What’s on your bucket list? Most people have a visit to Hawaii on their list. Once the decision to go is made the next question to answer is which island or islands to visit?
Since most people would like to visit more than one island, I usually suggest to first-time visitors a cruise around the islands. It is a great way to sample what each of the islands offers. By the time the cruise ends, most people are ready to book their next vacation on the island that they enjoyed the most.
But which cruise is best for you? Let’s explore a few options.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a cruise every week, on Saturdays, on the Pride of America. The current itinerary is departing from Honolulu, spending the night in Kahului, Maui, then cruising to Hilo and Kona, both on the Big Island of Hawaii, and overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai before returning to Honolulu. This is a cruise that US citizens do not need a passport.
Several cruise lines offer one-way cruises between Honolulu and the mainland. In the spring the cruise departs from Honolulu and in the fall they end in Honolulu.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas departs Honolulu on April 19, 2024, on a ten-night cruise to Vancouver. This itinerary includes scenic cruising of the NapaliCoast, stops on Maui and Kona, and six days at sea.
The Celebrity Edge starts with an overnight stay in Honolulu on May 1, 2024, then sets sail for Maui, Hilo, and Kona before spending five days at sea and ending in Vancouver, BC. This is a ten-night cruise.
If a fall vacation works better for you then consider Royal Caribbeans’ Ovation of the Seas, departing from Vancouver, BC on October 4, 2024. After spending five days at sea you will overnight on Maui, cruise the Napali Coast, and end your cruise in Honolulu.
If you prefer not to fly over the ocean there are also several round-trip cruises from most of the major west coast ports.
Why cruise you might be asking? You only have to pack and unpack once. If you take a land vacation, each time you hop to another island you will have to fly. That takes time to travel to the airport, check-in, going through security, waiting for your flight, the actual flight time, disembarking your flight, getting your luggage, finding your next hotel, and unpacking before starting another part of your “relaxing” vacation. Another big decision on a land vacation is where to eat and how much will it cost. On a cruise ship, just go to one of the many dining venues.
Regardless of how you decide to see Hawaii, there are a few things you don’t want to miss. I believe that every American should visit Pearl Harbor at least once. On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Volcanic National Park is incredible. For whale watching and relaxing beaches visit Maui.
Regardless of which island you are on, there is a luau calling to you.
For more information about booking your dream vacation contact me, LindaGordon@PartofthatWorld.com, or your favorite travel planner at Part of that World Vacations.
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