The Hawaiian Islands are a top year-round destination and a major Bucket-List Destination for a lot of people. With six major islands to visit, each with its own personality and varied experiences, a trip to this tropical paradise requires a fair amount of time, research and planning. Norwegian Cruise line is simplifying the planning process and enhancing the Hawaiian vacation with unique experiences that immerse travelers in the spirit of the Aloha culture before, during and after their sailings. Check out these 10 things you can do on your next Norwegian Cruise Line vacation.
1. Visit four Hawaiian Islands in seven days
Most people want to see all of Hawaii’s major islands in one trip. For most of us, that’s just not possible due to the time and cost of inter-island flights, transfers and multiple hotel stays. Not to mention unpacking & packing to travel to the next island on your itinerary. With Norwegian’s seven day itinerary that visits four Hawaiian Islands, including two overnight stays, this ensures that you’re on an island hiking, sunning or exploring each and every day. You’ll experience the best of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island with the convenience of returning to the same stateroom every night, and without the hassle of handling the logistics.
7-Day Hawaii, Round-trip Honolulu
| Day | Cruise Ports | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat | Honolulu, Oahu (EMBARK) | — | 7:00 pm |
| Sun | Kahului, Maui | 8:00 am | — |
| Mon | Kahului, Maui | — | 6:00 pm |
| Tue | Hilo, Hawaii | 8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| Wed | Kona, Hawaii | 7:00 am | 5:30 pm |
| Thu | Nawiliwili, Kauai | 8:00 am | — |
| Fri | Nawiliwili, Kauai | — | 2:00 pm |
| Afternoon cruise of the Napali Coast | — | Overnight | |
| Sat | Honolulu, Oahu (DISEMBARK) | 7:00 am | — |
2. Spend 100 hours in port
If there was ever a destination worth exploring beyond the beach, it’s the Hawaiian Islands. From active volcanoes, waterfalls, sea caves, lava tubes, lush rainforests, to mountains, cultural sites and so much more, travelers can plan as much time as possible on land, thanks to the itinerary’s multiple stops and two on-land overnights, totaling about 100 hours in port. Your inner explorer is sure to be excited.
3. Immerse yourself more with overnight hotel stays on land
Hawaii is a destination that beckons visitors to stay a little longer. With its surf-worthy waves and hidden beaches, historical landmarks, amazing local cuisine and a friendly culture, who wouldn’t want to extend their stay? NCL makes it easy to add overnight hotel stays to the beginning and end of a Hawaiian cruise with accommodation options in the heart of popular Waikiki Beach. Or, better yet, add a stay to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa to your vacation…when is the next time you’ll ever be in Hawaii? My suggestion for an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation: Do a Pre-Cruise tour at the beginning of your vacation in Waikiki. Take the cruise of a lifetime. Then, afterwards, check in to Aulani for 3 or 4 nights.
4. Take a pre-cruise Hawaiian land tour
Arriving prior to embarkation day is a must for travelers who want to experience all that Oahu has to offer. Make it easier than ever with options for pre-cruise land tours that can be packaged with any Hawaii cruise. On these tours, which run 3–4 days, visitors can get an insider’s perspective with local experienced tour guides and an itinerary that hits all the highlights including the famous North Shore, Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, downtown Waikiki, the scenic South Shore and Kualoa Ranch. All this before the ship even leaves the port.
5. Set sail any time of year
One of the best perks of cruising in Hawaii with NCL is the ability to set sail at your leisure, any time of year. As the only U.S. flagged cruise ship that sails round-trip from Honolulu all year long, NCL’s Pride of America gives you the freedom and flexibility to vacation on your schedule. The Pride of America begins & ends each of their cruises every Saturday, so you can literally cruise this itinerary at any time of the year. And because this tropical paradise boasts near perfect weather year-round, there’s really no bad time to go.
6. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture—before you even step off the ship
Hawaiian culture is fascinating and fun to experience. And on Norwegian, you don’t even have to step off the ship to learn about and partake in some of its most time-honored native traditions. Take an authentic hula class, try your hand at a native Hawaiian craft like lei making, participate in a traditional luau, learn about the native Hawaiian language, and listen to captivating lectures from locals on topics like the arrival of Captain Cook and Pacific Humpback Whales. All of this, aboard the ship.
7. Take in spectacular scenery right from the deck
One of the truly special things about Hawaii is the beautiful views of coastline. Cruisers are lucky enough to inidulge in some of the most spectacular vantage points that can only be seen from the water. Simply head out to the deck to take in lava flow from an active volcano, stunning cliffs and waterfalls. NCL offers itineraries that cruise by the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world. (when conditions permit, ship will sail by Kilauea Volcano)
8. Cruise in style, thanks to major ship updates
Never judge a ship by its age. Norwegian cruises Hawaii in style with the newly refurbished Pride of America following a modernization that includes newly designed spaces, decor and technical updates, making her practically as new as when she first set sail. Guests will enjoy a new art gallery, new pool deck, renovated bars and lounges, and updated staterooms and suites among other ship enhancements.
9. Make your own schedule with “freestyle” cruising
Hawaii is all about the Shaka sign, interpreted as “hang loose.” And isn’t that what a Hawaiian vacation should be all about? On an NCL cruise, you’ll get that laid-back experience both on land and at sea with the relaxed, flexible take on freestyle cruising that this cruise line pioneered. Meals at your leisure, casual attire, more lounges, bars, entertainment and activity options—all geared toward giving you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Norwegian’s Freestyle cruising attitude is one of my favorite things I love about NCL.
10. Easy boarding, easy disembarkation
Last, but certainly not least, experienced cruisers know that a quick and easy disembarkation makes for a great end to any trip. In Hawaii, guests may feel like they’re far from home, but will appreciate the ease of disembarking in Honolulu. With no need to go through customs, guests go from ship to curb in just a few minutes…the perfect “aloha” to a perfect Hawaiian vacation. Obviously, for U.S. Citizens, no passport is required to visit America’s 50th State.
BONUS ITEM: Get added cruise perks!
For a limited time, choose from Friends and Family Sail Free (pay the taxes only), Unlimited Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursions credits, or internet package! You can choose your own amenities depending on your cabin class. And now, for a limited time, reserve your vacation to paradise for as little as $50.00 per person! To learn more about your next Cruise: kenneth@moderntravelpros.com
Cleared For Take-Off! 