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Oahu is the turn-around port for Pride of America, so travelers should consider a pre- or post-cruise stay to see the sights. Attend a luau where you can feast on Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy music, dancing and fire play. Some take place on plantations where you can discover more about local agriculture. Or, stop by historic attractions, such as Honolulu's Iolani Palace or the Big Island's city of refuge, to learn about the ancient Polynesian culture or the Kingdom of Hawaii.
New To Cruising
Cruise ship with sickened passengers docks in Honolulu - KHON2
Cruise ship with sickened passengers docks in Honolulu.
Posted: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Travelers appreciate the convenience of unpacking once while island hopping across this gorgeous region. Popular combo destinations include the Mexican Riviera with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo; sailing to Los Angeles or San Diego in California; and visiting Fanning Island or Samoa in the South Pacific. These provide a taste of Hawaiian culture alongside other regional influences.
What to bring on a Hawaii cruise
After dark, enjoy glittering entertainment before dancing under the stars. Elevate your experience at The Retreat® and stay in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. Despite being the smallest of the four main islands, Kauai is home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon,the lush Fern Grotto framed by Wailua River, and so much more. The stunning Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, such as Jurassic Park and King Kong.
Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There
As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu. Norwegian Cruise Line bases only one ship in the region; other lines only sail to the islands seasonally. Booking early will not only guarantee you get the cabin type you want on the sail date you prefer, but may also get you the lowest prices and promotional booking bonuses (i.e. free stuff). In addition, unless you live on the West Coast, a Hawaii cruise will require a long flight either to California or Honolulu, so you'll want plenty of time to find an airfare deal or available award seat. UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary.
What cruise lines depart from Honolulu?
The next two days feature a hike up the slopes of Hualalai with a naturalist guide, night snorkeling among Giant Pacific Manta rays, and plenty of opportunities for swimming or kayaking. On Maui, guests can stroll through historic Lahaina, snorkel among coral and sea turtles, or kayak in a marine sanctuary. Lanai is the next island, where guests can paddleboard or kayak past 1,000-foot-high sea cliffs, go snorkeling, or visit the quaint Lanai Culture and Heritage Center. On Molokai, guests can learn how taro is cultivated and turned into poi, or they can hike to a spectacular waterfall in Halawa Valley.
Spend a month cruising Alaska, Hawaii on new Holland America itinerary - USA TODAY
Spend a month cruising Alaska, Hawaii on new Holland America itinerary.
Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
We partner with cruise lines and online travel agents to deliver our visitors one location to compare pricing across the web. Cruisers can read reviews from verified members sharing their experience while cruising to Hawaii. The main ports of call in Hawaii are Honolulu, from where our cruises start or finish, and Hilo and Kona, both on the Big Island. On some itineraries, you’ll also enjoy scenic cruising along the Napali Coast on Kauai, a sacred landscape of emerald cliffs, pristine beaches, and jagged mountain ridges.
The best Hawaii cruises for travelers who love sea days and small ships
The ship then sails on to Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can indulge in wine tastings, e-bike tours, and ATV adventures in the Guadalupe Valley. This cruise aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess departs San Francisco in the late afternoon. Swimming pools, hot tubs, miniature golf, Discovery at Sea programs, movies, dancing, and shows ensure plenty to do during the four days at sea on the way to Hawaii. Shipboard programs for youths, teens, and families provide something for everyone. On the Big Island, guests can zipline through the rainforest or ride to the top of Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain. Next is Oahu, where activities include a tour of Pearl Harbor, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and a tour of the only royal palace in the United States.
Featured Honolulu
And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out. While West Maui recovers, we will stop into Kahului on the island’s north side. Our “On Deck For A Cause” walks during Hawaii cruises will support Lahaina relief efforts.
However, it's not all paradise in the Hawaii cruise world because itineraries are limited. U.S. government regulations prohibit foreign-flagged ships from sailing between U.S. ports without visiting a foreign port. A variety of cruise lines call on Hawaii -- Princess, Crystal, Holland America, Royal Caribbean -- but Norwegian Cruise Line has the only big ship based there, sailing from Honolulu. Expedition lines like UnCruise Adventures sail Hawaii's smaller islands. Find itineraries departing from all the major departure ports that sail to Hawaii.
Sign up for family-friendly shore excursions or leave your kids onboard to paint, learn to cook, or play video games while you explore. Viking’s 17-day roundtrip Hawaiian Islands Sojourn from Los Angeles happens on board the Viking Star, which carries a maximum of 930 passengers. Check the ship’s daily schedule for expert lectures, and make time to experience the spa’s snow room while getting acquainted with Nordic bathing rituals. Several cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Viking Cruises, call on ports in Hawaii, with many of them traveling to or from the United States or Canada. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only company that sails exclusively between Oahu and neighboring Hawaiian islands.
These voyages visit the four main islands of Hawaii, stopping at world-class destinations like Honolulu on Oahu; Lahaina on Maui; Hilo and Kona on the Big Island; and Nawiliwili on Kauai. Upscale lines like Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking may have an annual sailing to Hawaii as part of a positioning cruise or around-the-world voyage. Fares are higher but include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities andmultiple specialty restaurants. On board, fun activities include waterslides, mini golf, casinos, Punchliner Comedy Club and lively deck parties. Carnival ships offer a range of dining and bar venues from casual to upscale.
While some best practices (like not walking too close to volcanoes) are obvious, be aware of lesser-known laws. For example, it's actually illegal to hike Honolulu's popular Haiku Stairs. With warm weather year-round, Hawaii is one of the U.S.'s sunniest states. The rainy season goes from November to March, but don't worry too much about the weather during these months; it isn't a constant monsoon — there's simply a greater chance of showers. On Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can tour six different recreations of traditional villages. Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations, and learn the old ways of fishing without a net.
Take a walk under the stars on Waikiki or dine at one of many amazing eateries on our luxurious overnights. Once you've decided how you want to cruise Hawaii, you can seek out the best cruise fares so you're ready to say "Aloha!" to an incredible vacation when the right deal pops up. Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do.
The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Princess cruise excursions are pure magic, offering luaus, beautiful beaches and glimpses into Hawaii's unique culture. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible natural wonders, Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers…. If your schedule permits, look at Hawaii cruises leaving on different days of the week and from various ports. Mid-week departures are generally several hundred dollars cheaper per person. You may also save money departing from LA, San Diego or Vancouver rather than traditional port cities.
Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation to see the sights. For a completely different interisland cruise, UnCruise Adventures offers a more off-the-beaten-path, adventure-focused sailing on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. You can sail to Hawaii year-round, but the itinerary options vary based on the month you choose. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only major cruise line to offer year-round, weeklong cruises. 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.
Or sail out onto the scenic waters off Maui’s sun-kissed shores and witness in awe as humpback whales frolic about. Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Itineraries, port visits, amenities offered and cruise lengths can vary greatly. Compare deals in detail to find your perfect Hawaii cruise at a great value. On board, guests can enjoy specialty restaurants, Broadway-style theater shows, adults-only Sanctuary area, and Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema.
