Hawaii Cruise Research and Planning

Crafting the perfect Hawaiian cruise

The journey to an unforgettable vacation starts with thorough research and planning. I’m here to help you navigate every detail. From choosing the best cruise line and itinerary to setting a budget that works for you, I’ll provide you with the insights and tips you need. Let’s dive into the planning process.

There are many things to consider when in the early period of planning your Hawaii cruise vacation. Here are a few that I think travelers should focus on from my experience.

Choose Your Destination: Select the Hawaiian islands you want to visit based on their attractions and activities. Each island has its own unique charm and offerings. Pride of America NCL covers all the main ports and is great for getting a bit of each Hawaiian Island.
Select Your Cruise Line: Research different cruise lines that offer Hawaiian itineraries. Consider factors such as onboard amenities, dining options, and entertainment. A few cruise lines make stops in Hawaii. Pride of America NCL is the only Hawaii only cruise ship.
Pick Your Ship: Once you’ve chosen a cruise line, select a specific ship that aligns with your preferences. Some ships offer more luxurious experiences, while others focus on family-friendly activities. (Remember Hawaii does not allow Gambling)
Decide on Your Itinerary: Look at the different itineraries offered by your chosen cruise line and select one that includes the islands and activities you’re most interested in. This is a good point to look into what tours you want to do on each island. Really popular ones will 100% sell out pre-cruise. I had guests every week frustrated that they didn’t book 3rd party or just book the NCL tour earlier. A lot of guests would book direct and use Viator that offers big discounts and more options that you can find here.
Set Your Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your cruise, taking into account the cost of the cruise itself, as well as any additional expenses such as excursions and souvenirs. Things can add up quick. Look for deals and watch for price drops afterwards, most cruises will adjust the price down if you request a price match.
Book Your Tickets: Once you’ve finalized your plans, book your cruise tickets. Be sure to check for any deals or promotions that may be available. Make sure to bid on possible room upgrades!
Plan Your Travel to the Departure Port: Research the best way to get to the port where your cruise will depart from. Consider factors such as transportation options and travel time. The airports are quite close to the ports and it wont take you more than 20 minutes normally to get to port.
Arrange Accommodation Before the Cruise: If you’re traveling from a distance, consider arriving at the departure port a day or two early and booking accommodation to avoid any travel delays. Do not risk missing the first few days because of a flight issue. Always arrive a day early! I have seen upwards of 30 guests miss the first day one week.