Norwegian Cruise Line informed booked guests of itinerary changes for the upcoming cruises onboard the Pride of America.
Sailing inter-island cruises in Hawaii, the U.S.-flagged vessel will see its visits to Kahului replaced by overnight stays at Hilo.
The change is related to the wildfires that are currently affecting Maui and impacts all cruises set to depart through August 26, 2023.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a prepared statement.
“We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences,” Norwegian continued noting that the “safety and security of guests and crew” remains a top priority.
As a result, the company decided to replace the visit to Maui with an overnight call to Hilo. The decision aims to avoid stressing out local resources in the region, Norwegian added.
With the change, Pride of America’s revised itinerary will also include scenic cruising past the Napali Coast, as well as an additional overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai.
The adjusted itinerary was created in hopes of “continuing to provide the best opportunity to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, Norwegian Cruise Line said.
The shore excursions booked through NCL for Kahului will be automatically cancelled, the company added, with a full monetary refund of the fare paid set to be returned to the original form of payment used at the time of the reservation.
Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, Pride of America’s regular seven-night cruise in Hawaii also includes visits to Kona.
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Ponant’s CEO Hervé Gastinel and Captain Michel Quioc hosted over 50 dignitaries aboard the Paul Gauguin to celebrate 25 years of The Gauguin Experience in French Polynesia.
Among attendees were French Polynesia Minister of Health Cédric Mercadal, attending on behalf of the President of French Polynesia and Minister of Tourism Moetai Brotherson; High-Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia Eric Spitz; international tourism partners; as well as local officials and partners.
Guests onboard the sailing also enjoyed a traditional show by O Tahiti E under the direction of Marguerite Lai, followed by a fireworks display in celebration of the milestone.
“We are immensely grateful to all our partners, both within and outside of French Polynesia, whose unwavering support has led to the continued success of the beloved Paul Gauguin,” Gastinel said. “Together, we have brought 250,000 travellers to this beautifully unique destination that we have called home year-round for the past 25 years contributing more than $26 million annually in the development and the economy of these islands.”
Minister of Health Mercadal said: “Thanks to your combined efforts, each island visited was able to benefit from many economic benefits and in this, we would like to thank the shipowner, Ponant, who continues to believe in our destination.
“In short, the 25th anniversary of the shipThe Gauguin is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate a long history of exotic voyages and discoveries in one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet: our country.”
The Norwegian Viva is readying to enter revenue service for Norwegian Cruise Line.
During its first year in service, the newbuild is set to offer a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, in addition to a trans-Atlantic crossing to North America and different itineraries in the Caribbean.
Cruise Industry News highlights some of the itineraries of the ship’s inaugural season.
Maiden Cruise Date: August 10, 2023 Length: Nine nights Homeports: Trieste (Italy) to Lisbon (Portugal) Complete Itinerary: Split (Croatia); Salerno, Civitavecchia and Livorno (Italy); Cannes (France); and Ibiza (Spain)
After leaving the building-dock in Italy, the Norwegian Viva is set to offer a maiden cruise that sails between the Eastern and the Western Mediterranean.
The one-way itinerary departs from Trieste and visits several destinations in Italy, France and Spain before arriving in Lisbon. In addition to the Portuguese capital city, the nine-night cruise is highlighted by visits to Salerno, on Italy’s Southern Coast, and to Cannes, in the French Riviera.
Greek Islands and Italy Date: September 13, 2023 Length: Ten nights Homeports: Piraeus (Greece) to Civitavecchia (Italy) Complete Itinerary: Istanbul (Turkey); Santorini, Mykonos and Katakolon (Greece); Catania, Naples and Livorno (Italy); and Villefranche (France)
Viva’s program in the Mediterranean also includes several cruises to the Greek Islands and Italy. This ten-night itinerary sets sail in mid-September and features visits to some of the most popular destinations in the region, including Mykonos, Santorini, Naples and Istanbul.
Sailing one way between Piraeus and Civitavecchia, the cruise also pays visits to less usual ports of call, including Catania and Villefranche.
Adriatic and Sicily Date: October 10, 2023 Length: Nine nights Homeports: Civitavecchia to Trieste (Italy) Complete Itinerary: Naples, Palermo and Messina (Italy); Valletta (Malta); Corfu (Greece); Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar (Croatia)
In October, the Norwegian Viva sails to the Aegean, the Adriatic and Ionian seas with this nine-night cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean.
After departing from Civitavecchia, the port for the Italian capital city Rome, the vessel is scheduled to visit Naples, Palermo and Messina, in Italy; as well as Valletta, in Malta; Corfu, in Greece; and Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, in Croatia.
First Transatlantic Crossing Date: November 16, 2023 Length: 11 nights Homeports: Lisbon (Portugal) to Miami (United States) Complete Itinerary: Ponta Delgada (Azores); St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)
After completing its maiden season in Europe, the Norwegian Viva offers an 11-night repositioning cruise to North America.
Sailing between Lisbon and Miami, the transatlantic crossing features visits to three ports in Portugal, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic: Ponta Delgada, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. The cruise also includes a total of eight full days at sea.
Southern Caribbean Date: December 15, 2023 Length: Seven nights Homeport: San Juan (Puerto Rico) Complete Itinerary: Tortola (British Virgin Islands); St. John’s (Antigua); Castries (St. Lucia); Bridgetown (Barbados); Philipsburg (St. Maarten); and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands)
After a few itineraries departing from Miami, the Norwegian Viva is set to arrive at its winter homeport in December. Sailing from Puerto Rico during the entire 2023-24 season, the vessel is scheduled to offer a series of seven- to nine-night cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.
The first cruise from San Juan, for instance, sails for seven-night and features visits to Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados. St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
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