Tuesday, April 2, 2024

THE 8 BEST Norwegian NCL Cruises to Hawaii with Prices 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic

norwegian cruise line to hawaii

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. During these first sailings as the vessel resumes, the ship will have limited capacity and fewer dining options due to fewer crew members on board. There is no timeline available for when full service may resume, but it will likely depend on how and when local restrictions may be eased further. The 80,439-gross ton Pride of America has a guest capacity of 2,186 passengers at double occupancy, with 927 crew members.

Honolulu Cruises

NCL has done a nice job curating their menu of excursions to suit both the adventure seeker and the casual sightseer. For adventures, there’s hiking, zip lining, kayaking and snorkeling. For the sightseer, there are many tours filled with amazing island scenery that hit some of each island’s highlights.

Hilo Rainbow Falls

The ship’s Oceaneer Club gives kids the chance to step in Andy's Room from Toy Story or to connect with their inner superhero in a Marvel-themed room. And like all Disney experiences, there’s a good chance you may run into your favorite characters on board. Pride of America officially welcomed passengers back aboard on Saturday, April 9, with its first departure for a 7-night inter-island sailing, exploring multiple ports of call and featuring two days at sea. “Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations amongst our Asian guests, for good reason. The islands of Hawaii only offer a few cruise ports for ships to visit.

Review of NCL Pride of America cruise around Hawaii

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world’s most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia, in one vacation. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea. Guests should note that some select sailings only feature three ports of call, and itineraries are subject to change.

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves. Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do. Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes... Find this offer on 7+ Day Cruises to this destination and beyond. Only two ships in Norwegian Cruise Lines 17-vessel fleet have yet to restart passenger operations.

Best Hawaii cruise ports

While you are in the islands, be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, attend a Luau and visit the Molokini Crater. Pride of America‘s return marks the fifteenth Norwegian Cruise Line ship to return to service following the pandemic-related, industry-wide global shutdown. Norwegian Jade was the first of the line’s vessels to restart when she set sail from Athens, Greece, in July 2021. NCL has two remaining ships that will be returning to service, both in early May, which will complete the company’s cruise comeback. 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.

Fares are higher but include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities andmultiple specialty restaurants. Find itineraries departing from all the major departure ports that sail to Hawaii. You can cruise to Hawaii out of California from Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco. The Seattle cruise port and Vancouver port also provide a number of different itineraries to Hawaii during the season. 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.

Norwegian Hawaii Cruise Reviews

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 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. It's easy to book pre- or post-cruise stays in Honolulu to explore places like Waikiki Beach, Diamondhead Crater and Pearl Harbor. 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.

norwegian cruise line to hawaii

The Pride of America operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is specially designed for sailings around the Hawaiian Islands. As the only large cruise ship registered in the U.S., federal regulations allow it to operate inter-island itineraries without calling on a foreign port. Further west, stop in historic Lahaina, which is home to a massive 149-year-old banyan tree along with galleries, shops, and restaurants.

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. The final type of Hawaii cruise is the one-way repositioning sailing, typically offered when ships are heading to or leaving Alaska. 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. 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.

Norwegian Cruise Line Adjusts Itineraries Due to Lahaina Devastation - Cruise Hive

Norwegian Cruise Line Adjusts Itineraries Due to Lahaina Devastation.

Posted: Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming. I probably don't need to convince anyone why Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination. The spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) shoulder seasons offer a nice compromise – fewer tourists, lower prices, and still favorable weather most of the time.

The fitness center is by far the largest we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. It was also one of the most sparsely populated areas of the ship. In addition to the fitness center, water aerobics was offered at the pool. Unfortunately, our full days of exploring the islands plus our jet lag got the best of us most evenings.

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. 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.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Norwegian NCL Pride of America Cruise Ship Review First-hand Expert Review

norwegian cruise line to hawaii

Catch a glimpse of history by visiting Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. New – we’ve compiled a detailed list of what to see and do on a cruise at each Hawaiian port. I wiped off the little desk/vanity shelf to remove some powder I had dropped and a lot more dirt and gunk came off than just the powder I spilled. Overall, the cleanliness of the room wasn’t horrible, but still left me questioning how much the room actually gets cleaned in between guests. The following photo actually makes it appear larger than it really is. We chose a balcony room with a non-obstructed view for our cruise.

norwegian cruise line to hawaii

Final thoughts on our Pride of America cruise of Hawaii

Several bars were completely overhauled, private cabanas were added to Deck 14, the suites were refurbished and the spa was upgraded. The results of this effort are impressive and immediately apparent upon boarding the ship. In addition to a fresh paint job in patriotic colors, the interior resembles that of a five-star resort. If you love seafood, reserve a table (at least three months in advance) at Mama's Fish House for some of the freshest catches imaginable—yes, it's pricy, but totally worth the splurge.

Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean

(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. Certainly, some ports are better for different types of activities. 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.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Resume Calls to Destination Hit by Wildfires - Cruise Hive

Norwegian Cruise Line to Resume Calls to Destination Hit by Wildfires.

Posted: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii Cruises

This itinerary includes a traditional evening feast in Molokai, something you won’t find on other Hawaiian cruise itineraries. This itinerary doesn’t require as many sea days as a roundtrip journey but includes plenty of time for lounging by the pool, catching shows, and trying all the on board restaurants. This means time is maximized in Honolulu, Maui, the Island of Hawaii (Big Island) and Kauai. As an extra bonus, there aren't any days at sea, opening up even more time to explore and participate in shore excursions. Most cruises to Hawaii require several days at sea, but not Norwegian’s Pride of America.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Why should you cruise instead of booking a hotel or resort stay on land? Booking a Hawaii cruise early, ideally 4-6 months in advance, gives you access to the widest selection of cabin categories and locations on the ship (CruiseTimetables). Last minute deals sometimes pop up, but choices are more limited.

Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii cruise vacation. Norwegian Sun will welcome guests for the first time in over two years on May 5 out of Seattle, Washington, where she will offer 5-9 day Alaska itineraries until repositioning to Asia in mid-October. The line has had smoother sailing in recent weeks, however, and is looking forward to a promising summer season. Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon. Maui's road to Hana is a must-do if you like twisty roads and cascading waterfalls. Watch the sun rise or set, bike down the extinct Haleakala volcano, or visit a live one at Volcanoes National Park near Hilo on the island of Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Maui - Travel Weekly

Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Maui.

Posted: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Thanks to its year-round sunshine and warm weather, Hawaii will be there for you whenever you’re ready to set sail. While this itinerary visits four islands, first-timers should plan for at least two nights on Oahu—home to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Fly in early, book a hotel in Waikiki and try your hand at surfing or outrigger canoe paddling. If you feel energetic, reserve a time (early morning is best) to hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views. Or visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum to experience the royal Hawaii of old. If you'd rather dive into a snorkel adventure, two top catamaran excursions are the six-hour Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel ($249 per person) or the 8.5-hour Lanai Sail & Snorkel ($229).

Skim through this link for some examples of the excursions offered through NCL. Sometimes we had issues flushing the toilet and once in the middle of the night, we didn’t have any water at all. The Pride of America has many stateroom options, from a studio that’s designed for the solo traveler, balcony rooms and for the posh experience, suites. While a limited number of staterooms can accommodate up to eight people, most comfortably accommodate two people. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

Interisland cruises

According to industry reports, multi-destination Hawaii cruises are surging in popularity, with a projected 14% growth in 2023. Travelers appreciate the convenience of unpacking once while island hopping across this gorgeous region. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, you’ll get to enjoy 2-4 ports across these iconic locales. On board, guests can enjoy specialty restaurants, Broadway-style theater shows, adults-only Sanctuary area, and Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema.

norwegian cruise line to hawaii

That said, there's definitely some strategy required to maximize your on-island experience. Having just returned in mid-May from my second Pride of America sailing (the first was in 2006 not long after the ship's debut), I'm happy to share advice that can help you enjoy your Hawaii experience. On Oahu, visit Honolulu's Waikiki Beach and pay your respects at Pearl Harbor.

The following Hawaii ports are the ones commonly found on cruise itineraries. Many travelers enjoy learning about Hawaiian culture and history. 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. These Hawaii cruises are best for retirees, who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip.

Say goodbye to stress, everyday troubles and the norm – and Aloha to fun, sun, luaus, and much more when you choose a cruise to Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line. Live ‘Ke ola Maika’I’ (The Good Life) as you gaze upon some of the most picturesque islands, natural formations, and wildlife in the world. Engage in an incredible day of golf on the edge of a volcanic crater. Sugar plantations, historical memorials—Hawaii is a destination that has it all. Choose a Hawaii cruise with Norwegian and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

The second cruise port on the island of Hawaii, Kona is one of the best ports for visiting a coffee plantation and sampling local Hawaiian coffee. For travelers more interested in ancient Polynesian history, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the site of an old city of refuge, is a fascinating place to visit. Otherwise, Kona offers plenty of beaches, snorkeling opportunities and boat and submarine tours. When planning your days in port, note that with the exception of Kona, the ship docks at ports that are short driving distances to any points of interest. This is a noticeable difference for passengers used to cruising in places like the Caribbean where most activities can be found immediately on shore. For this reason, it is advisable to organize shore activities in advance.

The 2,186-passenger Pride of America is the only cruise ship that sails from Oahu to neighboring Hawaiian islands, minimizing sea days while taking travelers to four Hawaiian islands in a single week. The ship departs from Honolulu every Saturday all year long, making it easy to tack on visits to Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Waikiki Beach. The ship spends the night in Maui and Kauai, and makes two stops on the island of Hawaii—also known as the Big Island—in Hilo and Kona. Aboard the Pride of America, you’ll find a Miami-inspired pool, a Gold Rush Saloon, and restaurants for every palate. The 15th ship in NCL's fleet to return to service, Pride of America sails weekly seven-day, round-trip voyages from Honolulu. The itinerary includes overnights in Maui and Kauai, offering guests nearly 100 hours of port time and the ability to explore four islands in a week’s span.

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