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Pacific Coastal Cruises

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Discover the Splendor of the Pacific Coast

Marvel at diverse cultures and intriguing flavors on a Pacific Coast cruise with Celebrity. Admire the scenery that spans everything from the snow-capped mountains of British Columbia to the rolling vineyards of California’s Napa Valley.

Enjoy English-style afternoon tea in Victoria, Canada. See iconic landmarks in San Francisco, from Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Explore Vancouver’s lush Stanley Park, the city’s gleaming skyscrapers as a backdrop. Celebrity’s stylish, contemporary ships will show you the very best of this fascinating coastline in unparalleled style.

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Iconic landmarks.

You’ll be wowed by spectacular landmarks on a West Coast cruise. Sail under San Francisco’s graceful Golden Gate Bridge and gaze at the city’s skyline in the distance, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Alcatraz brooding in the bay. In Victoria, Canada, admire the lavish chateau-style architecture of the legendary Empress Hotel. When you’re in Astoria, check out the intricate Astoria Column, its elaborate artwork telling the story of westward exploration.

Exciting Marine Life

There’s wildlife to spot all the way along the Pacific coast—including the unexpected. Vancouver Island is known for its spectacular whale watching, including orca, minke whales, and humpbacks. You could even see humpbacks breaching in San Francisco Bay as you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Astoria, meanwhile, is a great place to spot sea lions basking along the waterfront.

Fine Food & Wine

Culinary adventures await in every port along the Pacific coast. From San Francisco, head over the Golden Gate Bridge to Napa Valley for a wine-tasting tour. In the city, sample authentic dim sum in bustling Chinatown. Astoria is famed for its salmon, artisan cheeses, and hazelnut ice cream. Try craft beers and those famous Oregon wines. In Vancouver, foodies will love Granville Island’s Public Market, where anything from organic coffee to Mexican street food is on offer.

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Why Cruise the Pacific Coast with Celebrity Cruises

Explore the Pacific coast with Celebrity and you’ll travel in a haven of relaxation on our contemporary ships. Rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa, unwind by the pool, and toast the end of another perfect day at the Sunset Bar as the coastal mountain ranges glow pink in the dusk.

On Celebrity’s ships, you can enjoy a different restaurant at every meal. Try anything from delicious seafood to flavor-packed Italian and gourmet French cuisine. Elevate your cruise to the next level with The Retreat®, with suite accommodation, access to a private lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat.

Let Celebrity take you to some of the most exciting ports along the Pacific coast, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and buzzing beaches. Take in the culinary scene and gorgeous beaches of San Diego and hike flower-filled trails on Catalina Island. We will help you make the most of your time ashore with our range of imaginative excursions, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries and custom-designed Private Journeys.

Let Celebrity take you to some of the most exciting ports along the Pacific coast, from San Francisco to Vancouver, famed for its laid-back lifestyle and beautiful mountain backdrop. We will help you make the most of your time ashore with our range of imaginative excursions, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries and custom-designed Private Journeys.

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Top Pacific Coastal FAQs

Where do Pacific Coastal cruises go?

Pacific Coastal cruises sail between Los Angeles and Vancouver, Canada.

Ports between Los Angeles and Vancouver include San Francisco and Victoria on Vancouver Island. You could also enjoy a day in Astoria, Oregon, or an overnight stay in San Francisco, depending on the itinerary.

Both of Celebrity’s itineraries include days at sea to enjoy the ship, relax in the spa, bask by the pool, and look out for marine life.

Where do cruises depart from on the West Coast?

Cruises depart from Los Angeles on one-way northbound voyages, ending in Vancouver, or from Vancouver on southbound voyages, ending in Los Angeles. 

What should I pack?

The Pacific Northwest can include considerable variations in climate between Los Angeles and Vancouver. A light waterproof jacket is a good idea for the northernmost ports, as are layers. The weather can transform in an instant, especially in San Francisco, which is prone to fog that can melt away in the sunshine. Pack good walking shoes, too, as there are multiple opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and cities on foot.

Bring a pair of binoculars as the marine life in the Northwest is spectacular, and you stand a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins.

Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps. 

Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the theater. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered Smart Casual. 

Each itinerary features at least one to two “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos. 

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and attending the theater.

Are there any ports of call outside of the U.S.?

Yes, both of our Pacific Coast itineraries include ports of call outside of the U.S. You’ll visit Victoria and Vancouver in Canada.

When is the best time to cruise?

The best time to explore the West Coast is spring, summer, and fall, when the weather is generally good. In spring and fall, places like Los Angeles are pleasant, rather than hot, and you should have ideal conditions for hiking, strolling around cities, and even sunbathing. Early fall is another beautiful time to visit, when the days are still warm and the trees in the coastal forests are beginning to take on their fall colors.

How long are cruises along the West Coast?

Our cruises along the West Coast last for six nights.

What types of landscapes and sights can I expect to see during the cruise?

On any Pacific Coastal cruise, you’ll see a wonderful combination of vibrant cities and beautiful landscapes.

San Francisco is famous for many things: the Golden Gate Bridge, vintage cable cars, Alcatraz, museums, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Pretty Victoria is known for its colonial charm and the glorious colors of Butchart Gardens, while Vancouver is surrounded by water, with a backdrop of often snow-capped mountains.

You’ll have a chance to be immersed in nature on these cruises. Astoria, on the edge of the forested, misty Pacific Northwest, is a great place for cycling and hiking, as well as learning about the epic expedition of Lewis and Clark. In contrast, California’s Napa Valley is the place to head for rolling hills, lush scenery, and wine tasting.

What kind of excursions can I book?

We offer a wide range of excursions to suit every taste. You can go whale watching from Vancouver Island and cycling in Astoria. From San Francisco, you could take a tour to Sausalito and Muir Woods, or to Sonoma Wine Country for a tasting. If you choose an itinerary with an overnight in San Francisco, you could join a nighttime city tour with dinner in Chinatown.

Essentially, you will find a shore excursion to suit your tastes, whether your interest is history and architecture, wildlife, food and wine, or nature and physical activity. 

How many days at sea will I have? What is there to do on board?

Our Pacific Coastal itineraries each have two days at sea, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the ship.

You’ll find a wonderful choice of activities during these sea days. Relax by the pool or join a workout class in the Fitness Center. Listen to live music or try a wine tasting. Sample delightful dishes from all the different restaurants on board, which range from poolside made-to-order burgers and salads to delicious sushi, contemporary Italian, and clean cuisine in Blu. In the evenings, you’ll find glittering entertainment in The Theatre, as well as late-night dancing.

Elevate your experience at The Retreat® , which gives you suite accommodation and access to a luxurious lounge as well as the fine dining restaurant Luminae at The Retreat.

What is there to do on the ship?

You’ll find no shortage of things to do on board your luxurious Celebrity ship. Sunbathe by the pool, relax in a bubbling hot tub, join a class in the Fitness Center, or indulge in a treatment in the spa. 

Enjoy exploring all the different dining options, from made-to-order burgers and salads by the pool to French classics and a delightful 3D cartoon animation in Le Petit Chef, and steaks and seafood in the elegant Tuscan Grille. Elevate your experience to The Retreat and you can enjoy fine dining in Luminae, as well as suite accommodation and access to an exclusive lounge.

On Edge-Series ships, the Magic Carpet, suspended over the side of the ship, gives you uninterrupted sea views and is the perfect place to sit with a coffee or cocktail, enjoying the sea air. Or spend part of your Panama Canal transit in the Sunset Bar, at the aft of the ship, for wonderful views of the ships following you.

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Pacific Coast Cruises

Travelers on Pacific Coast cruises will experience rich diversity in landscapes, from laidback San Diego beaches to the glittering hills of San Francisco and charming seaside escapes off the Oregon and Washington coasts. Craft your ideal night on board with excellent dining choices, multiple performance venues and sleek bars and lounges. Enjoy a wide selection of 1- to 7-day cruises. On our 7-day roundtrip California cruises, explore the Golden State’s famous vineyards and towering redwoods. Or take the complete journey from California to Canada. Sweep British Columbia’s crystal fjords, where orcas swim, bears roam the coast and eagles soar overhead. Head west, and you’ll find a region that never ceases to amaze.

Astoria, Oregon

San Diego, California

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Seattle, Washington

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

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Experience the Majesty on a Pacific Coastal cruise

From natural landscapes to city views you’ll see it all on a Pacific Coastal cruise . Experience it all as you cruise from San Diego or Vancouver. From the architectural icons that define San Francisco’s skyline to the picturesque views of Sitka, Alaska, there’s plenty of beauty everywhere you turn. Combine that with our award winning speciality restaurants, casino, and entertainment and you'll have a holiday of a lifetime.

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SAMPLE --> Cruise the Pacific Coast on Award-Winning Ships

Cruise to the Pacific Coast in style on our award-winning ships. Voted best onboard entertainment, Best Speciality Restaurants, and Best Casinos, you know you're in for an exciting cruise. Sit back, relax, and let Norwegian take you so some of the most beautiful destinations.

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Best Pacific Coastal EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Historic Astoria & Fort Clatsop

Discover historic Astoria! You’ll make a brief photo stop at the Astoria Column which was built in 1926....

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour

Indulge in Santa Ynez Valley’s finest wines on this journey that includes exclusive tastings at two of the region’s most celebrated wineries and a picnic lunch. ...

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden of Glass

Enjoy a 360 view of Seattle from the top of the Space Needle and see the city’s artistic side at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair to symbolize humanity’s ...

Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary & Totems Park

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, a Native Totem Park and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. ...

Pacific Coastal HOTELS

• LOS ANGELES

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles

Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.

Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas.

Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Some include patios and/or fireplaces.

There's a polished bar and an elegant restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a business centre and a rooftop terrace, plus meeting and event space.

Distance/Airport: 18 miles Distance/Pier: 23 miles

Package includes: Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

Part of the Bloc shopping and entertainment centre, this upscale high-rise hotel is a minute's walk from a metro station, and less than a mile from the Crypto.com Arena.

Sophisticated rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers; microwaves and minifridges are available on request. Suites add separate sitting areas. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.

There's a hip restaurant featuring farm-to-table fare, and a lobby bar serving cocktails. Other amenities include a gym, plus 35,000 sq ft of meeting space.

Phone: (213) 488-3500

Distance/Airport: 17.5 miles Distance/Pier: 23 miles

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Pacific Coastal Cruises

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RAINFORESTS TO RUINS

Mexico cruises.

Experience flavorful food, mesmerizing landscapes and ancient past with a cruise to Mexico.

Cruise to Mexico and find everything from volcanoes, jungles and deserts and beaches, to enjoy outdoor and urban adventures of all kinds. Head to  museums to see the surreal works of Frida Kahlo and ancient artworks excavated from the Maya civilization. Or see Mayan ruins up-close-and-personal — remnants of ancient temples, like Chichen Itza and Tulum, stand just a stone's throw from pristine beaches, so you can take a soak or a surf after your history lesson. And be sure to immerse yourself in the colonial architecture, bustling parks and lively, spice-fragrant marketplaces in Mexico City, Puebla, and Cancun. Discover the magic with a Mexico cruise.

Save Big With These Mexico Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Mexico cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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EXPLORER'S SPIRIT

Get out of your comfort zone and discover an untamed wilderness, where you can dive into an underground cave or encounter ancient ruins with the best Mexico cruises.

THE PAST PRESERVED

Discover why Mexico is one of the most impressive civilizations in the world when you experience its Mayan ruins at Tulum, Ek Balam or Chichen Itza and its Aztec roots at Tenochtitlan and Templo Mayor, harkening back thousands of years of history.

It's easy to get in touch with Mother Nature when you're in Mexico. Tours take you through cenotes, expansive underground caverns, or on rainforest safaris where you can spot iguanas, macaws and other colorful wildlife.

COAST CALLS

Reach the beach and soak, surf or snorkel in Mexico's clear waters, then stroll over soft sands and discover ancient ruins by the sea in places like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. More seascapes are found in Playa Progreso in Yucatan, Costa Sur in Puerto Vallarta, Cacaluta in Huatulco and Mahahual in Costa Maya, all of which provide those frame-ready vistas synonymous with Mexico.

GET A TASTE OF THE CULTURE

Mexico's cities and towns offer a wealth of cultural gems. You'll find everything from high art to colorful villages brimming with life and tradition on your cruise to Mexico.

DIG INTO LOCAL LIFE

Mexico's sprawling urban areas show you the lively side of this rich country. Stop by Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Cancun or Puebla to see the bustling streets filled with restaurants, bars and stores, the busy plazas with vendors offering local food and candy, and the charming colonial neighborhoods with colorful flowers dripping from balconies.

From colorful skull souvenirs — a throwback to the ancient practice of honoring passed-on ancestors — and charming sombreros to Mayan temples and colonial-era architecture, Mexico is a treasure trove of the visual arts. You can get a glimpse of the country's most renowned artist, Frida Kahlo, at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen.

TASTY TEMPTATIONS

Mexico is a kaleidoscope of unique regional cuisines, all equally flavor-packed. In Oaxaca, taste your way through the varieties of rich mole sauces, and in Yucatan explore fresh flavors in dishes heavy with citrus and spice, like cochinita pibil, the shredded pork that fills one of Mexico's most-loved taco styles.

Best Mexico Cruises

A cruise to Mexico is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Mexico onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Mexico’s wild west coast offers just as much natural beauty, vibrant culture and sun-kissed adventures as its eastern counterpart, the Riviera Maya. Cruise from Los Angeles onboard the Amplified Navigator of the Seas® to Baja’s brightest jewels, like foodie-favorite Ensenada, fun-loving Cabo , charming Mazatlán and scenic Puerto Vallarta .

Explore Cruises To The Mexican Riviera

THE GREAT GULF

Cruise the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, and discover Mexico's Caribbean side. Stop in Cozumel island, off the east coast of Yucatan , and enjoy the bright-blue waters and untouched paradise appeal.

Explore Cozumel & Cancun Cruises

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Mexico Cruises Insider

Mexico is ready for you to explore at any time of year. In general, the weather is best between December and April — there's little rain, and the temperatures are very comfortable. The wet season starts in May and ends in October, while hurricane season (affecting mostly the Caribbean side) starts in June and runs until November.

When you travel to Mexico, one of the best ways to enjoy the country is by immersion. Try the local food, shop the local markets, and choose excursions that allow you to spend time getting to know a specific neighborhood, historic site or natural wonder.

Learn a few phrases in Spanish and speak to waiters, vendors, tour guides and everyday people. Ask about places to eat, the history or the music. Get out of your comfort zone and reach out to the people who know the country best — they can let you know where to go for the best price on that souvenir you're seeking or which beachside spot makes the best margarita.

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Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Here's a list of our favorites.

Día de los Muertos, Visit Mexico

Plan your Mexico cruise vacation around the culture and traditions of the Dia de los Muertos. Discover and experience the holiday firsthand.

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Plan a Relaxing 4 Day Vacation to Mexico

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Best Mexico Ancient Ruins and Mayan Sites

The best ancient sites and ruins to visit in Mexico. Go back in time and discover the beauty, the mystery and the culture of the venerated Mayan people.

Haggling on prices at local markets is par for the course here — just make sure you know a few words of Spanish, and don't ask the vendor to go unreasonably low.

Mexico's tiered bus system is a great way to get around affordably: Choose the first ("primero") or platinum ("platino") options for the high-end treatment.

There's a more lax attitude about time in Mexico so factor in an extra half-hour to an hour when planning out your Mexico cruise itineraries.

FOR THE FOODIE'S SABROSO IS THE WORD

Sabroso means delicious, which is synonymous with Mexico's cuisine. Known the world over for its originality when it comes to multilayered flavors that focus on spice, Mexican food boasts dishes like mole, cochinita pibil and tacos al pastor. When in Mexico, go where the locals are eating and enjoy the salsas, the spices and the crunch.

MOLE POBLANO

A saucy and popular delicacy, mole poblano is made with chili peppers and chocolate and is poured over chicken and then topped with sesame seeds.

Tamales are a steamed masa, or a corn-based dough filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, chili peppers or fruits. The masa is wrapped inside of a leaf and steamed. Discard the leaf and chow down on the stuffed dough for a traditional treat.

CHILAQUILES

Fried tortillas take a swim in spicy red salsa or refreshing green salsa for a savory dish commonly enjoyed during breakfast.

RELATED PORTS

In Mexico, you can explore an array of culturally unique cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Cozumel, as well as cruise ports such as Huatulco, Costa Maya and the Yucatan. And the best way to get to know these places is by arriving from the water.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico

Mazatlan, Mexico

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Manzanillo, Mexico

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Russian military exercises in the Caribbean: Here's what to expect

By Alex Sundby

Updated on: June 12, 2024 / 8:15 PM EDT / CBS News

Three Russian ships and a nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Cuban waters Wednesday ahead of military exercises  in the Caribbean. While the exercises aren't considered a threat to the U.S., American ships were deployed to shadow the Russians, U.S. officials told CBS News.

The Russian warships  were seen arriving in Havana's harbor on Wednesday morning and were expected to stay in Cuba until Monday. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday the U.S. was closely monitoring the Russian ships.

"We have seen this kind of thing before and we expect to see this kind of thing again," Sullivan said.

The U.S. intelligence community has assessed that the submarine is nuclear powered but it isn't carrying nuclear weapons, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reported. White House national security spokesman John Kirby told CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe last week that there was no indication nuclear weapons would be "at play" during the vessels' time in the Caribbean.

What Russian ships are in Cuba?

According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the three Russian ships are a frigate, a fleet oil tanker and a salvage tug. The three ships and the submarine headed across the Atlantic separately, Martin reported.

Russia has used the frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov, to test its Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles , according to the Reuters news agency.

Two American destroyers and two ships that tow sonar equipment behind them were shadowing the submarine, Martin reported. Another destroyer and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter were shadowing the three Russian ships. The U.S. Navy also used little sailboats fitted with cameras, known as sail drones, to shadow the Russian ships as they got close to Cuba.

The Admiral Gorshkov and the submarine carried out drills in the Atlantic that simulated a missile strike on enemy ships, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

While the Russian ships are in Cuba, the U.S. Navy ships shadowing them are expected to wait for the Russians and continue shadowing them when they leave port, Martin reported.

The ships' arrival in Havana — which the Cuban Foreign Ministry said was expected to include the fanfare of one Russian ship firing 21 salvos in a salute to Cuba — comes ahead of Russia carrying out air and naval exercises in the Caribbean in the coming weeks, Martin reported.

The exercises, which will include long-range bombers, will be the first simultaneous air and naval maneuvers Russia has carried out in the Caribbean since 2019, Martin reported. The exercises will be conducted over the summer, culminating in a worldwide naval exercise in the fall.

"Clearly this is them signaling their displeasure about what we're doing for Ukraine ," Kirby told O'Keefe. "So we're going to watch it, we're going to monitor it, it's not unexpected. … But we don't anticipate, we don't expect that there'll be any imminent threat or any threat at all, quite frankly, to American national security in the region, in the Caribbean region, or anywhere else."

The Russian ships are expected to head to Venezuela after Cuba, but it's unclear what the submarine will do, Martin reported.

What was the Cuban missile crisis?

The events in the Caribbean are different from the Cuban missile crisis that happened over 60 years ago. The 1962 crisis unfolded after the U.S. discovered launch sites in Cuba for Soviet ballistic nuclear missiles.

Over the course of 13 days, the crisis brought the Soviet Union and the U.S. dangerously close to nuclear war. A potential conflict was averted when the Kennedy administration reached a deal with the Kremlin for the missiles to be removed from Cuba.

Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

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Russian ships, submarine pass coast of Florida. Why, and what is the US doing about it?

What are the russian vessels admiral gorshkov frigate, fleet oil tanker pashin, rescue tug nikolay chiker & nuclear-powered sub kazan..

Three Russian Navy ships and a nuclear-powered submarine seem to be passing the Florida coast Tuesday, June 11, on the way to Cuba for a military exercise , according to open-source intelligence analysts on social media . A tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that the US Coast Guard Cutter Stone may be shadowing the Russian flotilla off the east coast of Florida abeam of Cape Canaveral.

On Wednesday, June 5, a U.S. official told the media that Russia planned to conduct naval exercises with combat vessels in the Caribbean region. The United States did not see the expected arrival of the flotilla to the Western Hemisphere to be threatening, but the official told Reuters the U.S. Navy will monitor the exercises. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been made public yet.

Cuba said in a release last week the ships carried no nuclear weapons and did not represent a threat.

"This visit corresponds to the historical friendly relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation and strictly adheres to the international regulations," Cuba's foreign ministry said in a statement .

However, the visit comes as tensions rise between the United States and Russia over U.S. support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian forces, U.S. officials told the media. It also comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could provide long-range weapons to countries within range of Western targets in response to Western military support to Ukraine in the war that has lasted over two years.

Last month, President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S. weapons to strike targets in Russia , a major shift in U.S. policy. On Friday, Biden publicly apologized to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for delays in U.S. military assistance and announced the U.S. was sending a $225 million package including what the Secretary of State's office described as "air defense interceptors, artillery systems and munitions, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and other capabilities."

How many Russian ships and submarines are off the coast of Florida?

According to the Foreign Ministry in Havana , the Russian vessels visiting Cuba are the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and support ships including the fleet oil tanker Pashin, the rescue tug Nikolay Chiker, and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan.

How long will the Russian ships and submarine be in the area?

The Russian ships are due to arrive on Wednesday, June 12, and stay for a week, according to the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

The U.S. officials said they expected the Russian ships to remain in the region througout the summer, the Associated Press reported.

What will the Russian ships and submarine be doing while they're in the Caribbean?

"As part of Russia’s regular military exercises, we anticipate that this summer, Russia will conduct heightened naval and air activity near the United States. These actions will culminate in a global Russian naval exercise this fall," the U.S. official told reporters, according to Reuters.

"We are expecting that Russia will temporarily send combat naval vessels to the Caribbean region and these ships will likely conduct port calls in Cuba and possibly Venezuela. There may also be some aircraft deployments or flights in the region," he said.

The Cuban foreign minister said the Russian sailors would "follow a program of activities that includes courtesy visits to the head of the Revolutionary War Navy and the governor of Havana, and visit sites of historical and cultural interest."

Do the Russian ships and submarine off the coast of Florida have nuclear weapons?

"This visit, which is part of the historic friendly relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation, strictly adheres to the international conventions to which the State of Cuba is a party," the release from Cuba's Foreign Ministry said. "Since none of these ships carry nuclear weapons, their stopover in our country represents no threat to the region."

A U.S. official said the U.S. intelligence community did not believe the submarine, while nuclear-powered, was carrying nuclear weapons.

What is the U.S. doing about the Russian ships and submarine off the coast?

OSINT analysts have been posting updates showing multiple vessels in the area that could be shadowing the Russian ships. Some of the vessels names include the USS Truxtun and USS Donald Cook destroyers, the Coast Guard's Cutter Stone and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec, with at least at least one U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon and Canadian CP-140 Aurora.

Has Russia sent ships this way before?

Naval exercises are common worldwide, and the official said the Biden administration was not concerned since Russia has sailed ships into the Western Hemisphere every year from 2013 to 2020.

However, the official also said Russian naval activity had increased after the U.S. showed support for Ukraine.

"This is about Russia showing that it's still capable of some level of global power projection," the official said.

In 2019, the U.S. military and Coast Guard tracked a Russian spy ship , identified as the Viktor Leonov, as it operated off the coast from North Carolina to Florida. The Coast Guard issued a marine safety bulletin about the ship, which the agency said was operating in an "unsafe manner" by not responding to radio calls and running without lights.

The Viktor Leonov, whuch CNN reported is outfitted with high-tech spying equipment designed to intercept signals, has been spotted se v eral times over the years, most recently off the coast of Hawaii .

Steve Holland, Reuters, contributed to this story.

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Rains Continue Battering South Florida, Closing Roads and Grounding Flights

The deluge, which began Tuesday afternoon, dumped more than 10 inches in some areas and was expected to continue through Thursday, forecasters said.

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By Livia Albeck-Ripka ,  Judson Jones and Derrick Bryson Taylor

Judson Jones is a meteorologist and reporter for The Times.

Go here for the latest updates on the forecast in Florida.

Heavy rains battered South Florida on Wednesday, closing major roads, stranding vehicles, forcing delays and cancellations at airports, and causing flash flooding in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas.

The severe weather, which began Tuesday, is the result of a cold front parked over parts of the state that has dumped more than 10 inches of rain in some areas, Anthony Reynes, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, said Wednesday afternoon.

The region was bracing for more heavy rain on Thursday, with forecasters warning that showers and thunderstorms over parts of the region would raise the risk of flash flooding from late morning through the afternoon.

“It will take very little additional rain to aggravate ongoing flooding in rural and urban locations,” the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said in its excessive rainfall warning, which includes Miami.

Flash flooding was reported on Wednesday from Fort Lauderdale to downtown Miami, Mr. Reynes said, noting that major urban areas, including some homes, had been inundated with water, and that many vehicles had been stranded. By Wednesday evening, more than 10 inches of rain had fallen in Hollywood, Fla.; more than nine inches in Fort Lauderdale; and about eight inches in Miami, he said.

As of Thursday morning, there were no reports of injuries or deaths, but many of the same problems persisted.

Dozens of flights from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were either delayed or canceled for the second consecutive day. And plans to begin demolishing Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where a former student killed 17 people in 2018, were also postponed until Friday, school officials said .

On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota Counties. The declaration gives emergency managers the authority to allocate resources, including personnel, to respond to the flooding and other effects of the severe weather.

Mayor Dean J. Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale said on social media that resources were being mobilized across the city. “If possible, please avoid driving,” he said. “It’s crucial to never attempt to drive through high water.”

The City of Fort Lauderdale said in an email Wednesday night that it had responded to “multiple stranded vehicles” and that several city roads were impassable.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Weather Service issued its highest level of warning, a flash flood emergency , for a stretch spanning from North Miami to Dania Beach. “The amount of rain that was falling was quickly overwhelming the drainage systems,” Mr. Reynes, the meteorologist, said. “It was becoming a life-threatening situation.”

Like the cars of a train, storm after storm moved from the west coast to the east coast of the southern Florida Peninsula on Wednesday, soaking an area already saturated from the rain. It appears that little relief is in sight.

The threat of excessive rain over South Florida will decrease only slightly on Friday, meteorologists said. Passing showers will again create localized flash flooding, making urban areas, roads, small streams and low-lying regions vulnerable.

Livia Albeck-Ripka is a Times reporter based in Los Angeles, covering breaking news, California and other subjects. More about Livia Albeck-Ripka

Judson Jones is a meteorologist and reporter for The Times who forecasts and covers extreme weather. More about Judson Jones

Derrick Bryson Taylor covers breaking and trending news and is based in London. More about Derrick Bryson Taylor

The Russian submarine that just showed up off Cuba is one of a new class of subs that has worried the US and NATO for years

• Russian naval ships arrived in Cuba Wednesday ahead of military exercises in the Caribbean.
• One of the vessels, the submarine Kazan, is one of a new class that has worried the US and NATO.
• The Yasen-class subs are hard to track and armed for attacks against land- and sea-based targets.

One of Russia's most advanced new submarines has pulled up off the coast of Cuba ahead of planned military exercises in the area.

The Kazan, a nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine, is one of a relatively new class of subs that has worried the US and Western militaries for years because of its stealth and strike capabilities .

Three Russian ships, along with the Kazan, arrived in Cuba Wednesday for a five-day official visit before a large, simultaneous air and maritime exercise in the Caribbean. The deployment includes the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, which is armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, another challenge for Western militaries.

While US officials have said they're monitoring the vessels and don't anticipate any imminent danger in the region, the Kazan's arrival is notable. US and NATO officials have long expressed concern over the capabilities of the Kazan and other subs like it.

Russia's Yasen-class submarines, like the Kazan, are formidable threats within Russia's navy, which has long boasted a rather capable submarine fleet. The Russians began work on the class during the Cold War , and the first sub in the class, the Severodvinsk, was commissioned late in 2013.

Around the time the Severodvinsk was commissioned, a Naval Sea Systems Command officer said at a symposium that going forward, the US would "be facing tough potential opponents," adding that "one only has to look at the Severodvinsk."

Later submarines featured updated designs and were designated as Yasen-M class vessels. The Kazan was the second sub of the Yasen class but the first of the new, upgraded subs. It is noticeably smaller and features a quieter nuclear reactor. Western officials have said that their naval forces have had trouble finding these subs or have at times lost track of them at sea.

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The subs' newer, more advanced features make them difficult to track, and they're heavily armed and capable of attacks against land- and sea-based targets with little to no warning. These boats can carry Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles and, eventually, the new Zircon missiles.

The shift in capability with the emergence of the Yasen-M class submarines suggested a change in use. Per a 2021 Royal United Services Institute analysis , the Kazan's "capacity to launch a range of anti-ship and land attack missiles" suggests that "long-range strike missions appear to be superseding sea lines of communication (SLOC) interdiction as a primary task."

In 2021, US Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, the head of US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, said that the subs "are designed to deploy undetected within cruise-missile range of our coastlines to threaten critical infrastructure during an escalating crisis."

VanHerck, along with other US officials, have said that the Yasen-class subs are a concern and " on par with ours " and repeatedly warned about the increasing presence of these vessels off of the US coast. A US naval intelligence official previously said that the Russian subs are "holding the United States at risk in some of their patrol areas."

Russia plans to build at least nine Yasen submarines in total, but there are indications that more could be on the way in the future .

Russia's deployment in Cuba serves multiple purposes. It comes before Caribbean air and maritime exercises, the first Russia has held in the area since 2019. It serves to strengthen Russia-Cuba ties, and it demonstrates a show of force to the US amid the war in Ukraine.

Tensions are particularly high after the US hesitantly agreed to allow Ukraine to use its long-range weapons to strike targets in Russian territory .

US officials have said that the appearance of these vessels in the area is not a direct response to those developments or an escalation, noting that Cuba has hosted Russian ships every year from 2013 to 2020, and the Russian exercises are routine.

The vessels in this group, however, are among Russia's most advanced or carrying newer weapons. In the past, NATO officials have flagged the Yasen-class submarines as "one of the big strategic challenges" the alliance faces.

Watch: Ukraine's sea drones vs. Russia's Black Sea Fleet

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Tour the West Coast on a California Coastal Cruise

Though it's a single state, California makes up more than half of the West Coast in the U.S., affording it some of the most beautiful weather, Pacific coastline and destinations in the country. And while you could hit the road to explore the many sights and sounds that the Golden State has to offer, why not travel in style with a California Coastal cruise from Princess Cruises? Choose from our selection of three-and five-day cruises, all with different itineraries to suit your interests and take you to new places.

Departing from your port of call in Los Angeles, this incredible Princess Cruises California getaway sails north to San Francisco before turning around to visit Santa Barbara, San Diego and the Mexican coastal destination of Ensenada - finally returning to the City of Angels.

And if you think you've already seen the best of the best along the West Coast, think again. With nearly 1,000 miles of beautiful coastline, there's always something new to discover in a state as diverse as California. Here are some of the destinations waiting for you on an unforgettable California coastal cruise.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be the City of Angels, but it's also the town that Hollywood calls home. At any given moment, you could spy a famous actor strolling down the street, run into a beautiful leading lady out for lunch or even get an autograph from your favorite comedian prior to one of his nightly shows.

The majority of the action is centered around the world famous Hollywood Boulevard, which is considered one of the central hubs of Los Angeles. Many of the city's historic theaters are located in this area, so you'll have the opportunity to pose for pictures in front of TCL Chinese Theatre or the Dolby Theatre nearby. As you move up the street, don't be surprised if you find yourself treading on some of Hollywood's biggest names as part of the legendary Walk of Fame. And, of course, don't forget the iconic Hollywood sign situated in the hills off in the distance.

San Francisco

This island located in the choppy waters of the San Francisco Bay is one of the world's most historic and storied prisons - Alcatraz. While the island no longer contains any federal inmates, it is currently a national park that allows tourists to explore the facility.

However, Alcatraz's history doesn't end with being a home for America's most wanted felons. Prior to its status as a prison, the island was the largest fort west of the Mississippi during the Civil War in addition to one of the West Coast's first lighthouses. From the island, you'll also have a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, the city of and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Santa Barbara

Though not as big of a tourist destination as Los Angeles or San Francisco, Santa Barbara is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions on the California coastline. If you're looking for a little slice of history, you'll want to head over to view the stunning architecture of the Santa Barbara Mission, which was constructed by Catholic missionaries back in the late 18th century.

However, one of the main draws of Santa Barbara is the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley - wine country. Here, you can explore the gorgeous wineries of California while sampling a diverse array of their merlots, shirazes and cabernet sauvignons, among others. Paired with the delicious regional cuisine, a day of wining and dining is sure to make Santa Barbara one of the most memorable stops on your Princess Cruises California voyage.

Known for its beautiful blue waters, pristine sandy beaches and incredible year-round weather, San Diego is one of the most enjoyable cities in all of California. Consider stopping over and going to a Chargers football game or Padres baseball game. You can also see some of the world's most exotic and incredible wildlife at the San Diego Zoo , Sea World or Wild Animal Park!

The wonders of the West Coast are just waiting to be unlocked, so get ready to escape completely® on a California Coastal cruise with Princess Cruises. From the spotlights of Hollywood to the sandy shores of Mexico, you won't forget your adventure down the Pacific coastline. Begin your journey!

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