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What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii

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The Best Month To Cruise Hawaii

Alaska & Hawaii, the Norwegian Cruise Line Way! – Morris Murdock Travel

A Hawaii cruise is an increasingly popular way to take in Hawaii’s dramatic landscapes, great weather and varied activities, sights and lifestyles. Cruise travelers can choose from weeklong round trip Honolulu cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line longer cruises sailing round trip from the U.S. West Coast and less-common, one-way sailings on ships heading to or from the South Pacific, Australia or Asia.

There’s another important choice to make, and that’s when to go. The good news is that no time of year is bad to take a Hawaiian cruise. Nevertheless, there are differences in weather, cruise availability, price and other factors from season to season. Here’s what you need to know about which months are best to cruise Hawaii.

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!

Hawaiian Ports And Excursions

The Hawaiian Islands feature six cruise ports on four islands: Honolulu on Oahu, Lahaina and Kahului on Maui, Nawiliwili on Kauai, and Kona and Hilo on the Big Island. Some itineraries stop at both Kona and Hilo, but cruises generally only stop at one port on Maui. Shore excursions booked through the cruise line are a convenient option, and some luxury lines include all excursions in their packages, but passengers are of course free to explore independently.

Know that all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, making them a great low-cost excursion option. If your cruise ends in Honolulu, you’ll have extra time post-cruise to explore the top attractions on Oahu, which include Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Diamond Head and the Polynesian Cultural Center. The towns of Kahului and Kona are both historic and pleasantly walk-able. One of the Big Island’s major attractions Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closer to Hilo than Kona, but still a 30-mile drive requiring a rental car or guided tour. The Nawiliwili cruise port is close to Niumalu Beach and the busier Kalapaki Beach, but experiencing Kauai’s most impressive natural treasures, Waimea Canyon and the rugged cliffs of the Napali Coast, calls for a guided excursion.

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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.

Things To Know About Planning A Hawaii Cruise

Hawaiian Cruise onboard Pride of America

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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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.

Which Cruise Ships Go To Hawaii

Hawaii: Cruise Lines

  • Carnival CruiseLine. Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise.
  • Celebrity Cruises.
  • #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.

Furthermore, what is the best month to cruise to Hawaii? Shoulder season or off-season for Hawaii cruises takes place between May and June, and again in September through mid-December. If you want to enjoy an affordable Hawaiian vacation with glorious weather, the shoulder season is the best time of year to sail to Hawaii.

Furthermore, are there any cruise ships that go to Hawaii?

Norwegian Cruise Line: 4 Islands, 7 DaysNorwegian Cruise Line offers the only year-round Hawaiian cruise to sail to Hawaii’s 4 largest islands — all in a single week. All of which makes Norwegian’s Pride of America the most convenient choice for travelers with limited vacation time.

Which Royal Caribbean ship goes to Hawaii?

Ovation of the Seas

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What Is The Best Month To Cruise Hawaii

Many people like to travel to Hawaii during the shoulder season of September through Mid-December. This is the time when crowds are low and ticket prices drop, which means you can find some incredible Hawaii cruise deals during those months. Peak season in Hawaii is mid-December through as late as mid-April and while we always have the best deals, vacation costs as a whole would be higher during peak season.

Hawaii Small Ship Cruises With Adventuresmith

Cruise Hawaii on Norwegian Cruise Line

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.

3.4

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Best Time For A Hawaii Cruise

Thanks to the warm weather all year round, there is never a bad time for a Hawaii cruise with its lush green vegetation, stunning tropical blossom, warm ‘aloha’ welcomes all set against an awe-inspiring backdrop. However, there are differences in cruise fare, cruise availability and weather as the seasons change that you should be aware of before choosing when to travel.

Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands offer an idyllic cruise destination with a picture perfect landscape and beautiful climate. Hawaii cruises with Royal Caribbean are the perfect way to experience this exotic island chain and discover why the archipelago is so popular with travellers. Available on selected sailings:

On Hawaii cruises with Royal Caribbean, you can explore such picturesque locations as Honolulu, Hilo and Nawiliwili, whether you choose to cruise on the Radiance of the Seas or the Rhapsody of the Seas. Both of these feature-packed vessels offer you a huge choice of amenities and fun-filled facilities to keep you occupied during sea days. A wide range of shore excursions are also available, designed to showcase the main attractions of each port of call.

There are a number of Royal Caribbean Hawaii cruises available, ranging from nine to 13 nights in duration, which depart and end in either Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, or the Canadian port of Vancouver in British Columbia.

After several days at sea enjoying the ships facilities, youll arrive at the historic British Columbian city of Victoria, where youll have the opportunity to explore the city, the intriguing Craigdarroch Castle and the beautiful Butchart Gardens. Your final day will see you arrive in the bustling city of Vancouver, before your journey home.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.Visit theforeign travel advicesite for the latest travel updates.

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Hawaii Travel Update: Norwegian Cruise Line To Skip Big Island Calls Indefinitely

Norwegian Cruise Line will not call at ports on Hawaiis Big Island because the ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea volcano.

Norwegian made the announcement in a statement to USA Today this week, explaining that Pride of America, the only U.S.-registered ship sailing Hawaii from Honolulu, will now spend more time at Oahu and Maui instead of scheduled calls at Kona and Hilo.

The ship will now have an overnight at Honolulu and a day trip to Lahana in Maui instead of the Kona and Hilo calls. Its seven-day sailings, which leave every Saturday from Honolulu, will still include overnights in Kahului, Maui and Nawiliwili, Kauai.

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Hawaiis Kilauea Volcano Eruption Isnt a Covered Event for Typical Travel Insurance

Norwegian had been sailing an altered itinerary on Pride of America since the Kilaeua volcano initially erupted last month.

Other lines have also decided to skip Big Island calls, including Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. This week, Oceanias Insignia will instead spend on overnight in Honolulu instead of calling at Hilo.

Despite the news, the Hawaii Tourism Authority wants travelers to know that all airports and flights are operational and most local business and tour companies outside of the active areas are still open.

Two-thirds of HawaiI Volcanoes National Park is closed because of the eruptions, but the Kahuku Unit is still open and park rangers are available at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Downtown Hilo.

Cruise Lines Traveling To Hawaii

On a cruise ship in #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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Hawaii Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

For cruise ship passengers, there are many things to do in Hilo and things to do in Kona that are within walking distance or a short cab ride from the pier. For more extensive adventures, renting a car can be a good option.

Better yet, book a tour to capture the best sites on the Big Island. Completely private shore excursions from Hilo and Kona offer the best way to see the best sites on the Island. Private tours allow you to experience more of the island than is possible with commercial group charters, with flexibility for additional stops according to your own particular interests.

Small Ship Luxury Cruises That Depart From California

I’m including this as a seperate category since it is important to note that a vast number of small ship cruises also visit Hawaii. These cruises vary in price and length so much that I can’t possibly even add a spectrum. Suffice to say, this is the option to take if neither price nor time is a limiting factor. For instance, you could do a 19-day Los Angeles to Auckland cruise on Crystal Serenity or a 136 “World Cruise” on Viking Star that visits Hawaii.

The choice is yours but these voyages will offer a different level of Hawaii cruise experience due to both the extra attention available on the smaller ships, but also the ability to visit smaller ports and get closer to marine life than you can in a traditional cruise ship.

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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.

Six Ways To Cruise Hawaii

Tips for Your Hawaii Cruise Vacation (7-day Norwegian)

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.

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