Tips for a Hawaii Cruise Vacation

If any location appears like the quintessential vacation, it’s Hawaii. Yet, from the cost of airfare to hotels, a jaunt to this state of the Union turns into a fair expense. Because of this, vacations to Hawaii often become once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as for a honeymoon.

However, cruise vacations greatly bring down the price, even when airfare is included. As a result, Hawaii cruise vacations draw more and more passengers each year, with mainland Americans, as well as travelers from Asia, Europe, and Australia, eager to experience the cultural melting pot, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful landscapes.

Leaving from locations on the continental United States, Australia, and Asia are ships from Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America, with luxury liners occasionally passing through as part of a world or repositioning cruise. If a cruise ship appears like the perfect pathway to Hawaii, take into account the following factors as you plan your vacation:

Getting There

Because of the Hawaiian islands’ remote location, cruise ships depart from multiple ports; for U.S. passengers, departing from the West Coast, be it Los Angeles, San Diego, or Seattle, or flying directly to Hawaii is the easiest way to get there.

Yet, both have advantages and disadvantages. Cruises leaving from the West Coast usually spend about four to 10 additional days at sea – really only an option if you plan to take a long vacation – while Hawaii-only trips, like NCL’s Pride of America, involve airfare to and from the islands.

Keep in mind, as well, about the flag the ship flies under. Although you may be a U.S. citizen traveling across the ocean to an American port, just one ship traveling to Hawaii currently flies under the U.S. flag; per the Passenger Services Act, this makes all Hawaiian ports foreign if the ship isn’t American. As well, not all Hawaiian cruises stay within the islands, with excursions over to Ensenada, Mexico, if the ship leaves from the West Coast, or to nearby Kiribati.

Packing

Balmy, consistently-warm weather makes Hawaii the perfect place for year-round cruising – and that’s likely why Norwegian Cruise Line offers such vacations throughout the year. Because of this, travelers are advised to bring along casual wear, preferably light-colored, loose clothing and walking shoes.

However, to be prepared for intense sun, and subsequent burns, bring along a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. As winter in Hawaii means more rain than usual, be ready with the right garments. Nights on the ocean at all times of the year, additionally, get cold, and thus, having a light jacket or sweater is a necessity.

Excursions

With eight major islands and 124 smaller ones, Hawaii is the perfect place for shore excursions. Out of all possible itineraries, ships always stop at Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai, Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Lahaina on Maui, and Hilo on the Big Island.

Out of these locations, each presents a different character, of new sites and landscapes, worth exploring: Kauai for its shopping, Honolulu for World War II memorials, native Hawaiian culture in Old Lahaina, and many gardens and scenery on the Big Island. Locations further present opportunities to try Hawaiian food, often not available on the cruise ship itself, and to spot Pacific wildlife, such as whales and dolphins, at various points during the year.

Because of the popularity of Hawaiian cruises, tour groups tend to be large and popular landmarks crowded. Depending upon the time the ship arrives in port and the amount of time passengers get in each location, renting a car allows you to explore many more out-of-the-way locations and scenery.