An Unforgettable California Coast Culinary Journey with Princess Cruises: Santa Barbara & Ensenada Delights
Just a couple of weeks ago, an extraordinary opportunity presented itself: a cross-country journey to embark on a remarkable cruise along the breathtaking California Coast. Sharing this adventure with dear friends made it all the more special. It’s truly a “pinch-me” moment, a feeling of immense gratitude for experiences like these, especially when they intertwine with what I passionately call my work. When I first started this blog over seven years ago, I never could have imagined the incredible paths it would lead me down, or the stunning vistas I would witness from the deck of a magnificent cruise ship.
I’ve partnered with Princess Cruises for the next few months to share the intricate details of my fantastic four-day escape aboard the magnificent Ruby Princess. Our adventure began in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where we boarded our luxurious vessel. From there, we set sail north to the charming coastal city of Santa Barbara. Here, we indulged in a delightful day at Fess Parker Winery, savoring the region’s finest wines and culinary offerings. Our journey then continued south across the border to Ensenada, Mexico, a vibrant city nestled in Baja California, where we immersed ourselves in an authentic local experience of incredible food, exquisite wine, and rich culture. This itinerary promised a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and gastronomic delights, and it certainly delivered.
Ahhh… the memories are still so vivid, I wish I could go back right now!
Before this incredible voyage, it had been over eleven years since my last cruise. Eleven years! Living in Florida, it’s quite common and convenient to embark on Caribbean cruises for just a few days, exploring the sun-drenched islands and turquoise waters. However, what truly excited me about this particular Princess Cruise itinerary was the promise of an entirely different change of scenery. While I deeply appreciate the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of the Caribbean, experiencing a completely distinct part of our country from the unique perspective of the ocean was utterly amazing. Glimpsing the majestic mountains in the distance, rising beyond the expansive waters of the Pacific, was a magnificent sight that photos, no matter how beautiful, can hardly convey. The crisp air, the unique coastal topography, and the sense of adventure sailing along this iconic coastline made for an unparalleled experience that truly broadened my horizons.
Now, let’s dive into what truly made this trip a feast for the senses: the extraordinary food and exquisite wine!
Indeed, the flavors of that journey linger in my memory. I genuinely miss the incredible food and the exceptional wine we had the pleasure of tasting.
A truly standout feature of our Princess Cruise experience was the exclusive “Culinary Experience.” Beyond the already fantastic dining options available from the ship’s own talented kitchen staff, we were incredibly fortunate to cruise alongside two renowned culinary figures: Chef Cat Cora of Food Network fame and Chef Suzanne Tracht, the acclaimed chef behind L.A.’s highly regarded Jar Restaurant. Their presence elevated the entire journey into a gastronomic adventure. Both chefs graciously hosted us at special events throughout the week, offering unique insights into their culinary philosophies and techniques. A particular highlight was a live cooking demonstration held for a packed and eager audience in the grand Princess Theater. The energy was electric as they shared their expertise, captivating everyone with their skills and passion.
Our culinary immersion extended beyond the ship’s deck, as the chefs also joined us on meticulously planned wine tasting excursions. In Santa Barbara, we embarked on a delightful visit to the iconic Fess Parker Winery. Here, we not only sampled exquisite local wines but also savored the most delicious food prepared by the talented Pascale Beale, whose dishes perfectly complemented the region’s viticultural treasures. The experience was a symphony of flavors against a backdrop of rolling vineyards.
Our journey of taste continued in Ensenada, Mexico. We toured the impressive facilities of Monte Xanic, one of Baja California’s pioneering wineries, known for its exceptional wines and beautiful setting. Following our tour, we enjoyed a truly authentic and fresh local lunch, expertly cooked by Chef David Sagado, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the region. To complete our Ensenada culinary exploration, we made an essential stop in the downtown area for a quick, mouth-watering fish taco – a true local delicacy and a perfect ending to our food-filled day. It was an absolute privilege to get to know these culinary luminaries, share conversations, and even sample some of their specially featured recipes that were served in various dining venues across the Ruby Princess. This “Culinary Experience” truly added an extraordinary dimension to our already fantastic cruise, making every meal and every sip a memorable part of the journey.
While the exquisite food, fine wine, and rich local flavors were undeniably highlights, I must confess there was something else I loved even more: the sheer amount of time I spent outdoors, breathing in the invigorating fresh air. Back home in Florida, this time of year is typically characterized by thick, humid air, making prolonged outdoor activity less appealing. Being on the California Coast, surrounded by drier air, the vast ocean, and the distant, majestic mountains, was an absolute thrill. Each moment spent on the deck of the Ruby Princess, or exploring the beautiful coastal towns, felt like a breath of fresh life. The climate difference was a welcome change, and it allowed for a deeper appreciation of the stunning natural beauty that enveloped us throughout the journey. The combination of sea, sky, and mountains created an awe-inspiring panorama that truly soothed the soul.
Traveling and immersing myself in different parts of our country, and indeed the world, is something I deeply treasure. My love for diverse cultures, unique landscapes, and new perspectives drives my passion for exploration. Spending four glorious days exploring the Santa Barbara and Baja California regions profoundly opened my eyes to both breathtaking scenery and the warmth of the people we encountered. It’s impossible to return home from such an enriching experience without feeling a little lighter, uplifted, and completely refreshed. The blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and culinary excellence provided a holistic sense of rejuvenation.
Adding to the joy of discovery was the invaluable time spent with my wonderful friend, Heidi, as well as reconnecting with old blogger friends and forging new connections with others, along with their partners. Sharing these incredible moments with such fantastic company was, quite simply, the icing on an already spectacular cake. The camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences amplified every aspect of the trip, turning a great cruise into an unforgettable adventure. These shared memories with friends, both old and new, are truly priceless.
Ahhh… as I said before, TAKE ME BACK to the sun, the sea, the food, and the fantastic company!
This is just the beginning of my detailed recount of this incredible journey. I’ll be sharing much more soon, delving deeper into what I ate, the myriad experiences available on the ship, my efforts to stay active and in shape while cruising, and even sharing some exciting recipes inspired by my recent travels. It has been incredibly challenging not to simply “photo dump” the millions of pictures I want to show you all in today’s post! Stay tuned for upcoming articles where I’ll unveil more about the Ruby Princess amenities, the behind-the-scenes culinary magic, and practical tips for making the most of a West Coast cruise. This trip has sparked so much inspiration, and I’m eager to share every detail and every flavor with you.
For those curious about the visuals, I recently purchased a new camera specifically for travel adventures – the Samsung NX500 28 MP Wireless Smart Mirrorless Digital Camera. You can see the stunning photos taken with this camera showcased throughout today’s post, as well as in this previous article (though a couple of those photos were snapped with my iPhone). This camera truly is the perfect “big” camera, offering professional-grade quality in a compact size that’s incredibly convenient to take with you on any travel escapade!
(Disclosure: I was a guest of Princess Cruises for this cruise and am being compensated for my time to share this wonderful experience with you. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and reflect my genuine impressions of the journey.)