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Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.
Is Kauai or Maui Better for a Family Vacation?
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Kauai, HI 2024 (with Prices) - Kauai Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Kauai, HI 2024 (with Prices) - Kauai Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:36:08 GMT [source]
Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii. Sailing between the Hawaiian Islands is generally relatively calm, though there are occasional reports of rough patches on cruises that cross the Pacific Ocean.
What is the best time to cruise to Hawaii?
Next is a day in Hilo on the Big Island where guests can see a volcano, rain forest, waterfalls, or a lush botanical garden. On the other side of the island in Kona, snorkeling, fishing, cruising in a catamaran, and a reef tour are among optional activities. On Kauai, passengers can enjoy a traditional luau, hike through a rainforest, go kayaking, or take in Waimea Canyon. The cruise ends the following Saturday back in Honolulu, where passengers can explore the city, nearby Pearl Harbor, or Oahu's North Shore.
Maui vs Big Island: Beach Vacation or Adventure (you decide)
Your Hawaii cruise will let you counterbalance naps on Waikiki with a tour of the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor or a visit to Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii's royal family. Cruises are an ideal way to explore Hawaii, and there are plenty of options that fit a broad range of travel styles and tastes. 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.
To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. The tender port in Kailua-Kona (the Big Island) and the cruise terminal in Honolulu (Oahu) are the only two docks where there are sights and attractions within walking distance. While the Honolulu port is close to downtown Honolulu, it’s still a 15-minute drive from the center of Waikiki, so you’ll still need transportation or a guided tour if you want to see that area. Besides the Pride of America, there are plenty of other companies that cruise to Hawaii. Keep in mind that all of these ships leave from the mainland and spend several days crossing the Pacific Ocean.
Sea days can be really fun, but they usually mean that itineraries will be longer than a week. Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui. Kayak out to sea or along Kauai's Wailua River, or try your hand at kite-surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. For a more chill afternoon out on the waves, consider a whale-watching cruise, sunset sail or scenic boat ride along the Napali Coast.
The difference is that Kahului is in an industrial area near the airport. Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation 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.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America and UnCruise's Safari Explorer, both U.S.-flagged vessels, are the only cruise ships based in Hawaii. Other lines and ships offer there-and-back Hawaii itineraries from ports like San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.
Paradise in the Pacific
Beliefs are expressed through beautiful chants, music, graceful hula, and art. Stories relayed from one generation to the next invoke the spirits and the historical events that have shaped the islands. Natural phenomena are understood as the work of gods and goddesses, and many locations and animals are regarded as sacred.
So, when debating the best time to cruise to Hawaii, the answer is simple — anytime with Princess. However, all of this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun shore excursions in Hawaii. You can find over 90+ shore excursions (as well as information on restaurants, transportation, and self-driving itineraries) in our Cruising Hawaii Guide. As we mentioned earlier, foreign-flagged ships going between two US ports will need to make a stop in a different country. That’s why you’ll see these ships docking or embarking/disembarking from Canada or Mexico. Remember that these are foreign countries, so US citizens will be required to travel with a passport.
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. Travelers on a longer Hawaii sailing on a line like Princess will want to bring nicer clothes for dinners on board, as well as plenty of activities for all those sea days. That could include books or an e-reader, a packable board game, a knitting project or a journal. UnCruise passengers should pack hiking boots, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, plenty of swimsuits and waterproof bags to protect their gear.
Dates, prices, amenities, and itineraries vary, so picking a cruise requires some planning and research. That's always part of the fun, and we hope this list will inspire you to get started. What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round.
Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views. Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships).
The best way to sample this Hawaiian favorite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice. 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. If you dock in Kauai, you can drive along the seemingly hidden Napali Coast.
Additionally, lodging prices in Hawaii can be high due to its popularity as a vacation destination. Restaurants are also more expensive than on the mainland because many staples have to be shipped in from afar. Why should you cruise instead of booking a hotel or resort stay on land?
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