Hawaiian Cruises
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Cruise Destinations, Featured
What better way is there to visit the islands of Hawaii than by cruise ship? The cruise will sail through the beautiful Pacific Ocean to the volcanic islands of Oahu, Big Island, Kauai and Maui where you can see several islands, not just one as with a regular holiday. Cruise lines which specialize in this itinerary include Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Cunard and Princess Cruises. The big advantage of Hawaiian cruises is that they sail all year round enjoying the beautiful sunshine and balmy temperatures which Hawaii is known for.
While some cruises sail from San Francisco, Ensendad in Mexico and Vancouver making continuous round trips, other cruises simply circumnavigate Hawaii and islands further away such as Fanning Island and Christmas island. Cruises from main ports in the USA, Mexico and Canada avoid the additional airfare, but less time is spent actually on the Hawaiian islands. However, starting and finishing in a major city port means that the cruise can be extended with a two or three day vacation in the city before flying home. There are pros and cons to each option. All Hawaiian cruises last at least 7 nights, and many are as long as 15 nights.
Days ashore in one of the ports will include trips to see some of the highlights, and each island is different from the next. The only common shore excursions will be those to the beach, and those visiting a Luau where Hawaiian cultural dance, drumming, fire knife dancing and song is demonstrated and usually traditional floral leis are distributed.
On Hawaii’s Big Island, the Volcanoes National Park has the only two active volcanoes in Hawaii. The Thurston lava tube and the Observatory can be visited. After dark the lava glows orange and steam can be seen as it hits the cool sea water. You can walk to Akaka Falls which drop an impressive 442 feet or visit a coffee plantation.
On Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, cruisers can tour the Botanical Gardens or visit the 10 mile long Waimea Canyon. Maui is known for its pineapple growing. You can fly over the island on a helicopter tour, see the whales nursing their young or visit one of the market places to shop. Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor where there is a memorial and visitor center. This island is known for its surfing competitions and the Kawaiahao church made of coral.
In between ports there is plenty to do on board your cruise ship. Eating, sunbathing, enjoying the spa, attending clubs, lectures and demonstrations are all part of cruise life. The cruise ship casino will also be open when the ship is offshore and is a popular way for those who enjoy gambling to spend their time. The casinos are very professional and cruise ship gambling is a popular pastime with many cruise guests. Slot machines and many gaming tables are offered on most cruise ships.
