premier resort town, Santa Barbara offers beautiful beaches and the world famous Stearns Wharf.  Upon on the hill sits Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 and home to Franciscan friars and a museum and the Santa Ynez Valley entices with vineyards.

Hilly, foggy San Francisco is a bastion of food and culture. Iconic sights of San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz.  A cable car ride is a must-do past elegant Victorian houses, exhilarating views from Russian and Nob Hills and amazing panoramas found at Coit Tower and Twin Peaks. Then find the chaos of Chinatown and the dizzy drive down Lombard Street, sample the sourdough bread, fresh crab and shrimp together with crisp California wines.

Cross the bar of the mighty Columbia River. At 1,234 miles long, it is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, notable for the large runs of salmon and steelhead.  The river’s hydroelectric dams provide half of the region’s supply of electricity.

Sitting at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, and watched over by Mount Hood, Portland is known for its eco-friendliness, bicycle paths, versatile transportation options, bridges, parks, eclectic neighborhoods, hipster vibes and craft microbreweries. There is a variety of things to do for all types of interests including Washington Park with a formal Japanese Garden and zoo, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Hollywood District and the Pearl District, and inviting coffeehouses everywhere.

Exit the bar of the mighty Columbia River, at 1,234 miles long, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, notable for the large runs of salmon and steelhead.  The river’s 19 hydroelectric dams provide half of the region’s supply of electricity.

As the 4^th busiest port in the United States, evergreen Seattle is surrounded by mountains, forests and water. Home to Microsoft, Starbuck’s and Amazon, Seattle’s most recognizable icon is the Space Needle.  Northwest  cuisine with Asian infusion includes apples, salmon, Dungeness crab, razor clams paired with fresh microbrews and Washington wines. Among the sights to see are Pike Place Market, Chihuly Gardens, Boeing Museum of Flight, Pioneer Square, and the Ballard Locks.

The capital of British Columbia majestically sits on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Its colonial past is still displayed in the Victorian architecture found in the stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion, the Empress Hotel, and along the Inner Harbour.

The popular 55-acre Butchart Gardens features vibrant floral displays, statuary, a carousel and lovely water features.

Vancouver’s location at the mouth of the Fraser River and on the waterways of the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet and all their tributaries makes this busy seaport an easy place for meeting. It is one of Canada’s most populated, most ethnically diverse cities that is a popular filming location. Visit the interesting neighborhoods of Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown. Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge and stroll through Stanley Park. See the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology. There is an amazing variety of things to see and do here.