We completed the Circle
- Paul Hallman
- May 16
- 2 min read
San Diego, Our Last Stop Before LA
San Diego was our last stop on the Coral Princess before we arrive in Los Angeles on Saturday, and it turned into one of those port days that’s equal parts practical and memorable.
It was an interesting sail into the port passing massive marinas all located on the waterfront and right beside the San Diego airport. Flights took off and landed as we watched the action happen.
Immigration was completed on the ship, so we were able to head out by 11:00 AM. Jan and I had a mission right away: we needed more luggage. Our suitcases were already full, and I still had a ukulele and a guitar to pack as well as some items we were going to carry on but the decision was made to load it all into on suitcase. Scott and Chris had the same problem, so we weren’t the only ones doing the “how did we end up with this much stuff?” shuffle.
We walked to a local ROSS, found the luggage we needed, and even picked up some shoes while we were at it. With that handled, we decided to keep walking into town for lunch.
We ate at a place called The Garage, and it was fantastic. It had that classic neighborhood-bar feel—like it’s been there forever, collecting stories from locals and travelers passing through. And the deal was unbeatable: $6 for a massive burger and fries.
After lunch, we walked back to the ship and passed the aircraft carrier along the way—one of those San Diego sights that makes you slow down and take it in.
Once we were back onboard, we finished packing and put our luggage out in the hallway so it could be collected and taken off the ship. That was the moment it really sank in: last night on the Coral Princess—and LA in the morning.
Being on the ship for 115 days, spending time with so many people every day, and exploring places together that we would never dream we could see was hard to imagine. But it was reality - we met many people from all walks of life and we hung out with others that we had no idea even existed. Tomorrow these fine people will be a memory and some will be eternal friends.
It is difficult describe the emotion that went through the ship tonight but it was strong, real, and love - a way that said "we sure had a fantastic time and I am so glad I met you."
Tomorrow we all go home - the Circle Pacific Cruise has completed its task. We crossed the International Date Line two times, we had so many time changes it became complicated and no one knew what day or time it was.
We say, amazing experience - great places to see - fantastic weather - BUT the people we met were the best - whether crew or passengers.
We are on to LAX airport tomorrow morning for a 4:30 flight to Toronto and then home by Sunday !
Thanks for following our Hallman Experience - It was a flawless trip !
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