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.
Cruise Lines To Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
Kauai – Kauai, Hawaii’s island of discovery, offers the Napali Coast with mountain-laced shorelines, Botantical Gardens with overwhelming landscape views of boating down the Wailua River next to waterfalls and jungle terrain.
Maui – Maui – the magic isle – is perfect for whale watching and tasting island cocktails. Maui’s breathtaking views and pristine beaches attract travelers from all over the globe. Maui has 120 miles of beautiful coastline for tourists to surf, snorkel, walk and just explore.
Oahu – The heart of Hawaii, Oahu, features world-famous Waikiki Beach, perfect for surfing, shopping and sightseeing. Travelers can choose to escape to the peace and quiet of Oahu or run off and explore the natural wonders of this beautiful island.
Kona – The Big Island is said to be the island of adventure. Swim with the manta rays or if you are feeling really adventurous, explore Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. When you are ready to relax, visit Kona’s coffee plantations and sip and savor some of the best coffee in the world.
Lanai – Lanai’s famous Hulope Bay has white sandy beaches and aqua blue water, making it a perfect spot to explore the local marine life and tide pools, snorkel or scuba dive. Prepare to lose yourself in one of Hawaii’s most exciting islands.
Hawaiian Cruise Deals
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Boat From California To Hawaii
How much does it cost to take a boat from California to Hawaii? Depending on the size of the boat and the mode of transport used to ship as well as the distance between ports, you can expect to pay upwards of $2000 to ship a boat to Hawaii.
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Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Sailing To Hawaii From Long Beach
With Hawaii not yet ready to welcome back cruise ships, Carnival Cruise Line cancels its sailing to Hawaii from Long Beach in 2021.
Carnival Cruise Line informs booked guests that Carnival Miracles scheduled sailing to Hawaii from Long Beach, California, is cancelled. It comes as no cruise ships have yet been allowed to begin guest operations from the Islands until 2022.
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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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.
Small Ship Luxury Cruises That Depart From California
Im 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 cant 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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No Cruise Ships Until 2022
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In this 2019 file photo, crew and passengers are given lei by Destination Hilo volunteers as they get off the the cruise ship, MSC Magnifica in Hilo’s port.
Anyone hoping to travel on a cruise ship to Hawaii this year can forget about it.
Anyone hoping to travel on a cruise ship to Hawaii this year can forget about it.
Given the preparations and coordination needed to ensure Hawaii residents feel confident in the plan to resume cruising, we do not anticipate approving port call for cruise vessels with passengers in the time remaining in 2021, state Department of Transportation spokesman Jai Cunningham said Thursday.
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We do anticipate completing an agreement and allowing resumption of passenger dockage in early 2022, Cunningham said. Cruise operations can resume, per the terms of the agreement, after that agreement has been executed.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions conditional sail order, which requires an executed agreement with any cruise line prior to resumption of cruise operations to any U.S. port, is set to expire on Jan. 15, but the CDC has extended that order before.
In Hawaii, the DOTs Harbors Division would be the executing authority.
The conditional sail order which had dry-docked the cruise industry since March 13, 2020 also requires cruise operators to show 95% of crew and passengers on cruise ships arriving to and departing from U.S. ports to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.
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Tour The Garden Island By Helicopter From Nawiliwili Kauai
Considered by many to be Hawaiis most beautiful island, theres no better way to take in Kauais lush vegetation and spectacular mountainscapes than by helicopter as most of the island is inaccessible by road. Soar over picturesque waterfalls and towering pali as you learn about the islands history and legends from a knowledgeable local pilot.
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Hawaii Island Hopping By Small Ship
With tens of millions visiting the Aloha state each year, take a Hawaii island hopping cruise for an entirely new, off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Maybe you have been to Hawaii before, but never like this. While day cruises are common, overnight Hawaiian Island cruises are few and far between. Staying aboard a small ship offers unique opportunities to travel in an efficient and effortless way while never missing a sunset. Leave airport travel and hotel bag-packing behind to island hop in style and ease.
Our Hawaii interisland cruise options reach ports and locations that are off-the-beaten path and away from the typical Hawaii destinations. These relaxed, intimate and active Hawaii small ship cruises may just offer the new spin on Aloha luxury youve been searching for. Your itinerary is flexible and not available to larger ships, making this small boat cruise Hawaii experience uncrowded, unrushed and full of active adventure exploring remote locales by foot, kayak, sailboat, paddleboard and motor launch.
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Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it’s where Hawaii vacations turn moments into memories.
The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it’s where Hawaii vacations turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
- Distance/Airport: 10 miles
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Day : Hilo Hawaii Island
Watch the sunrise as the ship approaches Hilo Bay on the Island of Hawaii. After a caffeine hit hop off the ship for a full-day discovering Hilo, Hawaiis second-largest town. Skip the free shuttles to Target and Walmart and opt for the US$20 Hoppa-On Hoppa-Off Hilo Tour Bus. Its a convenient way to see Hilos attractions, including Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Downtown Hilo, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Hilo Farms Market, the King Kamehameha Statue, Richardson Black Sand Beach and Big Island Candies.
Another favoured tour from Hilo is a trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. As a volcanic landscape, park conditions always change. Check nps.gov/havo for updates.
Tonight is a good night for Teppanyaki. Its a Japanese cooking experience where meals are creatively grilled on an iron plate in front of patrons. Wander over to the Waikiki Bar for a Lava Flow cocktail, followed by The Wonders! A Magical Experience.
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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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.
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Crystal Cruises: Hawaiian Island Shores 16
Guests boardCrystal Serenity in Los Angeles and spend four days at sea enjoying the entertainment, dining, fitness center, enrichment opportunities, spa, and sports activities. The ship arrives in Honolulu for a day and a half of exploring the bustling city and island of Oahu. Cruising overnight to the next port on Kauai, the ship spends all day, giving guests the chance to enjoy the Garden Isles waterfalls, lush gardens, beaches, and culture. Lahaina on the island of Maui is the next stop, with a full day and evening to visit Mauis beaches, upcountry farms, and the historic whaling town of Lahaina. In Kailua-Kona, theres an opportunity to see miles of black lava as well as Volcanoes National Park. On the other side of the island in Hilo, the next day shows the contrast with lush gardens, waterfalls, rainforest, and rocky shores. Four days at sea on the way to Ensenada gives guests time for the casino, a new restaurant, spa treatment, pool, or movie. After a full day in the Mexican port, the ship returns to Los Angeles.
Budget More For Shore Excursions
If you are cruising to Hawaii, you probably have dreams of volcanoes, luaus, long drives along scenic highways, and several other unforgettable moments. You can have all these Instagramable moments and more, but it will cost quite a bit. Tours and sightseeing activities on many of the islands are expensive when compared to cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas. We easily doubled our normal shore excursion budget.
Blue Helicopter Tours on Big Island | Photo: EatSleepCruise
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Drive The Road To Hana From Kahului Maui
The winding road to Hana Bay is legendary, and for good reason! En route youll stop at tropical waterfalls, black sand beaches and breathtaking lookouts including Hookipa, where you can watch some of the worlds best windsurfers. This is a full day excursion best enjoyed before an overnight stay in Kahului.
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
Set on a busy road lined with restaurants and office buildings, this upmarket hotel in Downtown is a 4-minute walk from a SkyTrain station, and 2 km from the waterfront Stanley Park and sports events at the Rogers Arena
Relaxed rooms, most with city views, offer flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi , plus tea and coffeemakers. Club-level rooms have access to a lounge with free continental breakfast and evening snacks, while suites provide separate living areas. Room service is available 24/7.
There’s a hip international restaurant with a bar and big-screen sports.
Set on a busy road lined with restaurants and office buildings, this upmarket hotel in Downtown is a 4-minute walk from a SkyTrain station, and 2 km from the waterfront Stanley Park and sports events at the Rogers Arena
Relaxed rooms, most with city views, offer flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi , plus tea and coffeemakers. Club-level rooms have access to a lounge with free continental breakfast and evening snacks, while suites provide separate living areas. Room service is available 24/7.
There’s a hip international restaurant with a bar and big-screen sports. Additional amenities include an indoor pool and a whirlpool, plus a sauna and a gym.
- Distance/ Airport: 10 miles
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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.
Lahaina & Kahului Harbors Maui
Once the national capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom until 1845, Lahaina is still a thriving port town with a deep history. Tender to shore to explore its history museums, art galleries, scores of unique shops and restaurants on charming Front Street, and picture-perfect beaches such as Kaanapali Beach.Close to Kahului Airport, this deep-water port in Central Maui is a jumping off point for some of the Valley Isles most magnificent excursions, including the Iao Valley State Park and Haleakala National Park.
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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!