Why are Hawaiian cruises so popular?

ATTENTION: This blog was recently updated with new information in August 2019.

The gorgeous weather, beaches, and culture are why millions of people vacation on the Hawaiian islands. However, because it is so popular it can be a bit expensive, but don’t despair, there are ways to enjoy this paradise without breaking the bank and still enjoy luxurious, all-inclusive accommodations. For years our CruiseExperts.com agents have specialized in helping our clients enjoy all that the islands have to offer at an affordable price.

One of the best and most value-packed ways to see the Aloha State is on a cruise ship that visits all four main islands. On a cruise, your transportation to all four islands is included and best of all you only unpack once.  Your luxury stateroom is not only your home away from home, but it also magically transports you from one island to another; you don’t have to worry about hotels, airport shuttles or commuter flights between islands.  Most first time visitors to Hawaii are surprised how expensive meals can be, but on a cruise, all of your meals are included as is lots of free entertainment.  Whether you want to embark on a seven-day or 16-day journey, one of our CruiseExperts.com agents will find a trip that works with your schedule and budget. If you’re ready to get lei’d, then keep reading. Here’s the scoop on cruising to Hawaii:

Why cruising is the best way to vacation in Hawaii

A Hawaiian cruise is an affordable way to visit the islands.

  • When you cruise to Hawaii, all your meals are included in the price of your ticket. You can enjoy a five-star meal without reaching for your wallet.
  • Another plus to cruising Hawaii is that your accommodations cost less per night.  It’s not uncommon for resort hotels on the islands to cost upwards of $500 a night. You won’t spend anywhere near that on a cruise. Like the food, your cabin for the duration of your voyage is included in the price of the ticket. And you don’t have to pack your bags if you want to see another island.
  • Access to a full-scale spa and salon.
  • Amenities like the gym, childcare–aka kids programs, and Vegas-style shows are included.
  • It’s a great way to see all the islands in one trip.

Happy young girlsCruises are a great way to spend time in the Aloha State without breaking the bank. Whether you want to embark on a 7-day or 66-day journey, one of our CruiseExperts.com agents will find a trip that works with your schedule and budget. If you’re ready to get lei’d, then keep reading. Here’s the scoop on cruising to Hawaii.

The most popular cruise itinerary

Tourist couple on Hawaii taking picturesNorwegian Cruise Line Pride of America has a 7-night cruise that departs every Saturday all year round and visits all four islands. They have 90 different shore excursions to choose from. Hawaii is more than just beautiful beaches, but trails through rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and volcanic craters bringing out the photographer in everyone. If you love the water, surf lessons are available, take a kayak expedition, snorkel or scuba dive. If you want to explore, hike or bike through the rainforest or to a volcanic crater. There’s also historic, farm, and helicopter tours and more to choose from. Ask a CruiseExperts.com agent for options in adventure, family activities or sightseeing. However, relaxing on the beach is still the most popular activity.

The Islands you will visit on a cruise ship

Because the length of voyages varies so greatly from one cruise line to the next, so does the itinerary. But, you’ll likely visit these islands regardless of what ship you are on.

ncl hulacouple on standup paddle board in hawaiiHawaii—Kona, Kalilua and Hilo are popular stops with most cruise lines. The festivities and activities are endless on the main island from intertribal powwows, luaus, helicopter tours, zip-lining through paradise, and hiking to a volcano.

Kauai–Many individuals say that Kauai is the state’s most scenic island. If you can, book a helicopter expedition through the Na Pali Coast State Park. Snorkeling is another great activity and will give you the opportunity to see hundreds of various fish species and delicate underwater ecosystems.

Oahu—Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city and capital. Spend some time conquering Diamond Head, a volcano that scientist believe is 150,000 years old, or work on your tan on the famous Waikiki Beach. History lovers will want to visit the memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Maui–This is Hawaii’s second-most populous island. Take a relaxing stroll along the red sand beach of Kaihalulu or embark on a bike ride through Haleakala National Park.

young couple kayaking in hawaiiWe have great prices on Hawaiian cruises that beat all others. Check out CruiseExperts.com at Hawaiian Cruise Specials to see our prices! Chances are you won’t find a better deal and you will love our personal service from our agents who can help you plan your perfect getaway. We have successfully helped thousands of customers book their vacations—and they call back as soon as they return to plan the next one! We love our customers!

So where do you start? Here are the most common departure ports for Hawaiian cruises:

Ensenada, MexicoCelebrity Millennium departs from Ensenada on an 11-night one-way voyage that ends in Hawaii. If you want to extend your vacation, continue on with the 17-night voyage to Australia and visit the French Polynesian islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and end your vacation in Australia. The Celebrity Solstice also has a one-way 11-night Hawaiian cruise that ends in Honolulu, and then embarks on an 18-night Australian cruise with a similar itinerary, but stops in New Zealand instead of Fiji. (Celebrity will provide transportation from San Diego to Ensenada.)

ncl poaHonolulu, Hawaii—If you prefer to fly straight to Hawaii, your choice is the popular Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America–7-night cruises depart from Honolulu every Saturday all year round, sailing to all four islands.

Long Beach and Los Angeles, California—Carnival, Princess, and Celebrity have 15 or 16-night roundtrip cruises to Hawaii.

San Diego, California—Holland America Line Veendam has 17- and 18-night roundtrip cruises from San Diego. The Celebrity Century offers a 15-night roundtrip cruise as well.

San Francisco, California—Take a roundtrip cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco on board the Grand Princess on a 15-night voyage.

Vancouver, British ColumbiaThere are three cruise lines that sail to Hawaii from Vancouver. They are one way trips which means you will not return back to Vancouver, but rather the voyage ends in Hawaii or in Long Beach. Royal Caribbean makes one way trips from Vancouver to Honolulu or Honolulu to Vancouver ranging from 10- to 13-night voyages. Carnival departs from Vancouver and sails to Hawaii, but returns to Long Beach for 15- or 16-night cruises.

These are just a few examples of where you may head out from. When you give us a call, we’ll help you plan your cruise vacation so you’re leaving from a city that is convenient for you.

Other blogs with really good information

Prepare for your Hawaiian cruise with movies and books
Myth #1: It costs more to book a cruise using a travel agent
Myth #2: Booking a cruise vacation last minute will get you the best deal
Myth #3: Cruising is more expensive than a land vacation
What is Freestyle Cruising?

Call us for more information

What are you waiting for? Contact us at CruiseExperts.com. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with more information on vacationing in Hawaii. We can be reached by calling 1.888.804.CRUISE (2784) or visiting our website, www.CruiseExperts.com.

Save big on your Hawaii cruise with our Price Advantage Alerts! CruiseExperts.com has secured these low prices a year or two in advance to deliver exclusive cruise deals. By shopping from CruiseExperts.com you are guaranteed to get the lowest prices. Explore our Hawaii Price Advantage Alerts now!

3 Comments

  • joe nolan says:

    I would like to have some idea of what these prices are going to be like. I do not have to have the exact number. This is so that I have something to discuss with the agent. Thank you.

    • Linda Garcia says:

      Hi Joe! The Hawaiian cruise prices vary throughout the year. We need a little more information. When do you want to go? What ports do you want to depart from? How long of a cruise do you want to take? If you want to take a cruise in the summer, the only option is the Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America which sails year-round departing every Saturday from Honolulu on a 7-day cruise. If you want to cruise during the Fall and Spring there are much more options. Rachel Brandon, one of our cruise experts, will be in contact with you to help answer all of your questions. Thank you for your comment!

    • Like most vacations, Hawaii cruise fares depend on when you travel, the type of accommodation you prefer, and the length of the cruise. You can fly into Honolulu and take a 7 night cruise between the islands on the Norwegian Pride of America, the only large cruise ship that cruises just between the islands year-round. Prices start from as low as $1049/person for an inside stateroom on December 7, 2013.

      Other Hawaii cruise options include 10 and 12 Night One-Way cruises starting in Vancouver and ending in Honolulu in the Fall on Royal Caribbean ships; an 11 Night One-Way cruise from Ensenada and ending in Honolulu on the Celebrity Millennium or Solstice in the fall starting at $949/person for an Inside stateroom; and 15 Night roundtrip cruises from San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles or San Francisco is the spring and fall aboard Celebrity, Carnival or Princess cruise ships. The best fare for these is $929/person in October or November.

      If you have any additional questions or if I may assist you with your fun and relaxing Hawaii Cruise vacation, please contact me.

      Happy cruising!
      Rachel Brandon
      Hawaii Vacation Specialist

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