Does anyone have any information on when and if this is going to happen or where I could find out about it?

Didn't they declare bankruptcy last October?

NCL has Hawaii cruises

But they are not American registered ships. I assumed Jesse was looking for an American ship so he does not have to stop at a foreign port???

Yes, you are all correct - however, I did read somewhere that an American cruiseline was perhaps again being established with an American crew and offering Hawaii itineraries. I just haven't heard or read much in the way of dates and details. Would love to know about it!

American Hawaii, who use to do this went out of business last October.<BR>NCL is the only option right now.<BR>Carnival, Rccl, Princess, HAL and others usually have 12 Day Ensenada to Hawaii in the Spring (around April) and Vancouver to Hawaii in Fall (around October).

Found the post I was referring to. This forum cruisenews 06/23/02. So, Paul or anyone else, any other news?

No news yet Jesse. The new American owners are waiting for the Hawaii government to give them the OK.<BR><BR>If I hear of anything I will post.<BR><BR>Paul

The new American owners of what??? The unfinished Project America ship?

Hi!<BR><BR>Right now, Norwegian Cruise Line is the best option for Hawaii 7 day cruises. The reason that cruise lines are registered in different countries is merely financial, but NCL adhers to North American standards in all other regards and it has an American corporate headquarters.<BR><BR>The reason that these cruise lines have stops in the Fanning Islands or Ensenada or like, Princess, start in Tahiti or Vancouver, is because of something called the Jones Act. It is asomewhat antiquated law, but the cruise lines must call at one "foreign" port to satisfy the requirement of the Jones Act. It is a shame that NCL has to "waste" two days getting to and return from the Fanning Islands, but.... There are often attempts to circumvent or re-invent the Jones Act, but nothing has seen any success yet.<BR><BR>Best,<BR>Julia

Julia - one thing I don't understand and maybe you can help - if NCL could purchase this American Hawaii ship and avert the Jones Act because they have an American Corporate HQ and adhere to the American standards (OSHA, Labor Board, etc) - why can't they simply eliminate Fanning Island now with their NCL Star?

Hi Patty,<BR><BR>I was referring briefly to the owners of the new Voyager Holdings (see my cruisenews of 6/23/02 for complete info).<BR><BR>Project America is now defunct. Us taxpayers are the proud owners of a pile of rusted metal. Congress certainly will move slowly on this new venture.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Two pieces of news:<BR><BR>It is reported over on cruiscritics that NCL is, indeed, rumored to be interested in purchasing a Project America ship.<BR><BR>The Voyager Holdings proposal is being considered by Congress where John McCain is in opposition to the funding and is awaiting a November 6 report from the GAO. Looks bleak.

Hi!<BR><BR>I wish that there was an easy solution around the Jones Act. There have been several attempts to find a way around the law, but as far as I know, the efforts continue. So, the cruise lines continue to visit Tahiti, Ensenada, Vancouver, the Fanning Islands until a reasonable and equitable solution can be found. Most of the cruise lines compensate their crews very well - Holland America has crew members that have worked for them for years, for instance. But, as I understand it (and I could be wrong) the American standards and labor laws make it difficult to offer a cost-effective and quality cruise product while remaining financially stable. It is a difficult situation and upon further review of the situation, it seems like they've found the best possible solution.<BR><BR>Best,<BR>Julia<BR>

Thanks for the replies everyone, especially Paul ( you actualy answered by question ), I am aware of the Jones Act. I guess in a way it's a good thing because it somewhat keeps the cruiselines from overpowering the Hawaiin Islands like they do the Caribbean and others. I do feel, with a nice itinerary, it would be a wonderful way to visit Hawaii for someone like myself who doesn't get to travel as much as I would like to. Please, Paul, post any info you get on this question?

The Jones Acy allows US Airlines to set their own high fares to Hawaii, since the law also applies to foreign airlines. It effectively prohibits them from making a profit flying into Hawaii and allows the US Cariers to set their own prices. So much for the concept of Free Trade. This explains why it is so expensive to fly to Hawaii.<BR>The law also makes it financially impossible for foreign freight carriers to compete in carrying freight to Hawaii. That allows the American carriers to set their own prices with no competition. That`s why, if you know anyone who lives in Hawaii, he probably has three jobs in order to pay the high cost of living there. Nearly everything is imported - and nearly all of it by American Freight Ships.<BR>The State of Hawaii is nearly bankrupt. They are desperately trying to persuade more cruise ships to sail there. Shipping companies spend a great deal of money when they station a ship in one area. There is also major collateral spending (fuel, transport, hotels, provisions, taxes, fees, etc) when a cruise ship is posted in a home port.<BR><BR>As for American Ships sailing there again - forget it. The Coast Guard, USPH, and American Unions have ensured that no American Cruise Ship will ever be able to survive again - unless the American public is willing to pay double to sail on one. I think we all know the answer to that one.<BR>Finally, last time I worked on an American Cruise Ship, we were never able to find enough Americans who could pass a drug test to allow us to have a full staff on the ship.

On a positive note. The cruise industry makes for very interesting chatter.<BR><BR>Paul