A cruise is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the islands of Hawaii, the 50th state. Each of these stunning volcanic islands has its own distinct character, and a cruise gives you the chance to visit more than one.
Hawaii-only cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line is the
only major cruise line that offers regular, Hawaii-only cruises. Why? To comply
with U.S. passenger shipping laws, cruise ships registered outside the U.S.
(most of them are) must call on at least one international port during each
cruise; this is why cruises to Hawaii that depart from the West Coast often
call on Ensenada, Mexico. But, U.S.-flagged ships are exempt from this rule.
Norwegian Cruise Line has one U.S.-flagged ship – the Pride of America –
and it sails seven-day cruises of the islands, roundtrip from Honolulu.
One-way or round-trip cruises from the West Coast.
Several cruise lines offer cruises to Hawaii from Vancouver, San Francisco, Los
Angeles, or San Diego. These cruises combine relaxing days at sea with stops at
multiple Hawaiian Islands. These cruises can be lengthy; even one-way cruises
are usually 10 days or more. If you have time for an even longer cruise, some
itineraries that include Hawaii sail to other islands in the South Pacific.
Repositioning cruises. Some ships that are moving
from the West Coast to Asia or Australia, from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera,
or from the Pacific to the Atlantic via the Panama Canal call on one or more of
the Hawaiian Islands. These one-way, extended cruises are great fun for people
who love to sail and have the time to take a longer voyage.
After you decide which type of Hawaiian cruise is best for
you, pick an itinerary. Here are some of the gorgeous places you can visit:
·
Honolulu, on the
island of Oahu, is the busy urban center of the islands and home to Waikiki
Beach and historic Pearl Harbor.
·
On the island named
Hawai’i, also known as the “Big Island,” Volcanoes National Park is a must-see,
along with the black sands of Kona and the orchid gardens of Hilo.
·
The laid-back island
of Maui is great for snorkeling, seasonal whale-watching, beachcombing, and
hiking in the rainforest.
·
Kaua’i is a stunning
island where you can take in the beauty of Waimea Canyon, the Fern Grotto, and
the Napali Coast.
·
Talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor about all of your options for cruising the islands
of Hawaii.
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