Norwegian Adjusts Pride of America’s Itineraries in Hawaii

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.

Carnival Radiance Offers Its First-Ever Cruise to Hawaii

The Carnival Radiance is currently sailing its first-ever cruise to Hawaii.

Temporarily moving away from its regular schedule of short cruises to Baja California, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel departed Long Beach for the 14-night journey on Oct. 16.

The itinerary sails to Honolulu, Kahului, Nawiliwili and Hilo, and also includes a short call to Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to Carnival’s homeport in the Los Angeles area.

Originally set to be offered by the Carnival Miracle, the cruise was transferred to the Radiance in May.

At the time, Carnival said the change of ship was necessary due to the required drydock maintenance on the Spirit-Class vessel.

Before resuming its regular program of three- and four-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, the Radiance also replaces the Miracle on a five-night voyage to the Mexican Riviera.

Sailing from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, the cruise is set to depart on Oct. 30 and includes visits to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.

The Carnival Radiance debuted in December 2021, kicking off the program of short cruises on the West Coast ever since.

Formerly the Carnival Victory, the 2000-built vessel was completely rebuilt as part of a $200-million refit that included new public areas, cabins and features.

Highlights included Carnival’s latest beverage and entertainment spaces, such as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, Bonsai Sushi and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.

The 101,509-ton ship also received the second sea-going unit of the Big Chicken, a restaurant created by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal.

Other new features included the Heroes Tribute Bar, which salutes those that serve in the Armed Forces, and the Liquid Lounge, home to Carnival’s award-winning Playlist Productions shows.

With a capacity of nearly 3,000 guests, the Radiance is part of Carnival’s three-ship Sunshine Class.