Return Of Cruise Ships Still Up In The Air
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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Rocks are seen under the water near the Port of Hilo on Friday.
Exactly 33,400 trans-Pacific passengers arrived Thursday by air at Hawaiis major airports, but the question of when the Aloha State will once again welcome cruise ship passengers at its ports remains unanswered.
There are no formally scheduled bookings for any cruises, at any commercial harbor, at this time, said Shelly Kunishige, spokeswoman for the Hawaii Department of Transportation in an email. Resumption of cruise activity continues to be conditional on operators meeting the conditions of the CDC order.
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Kunishige is referring to a conditional sail order by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which requires cruise operators to show 95% of crew and passengers are vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, or to hold test cruises with volunteer passengers to prove they can mitigate coronavirus risks.
There were numerous outbreaks of COVID-19 aboard cruise ships early in the pandemic, and the CDC dry-docked the industry in the U.S. with a no-sail order on March 14, 2020.
Previous optimism by tourism officials about a possible return of cruise ships to Hawaiis harbors later this year has been dashed, or at least dampened, by the Delta variant strain of the novel coronavirus that has resulted in a surge of new COVID-19 cases in the islands.
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How Long Is A Cruise To Hawaii
Hawaii cruises range from seven nights to 18 nights or longer, depending on the itinerary. A cruise only within the Hawaiian Islands sailing round trip Honolulu is the shortest seven night option, while any cruise from California to Hawaii will take at least 15 nights due to the islands remote location. Round trip sailings are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, but be prepared to spend at least eight days of that cruise at sea getting to and from Hawaii. Choose your ship wisely as youll be spending a lot of time on it!
Many ships alternate between Hawaii or Polynesia in the Winter and Alaska in the Summer so youll often find repositioning cruises to and from Hawaii in May and September as ships make their way across the Pacific. 10-night cruises from Vancouver, BC to Hawaii are a common repositioning itinerary.
What To Wear On A Hawaiian Cruise
With average highs exceeding 80° F all year round, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics will make the heat more bearable until your next ocean plunge or air-conditioned reprieve. In typical aloha style, the local Hawaiian dress code skews casual, but your ship may have special events going on to dress for so check your itinerary in advance. Pride of Americas White Hot Party, for example, is a white-attire celebration youll definitely want to pack for!
Its likely youll encounter the occasional rain storm, especially from October to March, so having a packable poncho or rain jacket on hand is a good idea if youre planning an outdoor adventure far from cover. These tropical storms are usually brief, but can leave you drenched!
Planning to summit a volcano or two? It can get very chilly up top, especially if youre visiting at sunrise or sunset, so layer up for the elevation change. Some tour companies provide jackets for guests to stay warm but its worth asking if you should bring your own.
We hope you found this article helpful in planning your Hawaii cruise. No matter what time of year or who youre travelling with, youre bound to have the time of your life exploring this island paradise. Remember to book your excursions before you leave home to avoid disappointment!
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Hawaii Small Ship Cruises With Adventuresmith
We offer the most unique, intimate way to visit Hawaiiby yacht. Let us take you there with efficiency and ease. To travel and cruise Hawaii in 2021, it requires even more preparation due to ever-changing protocols were here to help. Why book your Hawaii interisland cruise with AdventureSmith?
Personalized
Work with one Adventure Specialist to prepare for your Hawaii island hopping cruise.
Experience
We can match you with the best Hawaiian cruise thanks to our years of experience.
Active
Snorkel, whale watch, hike, kayak & paddleboard all in one trip, included in the cost.
Value
Were here to help you save with our partnerships & exclusive Hawaii cruise deals.
Hawaii Cruises 2021 & 2022
Hawaiian cruises in 2021 are hotter than ever due to domestic travel being a top post-pandemic travel trend. With restrictions loosening on each island, its easier than ever to go Hawaii island hoppingespecially by private small ship since air travel requires more logistics and exposure to crowds. Our team can assist you with your trip this year, or your Hawaii cruise 2022 and beyond.
Luxury Hawaii Cruises & Private Yacht Charters
Cruising Hawaii offers a way to reach many of the islands, letting the captain and a flexible itinerary be your guide.
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Hawaiian Cruises Departing From California
Departing out of four California embarkation ports, Hawaiian-bound cruises will get you from L.A. to a lei around your neck in less than a week of travel time. Whether you are snorkeling off the coast of Oahu or zip lining in Maui, Hawaiian cruises give you the opportunity to see a new part â and port â of Hawaii each day.
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All Inclusive Cruises To Hawaii From The Us
A cruise allows you to prolong the experience of traveling to Hawaii.
Jetting off to a tropical Hawaiian beach and spending a week or two soaking in the warm sun can be an idyllic vacation, but itâs not the only way to enjoy a vacation in the 50th state. Take an all-inclusive cruise lasting from 14 to 18 days to pamper yourself with cruise ship luxury and relish an itinerary that takes you to a variety of activities on different islands.
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Overview Of Hawaii Cruising
Cruising in the Hawaiian Islands … an industry that has a rich heritage dating back to the days when airline travel from the West Coast of the USA to the Hawaiian Islands wasn’t yet possible. Times have changed! While there are many different internationally-flagged cruise ships that pass through Hawaiian waters to and from the mainland, the vast majority of cruise ship passengers who enjoy a Hawaii vacation are not using the ship as a means of transportation to get to the islands. They are flying to and from Hawaii, and taking the NCL Pride of America, a US flagged ship that does weekly itineraries around the Hawaiian Islands that starts and ends in Honolulu. Because it is a US flagged ship it doesn’t require a two-day detour to Fanning Island or a stop somewhere in Mexico at the beginning or ending of the cruise.
We have mixed feelings about some cruise vacations to Hawaii. You hop from island to island and get to see and do it all while you are here, right? Well, not exactly. Some cruise ship itineraries are so bad that you barely have a chance to see anything at all. The time in port can be so limited that your only choice for optional tours is to get on one of the cruise line’s busses when you hit port and ride around with 70 other cruisers looking out the window. We don’t call that”Getting to see and do it all.”
Read this sentence over and over and let it sink in. Ready???
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Cruises That Depart From Hawaii
Watch the sun set while cruising through the Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiian cruises most commonly depart from Honolulu, the state’s governmental and commercial capital and its largest city. Available itineraries include simple jaunts around the islands to adventures half way around the world. In Honolulu, cruise ships dock at Honolulu Harbor, near the 10 story Aloha Tower Marketplace, which features shops and restaurants. Climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the Honolulu Harbor and cruise ships docked there.
Australia To Hawaii Cruises And Hawaii To Australia Cruises
There are a few cruises from Australia to Hawaii. They are long one-way or round-trip journeys, beginning in Sydney or Brisbane. See the calendar below for departures.
There are also cruises from Hawaii to Australia. They leave from Honolulu and end in Sydney or Brisbane. Many islands are visited along the way.
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Steps from the azure blue waters and soft sands of Waikk Beach, Hyatt Regency Waikk Beach Resort and Spa offers magnificent personalized services and luxurious amenities including world-class dining, award-winning spa, interactive cultural activities, 24-hour fitness centre, swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and more than 60 on-site boutiques. The resort provides the perfect place for those who want to make the most of their island experience and connect with the heart of Hawai`i. And for your convenience, Norwegian Cruise Line can assist you with island adventures, transfers and more.
Package includes:
Hawaii Cruises To Kona
Nestled at the bottom of Hualalai volcano, and near Kealakekua Bay, Kailua Kona was the playground of kings in ancient times and by taking a tour of the city you can see the palace, church and temple for yourself. Alternatively, if you’d like to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii first hand, go on an adventure on the cloud forest botanical walk. Before you leave, wind down after a day of exploring by checking out some of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii.
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Cruises From San Francisco To Hawaii
Two cruise lines offer voyages from San Francisco to Hawaii. They are round-trip. See the complete schedule of departures below.
Hawaiian cruises are one of the great vacations. Visit as many as four of the islands. See an active volcano. Snorkel or surf. See the hula dance. Enjoy the good island food. And maybe see whales.
This video is a short promo listing reasons to go on a cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco. It is from Princess Cruises.
These cruises are a great vacation adventure. A little more than two weeks of crossing the open Pacific and exploring Hawaii.
For more options in addition to these out of SF, consider a cruise to Hawaii from Los Angeles or a cruise to Hawaii from San Diego.
Cruise To Hawaii From Australia
April 10, 2022: 16-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Royal Caribbean Cruises. One-way from Sydney to Honolulu . Visit Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
April 11, 2022: 15-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Royal Caribbean Cruises. One-way from Brisbane to Honolulu . Visit Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
April 13, 2022: 35-day cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Princess Cruises. Round-trip from Sydney to Newcastle , Mare , Suva , Pago Pago , Honolulu , Kauai , Hilo , Maui , Kona , Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Auckland and Bay of Islands .
April 15, 2023: 17-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Royal Caribbean Cruises. One-way from Sydney to Honolulu . Visit Auckland , Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
April 17, 2022: 18-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Celebrity Cruises. One-way from Sydney to Honolulu . Visit Bay of Islands , Auckland , Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Maui .
September 3, 2022: 35-day cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Princess Cruises. Round-trip from Sydney to Brisbane , Fiji, Pago Pago, Honolulu , Kauai , Kona , Hilo , Maui , Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Auckland and Bay of Islands .
16-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Royal Caribbean Cruises. One-way from Brisbane to Honolulu . Visit Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Kona .& #8226 2023 departure: April 12.
April 14, 2023: 16-night cruise to Hawaii from Australia on Royal Caribbean Cruises. One-way from Sydney to Honolulu . Visit Auckland , Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
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Snorkel At Kealakekua Bay From Kailua Kona Big Island
This marine sanctuary famous for its Captain Cook monument boasts some of the best snorkelling in Hawaii. Your zodiac will help you avoid the hour-long hike in by land and will deliver you to the best areas of the bay to explore. Youll find turtles, sea caves and maybe even a pod of spinner dolphins who call the bay home.
What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii
Considering the popularity of this island tourist destination, surprisingly few cruise lines offer Hawaii cruises. The main reason for this is the strict requirements for operating itineraries solely within the Hawaiian Islands. Ships must have a mostly-American crew and be registered in the United Statescriteria that currently only Norwegians Pride of America meets. Consequently, Norwegian is the only cruise line able to offer 7-night Hawaii cruises, which they do every week, all year long.
Pride of Americas itinerary is an enticing option, sailing round trip Honolulu and providing guests with 100 hours of in-port time on Hawaiis idyllic islands. With overnight calls on Maui and Kauai, youll have the opportunity to experience more of these destinations by renting a car or by booking multiple excursions, which are generally required to see anything of interest beyond the pier.
If you dont mind spending several consecutive days at sea, Princess, Carnival and Holland America all offer 15-night cruises from California to Hawaii. Most of these include the benefit of a call at Lahaina, Mauis most charming town, which Pride of America does not visit. Round trip California itineraries also often include a bonus stop in Ensenada, Mexico, the birthplace of the Margarita and home to the best wineries in the country!
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When Will Cruises Resume
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The Pride of America is anchored in March 2020 in Kailua Bay as visitors disembark a tour bus before catching a tender back out to the vessel.
It has been nearly one year since cruise ships stopped service to Hawaii, and there is no hint of when they might return.
It has been nearly one year since cruise ships stopped service to Hawaii, and there is no hint of when they might return.
Earlier this month, Norwegian Cruise Lines once again extended its suspension of all of its cruises including the Hawaii-operating Pride of America through the end of May 2021. Carnival Cruise Line has done the same, Princess Cruises has canceled all sailings worldwide through May 15, and Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean through the end of April.
The government of Canada, meanwhile, suspended all passenger cruises through Canadian waters until the end of February 2022.
Hawaii Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shelly Kunishige said cruise companies are awaiting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before announcing plans. But with the CDCs guidance also not forthcoming in the immediate future, cruises do not seem likely to return for quite some time.
And with cruise traffic to the island absent for nearly a year, businesses that relied on that traffic are struggling.
Its a crapshoot whether well be able to get back to work this year, said Jay Trombley, owner of Keikana Tours, which operates the Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off tour bus in Hilo.
Can You Take A Cruise From Los Angeles To Hawaii
With convenient roundtrip cruise departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver, its easy to cruise to Hawaii in style and avoid the hassle of a long, boring plane flight to paradise. And if youre on the West Coast, its even easier to sail local residents can drive in and sail on the same day!
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Hawaii Island Hopping Tales From Our Experts & Travelers
AdventureSmith travelers as well as our expert staff have been aboard small boat cruises in Hawaii and can help guide your trip planning. Read on to get a feel for your ship and activity choices, as well as the region and the striking tropical landscape and culture that await you. We share fun and personal stories from our Hawaiian Island cruises to help you learn more about what its like to be on a unique Hawaii island hopping cruise. These reviews can inspire and inform, whether you are planning a Hawaii honeymoon, a getaway with friends or an active family trip. Let these tales can inspire your own Hawaii interisland cruise and know what to anticipate.
An AdventureSmith expert shares his experience on the 8-day Hawaiian Seascapes cruise aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer.
Whats the first question a newly-married couple gets? Where did you guys go on your Honeymoon? We are outdoorsy and adventurous. We enjoy hiking and getting out there, we want to experience things that others could only read about. We didn’t want to completely rough it on our honeymoon but we also didn’t want the resort or the 2,000 person cruise ship.
As I drift off to sleep I begin to dream of the amazing experiences that I couldn’t even have imagined only seven days ago. I dream of diving with manta rays, of Pele, the goddess of fire, of paddle boarding at Shark’s Fin Cove and swimming in the cool water under the cascading falls of Moâ’oula.
What Are The Best Hawaii Shore Excursions
Unlike Caribbean islands, youll find that the main points of interest on a Hawaii cruise require travelling away from the pier, either with your own rental car or through a planned excursion. For this reason, Hawaii shore excursions are extremely popular and should be booked well in advance! Here are a few of the best.
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