Hawaii Travel Update: Norwegian Cruise Line to Skip Big Island Calls Indefinitely
by Daniel McCarthy
Photo: Bruce C. Murray/Shutterstock.com
Norwegian Cruise Line will not call at ports on Hawaii’s Big Island because the ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea volcano.
Norwegian made the announcement in a statement to USA Today this week, explaining that Pride of America, the only U.S.-registered ship sailing Hawaii from Honolulu, will now spend more time at Oahu and Maui instead of scheduled calls at Kona and Hilo.
The ship will now have an overnight at Honolulu and a day trip to Lahana in Maui instead of the Kona and Hilo calls. Its seven-day sailings, which leave every Saturday from Honolulu, will still include overnights in Kahului, Maui and Nawiliwili, Kauai.
Related Articles
Norwegian had been sailing an altered itinerary on Pride of America since the Kilaeua volcano initially erupted last month.
Other lines have also decided to skip Big Island calls, including Royal Caribbean, Crystal Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. This week, Oceania’s Insignia will instead spend on overnight in Honolulu instead of calling at Hilo.
Despite the news, the Hawaii Tourism Authority wants travelers to know that all airports and flights are operational and most local business and tour companies outside of the active areas are still open.
Two-thirds of Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park is closed because of the eruptions, but the Kahuku Unit is still open and park rangers are available at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Downtown Hilo.
For those wanting to get a close-look at the lava, there are four permitted, Coast Guard approved operators that may be able to accommodate travelers—Laval Ocean Tours, Moku Nui Lava Tour, Kalapana Cultural Tours, and Hawaiian Lava Boat Tours. There are also some helicopter and air tour companies that may be operating in the area.
