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What kind of cruises are there?
There are basically two types of Hawaii cruise itineraries. One involves cruising across the Pacific from the West Coast to Hawaii, visiting three islands, and returning by air, or vice versa. These itineraries are operated seasonally in spring and fall.
On the other itinerary, you fly roundtrip to Hawaii (avoiding the Pacific crossing by ship) cruising around the islands for 7 days or, on one option, for 10 days including Fanning Island. NCL America, a division of Norwegian Cruise Line, includes both of these itineraries and NCL is presently the only cruise line authorized to cruise exclusively among these US ports.
The typical 7-day itinerary, during which you normally cruise from Honolulu on Saturday or Sunday, would look something like this:
Honolulu, Oahu evening departure
Nawiliwili, Kauai all day and overnight in port
Hilo, Hawaii full day in port
Kona, Hawaii full day in port
Kahului, Maui two full days
Honolulu, Oahu disembark in the morning
There are some variations on the itinerary, and you can also embark and disembark on Maui on Fridays.
Is a Hawaii cruise package a good way to visit the state?
If you wish to visit and explore a few islands in a week’s time, and avoid the hassles of inter-island travel, a cruise is a good way to do it. The ship generally cruises in the evening, and you spend a good part of the day in port, with a wide selection of shore excursion options to choose from. Because all meals, accommodations and evening entertainment are included, this is also a relaxing way to enjoy an all-inclusive multi-island Hawaii cruise package where you don’t have to worry about the cost of meals. (Shore excursions, however, are an optional cost.)
If you prefer to explore one or two islands in more depth (more than one day on each island allows), have more time on land for various activities, prefer resort accommodations to a cruise ship, and/or savor Pacific Rim cuisine at the island's choice restaurants, a land vacation is a better option. However, because Hawaii offers no all-inclusive resorts, if you are traveling with younger children, a cruise may also offer some conveniences onboard for families.
Golfing?
With some of the most exquisite golf courses in the world, many golfers welcome the opportunity to golf when visiting Hawaii, and you can readily do so while enjoying a Hawaii cruise vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line's NCL America offers Calloway clubs for rent, as well as club storage and cleaning. Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii packages include transportation to and from the courses and the ship, care of clubs, and a variety of courses to choose from.
