Is There A Cruise From California To Hawaii
Norwegian Cruise Line offers the only year-round Hawaiian cruise to sail to Hawaiis 4 largest islands all in a single week. The 81,000-ton ship sails roundtrip from Honolulu on the island of Oahu, with day stops in Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and overnight stays in Kahului on Maui and Nawiliwili on Kauai.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas offers an all-inclusive experience, including business-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi, and premium beverages. The line’s luxurious ships have no more than 375 cabins, all of which are suites, and the staff-to-guest ratio is 1 to 1.5 one of the best in the industry. Regents Leis and Luaus cruise is an 18-night journey aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, round-trip from Los Angeles. The ship spends a day in Ensenada before crossing the Pacific to Hawaii and visits Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu and Nawiliwili.
References
Can You Take A Cruise From California To Hawaii
Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival launches a 14-day cruise from California to Hawaii aboard the Carnival Splendor in 2018. The round-trip cruise departs from Long Beach and stops at Maui, Honolulu and twice on the Big Island in Kona and in Hilo. The last stop before returning to California is at Ensenada.
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How To Find A Cruise To Hawaii From The West Coast
HAWAII magazine reader Ken Fiske emailed us with a question regarding travel options to Hawaii:
We have friends who want to come to Hawaii with us but dont want to fly. Are there any passenger ships operating between the West Coast and Hawaii?
You ask, we answer.
Good news. Several cruise lines have Hawaii port calls on their schedules. Bonus: These cruises wont; just get you to and from Hawaii, each also stops at multiple ports throughout the Islands along the way.
There are currently three cruise lines offering sailings specifically to the Hawaiian Islands from California.;
Holland America Lines current schedule takes passengers to four of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. The cruise line offers 15-day and 14-day circle Hawaii itineraries on the ms Zaandam. The 15-day cruise will make stops in Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii; Lahaina, Maui; Lihue, Kauai and Honolulu, Oahu. With the exception of Kailua-Kona, Holland Americas 14-day Hawaii itinerary is identical. The 14-day cruise starts at $1,499 for an interior stateroom; a 15-day cruise starts at $1,599. Both cruises are round-trip from San Diego, Calif., with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on the way back from Hawaii. Click here for more info.
Keep in mind that cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. In addition, prices do not include government fees and taxes and possible fuel supplement charges per person per day.;;
Things To Know About Planning A Hawaii Cruise
Perched in the North Pacific surrounded by crystal blue waters, the Hawaiian archipelago seems like a destination made for cruising. But planning a Hawaii cruise is more complicated than one might imagine. Its remote locale and protective regulations mean surprisingly few cruises are offered to this Polynesian paradise.
Among the many perks of a Hawaii cruise is the ability to see four islands within the span of a weeka logistical feat only accomplished through several flights for land vacationers. Cruising is also a highly economical way to see Hawaii, a notoriously expensive vacation destination.
Last but certainly not least, the wonders contained within the islands themselves are what bring in over nine million visitors each year. Cascading waterfalls, revered volcanoes, abundant marine life, postcard-perfect beacheseach of Hawaiis islands offer unique and memorable experiences for guests to enjoy.
Here are the five most common questions answered about planning a Hawaii cruise.
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Six Ways To Cruise Hawaii
Despite Hawaii being one of the top west coast cruise destinations for decades, many folks we talk with still don’t realize that you can take a cruise to Hawaii. Even fewer understand just how amazing of a way it is to explore the culture, food, history, and natural beauty offered by this magical destination. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can explore Hawaii on a cruise.
One of the biggest challenges with Hawaiian cruises is that unlike other itineraries such as going to Alaska, California Coastal, or Mexican Riviera – there are no international ports anywhere close to Hawaii. As a result, cruise options are relatively limited compared to others. It also means that these cruises are generally more expensive, smaller ships, or longer than your typical cruise.
However, we firmly believe that the tradeoff is worth it. While we enjoy visiting Hawaii while staying in a land-based resort, a cruise allows you to fully undersatand the diversity of the islands. For example, most mainlanders probably think of “Hawaii” as a monolithic place where what you find on the Big Island is the same as what you will find on Maui, Honolulu, or Kuai. That’s simply not true and the diversity manifests itself though the landscape, food, dances, story telling, and many other ways too. While we often look at land as being generally the same age, the Hawaiian islands are actually a series of volcanos that rose out of the sea and then almost immediately began eroding.;
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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The Best Cruises To Hawaii From California
Written by The CruiseExperts team. Posted in Hawaii, Hawaiian, Informative
Looking for the best cruise to Hawaii? Act now with special fares for the fall and winter cruise season!
Whether you are looking for action-packed or relaxing cruises to Hawaii from California, the fall and winter season offers you some of the best prices you will find all year long. Curious how this is possible? For starters, many Hawaii cruises from California during the fall and winter seasons take place on ships that were repositioned. Not familiar with repositioning? Many cruise lines will relocate ships out of places like Alaska and Vancouver popular during the summer and bring them South to call California home during the winter.
Ken B.
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy an upcoming cruise to Hawaii from California for an affordable price. If you have extra time off this holiday season, this incredible 15 day cruise to Hawaii from California on Princess Cruises starts at just $73 per day!; Leaving out of Los Angeles, you will enjoy places like Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Lahaina and more! Military members can even get up to a $250 onboard spending account with this special. Other cruises to Hawaii from California can be found on Holland America, with prices starting at just $76 per day with an inside cabin.
Hawaii Cruises Travel Tips
- One of the biggest issues Hawaii has is those who visit taking the lava rocks. It is advisable that you do not do this.
- Reserve tickets for the well-known tourist destinations in advance, such as Pearl Harbor.
- Make sure to bring enough sunscreen with you! It can be very hot and sunny.
- A lot of the land is sacred, and you should make sure you treat it as such.
- Stop and listen to the local music and try the local food.
- Speak with the people there and learn more about the history of the land and their ancestors.;
- Slow down and take in the sights, sounds, and smells around you while there. You will appreciate the area and your time more.;
- Try Poi, it is one of the most delicious things you will ever have and a staple in the Hawaiian community.
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Whens The Best Time For Couples To Visit Hawaii
With the kids back in school in September, this is a great month for parents to go on a couples cruise to Hawaii. Its the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, or simply spend quality time together resting and reconnecting.
Read: Best Way to See Hawaii
Cruises in September visit multiple Hawaiian destinations such as Hilo, Kailua Kona, and Lahaina.
Choosing A Cruise Line
Carnival offers the least expensive cruise fare from California to Hawaii. Keep in mind that Carnival ships tend to be larger vessels with a higher cruise capacity and less personalized service. Carnival Miracle holds approximately 2,100 passengers while the Celebrity Century and ms Veendam hold 1,800 and 1,350, respectively. The four Princess cruises have the largest passenger capacity, or roughly 2,600 passengers per ship, but like Holland America and Celebrity, cater to a more upscale crowd.
Of the four cruise lines, Holland America offers the most refined cruise experience. While children are welcome on all four cruise lines, young travelers may prefer Carnival Miracle for its youth programs, casual dining and water slides.
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Hawaii By Boat: You Can Get There From Southern California
Question: My sister, 85, wants to go to Hawaii to visit her grandson, but she does not want to fly. Cruise lines and agencies have indicated this is impossible because of federal laws and restrictions that require a stop in a foreign port. Is there a way to do this?
–Earl Gardner, Riverside
Answer: Yes. It wont be easy, it wont be cheap and the vacation wont be short. But it will accomplish the goal for Gardners sister, Jeanette Jones.
In the golden age of travel, passengers could sail to Hawaii. Some of my fondest travel memories involve sailing from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Honolulu and back on the old Matson Lines, the Bay Area passenger and cargo company that helped build tourism to Hawaii. These five-day cruises were an elegant introduction to transoceanic travel that no airline trip could ever match, especially these days.
But the tyranny of time meant the waning of passenger cruise service to Hawaii, and by the 70s, we bid aloha to our peaceful passage. Jets were in; sailing was out.
I was close to going down with the ship when help arrived from CruiseCritic.coms message boards. There, a respondent suggested I begin looking at trips that start in a foreign country. Blimey! And olé!
I found a few trips that sail from our neighbors to the north and south: NCLs Norwegian Sun , Royal Caribbeans Rhapsody of the Seas , Princess Pacific Princess and Celebrity Mercury .
Hawaii Cruises That Departs From California
This is the most common way that people cruise to Hawaii and it is a fine option. Unfortuantely, because of the distance from the mainland, this adds several sea days to your voyage. For example, for cruises from San Diego this would add FOUR sea days to your trip. On a round trip Holland America Line Zuiderdam “Hawaii Circle Cruise” that turns a cruise with five days in Hawaii to a 17-day cruise that includes a stop in Ensenda, Mexico to satisfy regulations regarding the PVSA. Of course, if you want something special and have plenty of time, Zuiderdam also hosts a 45-day Tales Of The South Pacific scheduled for October next year that leaves and returns to San Diego but explores Hawaii and the South Pacific for a starting price of only $7,000 vs the 17-day Hawaii Circle Cruise for $1,899.
For folks with lots of time, this is a great option since it generally isn’t that much more expensive than booking an inside cabin on Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise ship. For example, both of them are about the same price for Hawaii cruises in the spring of 2022 at a starting price for an inside cabin coming in about $2,000 per person. Certainly that’s a lot of extra value for the Holland America Line option.
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Hyatt Waikiki Standard View
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.
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.
Hawaiian Cruises Departing From California
Hawaii’s Big Island is a frequent port of call on Hawaiian cruises.
California’s coast is the closest place on the U.S. mainland to the Hawaiian islands, making the state’s four major cruise ports Long Beach and San Pedro in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco the most geographically convenient points of departure for cruises to Hawaii. It’s still a considerable voyage, starting with four to five straight days surrounded by nothing but the vast blue Pacific before you spot the fringes of the Hawaiian islands on the horizon. Here, you’ll hop from island to island, spending sunny days in the tropics and balmy nights onboard the ship, before heading back to California or onward to a new destination. If you’re keen to cruise from California to Hawaii, know that there are around half a dozen major cruise lines and a handful of luxury lines offering such trips; their duration and itineraries vary considerably.
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What Is The Best Cruise Line To Take To Hawaii
- #1. Celebrity Eclipse. Celebrity Cruises.
- #2. Eurodam. Holland America Line.
- #3. Emerald Princess. Princess Cruises.
- #3. Star Princess. Princess Cruises.
- #5. Grand Princess. Princess Cruises.
- #6. Norwegian Jewel. Norwegian Cruise Line.
- #7. Carnival Miracle. Carnival Cruise Line.
- #7. Pride of America. Norwegian Cruise Line.
Cruise Lines Traveling To Hawaii
There are several ways to book your Hawaiian cruise. You can book through any of the online travel companies or you can book with a travel agent locally.
You may want to consider booking directly with the cruise line that will take you from place to place. Shopping each of these services can help you to save money, too. Plus, not all cruises are the same. Find out what activities, port calls and overall experiences you can expect.
Popular options to cruise around Hawaii include these cruise lines.
- Princess Cruises offers a range of great Hawaiian cruises. They often leave from Los Angeles, California, but other port options may be available. A popular option is the 14-night cruise from Los Angeles on the Golden Princess cruise ship.
- Carnival Cruise Line provides Hawaiian cruises, too. This large company offers a number of different cruises, including those coming from Hawaii to the States. Twelve night cruises are popular, leaving from Ensenada or Honolulu.
- Norwegian Cruise Line also offers Hawaiian cruises from Honolulu and from Los Angeles. The Pride of America ship is one of the most popular for the Hawaiian cruises.
- Royal Caribbean Cruises offers several cruises throughout the year to Hawaii and the other Islands. They offer departures from Vancouver, specifically on the Rhapsody of the Seas.
There are many other cruise lines to choose from, too. Your goal should be to find the one that fits your needs the very best.
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California To Hawaii Round
Round-trip cruises from California ports to Hawaii start at 14 days in duration, which allows for nine or 10 full days at sea as bookends to four or more days of island hopping. Cruise ports in the islands include Honolulu on Oahu, Lahaina on Maui, Nawiliwili on Kauai, and the ports of Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. An example of a round-trip cruise is Holland America’s 18-day Circle Hawaii trip, which takes you from San Diego to Hilo, then Kona, Honolulu, Lahaina and Nawiliwili before returning to San Diego.