Unlike the Hawaii cruises that originate in Los Angeles or combine a French Polynesian cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Hawaii-only cruise from Honolulu. According to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, since the Pride of America is a US-flagged cruise ship it is allowed to sail exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands without a stop in a foreign port. Here's what to expect.
NCL Cruises on Pride of America
The Pride of America is NCL's only cruise ship offering Hawaiian cruises. The cruise ship is 80,439 tons and can carry 2,138 passengers and 946 crew members. The ship features 14 different restaurants including Teppanyaki, Little Italy, Lazy J Texas Steakhouse, Cadillac Diner and a sushi bar. And, for family cruises, the Pride of America has extensive children and teens facilities, pools and family suites.
NCL Hawaii Cruises From Honolulu
Pride of America offers 7-day Hawaii cruises that sail roundtrip from Honolulu with year-round Saturday departures. The cruises visit four different Hawaiian ports and offer overnight stops in both Maui and Kauai. There are no sea days apart from the afternoon that follows the 2 p.m. departure from Kauai. Here are the highlights of the Pride of America Hawaii cruise.
Honolulu – Passengers embark in the Port of Honolulu. Some have already extended their cruise vacation by arriving early to take advantage of the rest of the island of Oahu. Popular Honolulu cruise excursions include Pearl Harbor, the North Shore or possibly a late night Luau at a Honolulu hotel.
Maui – The Pride of America arrives into the Port of Kahului on the north coast of Maui. With so much do on Maui, the ship stays in port for two full days. Popular Maui shore excursions include the Road to Hana, a visit to the Haleakala Crater, snorkelling at Kapalua Bay, or a drive to Lahaina on the south side of the island.
Hilo – The port of Hilo is located on the east coast of the Big Island. Volcanoes National Park is one of the biggest attractions close to Hilo with the opportunity to see a lava tube or the lava flow into the ocean. It's about a 45-minute drive by rental car or one can take an organized ship's excursion.
Kona – Located on the opposite side of the Big Island from Hilo, Kona features Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay), a natural marine life reserve that has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Drive through Kona's coffee country or visit the Seahorse Ranch.
Kauai – The island of Kauai is the last port of call on this seven-day cruise. The Pride of America stays overnight in port and departs the next day in the afternoon. This picturesque island is the smallest Hawaiian island. It features rainforests, white sand beaches, botanical gardens and a number of plantations.
Passengers on an NCL Hawaii cruise can book excursions through their cruise line or choose to book independently. Keep in mind that when booking a multi-hour excursion independently there is the risk of not making it back to the cruise ship in time. As for making a hotel booking for the cruise vacation, consider what is included in the cruise line's rate versus booking independently. The cruise line normally includes transfer costs into the hotel rate.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
