ncl hawaii cruise

• Cruising Hawaii

Review of NCL Pride of America cruise around Hawaii

• 13 minute read

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The ncl pride of america hawaii itinerary, ncl pride of america ship overview, staterooms on the pride of america, dining and drinking aboard the pride of america, pride of america entertainment and activities, spa and fitness on pride of america, hawaiian influences on the pride of america, excursions from the ncl pride of america, pride of america video overview, final thoughts on our pride of america cruise of hawaii.

We cruised through the Hawaiian Islands on Norwegian’s Pride of America in October 2019.

What did we think of the experience?

We’ll share all the details, but if this is TLDR, the skinny is that the cruise itinerary is excellent, the destinations are amazing, the cabins are adequate, the food experience was sub par. Check out our video overview from our Pride of America cruise of Hawaii .

Possibly one of the very best aspects of the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America Hawaii cruise is the itinerary. It starts in Honolulu on Oahu on Saturday, sails to Maui by Monday morning and stays overnight in Maui. Next, the cruise moves to Hawaii, the Big Island with a day in Hilo followed by a day in Kona. From there, the cruise goes to Kauai with an overnight stay there. The cruise finishes with a scenic cruise of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, then goes back to Honolulu, Oahu to disembark. This Saturday to Saturday itinerary is repeated week after week.

So, the NCL Pride of America itinerary includes all of the four major Hawaiian Islands – Maui, Kauai, Hawaii’s Big Island, and Oahu , but there’s not much time to explore Oahu within the cruise itinerary, so we recommend extending your stay on Oahu by a night or two at a hotel — either on the front-end or the back-end of the cruise.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii or tend to just go to one of the islands, this itinerary is a very good one. The Pride of America itinerary is especially good if you’re short on time and you want to get a taste of each of the four major islands . It’s a very efficient itinerary in that you travel from island to island while you’re having dinner, enjoying evening entertainment and sleeping.

The Destinations with Pride of America

Hawaii is an outstanding destination with so much beauty and culture. Though there’s little time to explore the embarkation/disembarkation port of Honolulu on Oahu, there’s a good amount of time to discover the three other major islands — Maui, Hawaii (Big) Island and Kauai. Actually there are two days each at those islands, which is double what you’d find on other cruises to Hawaii.

Each Hawaiian island has its own features and personalities. It’s definitely not the case that if you’ve seen one island, you’ve seen them all. Every island is amazing with way more to explore than the allotted time. So, the destinations of the Pride of America are all excellent!

You will have opportunities to see waterfalls, tropical flowers, volcanos and, of course, beautiful beaches. Hawaii is breathtakingly beautiful!

NCL’s Pride of America’s Major Advantage – No days at sea – All Hawaii all year long!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship that sails roundtrip solely within Hawaii. There are no days a sea on the Pride of America and every day is spent in Hawaii.

For any other ship or cruise line, they must sail to Hawaii from faraway destinations, such as from the west coast of North America, French Polynesia, Asia, Australia or New Zealand. For travel from those destinations, those ships will be in transit, at sea, for at least four or five days. That’s a lot of days at sea!

For comparison, I looked at the itinerary of another NCL cruise to Hawaii on their ship the Norwegian Jewel. It’s an 11-day cruise from Vancouver. This cruise is fairly representative of other cruises that don’t start and stop in Hawaii like NCL’s Pride of America. Here’s a screenshot of that itinerary:

Notice that on this Norwegian Jewel itinerary, there are five, full days at sea and only five days actually in Hawaii, with a disembarkation morning on Oahu. That’s a lot of travel time and distance for not many days in Hawaii!

How much can you see of Hawaii on a one-week cruise itinerary?

With any cruise in Hawaii, you’re only going to get to see a few highlights of each island and that’s it. There’s far more to see and do on every island than what can be toured in just one or even two days! We’ve created some excellent week-long vacation itineraries for each Hawaiian Island . Even with a week on each island, you’re not going to get to do “everything” the islands’ have to offer. We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve been to Hawaii and we experience something new every time. So, with a cruise, you should set your expectations that you’re going to get to see some amazing places, but you’re not going to get to do everything.

The ship accommodates over 2,100 passengers. For a “floating hotel” of that size, it never really felt crowded, except for the arrival at Kona, when there were long, crowded waits for the tender boats to shuttle us from the ship to shore.

The ship was fairly well kept. In some ways, the Pride of America looked brand new – especially in the common areas such as dining rooms, shops, guest relations, hallways, etc. The ship was built in 2005 and refurbished in 2016.

Most of the common areas of the ship are decorated with bright, exciting colors. Generally speaking, the decor was in good taste and reflected the excitement and adventure of a cruise.

Decor-wise, we liked the restaurants and lounges that had a “Hawaiian-feel” to them, but there weren’t many places onboard like that. The Aloha Cafe, the main buffet restaurant of the ship, had some Hawaiian touches. We normally grabbed breakfast from here and took it out to the adjacent Aloha Lana’i Bar seating, which is alfresco. Pinks Champagne Lounge seemed to be an ode to the Royal Hawaiian hotel. For a ship that’s dedicated to sailing within the Hawaiian Islands every day of the year for many years, it sure could use more Hawaiian or tropical decor.

There are some odd themes on the Pride of America, too. For example, there’s a Gold Rush Saloon, decorated in a rustic, old west, 1800s style. It really felt out of place on a ship that only circles the Hawaiian Islands. The ship has two main restaurants, Liberty and Skyline. Liberty is decorated like something out of Washington D.C. with velvet and sequined drapes. Skyline is decorated like something you would see in an art deco style building in New York City. That was all interesting decor, but seemed really out of place for Hawaii.

If the ship could change anything structurally, which is extremely unlikely, we would suggest more elevators. At peak times of island arrivals and returns from tours, there could be long elevator waits. Many times, we opted to climb up or down four or five deck levels instead of waiting for the elevators.

The Pride of America has many stateroom options , from a studio that’s designed for the solo traveler, balcony rooms and for the posh experience, suites . While a limited number of staterooms can accommodate up to eight people, most comfortably accommodate two people.

There are quite a few options, from interior rooms without views, rooms with picture windows and rooms with balconies. Some rooms with windows or balconies have obstructed views and are noted in the room category.

We chose a balcony room with a non-obstructed view for our cruise. We were assigned to stateroom 8630. While it’s considered a non-obstructed room, we felt that the view of the lifeboat wasn’t exactly unobstructed. We didn’t complain, but we were disappointed.

For a quick overview, check out our video tour of our balcony stateroom on the Pride of America :

Our balcony room sleeps two people comfortably and a third with the pull out sofa bed. It’s difficult for us to imagine trying to fit a third person in the room. It would definitely be tight particularly if the third person is a teen or adult.

The bathroom is quite small with limited storage space. The shower space is also very confined. The following photo actually makes it appear larger than it really is. There’s only room for one person to move around in it.

The ship provides soap and shampoo in dispenser containers. It’s nice that you don’t have to worry about individual plastic containers and that’s a win for the environment. These toiletries were branded by NCL. It would have been better to have had a name brand soap and shampoo or something with a tropical scent to fit the Hawaiian Islands, instead of of what appears as a mass-produced, inexpensive product.

Our room seemed clean enough, though not overly so. I wiped off the little desk/vanity shelf to remove some powder I had dropped and a lot more dirt and gunk came off than just the powder I spilled. Also, the sofa was soiled. Overall, the cleanliness of the room wasn’t horrible, but still left me questioning how much the room actually gets cleaned in between guests.

Our room adjoined to the room next door. We could hear talking, coughing, etc from that room.

The ship’s plumbing seemed to be an issue occasionally. Sometimes we had issues flushing the toilet and once in the middle of the night, we didn’t have any water at all.

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their “freestyle” dining. You can dine when you like, where you like and with who you like. You are not limited to a set dining time or assigned to a group table.

A limited number of beverages are included in the standard cruise fare. Regular coffee, tea and ice water are generally your only “free” options, except some fruit juices at the breakfast buffet. The package we booked included a free perk of the “Hawaii Beverage Package” which included bottled water, sodas, beer, wine and mixed-drinks up to $15. A 20% service charge was applied to our package prior to the cruise. We were glad to have the beverage package.

The Pride of America offers plenty of restaurants and lounges to enjoy throughout the one-week itinerary. If you prefer casual fare, they’ve got it. If you want a more upscale meal, they’ve got that, too.  This link describes all the complimentary (included in your cruise) restaurants on board and this link lists the specialty ($) dining options.

The complimentary main dining rooms of Liberty and Skyline were not as upscale as we’ve experienced on other cruise lines. We heard other passengers sharing similar sentiments. I’ll give an example from just one dinner at Skyline:

• My glass was chipped and cut my lip.
• I ordered a pork chop that must have been microwaved to re-heat it as it was super hot, tough and chewy. Even the flavor seemed missing. I only ate a few bites.
• I ordered a warm apple dessert. It was served cold.

So, those were all kind of first-world problems, but still, when you’re paying for a good experience and not getting it, it’s disappointing.

Our travel package included three specialty dining options. We’re glad that we had those options as the better food is definitely in the specialty restaurants. Jefferson’s Bistro, the French restaurant, was our favorite and the best meal we had on the ship. Cagney’s Steakhouse was good, and the only restaurant that we found that had lobster, but the service was very slow and our server got our order mixed up. I think our server must have been stretched too thin. At the Teppanyaki restaurant, our chef put on a great show, but the food was just okay.

For convenience, you can book reservations for both the specialty and the complimentary restaurants. We recommend booking your specialty restaurant reservations within the first day or two of boarding to make sure you get the time and day you want. You can book reservations during specific hours beside the Guest Relations desk. (Note that the off-site luau excursion is held on the overnight day on Kauai. If you plan to go to the luau, keep that evening open from dinner reservations on the ship.)

We only ate lunch on board one day. Most of the excursions we took were quite long and included lunch.

The islands of Hawaii have wonderful food. We always enjoy Hawaii regional cuisine at restaurants in Hawaii, but we didn’t find anything like that on the ship. At the Aloha Cafe on the final evening, they tried to have a “Taste of Hawaii” dinner, but it was disappointing. So, from a culinary standpoint, the ship doesn’t offer a true Hawaiian experience.

Overall, the food was edible, but far from being memorable. The waitstaff seemed to want to provide a good experience, but they also seemed very stretched trying to take care of so many other guests at the same time. With dining being such a big part of most people’s expectations of cruise, we felt that Norwegian fell short.

The Pride of America offers quite a bit of entertainment and activities . The “Freestyle Daily” lists the complete schedule of what’s happening each day. There’s so much going on — Hawaiian cultural lessons, culinary demonstrations, cornhole tournaments, trivia, live music, pool games, dance classes, karaoke and much more. If you are traveling with children or teens, the ship offers youth programs for them.

The staff delivers a “Freestyle Daily” to your cabin every night with information for the following day. It was usually four pages in length and full of great information on activities and entertainment.

Unfortunately, our full days of exploring the islands plus our jet lag got the best of us most evenings. We usually went to sleep shortly after having dinner. So we didn’t get to catch one of the evening shows in the Hollywood Theater. We especially wanted to see the Aloha Polynesia show, which sounds like the type of show you’d find at a luau.

What you won’t find on the Pride of America is a casino. This may be good news for your wallet. 😉

For some pampering, there is a spa onboard. Their menu includes several massage and facial offerings.

The fitness center is by far the largest we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. It was stocked with quality equipment. It was also one of the most sparsely populated areas of the ship. In addition to the fitness center, water aerobics was offered at the pool.

We were pleased to find several Hawaiian influences during our cruise. Here’s what we found:

• Passengers are greeted with a lei at embarkation.
• A dedicated Hawaiian Ambassador was on board to introduce passengers to the Hawaiian culture. He taught lei-making classes, hula dancing and narrated the ship’s tour of the Na Pali Coast. I attended the kukui nut lei-making class and really enjoyed hearing about the significance and culture of this type of lei.
• You can enjoy live bands playing Hawaiian music on most days.
• Most of the staff wore a Hawaiian shirt and/or lei and often greeted passengers with a warm “Aloha.”
• Stateroom decor have artwork and/or fabrics with beach-y influences.
• Photos from Hawaii and some artifacts were on display in the stairwells and by the elevators.

NCL has done a nice job curating their menu of excursions to suit both the adventure seeker and the casual sightseer. For adventures, there’s hiking, zip lining, kayaking and snorkeling. For the sightseer, there are many tours filled with amazing island scenery that hit some of each island’s highlights. Skim through this link for some examples of the excursions offered through NCL.

We enjoyed a mix of excursions offered through Norwegian Cruise Line and some that we booked independently. We enjoyed them all. We’ll be writing more about excursion selections and our recommendations to help you get the most out of your limited time and vacation budget. Stay tuned!

We did some price comparison between what the ship offered and what we could find independently. The ship’s prices were always more expensive. We noticed that the closer that we got to our sailing date, the prices of the excursions increased.

The ship heavily pushes the Luau Kalamaku on Kauai. I heard mixed reviews from fellow passengers.

For more insight into the cruise experience, check out our Pride of America Hawaii cruise video .

Miscellaneous notes:

• You can look through more of our photos here .
• The Pride of America falls under the Jones Act, which requires that the crew consists of at least 75% U.S. citizens.
• The ship has some shops where you can buy souvenirs, clothes with “Hawaiian” prints and sundry items.
• There’s a library onboard.
• There’s a photography center.
• There is no casino on Pride of America.
• A tent was stationed at the end of the gangway at each port to sign out beach towels.
• We booked our cruise through Costco Travel.
• As is common with most cruises throughout the world, most of the dock locations were more industrial than scenic. Oftentimes there was a flurry of fork lift activity going on near our docked location.
• In Kona, there is no cruise ship dock, so passengers are transported by tender/lifeboats to the shore.
• We were glad that we had a port side cabin on the day of the Na Pali Coast tour as we only had to step out onto our balcony to enjoy the scenery.
• The best opportunities to enjoy a Hawaiian sunset are from Kona and after the Na Pali Coast cruise on the final evening.
• If you have questions about this cruise, check out NCL’s FAQs .

The itinerary is excellent and the island destinations are fantastic. It’s a great way to see the four major islands in seven nights , though, as the itinerary is planned, there’s minimal sightseeing time for Oahu.

The food and service were unfortunately sub par.

The stateroom cabins are compact , but adequate.

Our cruise fare with a balcony room, the beverage package, speciality dining package and some nominal credits totaled $4,768 for the two of us. That does not include excursions. That’s quiet a hefty price for seven nights. In my opinion, that’s not a good value. The food and stateroom experience felt budget-level, but the cruise cost was far from being a budget price.

New – we’ve compiled a detailed list of what to see and do on a cruise at each Hawaiian port .

Have you taken the Pride of America cruise in Hawaii? How was your experience?

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

I cruised on Pride of America nearly 13 years ago and I still talk about it today. It was amazing! The cabin was homely & very comfortably, the food was lovely, the entertainment was very good, the places it took us was breathtaking & the staff….. well they were amazing! What ever you wanted they would do their best to sort it. They are so hard working, very friendly, considerate, helpful, if they had time they would have a chat with you. I recommend NCL Pride of America to everyone that talks about cruises. I can’t speak highly enough of it.

By the way I’m from the UK

Thank you for this wonderful website and overview of NCL Pride of America cruise. I’m curious to know what you did at each port. Which NCL excursions did you take? Any excursions through other companies? Rent a car? I’m cruising on POA in April staying two nights in Oahu before embarkation. Thank you!!!

Those are great questions. We did a mix of NCL excursions and non-NCL excursions. We’ve intended to write about which excursions we did along with recommendations for others. We’ll aim to get that article written my mid-January, hopefully before. If you’d not already subscribed to our free articles by email, you can do so here: https://govisithawaii.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ff2ac3a235f8da3d2131ef4c7&id=f471f8c491 That way, you’ll get the article in your inbox when it’s published.

Belinda – we just published our recommended activities at each port https://www.govisithawaii.com/2023/01/10/the-best-hawaiian-island-excursions-on-ncl-pride-of-america-and-other-hawaii-cruises/

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Hawaii: Hawaii Inter-Island Cruise

7-night pride of america cruise.

From $1,348 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $260 - $2,894

Norwegian Cruise Line

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, incredible landscapes and delicious cuisine of Hawaii on this one-of-a-kind 7-day cruise from Honolulu on Pride of America. Where you can explore an island every day of your vacation – from the lush, fragrant vegetation of Kauai to the Big Island's dramatic volcanoes and the famous surfing beaches of Oahu.

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Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Anyone lucky enough to be going to Honolulu doesn't have to give a reason for going. They can just say, "We're going to Honolulu," and imagination will take care of the rest. Moreover, Honolulu can probably live up to and even surpass whatever we imagine. World-famous beaches and tropical weather set the scene for an amazing mix of Pacific cultures in this Hawaiian capital. There is a reason why Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the nation's top travel destinations; in fact, there are several of them. Waikiki Beach is the center of activity for Hawaii's biggest industry: tourism. This is one of the world's greatest resort playgrounds, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in the world. Visitors from all over the world flock here to enjoy the sun, the sand and the incredible nightlife. Besides the beaches, visitors to Honolulu can take tours of the countryside surrounding the downtown area. These tours are amazing, bringing visitors to some of the most beautiful rainforests and volcanoes in the world. Animal and plant life are abundant, and the scenery is unsurpassed. A five-minute car ride from Honolulu brings visitors into some of Nature's most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights. Several museums, including the Bishop Museum, combine exhibits on Hawaiian natural history with lessons about history and culture of its many diverse peoples. The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States, and it features many of Hawaii's most interesting sea animals. The Honolulu Zoo also features some of the unique mammals, birds, and reptiles that inhabit the forests just outside of the city. The history of Hawaii is very rich, as the islands have always attracted many different people. Visitors can tour the Iolani Palace, the residence of the last of the Hawaiian monarchs. They can also visit Honolulu's Chinatown, which is more authentic than many of its mainland counterparts. They can also visit the Arizona Memorial, commemorating the destruction of the battleship Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought America into World War II. Honolulu exhibits the best of Hawaii in every way. From its famous beaches to its incredible natural preserves, this town has attracted millions of people from around the world. Many of those visitors stayed, helping to make Hawaii one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse places to visit in the United States. Anyone lucky enough to be going to Hawaii knows that he won't be disappointed.

Kahului is located in Maui County on the west side of the island of Maui between Wailuku and Lower Paia along Highway 32 near the West Maui Forest Reserve and the Pacific Ocean.Kahului is heart of Maui, and the only deep water port for the island. This is where the major cruise and container ships come in, the main airport, Kahului Airport is located here also. Kahului has great variety in shopping and services, but lacks the variety of fine restaurants that Lahaina has, although some of the local dining favorites reside here. There are few hotels and resorts in Kahului, there is however, a new golf course. There are four major shopping malls with the largest being the Kaahumanu Mall.Most of 'industrial' Maui is located in Kahului. It is here where one of the main power plants is located, most of Maui's service oriented businesses, and the greatest variety in shopping. Everything from small local stores, catering to residents, to large discount stores such as K-Mart and Costco. Kahului has grown a lot in the past few years, unfortunately the infrastructure has not. As a result traffic is congested most of the working day. The traffic can be especially heavy while exiting the Kahului Airport area. Rush hour traffic is especially bad, both in the afternoons and evenings, traffic from Paia and Upcountry bottleneck at the intersection of Dairy Road and Hana Highway. Allow a little extra time for travelling through this area of Maui.

The Polynesians arrived in the Hilo area about 1100 A.C. They eventually inhabited the shores of Hilo Bay, farmed their crops, fished and traded their goods along the Wailuku River.  In the late 1700’s, the days of King Kamehameha’s rule, Hilo was the center of political activity and social growth. It was the prime place for the King to build his army of ships designed for conquering the Hawaiian Islands. By 1791 native Hawaiians had traveled as far as the United States and China. The King befriended many of the foreigners who traveled to the islands. With such considerable traveling, the Hawaiian way of life soon became influenced by products ranging from iron to livestock to non-native seeds.    Hilo became a stopping place for explorers, whaling ships, traders and those curious about active volcanoes. By the 1900’s, Hilo had grown into a commercial center. The sugar industry was booming, a number of wharves had been constructed, the breakwater was begun and a new railroad connected Hilo with other parts of the island. Then in 1946 – and again in 1960 – two destructive tsunamis swept Hilo’s Bayfront causing the relocation of Hilo’s government and commercial life. When the town was rebuilt, a large park and roadway were situated between the buildings and the shoreline to absorb future tidal waves.   Besides being a rare surviving example of an Hawaiian plantation town, cultural diversity is one of Hilo’s special charms. The local term, “mixed plate”, describes well the impact made by Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Koreans, other Pacific Islanders and Europeans on Hilo’s mixed-race culture of today. All these ethnic groups blend in the faces of the people who give Hilo its charm. Its diverse shopping opportunities, its small scale and its friendliness makes Hilo the perfect town in which to linger just a little longer.

Kailua/Hawaii

Historians and researchers believe that it is possible that Kailua was home to Hawaiian families at least 1,500 years ago. The earliest settlers are thought to have lived fished and played on the slopes surrounding Kawainui Marsh. A Bishop Museum report on archaeological excavations of the marshland concludes that when the marsh slopes were first occupied about 500 A.D., agriculture was not possible. The report said that early Hawaiian occupants of Kailua apparently lived beside a lagoon or bay open to the sea hundreds of yards shoreside of today's shoreline. In the 16th century, Kailua attracted the ali'i giving birth to many rich Hawaiian legends, some of which may be found in written and oral reminiscences in Hawaii State Libraries. Many legends were born here including the menehune who were known for working at night in Kaiwainui Marsh and mo'o who took the shape of a large lizard that attracted fish. Kailua was densely populated before the arrival of Captain Cook and was the ancient capital of O'ahu's kings. The biggest event in Kailua and the entire Windward side was in 1795 when King Kamehameha I conquered O'ahu in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The King granted Kaiwainui Marsh and old Kailua, which included large freshwater fish ponds and saltwater ponds at Mokapu, to the warriors and chiefs that had helped him. The land was used in various forms for agriculture from sugarcane to rice to taro and eventually was used primarily for cattle raising. Kailua was a sleepy town of barely 3,000 in the 1940s. However, the events of World War II changed the appearance of Kailua. Kaneohe Ranch sold portions of land to the government for expansion of the Navy base and the Army's Fort Hase. Finally in 1942, Kaneohe Ranch closed down its cattle raising operations entirely, freeing thousands of acres for post-war development. Harold K.L. Castle, owner of Kaneohe Ranch, donated the land for many churches, schools, and for a new hospital. A new four-lane highway, tunneling through the Ko'olau Mountains, was completed in the late 1950s. In 1946, a small Liberty House (now Macy's) shop opened with three employees and upgraded to a full-line department store in 1953 with nearly 50 employees. The first bowling alley, a branch office of the telephone company, and the very first supermarket in Hawaii opened in Kailua in 1947. By the end of the 1950s, Hawaii had become a state and Kailua became the official postal designation. Castle Hospital opened in 1963. By 1960 the population was up to 24,400. The town has grown more than 100 percent since 1960 when its population was 24,402. It has a compact, easy-to-shop business district surrounded by mostly single-family homes. By 1992 50,000 residents encompassed a central urban core with surrounding residential areas.

Nawiliwili is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Kauai between Lihue and Nawiliwili Bay along Highway 51 near Ninini Point and the Huleia Stream.Kaua'i is divided into five major districts, or moku 'aina. Nawiliwili Bay is located in the moku 'aina of Puna on the southeastern coast. One meaning of puna is spring, and Puna has an abundance of springs and streams caused by its location on the windward side of the island. Around 1000 A.D., settlers from the Marquesas arrived, led by Punanuikaia'aina. He succeeded in creating a chiefdom independent of Kona in Puna.

Onboard the Pride of America

Pride of America

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2005
• Year Refurbished: 2022

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2186

Aloha! Come aboard Pride of America, the only cruise ship that sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you can vacation on your schedule. As you journey from one exotic island to the next, learn about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors on board the ship. Island hop Hawaii in style, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and balconies – perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Center
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Walking/Jogging Track
• Golf Driving Net
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Conservatory
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Fitness Classes
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Infirmary/Medical Center

Main Dining

Liberty:  Dining at the Liberty is guaranteed to be a traditional experience as you step back into America's Colonial days. The decor features paintings of the Founding Fathers and important moments in American History.

Skyline:  Inspired by the architecture and skyscrapers of 1930's Manhattan, this Art Deco style restaurant offers a delicious, traditional dining experience.

Cagney's Steakhouse

Specialty Dining

Cagney's Steakhouse:  Steak is the standard at our American-style steakhouse. Sip your favorite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Certified Angus Beef® perfectly prepared. And don’t forget to order Cagney's famous truffle fries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Dolce Gelato:  What's better than a Hawaii cruise? A Hawaii cruise with a delicious scoop of gelato. With so many flavors to choose from, all made fresh onboard, you may want to make it a double. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

La Cucina:  Enjoy the flavors of the Tuscan countryside at tables with room for old friends and new. Dine on classic dishes where you can taste the freshness of every tomato used to make an exquisitely delicious sauce. Try a twist on a classic like shrimp fettuccine, or keep it purist with an osso bucco. Just when you think you’re out, they’ll pull you back in with a toasty espresso and some macadamia nut ice cream. Delizioso! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Jefferson's Bistro:  Have it au poivre or just go straight for the bouillabaisse at our signature French restaurant. Elegant interiors and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience reminiscent of a Parisian café. By the end of your meal, you might just be proclaiming c’est magnifique! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Moderno Churrascaria:  If you’re looking for a unique experience, Norwegian's authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken – all carved table-side by Norwegian's Pasadores. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Sushi Bar:  East Meets West Asian Restaurant also has a Sushi and Sashimi Bar where you can enjoy the very best sushi and sashimi expertly prepared as you watch. The menu is priced a la carte. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Teppanyaki:  Flying shrimp. Onion volcanoes. Twirling knives. The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, seafood and chicken on a large steel grill right before your eyes. Norwegian's chilled, sake-infused Wasabi Cocktail will have you flipping too. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Casual Dining

Aloha Café:  This indoor/outdoor buffet-style eatery features food stations where you can order omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties and pasta. Set against a Hawaiian theme with outrigger canoes, Polynesian carvings and even a kid-sized buffet.

Cadillac Diner:  This totally retro 1950's diner has Cadillac seats, plays 50's Rock 'n Roll and offers up a classic menu of burgers, fish 'n chips, potpies and wok-fast dishes. Open 22-hours a day.

East Meets West:  Enjoy an Asian Fusion dining venue featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok fried dishes, authentic soups, and more.

Key West Bar & Grill:  Enjoy casual dining to suit every taste. From grilled burgers to hot dogs, come as you are and eat as you like after a night out or before your day begins.

Room Service:  If you can't come to the restaurant, Norwegian will bring the restaurant to you. Norwegian offers a menu of items that can be delivered to your stateroom. Room service is available 24 hours a day (a convenience charge applies to each order placed).

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Staterooms feature modern design and can accommodate up to four guests.

Sailaway Inside (Category: IX)

A Sail Away Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned between time of booking up to one day prior to embarkation.

Inside (Category: IF)

With room for up to four guests, these staterooms are the most affordable way to cruise. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and some feature additional bedding to accommodate up to two more.

Inside (Category: IB)

Inside (category: ia), family inside (category: i4).

These Pride of America Inside Staterooms are a great way for the whole family to cruise. With room for up to four guests, they feature two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed as well as two pullman beds.

Solo Inside (Category: IT)

Category: IT

Staterooms feature either a picture window or porthole.

Oceanview With Picture Window (Category: OA)

With room for up to three guests, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and some feature a single sofabed to accommodate one more. You'll also have a big picture window to enjoy the amazing view. Plus, easy access to everything on board. Traveling with family or friends? Some can connect for even more options.

Solo Oceanview (Category: OT)

Category: OT

Spacious staterooms feature a private balcony with floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors and a sitting area.

Sailaway Balcony (Category: BX)

A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Balcony (Category: BF)

With room for up to three guests, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and some feature a convertible sofa to accommodate one more. Along with a sitting area, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a private balcony offering great views. Plus some can connect so you can spread out yet stay together.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Balcony (category: ba), large balcony (category: b6).

Step out onto your large balcony and marvel at the awesome views. Mostly located at the front of the ship with room for up to three guests, they feature two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, some have a convertible sofabed to accommodate one more, plus a comfy sitting area. And many can connect so you can spread out yet enjoy the views together.

Family Balcony (Category: B4)

With room for up to four guests, these staterooms are great for the family to cruise together and spread out in comfort. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a convertible sofa and a pullman bed. Along with a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony. Plus some can connect so your group can spread out even more.

Aft-Facing Balcony (Category: B1)

These staterooms offer truly incredible views from the aft-facing balcony and a great way to feel the fresh ocean breezes. With room for up to three guests, they include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a sitting area with a single sofabed and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a large, private balcony. Plus some can connect to Two-Bedroom Family Suites so you can spread out yet enjoy the magnificent vistas together.

Solo Balcony (Category: BT)

Category: BT

Spacious suites and mini-suites feature private balcony and bath with shower. Suites feature butler and concierge service.

Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: SJ)

With a large balcony to admire the amazing views and room for up to six guests, these modern Penthouses are the perfect way to cruise in style. Most Include a separate bedroom with king-size bed, additional bedding for up to four more, plus a luxury bath, walk-in closet and living and dining room. All with the indulgence of butler and concierge service. (See each category for specific details)

Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: SI)

Penthouse with large balcony (category: sh), 2-bedroom aft-facing family suite with balcony (category: sg).

Perfect for the whole family, gather together and marvel at the unparalleled views from the aft-facing balcony. With room for five, these Suites include two separate bedrooms, one with a queen-size bed and one with a double sofabed, plus a single sofabed. Along with a luxury bath and living room to relax in. Plus they can connect to Aft-Facing Balcony staterooms so you can spread out yet enjoy the amazing views together. Butler and concierge service included.

Deluxe Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: SA)

Enjoy the magnificent views from the large balcony of these amazing Penthouses that sleep up to six guests and include a bedroom with a king-size bed, plus a double sofabed and double murphy bed. Along with a luxury bath with bathtub and a living and dining area. They also can connect to an Owner's Suite with Large Balcony so you can spread out in ultimate luxury. Plus, you'll have the services of a butler and concierge.

• Ship Name: Pride of America
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2005
• Ship Class: Pride of America
• Maximum Capacity: 2,186
• Number of Passenger Decks: 11
• Number of Crew: 927
• Officers' Nationality: American
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 178
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 613
• Total Inside Staterooms: 226
• Tonnage (GRT): 80,439
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,186
• Country of Registry: USA
• Total Staterooms: 1,069
• Suites with Balcony: 52
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: American

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 06/01/2024, departure date - 06/08/2024, departure date - 06/15/2024, departure date - 06/22/2024, departure date - 06/29/2024, departure date - 07/06/2024, departure date - 07/13/2024, departure date - 07/20/2024, departure date - 07/27/2024, departure date - 08/03/2024, departure date - 08/10/2024, departure date - 08/17/2024, departure date - 08/24/2024, departure date - 08/31/2024, departure date - 09/07/2024, departure date - 09/14/2024, departure date - 09/21/2024, departure date - 09/28/2024, departure date - 10/05/2024, departure date - 10/12/2024, departure date - 10/19/2024, departure date - 10/26/2024, departure date - 11/02/2024, departure date - 11/09/2024, departure date - 11/16/2024, departure date - 11/23/2024, departure date - 11/30/2024, departure date - 12/07/2024, departure date - 12/14/2024, departure date - 12/21/2024, departure date - 12/28/2024, departure date - 01/04/2025, departure date - 01/11/2025, departure date - 01/18/2025, departure date - 01/25/2025, departure date - 02/01/2025, departure date - 02/08/2025, departure date - 02/15/2025, departure date - 02/22/2025, departure date - 03/01/2025, departure date - 03/08/2025, departure date - 03/15/2025, departure date - 03/22/2025, departure date - 03/29/2025, departure date - 04/05/2025, departure date - 04/12/2025, departure date - 04/19/2025, departure date - 04/26/2025, departure date - 05/03/2025, departure date - 05/10/2025, departure date - 05/17/2025, departure date - 05/24/2025, departure date - 05/31/2025, departure date - 06/07/2025, departure date - 06/14/2025, departure date - 06/21/2025, departure date - 06/28/2025, departure date - 07/05/2025, departure date - 07/12/2025, departure date - 07/19/2025, departure date - 07/26/2025, departure date - 08/02/2025, departure date - 08/09/2025, departure date - 08/16/2025, departure date - 08/23/2025, departure date - 08/30/2025, departure date - 09/06/2025, departure date - 09/13/2025, departure date - 09/20/2025, departure date - 09/27/2025, departure date - 10/04/2025, departure date - 10/11/2025, departure date - 10/18/2025, departure date - 10/25/2025, departure date - 11/01/2025, departure date - 11/08/2025, departure date - 11/15/2025, departure date - 11/22/2025, departure date - 11/29/2025, departure date - 12/06/2025, departure date - 12/13/2025, departure date - 12/20/2025, departure date - 12/27/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: U.S.A.

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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• Hawaii / Norwegian (NCL)

35 Tips For Your Cruise To Hawaii On NCL’s Pride Of America

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 28, 2020 · Updated March 16, 2022

Aloooooooha! Having just returned from my fourth visit to Hawaii, second cruise to Hawaii, and first cruise to Hawaii aboard the Pride of America (POA), I have compiled my 35 best tips to help you plan for your POA cruise, maximize your time onboard, and fully experience each Hawaiian port. Thirty-five because I just celebrated my 35th birthday (in the spirit of full disclosure, I stopped counting 7 years ago)!

Tips For Before Your Cruise On The Pride Of America

1. understand what makes the pride of america unique.

Sailing on the Pride of America will be an experience nearly as “unique” as sharing a table with Prof. Cruise (that’s me!) in the main dining room: wow, she’s weird (I am) and smells like she forgot deodorant (without fail).

So what makes the Pride of America so weird, I mean, “unique?” As the only American flagged ocean cruise ship, you’ll notice three major differences between the Pride of America and other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. First, the Passenger Vessel Services Act does not apply to American registered ships, so the Pride of America isn’t required to stop at a foreign port. All other cruises to/from Hawaii will call in a foreign port (usually Canada or Mexico), adding on many sea days and at least one non-Hawaiian stop to their itinerary (not a bad thing in my mind, but a significant difference). If you only have one week off work and want to cruise Hawaii or don’t like sea days, the Pride of America is your only option.

Second, because the Pride of America has to abide by all American labor laws, the majority of crew members will be Americans, unlike other cruise ships that employ mostly foreign workers.

And the third difference, directly related to the second, is cost. You’ll likely pay a much higher per night cruise fare on the Pride of America than other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. Pride of America crew members are paid more, enjoy labor protections foreign workers do not, and turnover is higher, leading to increased cruise fares. Our total 7-night fare on the Pride of America was nearly double what we paid for a 15-night sailing on the Grand Princess round-trip to Hawaii from San Fransisco. In fact, it was our most expensive vacation ever (factoring in the expense of getting to and from Honolulu by air).

2. Consider The Implications Of Such A Port Heavy Itinerary

Unlike most cruise itineraries that include a mix of port and sea days, every day on the Pride of America is a port day. The ship even remains docked at port in Maui and Kaua’i overnight and travel between ports mostly takes place after dark. You may have heard the Pride of America described as a “floating hotel” for that reason. Hawaii, not the ship or the sea, will be the main attraction for most.

As such, you won’t do much lounging around the ship in your robe with a cocktail in one hand and a soft serve cone in the other, turning the pages of your book with an elbow.

You also won’t have as much time to enjoy your stateroom, drink and dining packages, the spa, and other ship activities. Take that into consideration when deciding what to book – for example, we opted out of bidding to upgrade to a suite from our balcony cabin knowing we wouldn’t do much more than sleep in it. We elected to stick with a less expensive cabin and spend more on excursions.

3. Price Shop

My regular readers (hi mom and gigi!) may have been surprised to learn that we sprung for a balcony cabin on the Pride of America – we normally book the cheapest cabin category available, allowing us to cruise more often. However, the significant expense involved in getting to and from Honolulu makes booking the Pride of America unique.

At the time we booked, NCL offered free airfare (note that there are significant downsides to booking NCL EZ air, but that’s a topic for another time), gratuities, and transfers for those booked in a balcony category or higher. After pricing out an inside cabin and paying for flights, transportation, and gratuities on our own, it actually ended up being significantly cheaper to book the package, including the balcony cabin, through NCL. It may be for you too – price shop!

4. Book A Port Side Balcony

In the event that you end up booking a balcony cabin, be sure to choose one on the port (left) side of the ship. On the last day of your cruise, you’ll spend the early evening cruising along the spectacular Nāpali coast of Kaua’i. While the captain will turn the ship around so that those on the starboard side can see it too, that will happen well into dinner hours. To see it first and in full sunlight, book port side!

5. Avoid Deck 8 Balcony Cabins

While on many ships, lifeboats are tucked away under balcony cabins, on the Pride of America they jut out from the side of the ship on deck 7 and are visible below most balcony cabins and especially those located directly above them on deck 8. While this isn’t a huge deal and you’ll still be able to enjoy your balcony if you end up booked in one, you will be able to see them as you’re looking down at the water and they will appear in many of the photos taken from your balcony. Book a higher deck if you can or far forward or aft (double check deck plans before you book).

6. Read A Hawaii Travel Book

I checked this highly rated one out from my local library and found it very helpful:

You can also purchase it on Amazon here . It was written by locals and will help you understand the unique history, culture, and topography of Hawaii and maximize your time in each port with suggestions of “can’t miss” attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests.

7. Learn A Bit Of Hawaiian

While you certainly won’t need them to successfully navigate the islands – nearly everyone speaks English – learning a few words and phrases in Hawaiian will add to your experience and you’ll notice crew members and locals using many of these:

Aloha (pronounced a-lo-ha): hello, goodbye, and love

Mahalo (pronounced mah-hah-loh): thank you

‘A’ ole palikir (pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah): you’re welcome or no problem

A hui hou (pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu): until we meet again

Howzit? (pronounced how-zit): how are you?

Waina (pronounced wy-nah): wine. Don’t confuse this one with the English slang word “wino” which is used in jest to describe my mother-in-law who will be embarking on her own Hawaiian cruise soon. This one’s for you, Gigi!

‘Ono grinds (pronounced oh-no grinds): delicious eats.

8. Pack Wisely

Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America:

Binoculars: you’ll appreciate having a good pair of binoculars for your shore excursions and for your scenic cruise along the Nāpali coast. I have these and love them – they’re compact and inexpensive. I got them for Alaska, but they worked great in Hawaii too.

A quality camera: gorgeous photo opportunities are everywhere in Hawaii! Invest in a good camera to use in addition to your phone. Here’s a great starter camera for travelers (I have it and love it):

Reef safe sunscreen: be sure your sunscreen is reef safe – it’s the law in Hawaii! Here’s a list of reef safe sunscreens available on Amazon .

Bug repellant: I forgot my bug repellant wipes and returned to Seattle with dozens of itchy bumps to prove it! I prefer the wipes to spray because they’re easy to pack and apply.

Extra outlets: the number of outlets in Pride of America cabins is extremely limited. If you have multiple devises you want to charge at once, consider bringing a cruise approved power strip like this one :

Cheese: I mean, matching Hawaiian outfits ! I promise, no one is laughing behind your back. Yes they are. But who cares, you look adorable!

9. Fly To Honolulu The Day Before

Do as I say, not as I do. My teaching/travel assistant and son, “H,” would point to “don’t eat so much sugar” and “brush your hair” as examples of this for which I am admittedly guilty. “Fly to Honolulu the day before your cruise” would be another. Due to work obligations, we couldn’t fly to Honolulu until the day of sail away and our flights, booked by NCL’s EZ air, didn’t have us arriving into Honolulu until 2:30 in the afternoon.

While I normally love planning a cruise almost as much as the cruise itself, my regular pre-cruise excitement was tainted with worry that we’d miss the boat. If you do elect to fly in the day of, be sure to buy travel insurance that will cover the cost of any possible delays. I always use this site to compare plans and rates. I’d advise against booking insurance through the cruise lines – it will be costlier and may not cover everything you need.

10. Don’t Purchase A Lei At The Airport, You’ll Receive One At The Cruise Terminal

While you might see people wearing beautiful leis at the airport in Honolulu and be tempted to purchase one, hold your horses (or your luggage in this case). You will receive a free fresh flower lei for women (pictured above) or a shell lei for men as you enter the cruise terminal. You’ll also have the opportunity to make additional leis later in the cruise (I’ll get to that shortly).

Pride Of America Ship Tips

11. fish on hallway carpets swim toward the front of the ship.

Look closely at the above photo and spot the tiny red fish swimming in the wrong direction near where the carpet transitions to a different pattern. That would be me. Lost. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. They swim toward the front of the ship.

12. Relax On The Sun Decks

The photo above may cause introverts to run, hyperventilating, to the nearest paper bag (I’m breathing into one right now!). If you prefer a more private and serene place to relax, hit the sun decks above the Lido for comfortable and more secluded lounging options.

13. Pick Up A Beach Towel At The Beach Shop Or As You Exit The Ship

Beach towels will not be provided in your cabin or freely available on loungers like you may be used to on other lines and ships. Instead, they must be borrowed (by providing your state room number to ensure you return them – your account will be charged if you don’t) at either the Beach Shop (located midship on deck 11, right next to Dolce Gelato) or as you exit the ship on port days.

14. Walk Or Jog On The Promenade Deck

One of my very favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and stalking wildlife. And, if allowed, I’ll also jog out there early in the morning to justify the 45,000 calories I consume in an average cruise day. Like minded poʻe (people) will be thrilled with the expansive promenade deck wrapping all the way around deck 6 on the Pride of America. Just be sure to walk in the right direction. I didn’t notice the tiny arrows on the wall (I told you, I’m that red fish!) and got cussed out by an aggressive power walker for going the wrong way. E kala mai (sorry)!

15. Arrive 15 Minutes Early To Theater Shows To Score A Good Seat

This is important on nights at sea when the shows are more widely attended and prime seats fill up fast. When staying overnight at a port, shows and restaurants will be less crowded as many passengers will choose to eat and recreate off the ship.

16. Smoke At The Waikiki Bar

Or avoid the Waikiki bar on deck 13 aft if you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke or just think it smells worse than dog farts (I’m currently opening windows in my apartment thanks to Henry, my rescue mutt, and wishing I was at the Waikiki Bar even though I don’t smoke, but that’s just me). This is the only designated smoking area on the ship.

17. Don’t Look For The Casino

You’ll waste your whole vacation seeking something that doesn’t exist, like me on my never ending quest for a career that allows me to cruise for free. Because gambling is illegal in Hawaii, the Pride of America doesn’t have a casino. There’s always the claw machine in the arcade though or you can place bets among your friends on how many free hot dogs you can eat at the Key West Grill on deck 12. #loopholes

18. Attend Enrichment Programs Hosted By Your Hawaii Ambassador

A variety of enrichment lectures, activities, and crafts will be hosted by the ship’s Hawaii ambassador, a local resident of the islands. We particularly enjoyed the flower lei making class, offered for free, that included plentiful and beautiful fresh flowers. We each made one and used them to decorate our cabin for the remainder of our voyage. Their lovely smell almost masked the stench of my gym clothes. Almost.

19. Double Check Your Final Bill

We found a mistake on our final bill – we were charged for several drinks that should have been included in the Hawaii Beverage Package. No biggie, I called guest services and they refunded our credit card. But double check your own bill for errors. It actually pays to do this every few days (you can view it on the TV in your cabin) or even daily as lines and waits for guest services can be longer toward the end of the cruise.

Dining And Drinking Tips For The Pride Of America

20. consider the value of the hawaii beverage package.

As I mentioned earlier, due to the port heavy itinerary, it may not be worth paying the service charges to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as a perk and definitely wouldn’t be worth it for most people to purchase it outright. But depending on how much you plan on drinking, this is something to consider.

The Hawaii Beverage Package includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including boxed water which is nice to have for port days) up to $15 (and you’ll just pay the difference for any drinks over $15). Note that you will pay tax on the retail price of each drink while at port in Hawaii. Most of the items on the bill I have posted above are tax charges on our drinks.

You can take a look at the bar menus here to get an idea of the drink prices so you can weigh the package versus an à la carte approach. We did elect to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as one of our “free” perks and believe we got our money’s worth. But not everyone will with so little time spent on the ship.

21. Understand How To Get Free Espresso Drinks With The Hawaii Beverage Package

The Hawaii Beverage Package generally does NOT include espresso coffee drinks, such as those on the menu at the John Adams Coffee Bar:

However, there are a few exceptions to this. First, you CAN order a from a limited selection of espresso drinks (espressos, double espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos) while dining in the restaurants and they WILL be covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. For breakfast, I’d recommend a double shot of espresso paired with a shot of Bailey’s. Start the day off right!

You can also order an Irish coffee (I like to add a shot of Bailey’s to mine) or an espresso martini – both of these ARE covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. However, note that the espresso martini is currently priced at $18, so you will have to pay the $4 extra above the $15 covered by the package. Try at least one of these though, they’re amazing!

22. Try The Free Alternative Restaurants

In addition to the buffet and main dining rooms, there are three additional complimentary restaurants worth trying at least once: Key West Bar and Grill, Cadillac Diner, and East Meets West. Key West Bar and Grill is a small buffet style grill on deck 12 offering burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads. Both the Cadillac Diner (American classics) and East Meets West (Asian) are small, sit down restaurants and can get crowded at popular times. I recommend going at off times, like in the afternoon on a port day for the Cadillac Diner and early evening on the first night of the cruise for East Meets West. The menus for both can be found here .

23. Eat Breakfast In The Dining Room To Avoid Buffet Crowds

The Aloha Cafe (buffet) on the Pride of America was very crowded during breakfast hours as everyone was trying to grab a quick bite before heading out to port. For a more relaxing experience (and better food, in my opinion), eat breakfast in the Skyline dining room. There was never a wait to be seated and service was fast. You can preview the breakfast menu here .

24. Order The Pound Cake French Toast

I was happy to see three daily breakfast specials on the menu in the Skyline Dining Room on the Pride of America (this hasn’t been the case on some of the other smaller NCL ships I’ve sailed). And I was thrilled (and drooling) when I saw the pound cake french toast, my all-time favorite breakfast item on NCL, as a one of the specials. I’d dine at Skyline every day just so you don’t miss it. Trust me, it’s that good!

25. Book A Luau Instead Of A Specialty Restaurant

Because Hawaii is the main attraction on this cruise, I would encourage you to sample local Hawaiian ‘ono grinds (delicious food) by eating some of your meals in port, perhaps skipping the specialty restaurants on the ship if cost is a concern. And I especially recommend booking a luau. You can book the popular Luau Kalamaku through the ship, but I suggest you to shop around to get a better price. Here are some options available through Viator .

26. Reserve Specialty Restaurants Early

If you do decide to dine at a specialty restaurant, be sure to book your preferred time early as the popular times fill up fast. You can book certain restaurants before you sail by going to your reservation online or you can book via the reservations desk (right next to guest services on deck 5 midship), via the NCL app, or by placing a call to reservations from your stateroom after you board.

27. Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

While I’m the last person (or dog for that matter) you should come to for fashion advice (the average Fido strutting the streets of Seattle or riding in a designer purse is better dressed than I am), I’m the premier expert when it comes to dessert. And I consider the bread and rice puddings available in the buffet on the Pride of America some of the very best at sea. I particularly love the chocolate chip bread pudding (covered in caramel sauce and vanilla soft serve) and the honey rice pudding.

They’re easy to miss though, hidden on a counter behind the dessert station and next to one of the soft serve machines. You’re welcome – I was tempted to keep this one to myself.

28. Choose The Main Dining Room (MDR) For Dinner That Best Fits Your Style

The Pride of America has two main dining rooms open for dinner (both of these are included at no extra charge in your cruise fare): the Skyline restaurant (deck 5 aft) and the Liberty restaurant (deck 6 aft). While their menus are identical, the decor and dress code will be different. For cruise casual attire (where shorts and T-shirts are common and acceptable), dine at the Skyline Restaurant. If you prefer a more elegant dining experience, opt for the Liberty Restaurant which requires a collared shirt for men and does not allow shorts.

29. Make A Reservation For Dinner In Your Chosen Main Dining Room

While you can show up at either of the main dining rooms (Liberty or Skyline) for dinner at any time during operating hours without a reservation and wait in line to be seated, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation. The line for those without a reservation can be long and there’s a separate podium and hostess for those with a reservation. I always felt a little guilty bypassing the huge line as the reservations hostess walked us right in to be seated. But I overcompensated for my guilt by childishly taunting my fellow passengers: neener, neener, neener!

30. Order Multiple Items In The Main Dining Room

Portions in the main dining rooms can be small for Prof. Cruise, Mr. Cruise, and others with big appetites. Thankfully, you can order as many items as you want! On one night none of the entree selections appealed to Mr. Cruise, but he liked the sound of all the appetizers. So he ordered them all! Be sure to specify to wait staff if you want them brought out one at a time or all together. And consider offering them an extra tip for the effort it takes to bring out all those dishes!

I always bring along a pack of these cruise staff thank you cards and pass them out with cash inside to anyone who has made my vacation extra special (I gave out a lot of these in the Skyline Restaurant on the Pride of America – service was fast and excellent!).

31. Get A Nightly Crepe From The Buffet

Even if you’ve already eaten multiple desserts from the restaurant, there’s always room for a made-to-order crepe. Hit the buffet during dinner hours each night so you can try all the delicious combinations. Or just order the Nutella and fresh cream for seven consecutive days like I did.

Port And Excursion Tips For Your Hawaii Cruise On The Pride Of America

32. book private excursions.

Cruise line excursions are expensive and sometimes feel crowded and rushed. However, many cruise passengers are nervous about booking tours or exploring ports on their own for fear of missing the ship and becoming an unwilling youtube star as they desperately flail around on land, “wait, wait!,” before jumping into the sea as a last ditch attempt to rescue their vacation (the biggest incentive to book cruise line excursions is that they guarantee to either hold the ship for you or transport you on their dime to the next port in the event of a late return).

But if ever there were a time to skip the expensive ship excursions and book tours through private local companies or venture out and explore on your own, it’s this cruise! Why? Because you’ll be staying overnight at two ports – Maui and Kaua’i . So if you book tours or explore on your own via a rental car or public transportation, you don’t need to worry about what time you get back to the ship – the gangway will stay open all night and into the next day. Here are my top shore excursion picks for Maui and Kaua’i offered by Viator (owned by Trip Advisor).

33. Pick Up Tender Tickets For Kona Near Guest Services Beginning At 6:30am

Kona is a tender port, meaning the ship will anchor out in the open ocean and you’ll need to board a smaller boat to ferry you to shore. To avoid thousands of people lining up at once, you’ll need a tender ticket with an assigned time (unless your latitudes level is Gold or above in which case your ship card will serve as your tender ticket and you can line up whenever you want or if you’re booked on a ship excursion in which case your excursion ticket will serve as your tender ticket).

In order to get the time you want, you’ll want to pick up your tender ticket as soon as they start offering them at 6:30am at a table near the Guest Services desk. I’d even suggest arriving a bit before 6:30am as a line will begin to form between 6-6:15am.

34. Save Money In Kaua’i And Kona

If you have limited funds for port activities and are not comfortable renting a car, prioritize booking excursions and tours in Maui and Hilo as there is nothing to do near the cruise terminals at those ports. Go here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Maui and here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Hilo.

In both Kaua’i and Kona there are free or inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the ship (or near Kailua Pier where your tender boat will deliver you, in the case of Kona).

Go here for my recommendations for things to do near the terminal in Kaua’i.

For Kona I recommend snorkeling (or just relaxing) at Kamakahonu Beach and checking out the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (both located right next to Kailua Pier where your tender boat will drop you), shopping or dining along Ali’i Dr, and visiting historical sights such as Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. All of these suggestions are a very short walk from your tender boat. If you feel like venturing out a bit further, you can catch a $2 (cash only and the driver cannot make change) open-air trolley that will take you around town. View a printable schedule of stops here .

35. Look For Rainbows

I think I saw more rainbows on this trip than in all of my prior 35 (+7) years of life. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find the Pride of America at the end of one! Better than a pot of gold if you ask me – because I’d just use it to buy a cruise anyway!

And with that…

Mahalo for reading. A hui hou!

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN this post so you can refer back to it later!

Optional Homework: Check out my Hawaii port posts , preview all the r estaurant, bar, and room service menus on the Pride of America , see my review and ship tour of the Pride of America , and read my Guide to the Hawaii Beverage Package.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if using a computer or just keep scrolling down if you’re on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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4 Responses

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Hey, I can’t get the links to pull up your tour recommendations for the islands. It just links to the generic Viator site. Would love to see what your recommendations were! Thank you!

A great read as we are thinking of booking Hawaii for 2022 as we have 3 cruise coming up before that. Your article has so much good useful info.

The date you published this post we were actually ON the Pride. It was the most expensive vacation ever, but worth every penny for the once in a lifetime trip. Sure enjoyed reliving our trip thru your blog!!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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The promise is indeed true: Passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America —the only ship offering seven-night cruises year-round in Hawaii—can enjoy nearly 100 hours in port on four different islands. The ship resumed sailing on April 9, 2022, after a two-year COVID-19-imposed hiatus, with guests embarking in Honolulu every Saturday to spend two days each on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (aka The Big Island), overnighting in port on the first two and getting 10 hours each in Hilo and Kona on the third. The schedule allows for plenty of time to explore, whether you're a first-timer or a returnee looking to revisit favorite places.

That said, there's definitely some strategy required to maximize your on-island experience. Having just returned in mid-May from my second Pride of America sailing (the first was in 2006 not long after the ship's debut), I'm happy to share advice that can help you enjoy your Hawaii experience.

Know what you’re getting

First, a bit about Pride of America . The ship, which carries 2,186 passengers at full occupancy but is sailing at 50 percent capacity through at least November 2022, is 17 years old and unique to the NCL fleet. It features a distinctly Americana theme—the main reception area resembles something straight out of Jeffersonian Washington, D.C.—with décor that's kitschy and colorful rather than contemporary and neutral. 

There are bubblegum hues in Pink's Champagne Bar, for instance, and a riot of vivid bead-inspired colors in the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. There are two pools, multiple hot tubs and lots of appealing outside deck space—including the Aloha Lanai Bar aft on deck 11—ideal for sail-away cocktails at sunset.

Entertainment onboard is more low-key than on other NCL ships, which are known for their Broadway musicals and high-gloss production shows. Aboard Pride of America , performances are limited to vocalists, comedians, movie screenings, and game-show-like contests.

Cabins are on the snug side, especially bathrooms, but NCL did an extensive soft goods renovation (carpets, upholstery, wall coverings) during the COVID-19 hiatus, so cabins, hallways, and some (but not all) public spaces feel refreshed.

Unlike all other Norwegian ships, which are staffed by an international crew, Pride of America is required to have a 100 percent American crew; staffing up since the relaunch has been problematic and NCL has opted to keep five of the seven specialty dining venues and several bars closed. As of early June, only Cagney's Steakhouse and Jefferson Bistro are open, along with complimentary dining venues Skyline Main Dining Room, Aloha Café, and Cadillac Diner.

NCL expects to add crew members and open additional restaurants and bars in the coming month but doesn't anticipate being at full capacity with all venues open until late November or December. Demand is high for this itinerary—most sailings are already sold out through late 2022—and cruise fares are loftier than on many other NCL sailings, starting at around $1,500 per person for an Inside Cabin and $2,799 for a Balcony Cabin. For the best value, book when NCL is offering a Free at Sea promo that includes a complimentary beverage package, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining as well as discounts on shore excursions since this can save you a bundle.

Plan activities with the itinerary in mind

Having done this cruise twice, I highly recommend having a pre-planned strategy. Doing so will help you see more at your own pace—and it can even save you money since shore excursions are pricy—especially if traveling with a family. My suggestions:

Day 2 (Sunday)—Kahului, Maui : Since you'll overnight here, this is the day to rent a car and explore independently. An Enterprise location is just a 10-minute walk from port (at 40 Hana Highway) and it's open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are also multiple rental car options (several open until 11:00 p.m). 

Visit the summit of Haleakala National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle) first thing in the morning; the 10,023-foot dormant volcano is clearest in the early hours and the views are astounding. Then make your way back down amid the lush volcanic slopes of Upcountry, stopping at Ali'I Kula Lavender Farm and the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao , home to artisan boutiques and the century-old T. Komodo Store, which has a bakery known for its cream puffs. 

Next head to historic beachside Paia. If you love seafood, reserve a table (at least three months in advance) at Mama's Fish House for some of the freshest catches imaginable—yes, it's pricy, but totally worth the splurge.

If you skip Paia and head toward the historic town of Lahaina and the Ka'anapali resort area, another terrific lunch option is Seascape at the Maui Ocean Center , where you can dine on unique island-inspired dishes such as Kalo Poke Nachos and Ulu' Ulua Pie (made with breadfruit, macadamia nuts, coconut, and honey). You don't have to pay admission to the Maui Ocean Center ($39.95 for adults/$26.95 for children) to dine, but if you love aquariums consider a visit; the new 3-D "Humpbacks of Hawaii" immersive experience in The Sphere is captivating. 

Further west, stop in historic Lahaina , which is home to a massive 149-year-old banyan tree along with galleries, shops, and restaurants. If you plan a late rental car return at the airport, which is open later than near the port, enjoy sunset on the western end of Kaanapali Beach by the Sheraton Maui Resort to witness the nightly cliff diving ceremony from Black Rock before returning to the ship in time for dinner.

Day 3 (Monday)—Kahului, Maui : You could keep your car for a second day (you'll need to scope out overnight parking options) and explore Maui's other resort area, Wailea, or the lush Io Valley. Or you can use the second day to book an excursion, either one offered by the ship or one booked independently, keeping in mind that all-aboard is 5:30 p.m. 

I did NCL's 9.5-hour Road to Hana excursion ($239 per person) on my 2006 cruise and it's super-scenic with access to black-lava coastline, waterfalls, the picturesque town of Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. Best of all: You don't have to drive the 620 twisting hairpin curves and 59 narrow bridges of the Road to Hana yourself—just make sure to medicate if prone to motion sickness.

If you'd rather dive into a snorkel adventure, two top catamaran excursions are the six-hour Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel ($249 per person) or the 8.5-hour Lanai Sail & Snorkel ($229). I did Molokini—an offshore crescent-shaped crater that's home to more than 250 species of tropical fish—on my first visit to Hawaii and enjoyed it. Some fellow passengers I spoke with on the recent cruise did Lanai and encountered lots of sea turtles and spinner dolphins.

Day 4 (Tuesday)—Hilo, Hawaii : One of the island's top attractions, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle), is an easy 40-minute drive from Hilo , so I recommend renting a car (Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz all operate here) and heading there first. Inside the park you can peer down into the smoldering caldera from various viewpoints (the one at Volcano House is panoramic and there's a misty ambience at the Steam Vents). You can even enjoy a short hike to see petroglyphs and/or the Thurston Lava Tube. 

But one of the most dramatic spots in the park is 18.8-mile Chain of Craters Road, where you can drive amid stark lava landscape created by thousands of years of Kilauea's eruptions. Note: NCL offers a Volcanoes National Park excursion ($129 per person), but it only visits several spots along the crater rim and not the lava tube or Chain of Craters Road, so to really experience the park, a car rental is the way to go. 

Return to Hilo and visit its other main attractions: the Japanese-style Liliuokalani Gardens along with 80-foot Rainbow Falls and/or 442-foot Akaka Falls before returning your car and re-boarding the ship before 5:30 p.m. 

Day 5 (Wednesday) — Kona, Hawaii : Kona, located on Hawaii's drier, lava-laden leeward side, can be a day to slow down. If you didn't snorkel in Maui, you can book the ship's Big Island Snorkel excursion ($199 per person) for a 4.5-hour morning sail along the coast to a reef near Red Hill, with breakfast and lunch included, and afterward stroll from the tender pier ( Pride of America anchors offshore and passengers need to be tendered to the pier in lifeboats) and hit Kailua-Kona's shops and bars. 

There's also a Hertz rental car nearby if you want to explore the scenic Kohala Coast and the cowboy town of Waimea —just remember that the last tender to the ship is at 5:00 p.m.

Day 6 (Thursday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : This might be my favorite port because this compact-yet-dramatic isle is easy to explore via rental car. Since Pride of America overnights here, I'd suggest renting a car (nearby Lihue airport has a half dozen options) and heading south to see the town of Koloa and the sunny beachside resort area of Poipu; stop by the Spouting Horn for picturesque black rocks and dramatic sea spray. 

Continue west to Waimea Canyon State Park (admission: $10 per vehicle and $5 per person), where a winding road leads to one of the island's most magnificent natural wonders: a 10-mile long, 3,000-foot-deep canyon awash in red and green and nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

From there, head back east and then north for stops at Wailua Falls and the charming town of Hanalei , where you can grab lunch and enjoy views of Hanalei Bay and the verdant green peaks of Kauai's legendary North Shore. There are several scenic beaches—including Secret Beach, Lumahai Beach, and Tunnels Beach—along the way, but parking is roadside, access can be tricky via steep trails and swimming isn't advised due to rough surf. The views, however, are incredible. 

Reservations are now required to drive to Ke'e Beach , where the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast starts, but no worries: Pride of America does a sunset sail along the spectacular cliffs on day 7.

Day 7 (Friday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : Today, the ship departs at 2 p.m. (all aboard is 1:30 p.m.), so if a bit of adventure is your thing, there are several morning hiking and kayaking excursions ($149 to $209 per person). Or you could book a relaxing massage in the onboard Mandara Spa. If you're heading directly to the airport from the ship on Saturday, you can also do some last-minute souvenir shopping by walking about 10 minutes from the port to some shops near Kalapaki Beach—or simply enjoy a dip in the bay's calm water.

As the ship sails from Nawiliwili Harbor, be sure to be on deck to enjoy amazing views of the lush Garden Isle—with the best still to come just before sunset as Pride of America cruises past the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast . Don't miss that!

Maximize your pre- and post-cruise time on Oahu

While this itinerary visits four islands, first-timers should plan for at least two nights on Oahu—home to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Fly in early, book a hotel in Waikiki and try your hand at surfing or outrigger canoe paddling. If you feel energetic, reserve a time (early morning is best) to hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views. Or visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum to experience the royal Hawaii of old. 

NCL offers a convenient way to explore must-see Pearl Harbor with a six-hour post-cruise Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour ($109 per person) that concludes at the airport (for passengers with flights departing after 4:00 pm). Other options: Grand Circle Island ($169) and Explore Oahu's Famous North Shore ($109) tours, which also include airport drop-offs. 

My top advice: Don't wing it, since tours sell out and rental car availability is limited. With some strategic pre-cruise planning, a Pride of America itinerary offers a convenient (unpack once) and enjoyable (plenty of time to sightsee) way to experience Hawaii.

Recommended

Honolulu, Oahu, HI

Cruises depart from Honolulu year-round. Aquatic fun and historic landmarks abound in Honolulu. At Waikiki Beach, enjoy activities ranging from sunbathing and surf lessons to diving adventures among sea turtles, dolphins and possibly humpback whales. Close by is Diamond Head Crater, where a hiking trail concludes amid mesmerizing views. Visitors of Pearl Harbor can see the USS Arizona, the vessel on which 1,177 crewmen perished on Dec. 7, 1941, and stand on the deck of the Battleship Missouri, where the U.S. accepted Japan's surrender to end World War II. Additional attractions include Iolani Palace, once the residence of Hawaiian monarchs, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the burial ground for more than 50,000 American service members. Excursions are available to Oahu's North Shore; the island's Windward Coast, a filming locale for the movie "Jurassic Park;" and the Dole Plantation, where you can sample freshly procured pineapple.

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Pride of America Deck Plans & Reviews

Pride of America

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
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• East Meets West Asian Restaurant - Asian *
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7 Night Hawaii Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Kiss the everyday goodbye, find unique exotic natural beauty and cultural excitement in Hawaii.

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

• Pride Of America - Passenger Capacity: 2,186 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2005 Last Refurbished: 2022

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

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Pride Of America

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Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

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Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii , Kahului, Maui, Hawaii , Hilo, Hawaii , Kona, Hawaii , Port Allen (Nawiliwili), Kauai, Hawaii

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7 Night Hawaii Cruise sailing on the Pride Of America

Departure dates: jul 2024 - dec 2025, stateroom prices for jul. 13, 2024.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Cruise fare rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Hawaii cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Hawaii and cruising seem like a match made in heaven. You can experience all the beaches, water sports, lush scenic areas and Polynesian culture without having to settle for just one island — or deal with the hassle of flying between them.

In addition, you get a convenient home base to leave your stuff, enjoy evening entertainment without a drive and linger over dinner without worrying how much the bill will come to.

However, it's not all paradise in the Hawaii cruise world because itineraries are limited. Why? U.S. government regulations prohibit foreign-flagged ships from sailing between U.S. ports without visiting a foreign port.

Because most cruise ships are flagged in another country, they cannot offer interisland cruises. Only two lines currently offer those. The rest must sail long cruises at least one-way, if not round trip, from the west coast of North America.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If a Hawaii cruise sounds like the perfect getaway to you, you'll want to read up on which lines offer which types of itineraries, as well as which islands and ports you must visit.

Here, we've gathered all the information you need to know to choose the perfect Aloha State sailing for your travel style, budget and allotted vacation time.

Why cruise to Hawaii?

I probably don't need to convince anyone why Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination. It has everything — gorgeous beaches, fabulous snorkeling and diving spots, scenic hiking trails, fascinating local culture and history, delicious cuisine, renowned resorts and golf courses, and plentiful waterfalls and rainbows.

Why should you cruise instead of booking a hotel or resort stay on land? The main reason is to sample more islands.

Most travelers stick to one, possibly two islands, during a Hawaii vacation. If you want to sample the highlights of several islands, from Volcanoes National Park near Hilo, Hawaii, to Kauai's Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast, it's much simpler to do that from a cruise ship.

Additionally, lodging prices in Hawaii can be high due to its popularity as a vacation destination. Restaurants are also more expensive than on the mainland because many staples have to be shipped in from afar.

On a cruise, you're free to sample Hawaiian cuisine during your time in port, but can take as many meals as you want on board, many of which are already covered in your cruise fare.

When do cruises go to Hawaii?

You can sail to Hawaii year-round, but the itinerary options vary based on the month you choose. Norwegian Cruise Line is the only major cruise line to offer year-round, weeklong cruises.

If you're looking for a longer itinerary, sailing round trip from the west coast of North America, or a small-ship adventure cruise, you'll have the biggest selection of cruises between October and April.

The beginning and end of the Alaska season in the spring and fall is when you'll find one-way repositioning cruises either between Hawaii and Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seattle, or from the Pacific Northwest all the way to the South Pacific, stopping in Hawaii along the way.

The summer offers the fewest Hawaii cruise options.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

Best Hawaii itineraries

Cruises to Hawaii fall into three categories: weeklong interisland cruises, round-trip cruises sailing to/from the West Coast and one-way repositioning cruises.

The best cruise for you depends on how much vacation time you have, how many islands you want to visit, whether you're looking for overnight port stays and how you feel about multiple sea days in a row.

Interisland cruises

The best Hawaii itinerary in my opinion is Norwegian Cruise Line's seven-night round-trip Honolulu sailings on Pride of America. The U.S.-flagged ship is the only big ship able to sail interisland itineraries without calling on a foreign port.

The itinerary features two-day overnight visits to Maui and Kauai and stops in both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island, as well as scenic cruising along Kauai's famed Napali Coast. It's easy to book pre- or post-cruise stays in Honolulu to explore places like Waikiki Beach, Diamondhead Crater and Pearl Harbor.

For a completely different interisland cruise, UnCruise Adventures offers a more off-the-beaten-path, adventure-focused sailing on the 36-passenger Safari Explorer.

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. These expedition cruises run from November to April.

Related: The best ways to get to Hawaii using points and miles

Round-trip Hawaii cruises from the West Coast

Most of the major cruise lines offering seasonal Hawaii cruises — such as Carnival, Princess and Holland America — offer 14- to 18-night round-trip itineraries from West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and San Francisco, in California; Seattle; and Vancouver. These sailings run from the fall into the spring. Some lines offer just a few round trips while others offer months of Hawaii cruises.

The itineraries all follow a similar pattern: A four-day Pacific Ocean crossing, daily port stops in three or four Hawaii ports (occasionally with an overnight), another five days at sea, then a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on the way home. If you're sailing from Vancouver, expect five days for the crossing and no visit to Mexico.

You may find some longer grand voyages sailing round trip from North America to Hawaii plus other South Pacific destinations. For example, Holland America offers some epic 35- to 51-night cruises round trip from San Diego

These Hawaii cruises are best for retirees, who have the time to enjoy leisurely ocean crossings on either end of the trip.

Repositioning cruises

The final type of Hawaii cruise is the one-way repositioning sailing, typically offered when ships are heading to or leaving Alaska. The cruise line schedules these sailings to swing by Hawaii on their way to the South Pacific or Australia or perhaps before the ship begins Mexico cruises from southern California or transits the Panama Canal to the Atlantic.

The shorter options, such as 10- and 11-night Hawaii cruises offered by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, sail between Vancouver and Honolulu, leaving you to book a one-way flight to or from Hawaii. Longer one-way sailings from upscale brands, such as Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea, will traverse the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti (or another far-flung island) and Vancouver or Seattle.

The shorter, one-way sailings are a good compromise for travelers who don't want to take a full two weeks or can't imagine 10 days at sea on one vacation but do want some relaxing time on the ship. They also allow pre- or post-cruise stays in Hawaii. 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.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Best Hawaii cruise lines

It's no surprise that I find Norwegian Cruise Line to be one of the best Hawaii cruise lines because it offers a unique product that's a reasonable vacation length for most people and really allows its guests to experience many of Hawaii's highlights.

Princess Cruises is definitely the leader in the two-week, round-trip Hawaii cruise department, offering more sailings out of more homeports than any other line. Carnival , Holland America and Viking also offer this type of sailing, but not as frequently. Holland America is a great choice for round-trip sailings that explore deep into the South Pacific.

Sister lines Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are good bets for those hybrid one-way cruises from the West Coast to Hawaii.

Seabourn , Silversea and Oceania offer upscale accommodations, fine dining and multiple fare inclusions for travelers looking to journey in style across the Pacific Ocean, stopping in Hawaii along the way. Seabourn and Silversea feature smaller ships, more fare inclusions and higher prices than Oceania.

UnCruise Adventures is the line for travelers who want to get off the beaten path on a small ship with a flexible itinerary. These sailings are perfect for active folks who want to get up close to nature. You don't have to be a true cruiser to love UnCruise, but you do need a large budget, as intimate adventures don't come cheap.

Things to do in Hawaii

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.

Obviously, a top attraction is Hawaii's many beaches. You can plop down in the sand on beautifully manicured strands of white sand or find more rugged volcanic black sand beaches. Look for beach parks with sheltered swimming areas for families or find a secluded beach away from popular tourist areas. Some beaches can have strong currents or rough seas during certain times of the year, so always exercise caution when swimming.

Water sports are also a big draw, whether that's surfing Hawaii's waves or snorkeling with green turtles in Maui. Kayak out to sea or along Kauai's Wailua River, or try your hand at kite-surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. For a more chill afternoon out on the waves, consider a whale-watching cruise, sunset sail or scenic boat ride along the Napali Coast.

Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon. Maui's road to Hana is a must-do if you like twisty roads and cascading waterfalls. Watch the sun rise or set, bike down the extinct Haleakala volcano, or visit a live one at Volcanoes National Park near Hilo on the island of Hawaii.

Many travelers enjoy learning about Hawaiian culture and history. Attend a luau where you can feast on Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy music, dancing and fire play. Some take place on plantations where you can discover more about local agriculture. Or, stop by historic attractions, such as Honolulu's Iolani Palace or the Big Island's city of refuge, to learn about the ancient Polynesian culture or the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Best Hawaii cruise ports

The islands of Hawaii only offer a few cruise ports for ships to visit. (UnCruise Adventures is the exception, calling in a few smaller places that the big ships can't go.) All of them are top-notch, so it's hard to say which one is the best overall. Certainly, some ports are better for different types of activities.

The following Hawaii ports are the ones commonly found on cruise itineraries.

Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu is known for Pearl Harbor, where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, a submarine museum and an aviation museum. Cruisers can catch some rays at Waikiki Beach or hike the Diamond Head crater.

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. You can also take a tour to Oahu's North Shore. Oahu is the turn-around port for Pride of America, so travelers should consider a pre- or post-cruise stay to see the sights.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

The small but mighty Kauai is one of the best Hawaii ports for outdoor, nature-based adventure. Get your cameras out for the rocky landscapes of the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast. If you like hiking or kayaking, you've come to the right island, but you can also take it easy on any number of nearby beaches.

Take a riverboat along the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, or hop a tour bus to see where many of your favorite movies were filmed. It's also a good spot for a luau if your ship stays in port late enough.

Hilo, Hawaii

The Big Island is the only island offering two major ports for cruise ships: Hilo on the east coast and Kona on the west. Hilo is the jumping-off point to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike through a lava tube or watch steam venting from the still-active volcano.

The area is also home to numerous waterfalls you can visit, such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, as well as black-sand beaches. Kayak or snorkel in Hilo Bay, or — for something different — visit the Volcano Winery to sample vintages made both with grapes and local fruits.

Related: How to choose the best Hawaiian island for you

Kona, Hawaii

The second cruise port on the island of Hawaii, Kona is one of the best ports for visiting a coffee plantation and sampling local Hawaiian coffee. For travelers more interested in ancient Polynesian history, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the site of an old city of refuge, is a fascinating place to visit. Otherwise, Kona offers plenty of beaches, snorkeling opportunities and boat and submarine tours.

Lahaina or Kahului, Maui

Maui also has two cruise ports, but they serve the same area and attractions. The difference is that Kahului is in an industrial area near the airport. Cruise ships dock there, but you'll need to take a tour or other transportation to see the sights.

Lahaina is a major tourist destination for its restaurants, shops and boat tours, but ships must anchor and transport passengers to shore via tender boats.

Must-sees on Maui include the extinct volcano Haleakala (for sunset or sunrise visits or bike rides down the steep slopes), the twisty road to Hana with its waterfall views and many gorgeous white-sand beaches. Maui is the best Hawaii cruise port for whale watching in season or snorkeling in its clear waters. Visit the Maui Ocean Center to check out more sea life while staying dry.

When to book a Hawaii cruise

The earlier you book a Hawaii cruise, the better. That's because the cruise lines offer comparatively few Hawaii sailings as compared to Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, for example.

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). In addition, unless you live on the West Coast, a Hawaii cruise will require a long flight either to California or Honolulu, so you'll want plenty of time to find an airfare deal or available award seat.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on a Hawaii cruise

What to bring on a Hawaii cruise depends on which cruise you're taking. If you're on a weeklong sailing on casual NCL, you can skip the dressy clothes and prioritize casual outfits that work with whatever beachy or sporty excursions you've got planned in Hawaii. Sun hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and water-friendly shoes are all must-pack items. Don't forget your camera (or waterproof case for your cellphone) and binoculars for whale watching.

Travelers on a longer Hawaii sailing on a line like Princess will want to bring nicer clothes for dinners on board, as well as plenty of activities for all those sea days. That could include books or an e-reader, a packable board game, a knitting project or a journal. UnCruise passengers should pack hiking boots, moisture-wicking athletic clothing, plenty of swimsuits and waterproof bags to protect their gear.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Bottom line

A cruise can be an ideal way to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip and save on costs such as dinner and car rentals.

However, unlike in other cruise regions, travelers are limited in the itineraries and times of the year they can sail. Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is a great way to visit the islands in just a week, but fans of leisurely trips with lots of sea days should look at round-trip cruises from California.

Once you've decided how you want to cruise Hawaii, you can seek out the best cruise fares so you're ready to say "Aloha!" to an incredible vacation when the right deal pops up.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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Pride of America 11-Day Oahu Explorer

4 Days in Oahu | 7-Day Cruise on Pride of America

Hawaii is a magnificent meld of lush rainforests, sky-high waves, ancient kingdoms, World War II history and beauty of volcanic proportions. On this tour, you'll soon experience the traditions of some of Hawaii's original habitants at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Kualoa Ranch, and Dole Plantation. Drive along our scenic North & South shores. Plan to re-live the sights and sounds of the events leading up to the attack on Oahu through several interpretive displays at the Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre and walk in General MacArthur's footsteps on the Surrender Deck of the battleship USS Missouri. This is the time to discover what paradise means to you. Whether it's hanging ten, exploring the mountains and untouched beauty of Ko'olau Mountain Range, or learning an authentic hula dance, there is much to see, do and experience. We look forward to providing you with an authentic Hawaiian experience every step of the way.

For complete programme details, download our Hawaii Cruise Tour Brochure .

• Scenic Tour of O'ahu’s North Shore and South Shore
• Polynesian Cultural Centre
• Pearl Harbour Tour including: Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre, USS Bowfin, USS Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
• Kualoa Ranch Tour
• Explore Waikiki
• Local Experienced Tour Guides
• Transfer to Port of Honolulu

*Note: Due to group ticketing restrictions, A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour is not included.

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. 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.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

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. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

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).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

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.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

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.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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