Table Of Content
These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap. 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. The final type of Hawaii cruise is the one-way repositioning sailing, typically offered when ships are heading to or leaving Alaska.
Cruises
Norwegian (NCL) Pride of America Cruise Ship Review First-hand Expert Review - Cruise Critic
Norwegian (NCL) Pride of America Cruise Ship Review First-hand Expert Review.
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:54:12 GMT [source]
NCL’s Pride of America travels to four different Hawaiian Islands in just seven days, never leaving the state. Most Hawaiian cruises depart from the West Coast of North America to the islands, with either a one–way trip ending in Honolulu or a longer round–trip cruise returning to the mainland. Norwegian Cruise Line’s vessel “Pride of America” offers intra–island cruises, which start and end in Honolulu. In both cases, the time of year plays a part in the overall pleasantness of a Hawaiian cruise. Family-oriented cruises are designed to cater to a broader audience, including children. These ships usually feature larger cabins, children's clubs, family-friendly entertainment, and activities like swimming pools, water slides, and movie nights.
Pacific Weather
If you're looking for a longer itinerary, sailing round trip from the west coast of North America, or a small-ship adventure cruise, you'll have the biggest selection of cruises between October and April. Most travelers stick to one, possibly two islands, during a Hawaii vacation. If you want to sample the highlights of several islands, from Volcanoes National Park near Hilo, Hawaii, to Kauai's Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast, it's much simpler to do that from a cruise ship. Be mindful that the weather can change drastically depending on which island you’re visiting and your location.
Hawaii Cruise Itineraries
I took my first Norwegian cruise after more than a decade. Here are my honest thoughts - Cruise Blog
I took my first Norwegian cruise after more than a decade. Here are my honest thoughts.
Posted: Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
October is also a good time to visit, although the waters can be rougher and not as good for snorkeling or swimming. No matter the season, the best time to cruise to Hawaii is all year long. Follow pods of humpback whales during their late winter migration or embark on waterfall hikes when the trails dry in the spring.
It is worth repeating, however, that there really isn't a bad time to set sail in Hawaii.
Hawaii Hotel vs Airbnb: How to Decide What’s Best For Your Hawaii Vacation
Each Hawaiian island offers unique sailing experiences and considerations. Cultural events and festivals in Hawaii offer a vibrant insight into the rich heritage and traditions of the islands. These events vary throughout the year, providing unique experiences for visitors. The cost of cruising in Hawaii can vary significantly depending on the season, with fluctuations in prices reflecting the demand and weather conditions. Each of these destinations offers its own unique attractions, making Hawaiian cruises an appealing option for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience of the Hawaiian Islands. While onboard, cruisers can relax at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, enjoy cooking demonstrations at America’s Test Kitchen, and take part in engaging enrichment activities.
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. Hawaii is a year-round destination, which means there’s not a bad time to visit. With that said, some times are better than others, especially if you’re going on a cruise. As we mentioned earlier, foreign-flagged ships going between two US ports will need to make a stop in a different country.
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.
We add new itineraries every day so you'll find a variety of options when you find your next cruise to Hawaii with Cruise Critic. If you want to save money and avoid crowds, you should not go to Hawaii in late December, as this is the high season when families escape the cold. That said, if you don’t mind the throngs of tourists and prices, a holiday in Hawaii is unforgettable with special celebrations, palm trees decked out in holiday lights, ukulele caroling and more. Cruise during shoulder season if you want to have a fabulous time and save money. Shoulder season is not only the best for your budget; the crowds thin out, giving you more elbow room at the beaches and attractions.
Instead, there are public access points for popular resort beaches, such as Wailea and Kaanapali on Maui, Waikiki on Oahu and Poipu on Kauai. You'll be able to stake a spot on the sand, generally to either side of a resort's beach chairs — so bring along beach towels and/or pareos as well as water and snacks. If you like sushi or ceviche, be sure to try poke, which is raw fish (most often ahi tuna) marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil and green onions and typically served in a bowl. Many cruise passengers fall into the trap of rushing back to their ship for lunch and dinner — why pay extra to dine in port, right? But if you always eat on board you'll miss out on Hawaii's unique culinary experiences.
The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on what you're looking for during your visit. 'Merrie Monarch,' also known as the Olympics of Hula, is held in Hilo on the Big Island every April. Over on Oahu, you can catch the 'Waikiki Spam Jam,' also usually held in April.
Hawaii has visitors during all months of the year, but typically, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in either November (excluding Thanksgiving) or May for the quietest scene on the islands. Additionally, the first week of June, most of April (excluding ‘Golden Week’ and Easter), and much of September or October are great times to avoid the majority of visitors. While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. As the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island. The weather is warm year-round, with average highs in the winter of 78-82ºF (26-28ºC) and 83-88ºF (29-31ºC) in the summer months. To avoid encountering a parched landscape, opt for a cruise during the shoulder season.
As far as events, Whale watching increases visitation starting in November and continues until the spring. Weatherwise, Maui temperatures remain consistently warm with daytime highs in the °F [24-29 °C] range during the summer and winter, respectively. If you're heading to the summit of Haleakala, be sure to bundle up accordingly as it gets quite cold atop the volcano.
The best time to cruise to Hawaii on a cruise depends on the specific vision you have for your island vacation. We have relaxing roundtrips to four Hawaiian Islands that depart from San Diego and Vancouver, and longer voyages from Hawaii to Tahiti and Marquesas. When sailing from Honolulu to the rest of mesmerizing Hawaii, a 10-day cruise means there’s plenty of time to encounter the other islands before reaching your endpoint in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.
Amazing whale watching tours can be taken off Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii Island. The winter months in Hawaii bring cooler temperatures, more rain, and higher surf. However, this is an amazing time for whale watching, as thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and give birth. Hawaii offers fantastic snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities for much of the year, but the best times are the summer months.
Packing for a Hawaii cruise isn’t exceptionally different than packing for a Hawaiian vacation on land. But in addition to your clothes and accessories, there are some specific things that you should consider bringing. 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. Our Cruising Hawaii Guide has insider tips on the best transportation deals (along with lots of other info about what to see during your visit).
