Destination Spotlight: Fun, Sun and Elation in San Diego

West coast vacationers hoping to hop a slow boat toWith just a short road trip, you can find several
a tropical paradise are in luck! Effective June 2007,outstanding theme parks that deliver a wide range of
Carnival "Elation" will move her homeport to San Diego,excitement. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags
California. Not only does this mean an additionalMagic Mountain are located in Los Angeles. For a wet,
departure destination for cruisers, it also provides thewild escapade, Hurricane Harbor is just the ticket with
opportunity for pre- and post-cruise getaways in anevery type of water ride imaginable (and many you'd
exciting city.never think of in your wildest dreams!).
The 2,052-passenger "Elation" will offer four- andSix Flags Magic Mountain may keep you dry, but your
five-night voyages to Baja Mexico calling on Cabo Sanpulse rate will race just as fast. With 15 world-class
Lucas and Ensenada.roller coasters, you'll have a scream a minute. Twists
Visiting San Diego and the Surrounding Areaand turns, right side up, upside down... you'll turn every
What can you do while in San Diego? Everything fromwhich way but loose.
wild animal encounters to cultural events. And it's all inQuail Botanical Gardens
or near the port.For those who enjoy beauty and tranquility, Quail
The San Diego ZooBotanical Gardens is both educational and breathtaking.
Absolutely one of the most well-known zoos in all theThirty-five acres of exhibits, including those from
U.S., the San Diego Zoo consists of a 100-acreseveral different countries, surround you with
zoological park that houses 4,000 rare andmagnificence and instill you with tranquility and peace.
endangered animals in their natural habitats. In addition,Beaches
you'll also find the Wildlife Animal Park encompassingOf course, San Diego has some of the most
over 1,800 acres. Home to 3,500 animals, the Wildlifeexceptional beaches in the world. If water sports or
Animal Park is an incredibly interesting exhibit, wheresoaking up the sun is on your agenda, visit the
you can get nose to nose with a lion or elephant...world-famous Mission Beach. Upscale homes line the
literally! Separated by a glass barrier, safety iswaterfront near the boardwalk that is a favorite
ensured... and so is the fun! You'll find this anpeople-watching spot for locals. After all, this is the
exhilarating experience for you and your family.place to see and be seen. With both land and water
The Zoo offers creative adventures including a Roaractivities, you can spend the day surfing, swimming,
& Snore that allows after-hours tours and viewing ofrollerblading, bicycling or playing volleyball.
exhibits at night and Balloon Safaris that offer sky-highPacific Beach has a more relaxed, eccentric feel with
views of the park. Between the Zoo and Wildlife Park,taco stands, tattoo shops and Frisbees. Described by
you could spend an entire day getting lost in the wild!the City of San Diego as "ultra-casual, zero attitude,"
Balboa ParkPacific Beach is a down-to-earth, but more crowded,
If your idea of fun is more sophisticated than wild,alternative to high-fashion Mission Beach.
venture over to Balboa Park. The country's largestWhen it's time to book your next cruise, consider the
urban cultural park offers 15 museums of varying sorts,advantages of departing from San Diego. With so
performance arts, stunning gardens, talented musicians,many fun and interesting activities, combining a shore
hands-on classes and more.retreat with a short three- or four-night cruise makes
Theme Parks Galore!for the perfect vacation.