Comprehensive Guide for NCL Hawaii cruise

Hawaii is synonymous with stunning beaches, crystal blue water, and landscapes featuring volcanoes, waterfalls, and rainforests. Cruises are one of the best ways to explore the archipelago, including Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Opting for the NCL Hawaii Cruise is one of the best cruise liners operating on this route. Read on to learn everything you need to know before you book a cruise.

NCL Hawaii cruise itinerary

There are several NCL Hawaii cruise itinerary you can choose from. One of the popular 7-day inter-island cruises departs from Honolulu and includes stops in Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Kauai. You can also opt for a 12- or 11-day cruisetour on other ships, such as the Norwegian Spirit. You get to explore the South Pacific in addition to the main island. Some itineraries include extended land tours before or after the cruises. This flexibility ensures a Hawaiian vacation for every preference.

Also read: Norwegian Mediterranean cruise

NCL 7-day Hawaii cruise itinerary

NCL 7-day Hawaii cruise itinerary are inter-island roundtrips via Honolulu, visiting five ports. The itinerary includes Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii), and Nāwiliwili (Kaua`i). By sailing overnight, the itinerary eliminates a sea day, maximizing your time to explore on shore. The cruise offers overnight stays in Maui and Kaui’i to ensure time ashore. You will get to experience four different islands in one week. For travellers who want to see four Hawaiian islands without the hassle of flight or hotel changes, this week-long cruise is convenient, efficient, and immersive.

NCL 11-day Hawaii cruise itinerary

The NCL-11-day Hawaii cruise itinerary is usually a 7-day Hawaii cruise with 3-day land tours in Oahu. The tour includes Honolulu (Oahu), Kona (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Kahului (Maui),Nāwiliwili (Kaua`i), and Honolulu (Oahu). The cruise offers scenic landscapes, cultural sites, and outdoor adventure. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper, more complete Hawaiian experience.

NCL 12-day Hawaii cruise itinerary

NCL 12-day Hawaii cruise itinerary sails from Honolulu to Papeete, combining the Hawaiian islands with exotic South Pacific ports. Passengers visit the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Kauai. The cruise crosses the South Pacific to Papeete in French Polynesia. The cruise provides an extended adventure of natural beauty and cultural immersion, and an unforgettable experience in Hawaii and the South Pacific. The itinerary offers a perfect balance of relaxation, scenic sea days, and cultural immersion, and is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of Hawaiian adventure with the stunning beauty of the South Pacific.

NCL Hawaii inter-island cruise

NCL Hawaii inter-island cruise is offered via their 7-day Pride of America cruises. The ship boasts several restaurants and dining options. The cruise makes a round-trip from Honolulu, Oahu, every Saturday. NCL is the cruise line offering inter-island itineraries. The cruise visits four main islands: Oahu, Maui (Kahului), Big Island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai (Nāwiliwili). Visit some of the best beaches in the world, active volcanoes, waterfalls, and forests.

The cruise includes an overnight stay in Maui and Kauai, allowing you ample time to explore the islands. Depending on the island, activities can include visiting Pearl Harbor, driving the Road to Hana, seeing volcanoes, snorkeling, surfing, ziplining, and attending a luau.

NCL Hawaii cruise excursions

NCL Hawaii cruise excursions give you a variety of experiences across culture, nature, food, and adventure. You can enjoy cultural experiences, such visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center or guided walking tours that highlight local history. Nature and adventure lovers can try snorkeling trips, volcano tours, scenic drives, and explore the beautiful national parks and coastline. Hop-on/hop-off bus tours, city tours, and scenic drives through both city and countryside. Tours that include food, such as the luxury snorkeling tour with a taco bar or the Kona Joe’s Roasting Experience.

Oahu: Pearl Harbour, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Kualoa Ranch, and a North and South Shore scenic tour.

Maui: The famous Road to Hana, Haleakala, and various snorkeling and luxury boat tours like the Maui Brew Co. beer and taco tour.

Big Island (Hilo): A tour of Volcanoes National Park and the Puna district’s lava fields.

Big Island (Kona): The Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure and the Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach tour.

Kauai: The Luau Kalamaku, Waimea Canyon tours, and exploring the Napali Coast.

NCL Hawaii cruise reviews

NCL Hawaii cruises have received mixed reviews but are generally positive. Most passengers praised the itinerary allowing them to visit multiple islands. They loved the attentive and friendly staff and found the ships clean and well-maintained. Guests enjoyed the dining options onboard. The onboard atmosphere was relaxed and ideal for those budget-friendly groups or those who prioritized island experience over extensive onboard entertainment. Passengers also found the disembarkation and embarkation process efficient.

However, they found some areas like pools, small and sometimes overcrowded. The onboard entertainment was limited. Excursion could be overpriced, and some guests suggested exploring your own at ports. Some found the cruise not child friendly with limited onboard amenities for children and restrictions of toddlers in pools.