Hawaii Small Ship Cruises Hawaii Island Hopping

Table Of Content

• Hawaii Cruise Articles and Videos
• Unforgettable Hawaii Cruises, Including a Tiny 36-Passenger Sailing and a Disney Ship
• View Popular Hawaii Cruise Destinations
• Cruises
• The Aloha Spirit Onboard

This is because the weather is excellent, wave heights are manageable, and water temperatures begin to rise. The best time of the year for humpback whale-watching in Hawaii is from November to mid-May, but this can also be the rainiest and more expensive months for flights. The best time to find Hawaii cruise deals is between Thanksgiving and mid-December. Cruises are an ideal way to explore Hawaii, and there are plenty of options that fit a broad range of travel styles and tastes. Despite being the smallest of the four main islands, Kauai is home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon,the lush Fern Grotto framed by Wailua River, and so much more. The stunning Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, such as Jurassic Park and King Kong.

Hawaii Cruise Articles and Videos

The next two days are spent in Lahaina, Maui, home base for a cruise among dolphins and whales, a plantation tour, or a traditional luau. The ship cruises to the final stop in Honolulu, where guests are free to enjoy Oahu at their leisure before heading back to the mainland. Hawaii is a beautiful state, and I hope you get to go on a Hawaii cruise. Just take the time to make sure you enjoy how you are getting there and how you see the islands so your bucket-list trip is only full of great travel memories on cruise ships and the islands.

Unforgettable Hawaii Cruises, Including a Tiny 36-Passenger Sailing and a Disney Ship

Why cruise only to Hawaii when you could cruise to Hawaii, Tahiti, and Fiji? Holland America includes several Hawaiian stops on longer itineraries, including the 51-day Tales of the South Pacific and the 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyages. Each of those itineraries departs from and returns to San Diego, crosses the Equator and international dateline, and stops in Kiribati and French Polynesia. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess.

View Popular Hawaii Cruise Destinations

If you’re getting ready to embark on your dream vacation, you want to choose the best time to go on a cruise to balance travel with weather and availability of the activities and sights that most excite you. Experience the verdant, mountainous beauty and gentle rhythm of life of Hawaii on one of our award-winning ships. We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

If you prefer to stay in one spot, head over to Kaanapali Beach— one of Maui’s most beautiful strips of coastline stretching 3 miles. If you prefer to spend time on land, hike the 1.76 mile Kapalua Coastal Trail where you will stroll past black lava rock, beautiful white beaches, and colorful tropical plants. To discover some of Hawaii’s exquisite natural wonders, make sure that Lahaina, Maui is on your Hawaiian cruise itinerary.

Cruises

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. From Los Angeles, set sail on a journey to this breathtaking archipelago. Stops on the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai will give you time to take in their lush rainforests, volcanic peaks and idyllic beaches, as you learn more about the history of its original inhabitants. Return across the vast Pacific, stopping in Ensenada, the wine capital of Mexico, before disembarking in Los Angeles. Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to experience most of Hawaii’s highlights.

The Aloha Spirit Onboard

Aboard the Pride of America, you’ll find a Miami-inspired pool, a Gold Rush Saloon, and restaurants for every palate. Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value, and you’ll visit popular Hawaiian islands — Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island (Hilo and Kona) — without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.

We’ve vetted the small boat options in Hawaii to offer everything from a small Hawaii yacht to an expedition ship offering luxury Hawaii cruises. These ships offer cruises around Hawaii with expert naturalist guides to interpret the destination’s unique environment and wildlife. Enjoy up-close exploration on guided shore excursions, swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking—just to name a few activities included aboard.

Do You Have Significant Time Off?

Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and many more cruise lines offer seasonal cruises to Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver. These cruises typically run for a longer amount of time than the Hawaii roundtrip itineraries, typically sailing between 15 and 18 nights. If you decide to cruise to Hawaii during the months of April through mid-June, you can expect temperatures ranging between the mid-70s at night and mid-80s during the day. Spring marks the beginning of Hawaii’s dry season, explaining why the majority of cruise lines operate island hopping Hawaii cruises during this time frame. Cruise lines typically visit Hawaii on sailings during two separate time frames, noted as the best time to visit Hawaii. You can frequently find the best island hopping Hawaii cruises during the September to mid-December and the mid-April to mid-June time frames.

Attend a luau where you can feast on Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy music, dancing and fire play. Some take place on plantations where you can discover more about local agriculture. Or, stop by historic attractions, such as Honolulu's Iolani Palace or the Big Island's city of refuge, to learn about the ancient Polynesian culture or the Kingdom of Hawaii. Nature lovers can find a variety of hikes within lush green forests or along the rocky landscape of the Waimea Canyon. Maui's road to Hana is a must-do if you like twisty roads and cascading waterfalls. Watch the sun rise or set, bike down the extinct Haleakala volcano, or visit a live one at Volcanoes National Park near Hilo on the island of Hawaii.

Non-Stop Travel Presents an Exclusive Island Cruise Offer for Kama‘aina - KHON2

Non-Stop Travel Presents an Exclusive Island Cruise Offer for Kama‘aina.

Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you only want to visit one island and enjoy everything there, then cruising is not a good option for you. Flying to the island you desire to see and enjoying a land vacation would be a better option. You also have the opportunity to cruise one way and fly the other, which might be a good option. If you can’t get nine days away, your best option is to select another destination. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. This unique 8-day, 4-island itinerary offers discovery of Hawaii's rich traditions and natural wonders, including a thrilling night snorkel.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip. Work with one Adventure Specialist to prepare for your Hawaii island hopping cruise. Lahaina is a major tourist destination for its restaurants, shops and boat tours, but ships must anchor and transport passengers to shore via tender boats. The small but mighty Kauai is one of the best Hawaii ports for outdoor, nature-based adventure. Get your cameras out for the rocky landscapes of the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast.

If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. It can cover unforeseen expenses related to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. If you’re a U.S. citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port), you do not need a passport, though it’s recommended. However, a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) are necessary. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling on a Hawaiian cruise that begins and ends in the U.S., you do not need a visa.

Both Un-Cruise and Norwegian offer overnights in various ports as well. By far the most popular itinerary running island hopping Hawaii cruises are roundtrip out of Hawaii. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America offer roundtrip Hawaii cruises year-round through their ship Pride of America. These itineraries tend to be port-intensive as they run around 7-nights roundtrip. The weather on Hawaii cruises differs by the time of year you are visiting.

30 Best Things to Do in Cozumel on a Cruise Cruise Port Guide

Table Of Content

• Adventure Time at Xcaret's Xplor Park
• Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Cozumel?
• Take a Submarine Tour
• Cozumel Cruise Port
• Cruise and shore excursions

Visit as soon as you dock or while you’re waiting to board after your day ashore. This area is full of big-name shops but also local Mexican vendors as well as a pharmacy. This could be one of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise. Especially if you want to get away from the hub-bub of downtown and usually thousands of cruise passengers.

Adventure Time at Xcaret's Xplor Park

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of abundant palm trees, clear turquoise waters, and soft white sand. If you haven’t had enough boat rides in taking a cruise, try one of the fast-moving ferries that goes the 12 miles from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. The trip is fun — the ferries offer great views, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Cozumel?

One highway circumvents the island and along the way are many different points of interest, from beach clubs to Mayan ruins to the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. You’ll drive through the jungle, visit secluded beaches, and have the opportunity to snorkel in pristine waters. At Nachi Cocum you’ll get an all-inclusive beach break excursion. However, what sets it apart is that is limits the number of guests to only 130. Cozumel beaches can get very crowded, so having a more secluded beach feel is extra special.

Take a Submarine Tour

Search for missing South Carolina cruise passenger complicated by jungle terrain as family demands US help - Fox News

Search for missing South Carolina cruise passenger complicated by jungle terrain as family demands US help.

Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

And be sure to check out the Chile Tequila Factory for a sampling of Mexico’s favorite spirit. Cozumel’s cuisine is dominated by Mexican, American and international cuisine. Fresh seafood is always a good choice, and so is the cochinita pibil— a slow-roasted, highly seasoned pork dish. Cool off with a michelada, made with beer and freshly squeezed lime juice over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Or keep it traditional with Mexico’s signature spirit, tequila. Cozumel has changed time zone to EST (Eastern Standard Time), the same time zone in the East Coast of North America, 5 hours behind UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

Shopping in Cozumel Is Easily the Top Thing to Do in the Cozumel Cruise Port

This adults-only all-inclusive may not be right on the beach, but don't let that dissuade you. It's an upscale experience chock-full of inclusions, from daily guided snorkeling expeditions to horseback riding, kayaking, and driving dune buggies. It's also a quick walk to the beach at the sibling resort, Fiesta Americana Cozumel. A Cozumel institution, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa has a lengthy white-sand beach and five-star accommodations. The chic, spacious rooms offer spectacular Caribbean Sea views, and guests who want to experience Cozumel’s world-class diving can use the on-site dive center, or unwind at the spa. If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss the Chocolate Workshop at Discover Mexico Park in Cozumel.

Cozumel Cruise Port

Oceania Cruises organizes 25 shore excursions, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers 42 excursions and Princess has 48 excursions available. There are good reasons why Cozumel is such a popular cruise port. To start with, the tropical weather is just fabulous and very reliable with 80°F (27° C) average annual temperature. But its main attraction is the unmatched clarity of the ocean waters that surround the island. Stunning crystal clear waters, sugar powder sanded beaches and a couple of interesting archaeological sites are the top attractions of Cozumel cruise port.

Explore Underwater and Take a Snorkel Tour

There’s plenty of sea life with large schools of tropical fish and an excellent chance to view turtles and manta rays! It’s also a very uncrowded beach club with great food and lounge chairs. After you leave your ship, you’ll find a lush garden full of flowers and plants and the most extensive shopping mall out of all three ports.

Cruise and shore excursions

Since 1962, Panaderia la Cozumelena has been serving delicious coffee and breakfast to its patrons. The menu has something for everyone, including light fruit and smoothies to substantial breakfasts. Pescaderia also plays live music and is known for its accommodating and amiable owners and staff. This family-run restaurant has gluten-free options and reasonable prices for its high-quality food. There’s also the newer Pancho’s Backyard down by Carnival’s pier, Puerto Maya. But I prefer the Pancho’s to the north at Los Cinco Solas small shopping mall.

Get Your Thrills on a Jet Boat Ride

If your cruise ship docks in Punta Langosta, the town of San Miguel is right across the street from the pier. When docking at the International Pier aka TMM or Puerta Maya, the cruise traveler will have to get a taxi to San Miguel ($8 per person each way up to 4 passengers). Rafael E. Melgar and is lined with shops all the way to the Forum shopping mall (over 1 mile from Punta Langosta). Besides the archaeological tours and shore excursions, many activities, which can also be enjoyed on your own.

Across the road (Quintana Roo C-1), the Royal Village Shopping Center offers even more options for both shopping and dining amongst other independent venues. Opposite from this area is the Mayan Plaza where visitors can shop, eat and even take souvenir photos at the Insta-worthy "Cozumel" sign. The roads that do exist in this particular area can't be accessed by car. You can’t see all of Mexico during your cruise, but this little stop will allow you to at least feel like you did. The tour at Discover Mexico Park will allow you to experience the taste, culture, history, heritage, art, and music of Mexico.

Cozumel Ferry – The main ferry terminal is located within a 5-minute walk from Punta Langosta and offers daily ferry transportation between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. It is easy to find, just turn left upon exiting the Punta Langosta terminal and you’ll spot the ferries close by. There’s a reason it’s one of the most visited cruise ports in the world. While most cruise passengers hang out on the western side of the island, the beaches on the eastern side are typically offer nicer sand and much less crowded. Be careful, this side of the island is usually windier and the water can be a bit rougher.

Cozumel is a vibrant and inviting Western Caribbean destination for cruise ship passengers. This stunning Caribbean island is located just 11 miles (18 km) off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is renowned for its natural beauty and has become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. This popular port destination attracts over 3 million travelers looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway. These days you can charter a boat to head out for a few hours and fish the rich waters off the coast.

Just like its sister pier, the International Pier also has a small “city” that caters to cruise passengers (but you can’t go between the two ports). Continue to experience the charm of Mexico by cruising to Progreso, which is also located on the Yucatan peninsula, or Veracruz, which is further up the coast. Many cruises to Cancun and Cozumel cruise ports continue on to other in the Western Caribbean like Belize City, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. Or work off your margaritas with a spelunking expedition inside a Cenote cave. On the east side of the island, tourists come for the bars and restaurants, narrow beaches, and gorgeous views of the rugged eastern coastline. If you’re looking for a more private experience, Cabana Beach might be the best place for you.

It’s important to note that the beach has rough waters, so it’s not recommended to swim here. The park has a white lighthouse that offers a panoramic view when you climb to the top. Other tourist attractions include the Mayan ruins of El Caracol and a nautical museum at the base of the lighthouse. For an extra cost, you can explore other activities like tequila tasting, massages, and kayaking. You also have the option to rent snorkeling gear or dine at the park’s restaurant.

Order a cafe de olla, coffee with cinnamon, and you’ll also receive pan dulce, a sweet and traditional Mexican bread. This place is the perfect place to break your fast when docking early for a day in Cozumel. Puerta Maya is home to popular restaurants like The Three Amigos bar and a newer Pancho’s Backyard plus lots of colorful photo ops. Though nearly a 3,000 year-old civilization, Cozumel was a commercial and ceremonial center during the classic Mayan period about 250 to 900 A.D.