Best Cruises to Hawaii 2024 Hawaiian Cruises

cruise ship hawaii

The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required. Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days). UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people.

cruise ship hawaii

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Expect larger crowds as well as higher cruise fares and hotel rates if you travel during these periods. A sanctuary at sea, Zuiderdam is known for its spectacular art collection. 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.

The best Hawaii cruises for travelers with lots of time

For fewer sea days, sail from Honolulu to Vancouver on the 462-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn’s 11-day Hawaiian itinerary includes stops in Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and requires just six sea days, plenty of time for playing cards, lounging by the pool, and relaxing at the spa. Viking’s 17-day roundtrip Hawaiian Islands Sojourn from Los Angeles happens on board the Viking Star, which carries a maximum of 930 passengers. This journey includes 10 sea days and stops in Hilo, where you can see Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s largest volcano, and in Kauai, where you can take in the breathtaking sight of Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

What is the best time to cruise to Hawaii?

If your cruise embarks and/or disembarks in Honolulu, you won't actually have much time to enjoy Oahu's sights and attractions unless you arrive a day or two early or add a night or two post-cruise. On the other hand, compared with a weeklong, land-based visit to just one or two islands, you might find yourself hard-pressed to fit in everything you want to do in each port of call. You need to make sure your cruise ship and itinerary help you reach your vacation goals — not hinder them. Norwegian Cruise Line bases only one ship in the region; other lines only sail to the islands seasonally. 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).

Oahu (Honolulu)

And while every month is a good month to cruise to Hawaii, peak whale-watching season in the region is between January and March. But a little rain might just be worth it to avoid summer crowds in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed. Here are my top 10 Hawaii cruise tips to help you make the most of your sailing and your time in the islands.

On a Hawaii cruise, you’ll sail to a verdant, otherworldly setting of steaming volcanoes, dense rainforest, tropical blooms, and palm-fringed beaches. You’ll be welcomed by the gentle, friendly Hawaiian people into a world of deep spirituality, expressed through the Aloha spirit. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two.

cruise ship hawaii

The rest must sail long cruises at least one-way, if not round trip, from the west coast of North America. During your days at sea, you’ll also be endlessly entertained, where fine dining, impeccable service, and unlimited entertainment options await. Savor delicious cuisine at our slate of global-inspired restaurants with dishes crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. Lounge by the outdoor pool and admire the ocean views or step inside the adults-indoor solarium and catch up on some reading. Browse upcoming sailings below from the most trusted cruise lines sailing to Hawaii including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Holland, Norwegian and many more.

Some rental car companies used to provide shuttles from certain locations to the port, but that is no longer the case. Opting for the rental car route can also be quite cost-effective, since the daily rate can be much less than the cost of two excursions and offer major savings for a family of four. Mixing your sightseeing up with independent exploration can also alleviate "tour bus burnout." The following Hawaii ports are the ones commonly found on cruise itineraries. Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon.

A honeymoon is one of the greatest trips you and your spouse are ever likely to take—so it’s important to make it count. After dark, enjoy glittering entertainment before dancing under the stars. Elevate your experience at The Retreat® and stay in a beautiful suite with access to a private lounge and the exclusive restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. Hawaiian people feel a deep connection to nature and embrace the spirit of Aloha, which means living in harmony with nature and the people around you. 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.

Illness aboard Hawaii-bound cruise ship contained, health officials say - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Illness aboard Hawaii-bound cruise ship contained, health officials say.

Posted: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

And on the island of Hawaii, it's possible to visit the Puʻuhonua National Historical Park, also known as the Place of Refuge, an ancient spiritual sanctuary for defeated warriors who would be protected from death there. If you opt to explore the North Shore of Oahu, a tasty lunchtime indulgence is locally farmed garlic shrimp served up by assorted "shrimp trucks" parked along the Kamehameha Highway. With a little pre-travel research, you can pinpoint the nearest rental car location to the port.

The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired. The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers. Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska).

Learn about Hawaiian history at the Mauna 'Ala royal mausoleum and the Iolani Palace, or Hawaiian culture at a luau or the Polynesian Cultural Center. Oahu is the turn-around port for Pride of America, so travelers should consider a pre- or post-cruise stay to see the sights. These Hawaii cruises are best for retirees, who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip. 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 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. Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises. Holland America ships have cabins that can accommodate up to five guests, big enough for the whole family. On the Holland America Koningsdam, which sails an 18-day itinerary around Hawaii, the kids club is at the top of the ship and includes three enclosed outdoor play areas.

With endless emerald landscapes, Kauai truly lives up to its nickname of "The Garden Island". As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

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.

Discover why the Travel Channel named us "Best Cruises to see Hawaii." And there’s so much to do while you’re at sea, like enjoying live entertainment, world-class cuisine, island-inspired activities and endless ocean views — plus it's all included in your cruise fare! Why settle for seeing just one island on a Hawaii resort-based vacation when you can cruise in style and explore multiple island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value, and you’ll visit popular Hawaiian islands — Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island (Hilo and Kona) — without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.

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