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Explore the World with Rob and Jen
Real Tips. Real Trips. Let's Go!
Welcome to Rob and Jen Go!
We’re Rob and Jen, frequent travelers who believe life is best lived through experiences. Our travel style is built around what we call the 4 C’s: Cruising, Camping, Cabin, and Chill. These aren’t just categories—they’re the ways we explore, recharge, and stay connected to what matters most.
This site is where we share honest, firsthand travel experiences, practical tips, and real-world insights to help others plan with confidence.
🚢 Cruising: Our Core Focus
Cruising is at the heart of what we do. We are loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers, and much of our content is shaped by sailing their ships across multiple itineraries and ship classes. Our loyalty comes from experience—not sponsorship—and our goal is to share what cruising is really like.
We focus on:
- Ship Itineraries & location
- Ship and class reviews
- Stateroom layouts and what to expect
- Dining experiences and consistency across ships
- Onboard activities, entertainment, and public spaces
- Port days and independent exploration
While many cruise basics apply across all cruise lines, our insights are often shared through a Royal Caribbean lens, simply because that’s where we have the most firsthand knowledge. When we share tips, they’re based on what we’ve personally experienced—not marketing language.
If you’re brand new to cruising, our First-Time Cruiser Welcome is a great place to start, and you can explore all of our cruise content on our main Cruising hub page.
⛺ Camping: Life on the Road
Camping allows us to slow down and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. Whether we’re road-tripping, setting up camp, or enjoying simple outdoor routines, we share what works, what doesn’t, and how to travel comfortably while staying connected to nature.
Our camping content often includes:
- Road trip planning
- Fuel and logistics tips
- Packing and organization
- Real-world lessons learned along the way
🏡 Cabin: Our Cozy Escape
Our cabin is where we unplug, reset, and spend quality time together. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t always mean going far—it can also mean creating a space that feels like home.
Here, we share:
- Cabin life experiences
- Seasonal stays
- Relaxation-focused travel ideas
- Ways to slow down and enjoy the moment
😎 Chill: The Balance of It All
Not every trip needs to be packed with activities. “Chill” is about balance—downtime, flexibility, and enjoying the small moments that make travel memorable. Whether it’s a quiet sea day, a slow morning at the cabin, or a peaceful campsite evening, this is the part of travel that keeps us grounded.
What Makes Our Content Different
We focus on:
- Firsthand experiences only
- Balanced insights—pros, cons, and trade-offs
- Helpful details travelers actually want to know
- Honest reviews without pressure to sell
If we loved something, we’ll tell you why. If something fell short, we’ll explain that too. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, not just inspire wanderlust.
Who This Site Is For
Rob and Jen Go is for:
- Cruisers planning their first or next sailing
- Royal Caribbean fans looking for real insights
- Travelers who value honest reviews over hype
- Anyone who enjoys a mix of adventure and relaxation
Whether you’re actively planning a trip or just dreaming about the next one, we hope our experiences help guide your journey.
Thanks for stopping by and being part of our adventure. However you travel—by sea, road, or somewhere quiet to recharge—we’re glad you’re here. Let’s go live the journey together.
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Cruising the West Coast: What to Expect & Our Favorite Ports
Cruising the West Coast has become one of our favorite ways to travel by sea. While we’ve sailed the Caribbean and other regions, there’s something special about cruising closer to home. The scenery, relaxed pace, and easy port access make West Coast cruises both enjoyable and approachable—especially for first-time cruisers.
Most of our sailings depart from the San Pedro Cruise Terminal, but we’ve also cruised out of San Diego, Vancouver, and Seattle. Each port offers a unique experience, and over time we’ve learned what’s worth doing, what’s easy to explore independently, and how to make the most of limited port time.
Why We Love West Coast Cruising
West Coast cruises tend to feel more laid-back compared to some itineraries. Ports are often walkable or easy to navigate on your own, which makes independent exploration simple and cost-effective. Weather is generally mild, scenery is beautiful, and sailings often include shorter itineraries—perfect for weekend getaways or first-time cruisers.
Another advantage is convenience. If you live on or near the West Coast, these ports are easy to reach without long flights, making cruising more accessible and less stressful.
West Coast Cruise Ports We’ve Sailed From
San Pedro, California
San Pedro is our primary home port, and we’ve sailed from here many times. The terminal is well-organized, easy to navigate, and close to major Southern California attractions.
Why we like it:
- Convenient for drive-in cruising
- Easy embarkation experience
- Close to Long Beach and Los Angeles
San Pedro also works well for pre- or post-cruise exploring if you arrive early or stay an extra night.
San Diego, California
San Diego offers one of the most scenic cruise departures on the West Coast. The port is located right near downtown, making it easy to explore before or after your cruise.
What stands out:
- Walkable downtown area
- Great dining and shopping nearby
- Beautiful harbor views
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a favorite departure port, especially for Alaska sailings. The cruise terminal is centrally located and close to many attractions.
Why it’s worth exploring:
- Easy access to downtown
- Public transportation is convenient
- Stunning natural scenery
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is another popular Alaska gateway and offers plenty to do near the port.
Good to know:
- Many attractions are walkable or a short ride away
- Great food and coffee scene
- Iconic city landmarks nearby
Our Favorite Things to Do in West Coast Ports
These are experiences we’ve enjoyed ourselves and recommend based on firsthand experience.
Catalina Island (Avalon)
Catalina Island is one of our favorite West Coast cruise stops. A self-guided golf cart tour is an easy and fun way to explore the island at your own pace. It’s ideal for cruisers who want flexibility without booking an excursion.
Why we recommend it:
- Easy to do independently
- Great views and photo opportunities
- Perfect for a relaxed port day
San Pedro Brewing Company
Located near the San Pedro port area, this is a great stop for good food and craft beer. It’s an easy option if you have time before or after a cruise.
Gaslamp District (San Diego)
The Gaslamp District is one of our favorite downtown areas to explore on foot. It’s full of restaurants, shops, and lively energy, making it an easy choice for cruisers with limited time.
Petco Park (San Diego)
If you’re a baseball fan and timing works out, Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is a unique experience close to the cruise terminal.
Vancouver Port Area & Breweries
Near the Vancouver terminal, you’ll find plenty of walkable attractions. Anchor Brewing is one spot we’ve enjoyed, and the surrounding area makes it easy to explore without venturing far.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is peaceful, scenic, and ideal for walking. The port area offers charming streets, waterfront views, and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a slower-paced port day.
Seattle Highlights
Seattle offers plenty to explore, including the original Starbucksand Pikes Place downtown. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or sightseeing, the area near the port makes it easy to experience a bit of the city in a short amount of time.
Tips for Cruising the West Coast
- Many West Coast ports are easy to explore independently, so excursions aren’t always necessary
- Weather can vary—pack layers
- Ports often stay open later, allowing for relaxed afternoons
- These itineraries are great for short cruises and first-time cruisers
West Coast cruising offers a perfect mix of convenience, scenery, and flexibility. Whether you’re sailing from San Pedro, San Diego, Vancouver, or Seattle, these ports provide plenty of opportunities to explore on your own and enjoy each destination at your own pace.
We love sharing what we’ve experienced and learned along the way, and we hope this guide helps you feel more confident planning your West Coast cruise—whether it’s your first sailing or your next one.
Preferred Cruising Services: Hotels, Transportation, and Activities We Trust
When we cruise, we like to keep things simple, reliable, and stress-free—especially around embarkation and debarkation days. Over time, we’ve developed clear preferences for hotels, transportation, and activities near cruise ports based on what has worked best for us.
Like many travelers, we value brand loyalty, consistency, and knowing what to expect. While every cruiser has their own preferences, the services listed below are ones we’ve personally used and found dependable. We’ve organized them by cruise port to make planning easier.
Important note: We are not sponsored or compensated by any of the companies mentioned. These recommendations are based solely on our own experiences.
How We Choose Our Cruise Services
Before diving into specific locations, here’s what we prioritize when choosing cruise-related services:
- Proximity to the port or airport
- Reliability on embarkation morning
- Ease of transportation
- Brand consistency
- Flexible check-in, luggage storage, or cruise-friendly policies
These factors help reduce stress and keep travel days running smoothly.
San Pedro, California (Port of Los Angeles)
San Pedro is our most frequently used cruise port, and we’ve tried several options in the surrounding area.
Hotels We Prefer
Hilton Long Beach
A solid choice with dependable service and easy access to both the port and surrounding areas.
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Ideal when flying in the day before a cruise. Reliable airport access and consistent Hilton standards make it a comfortable pre-cruise stay.
DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro – Port of Los Angeles
This hotel is popular with cruisers due to its proximity to the port and cruise-friendly atmosphere.
Transportation Options
PrimeTime Shuttle
A convenient option for group transfers or when coordinating airport-to-hotel or hotel-to-port transportation.
Uber
Often our go-to for flexibility, especially for short distances and early embarkation mornings.
Things to Do
Viator
We like Viator for booking shore activities and local experiences, especially when we want flexibility outside of ship-sponsored excursions.
San Diego, California
San Diego is one of the easiest cruise ports to navigate, especially if you enjoy walkable areas and downtown access.
Hotels We Prefer
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
This location offers harbor views, a relaxing atmosphere, and easy access to both the airport and cruise terminal.
Transportation
Uber
Reliable and convenient, particularly given San Diego’s compact layout near the port.
Things to Do
Viator
A great option for independent tours or sightseeing beyond the immediate downtown area.
Cape Liberty (Bayonne, New Jersey)
Cruising out of Cape Liberty often involves balancing proximity to New York City with airport convenience.
Hotels We Prefer
Hampton Inn New York – LaGuardia Airport
A dependable pre-cruise stay when flying into NYC.
Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street
A good option if you want to enjoy Manhattan before heading to the port.
DoubleTree by Hilton New York JFK Airport
Works well for early flights or late arrivals with predictable Hilton service.
Transportation
Kaizen Mobility Solutions LLC
A reliable option for cruise-specific transfers where timing and coordination matter most.
Things to Do
Big Bus Tour
An efficient way to see major NYC highlights in a limited amount of time.
Viator
Offers flexible options for sightseeing depending on how much time you have before embarkation.
Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports, so planning ahead is especially important.
Hotels We Prefer
Hilton Miami Downtown
Conveniently located with easy port access and dependable service.
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown
A comfortable option in a lively area, especially for cruisers arriving early.
Transportation
Taxi or Uber
Both work well in Miami, depending on traffic and timing. We choose based on convenience and availability.
Things to Do
Miami Beach Area
An easy way to enjoy some downtime before a cruise without over-planning.
Choosing the right hotels, transportation, and activities near cruise ports can make a big difference in how smoothly your cruise experience begins and ends. These are the services we return to because they’ve consistently worked well for us.
Your preferences may differ—and that’s okay. If you’ve had great experiences with other hotels, transportation providers, or tour companies near these ports, we’d love to hear about them. Sharing real-world experiences helps everyone plan with more confidence.