Cruising the Hawaiian Islands

Cruising the Hawaiian Islands

Cruising has become extremely popular in Hawaii. For first-time visitors, it's an excellent way to get a taste of all the islands; and if you fall in love with one or even two, you know how to plan your next trip. It's also a comparatively inexpensive way to see Hawaii. The limited amount of time in each port can be an argument against cruising–there's enough to do on any island to keep you busy for a week, so some folks feel shortchanged by cruise itineraries.

Cruising to Hawaii

Until 2001 it was illegal for any cruise ships to stop in Hawaii unless they originated from a foreign port, or were including a foreign port in their itinerary. The law has changed, but most cruises still include a stop in the Fanning Islands, Ensenada, or Vancouver. Gambling is legal on the open seas, and your winnings are tax-free; most cruise ships offer designated smoking areas and now enforce the U.S. legal drinking age (21) on Hawaii itineraries.

On all but the Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii, and Pride of Aloha cruises (operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines), you must bring a passport as you will be entering foreign ports of call.

Think about booking your own excursions directly. You'll often pay less for greater value. For example, if you want to take a surfing lesson on Oahu, visit one of the beachside shacks to find excellent instructors who offer better deals to individuals than they do to the cruise lines.

Carnival Cruises. They call them "fun ships" for a reason – Carnival is all about keeping you busy and showing you a good time, both on board and on shore. Great for families, Carnival always plans plenty of kid-friendly activities, and their children's program rates high with the little critics. Carnival offers itineraries starting in Ensenada, Vancouver, and Honolulu. Their ships stop on Maui (Kahului and Lahaina), the Big Island (Kailua-Kona and Hilo), Oahu, and Kauai.

888/227-6482. www.carnival.com

Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity's focus is on service, and it shows. From their waitstaff to their activity directors to their fantastic Hawaiian cultural experts, every aspect of your trip has been well thought out. They cater more to adults than children, so this may not be the best line for families. Celebrity's Hawaii cruises depart from Los Angeles and stop in Maui (Lahaina), Oahu, the Big Island (Hilo and Kailua-Kona), and Kauai.

800/647-2251. www.celebrity.com

Holland America. The grande dame of cruise lines, Holland America has a reputation for service and elegance. Holland America's Hawaii cruises leave and return to San Diego, CA, and stop on Maui (Lahaina), the Big Island (Kailua-Kona and Hilo), O'ahu, and for half a day on Kauai.

877/724-5425. www.hollandamerica.com

Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian has traditionally been one of the more casual cruise lines and offers a variety of service, activity, and excursion options. The latest addition to their fleet, Pride of Hawaii, has expensive suites; but all the boats maintain a family-friendly focus (there are no casinos). The only line with ships not required to stop in foreign ports, NCL Pride itineraries originate either in San Francisco, Kahului (Maui), or Honolulu and include stops on Maui (Kahului), O'ahu, the Big Island (Hilo and Kailua-Kona), and Kauai (Nawiliwili).

800/327-7030. www.ncl.com

Princess Cruises. Princess strives to offer affordable luxury. Their prices start out a little higher, but you get more bells and whistles (more affordable balcony rooms, nice decor, more restaurants to choose from, personalized service). They're not fantastic for kids, but they do a great job of keeping teenagers occupied. Princess' Hawaiian cruise is 15 days, round-trip from Los Angeles, with a service call in Ensenada. The Island Princess stops in Maui (Lahaina), the Big Island (Hilo and Kailua-Kona), O'ahu, and Kauai.

800/774-6237. www.princess.com

Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean's cruises originate in Los Angeles only, and stop in Maui (Lahaina), Kauai, O'ahu and the Big Island (both Hilo and Kailua-Kona). In keeping with its reputation for being all things to all people, Royal Caribbean offers a huge variety of activities and services on board and more excursions on land than any other cruise line.

800/521-8611. www.royalcaribbean.com

Cruising Within Hawaii

If you'd like to cruise from island to island, Norwegian is the only major cruise line option. For a different experience, Hawaii Nautical offers cruises on smaller boats.

Tendering in Maui can be a tedious process–if you want to avoid a little bit of the headache (and hours waiting in the sun), be sure to book an excursion there through the ship and you'll have smooth sailing.

Most Mainland cell phones will work without a hitch on board between the islands and at all Hawaiian ports of call.

Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian is the only major operator to offer interisland cruises in Hawaii. Three of their ships cruise the islands – Pride of Aloha (older, Hawaiian-themed, priced lowest), Pride of Hawaii (brand new, the most chic of the three, suites available, Hawaiian themed, slightly pricier), and Pride of America (Vintage Americana theme, very new, big family focus with lots of connecting staterooms and suites). All three offer 7-day itineraries within the islands, stopping on Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, and overnighting in Kauai; the Pride of America offers guests two additional itineraries, one that includes more time on Maui and the other more time at sea.

800/327-7030. www.ncl.com

Hawaii Nautical. Offering a completely different sort of experience, Hawaii Nautical provides private multiple-day interisland cruises on their catamarans, yachts, and sailboats. Prices are higher, but service is completely personal, right down to the itinerary.

808/234-7245. www.hawaiinautical.com