Cruising offers a way to experience new destinations, blending relaxation and discovery. This mode of travel allows passengers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
1. Norwegian Pride of America: Year-Round Adventures
Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America provides year-round interisland cruises in Hawaii. Sailing round-trip from Honolulu, these cruises visit Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island without long Pacific crossings. This option maximizes time exploring Hawaii's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Longer Hawaii journeys are available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, typically extending to 15 or 16 nights. These trips include crossings to and from the mainland and may include a stop in Mexico.
While Norwegian offers direct access to Hawaiian waters, other cruise lines like Princess and Carnival provide experiences with additional days at sea. Choosing the right cruise depends on time constraints and the desire for leisurely exploration.
2. Princess Cruises: West Coast to Paradise
Princess Cruises offers extended round-trip sailings from West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. These 14 to 18-night itineraries combine exploration of Hawaii with multiple sea days.
The cruises stop at iconic Hawaiian ports like:
- Pearl Harbor and Waikiki on Oahu
- The cliffs of Kauai
- Snorkeling spots off Maui
Princess often includes a call at a Mexican port such as Ensenada on the return journey.
These longer itineraries appeal to cruisers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, offering a blend of shore excursions and tranquil sea days.
3. Carnival and Holland America: Budget-Friendly Voyages
Carnival and Holland America offer budget-friendly round-trip sailings from the West Coast to Hawaii.
Carnival provides 16-night itineraries from ports like San Francisco, catering to families and fun-seekers with onboard amenities and entertainment. Ports of call include Honolulu and Hilo.
Holland America offers a more refined experience with elegant ships and attentive service. Their itineraries allow more time in ports such as Maui and Kauai, focusing on cultural immersion and culinary exploration.
Both lines include stops in Ensenada, Mexico, adding cultural variety to the cruise experience.
4. Quick Interisland: Hawaii's Gems in a Week
Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America offers seven-night interisland cruises for efficient exploration of Hawaii. The itinerary starts in Honolulu and includes:
- Overnight stays in Maui
- Visits to Hilo and Kona on the Big Island
- A stop in Kauai
This option allows visitors to experience Hawaii's diverse offerings, from hiking in national parks to relaxing on beaches, without long ocean crossings.
5. Unique Repositionings: One-Way Surf to Turf
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer one-way repositioning cruises between Vancouver and Honolulu. These sailings provide a unique journey across the Pacific with fewer guests onboard compared to round-trip itineraries.
The cruises offer the opportunity to explore Vancouver before sailing to Hawaii. Upon reaching Honolulu, travelers can extend their stay to further explore the Hawaiian islands.
These repositioning cruises offer a blend of urban experiences in Vancouver and tropical adventures in Hawaii.
Cruising connects travelers with diverse cultures and landscapes while providing comfort and convenience.
- Cruise Critic. Hawaii Cruise Tips. 2023.
- Norwegian Cruise Line. Hawaii Cruises. 2023.
- Princess Cruises. Hawaii Cruise Itineraries. 2023.
- Carnival Cruise Line. Hawaii Cruise Vacations. 2023.
- Holland America Line. Hawaii Cruises. 2023.
- Royal Caribbean International. Hawaii Cruises. 2023.
- Celebrity Cruises. Hawaii Cruises. 2023.