The Hawaiian islands make a perfect cruise destination.
With palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, friendly people and American amenities, the six Hawaiian islands offer the best of both worlds; a tropical paradise with first class restaurants, shopping, entertainment and accommodations. Hawaii's tropical climate welcomes visitors and cruises to ply the waters year-round. Your cruise ship is going to be your transportation, accommodation, dining and entertainment hub. When planning your Hawaiian cruise you have many options to consider, prior to making your booking.
Instructions
1. Determine your budget, at what time of year you want to take your cruise and the duration. According to Hawaiian Cruise Outlet's website, as at 2010, only Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines offer year-round cruises, while other cruise lines offer options September through April.
2. Compare cruise lines and see which best suits your budget, lifestyle and personality. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines caters to a younger budget-conscious crowd that wants a party atmosphere, while Celebrity Cruises specializes in offering high-quality elegance. Cruises vary significantly in price and you will need to shop around to compare all the available options within your price range.
3. Decide the type of cabin or stateroom accommodation you want. Exterior staterooms and suites with balconies are the most expensive, while interior cabins, with no windows or portholes, are the cheapest. Some passengers consider that since they spend the majority of the cruise enjoying the ship's amenities, they can save money by booking an interior cabin.
4. If you have specific sights and islands you wish to visit in Hawaii, be sure to choose a cruise that allows sufficient time in the port of call on the islands of your choice. Cruises stop in some or all of the following ports: Honolulu, Oahu; Kona and Hilo, Hawaii; Lahaina and Kahului, Maui; and Nawiliwili, Kauai.
5. Book your cruise as early as possible. Many cruise lines offer substantial discounts for early bookings. In addition to discounts, passengers may also receive onboard credits and free port excursions. You may also want to book port excursions in advance, too, since numbers can be limited and popular excursions fill up quickly. For example, you can take a trip aboard a 65-foot, air-conditioned submarine from Lahaina to experience Maui's underwater world or experience the sights, sounds and food delicacies of the South Pacific at a luau.
Tags: cruise lines, Hawaiian Cruise, Hawaiian islands, port excursions, your budget