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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. The islands of Hawaii only offer a few cruise ports for ships to visit. (UnCruise Adventures is the exception, calling in a few smaller places that the big ships can't go.) All of them are top-notch, so it's hard to say which one is the best overall.
The Aloha Spirit Onboard
The shorter, one-way sailings are a good compromise for travelers who don't want to take a full two weeks or can't imagine 10 days at sea on one vacation but do want some relaxing time on the ship. The longer one-off journeys are more for folks wanting to explore a wide swath of the Pacific, with Hawaii being a small part of that deep dive. Sail aboard one of our contemporary ships from Vancouver, British Columbia or Honolulu, Hawaii and bask in the perfect combination of adventures and culture ashore and relaxing days at sea. Uncover the islands’ complex history, from the royal family to Pearl Harbor. Sample island-grown produce, bathe under waterfalls, and discover the dazzling reefs of the underwater world. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific.
These 8 Cruises Make It Easy to Explore Hawaii on Your Next Vacation
With Freestyle Cruising, there is no set dining time and guests can choose from up to 10 included dining venues. Dreaming of a Hawaiian cruise vacation surrounded by spectacular volcanoes, golden sand beaches, and azure waters? You’re not alone – Hawaii remains one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.
Oceania Cruises Announces Seven New 2025 Summer Sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Oceania Cruises Announces Seven New 2025 Summer Sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii.
Posted: Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Kona, Hawaii
Princess Cruises is definitely the leader in the two-week, round-trip Hawaii cruise department, offering more sailings out of more homeports than any other line. Carnival, Holland America and Viking also offer this type of sailing, but not as frequently. Holland America is a great choice for round-trip sailings that explore deep into the South Pacific. It also visits Maui and the island of Hawaii, as well as the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. Expect lots of water sports and nature-based outings, and daily plans that can change due to the weather or a whale sighting. The itinerary features two-day overnight visits to Maui and Kauai and stops in both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, as well as scenic cruising along Kauai's famed Napali Coast.
On a cruise, you're free to sample Hawaiian cuisine during your time in port, but can take as many meals as you want on board, many of which are already covered in your cruise fare. You can also take advantage of Princess transportation, hotel, and sightseeing packages to discover these cosmopolitan cities. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. If you’re planning a vacation to the Pacific paradise of Hawaii, you may be wondering about the ins and outs of traveling there.
Support Maui
Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty, great warrior King Kamehameha chose to make Maui's Lahaina his capital after uniting the Hawaiian islands. Explore breathtaking Haleakala National Park that boasts diverse volcanic and rainforest landscapes, plus a 10,000 foot tall dormant volcano. Or sail out onto the scenic waters off Maui’s sun-kissed shores and witness in awe as humpback whales frolic about. Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.
Sail Through The Hawaiian Islands
For Hawaii cruises that either begin or end in Vancouver, Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Each itinerary features one to two more “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. The combination of coconut palms, ice-cold cocktails, gorgeous beaches, and the beauty of the underwater world offers the perfect escape for couples.
Culture, history & adventure
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. The shorter options, such as 10- and 11-night Hawaii cruises offered by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, sail between Vancouver and Honolulu, leaving you to book a one-way flight to or from Hawaii. Longer one-way sailings from upscale brands, such as Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea, will traverse the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti (or another far-flung island) and Vancouver or Seattle. The best Hawaii itinerary in my opinion is Norwegian Cruise Line's seven-night round-trip Honolulu sailings on Pride of America. The U.S.-flagged ship is the only big ship able to sail interisland itineraries without calling on a foreign port.
RELATED PORTS
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with regional cooking demonstrations and tastings. Take in Hawaii’s serene landscapes from the deck of this perfectly sized Pinnacle-class ship. Koningsdam has numerous dining and entertainment options and a blend of nautical meets modern décor. Whether you're looking for utter relaxation or an adrenaline rush, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hawaii. The islands have much to offer families, couples and friends of all ages. Sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are good bets for those hybrid one-way cruises from the West Coast to Hawaii.
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.
Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavor of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise. Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colorful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.
Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. A cruise can be an ideal way to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip and save on costs such as dinner and car rentals. The small but mighty Kauai is one of the best Hawaii ports for outdoor, nature-based adventure.
