 |
| Courtesy of of NCL |
If you are looking for the best way to island-hop Hawaii in just seven days, plan a cruise
on
Pride of America. From the moment you step into the Capitol Atrium with its soaring Tiffany-glass dome and grand staircase, you’ll enjoy this spectacular cruise ship.
 |
| Courtesy of of NCL |
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a cruise from Honolulu to three beautiful outer islands: Maui, Kauai and the big Island of Hawaii. Stops in Kauai and Maui include an overnight stay, which gives you more time to enjoy the islands. It allows you to stop rushing and enjoy the slowed down pace of the islands! Imagine visiting four different islands, and only packing and un-packing once!
 |
| Courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
If you are looking to avoid the winter doldrums this year, a great romantic winter getaway or family vacation could be a cruise to America’s paradise. What better way to spend the winter when the snow is blowing back home and the temperatures are dipping to below zero! Every day aboard the ship brings a wealth of activities, excursions, and entertainments – and the pampering that all of us can enjoy.
 |
| Courtesy of NCL |
As you relax, dine, socialize, or simply enjoy a quiet moment on board or on shore, the Pride of America has many superb amenities. The ship has 14 restaurants and nine bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and lots of balconies perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.
 |
| Courtesy of NCL |
This trip is perfect for those who want to stay in Hawaii for a few extra days or arrive in time to board the ship. For the travelers who want to spend a few nights in Honolulu before the cruise, there are many great hotel rooms available where you can stay as you check out the sights around Honolulu. If you are flying from the West Coast, you can fly from your home city on the morning of the sail date, arriving in Honolulu with lots of time to spare prior to embarkation. When you return home, you will have plenty of time after disembarkation to get to the airport and to catch the plane home!
 |
| Courtesy of NCL |
Of course no cruise is complete without a few excursions to see the sights at each port. Since you will have an overnight stay in both Maui and Kauai, many visitors prefer to rent a car and explore on the islands on their own. Each island has a personality of its own and its own charm. It is easy to drive from one end of each island to the other within a few hours so you can see a fair amount of the island within a short period of time.
 |
| Courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
You will want to take some time out to spend at some of the lovely beaches. Even though Hawaii is very exotic and you feel as though you are in a foreign land, you are still in the USA; driving takes place on the right side of the road, and all of the street signs are in English.
On board the Pride of America, you may choose to remain on board the ship, even while in port. That means you can still eat your meals on the ship 3 times a day, snacks are always available, and the bartenders are still on duty! So if you prefer to return to the ship for your meals, that’s not a problem at all. Otherwise, having breakfast and dinner on board, and your lunch ashore is still a good way to enjoy the island. Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to offer dining called Free Style. This means no assigned dining time, table or dinner companions. This gives you even more freedom while in port.
 |
| Courtesy of NCL |
Your stop in Hilo, the Big Island, allows plenty of time to visit the Volcanoes National Park, world-class botanical gardens, or the Planetarium for some star gazing. Do you enjoy the chocolate covered Macadamia Nuts? Go right to the source, at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory! What a great gift to take home to the family and friends you left behind!
After leaving Hilo you will cruise to the other side of the island, past Mount Kilauea; you will hopefully be able to catch a few pictures the flowing lava in the darkness. Of course, that’s something dependent upon Mother Nature, or hopefully the volcano is not erupting so you have to make a major detour!
Kauai is one of my favourite islands with its lush tropical vegetation, beautiful flowers and spectacular scenery. From the north side of the island to the south, there are numerous lovely swimming beaches to quaint towns. Just around the next turn is a wonderful vista.
 |
| Courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
Once back in Honolulu, if you have a late flight, be sure to visit Pearl Harbour and Diamond Head, and of course, Waikiki Beach!
 |
| Courtesy of Arron & Katy |
If Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America sounds like the way you would like to see Hawaii, please give me a call or send an email. I would be happy to help you plan your trip navigating the seas in this South Pacific paradise:
Muriel MacRae, travel consultant
403-477-0643
travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca--------------------------------------------------
Muriel MacRae, owner of
Del Sol Travel and
Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at
muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.
