Why is NCL America relocating their Hawaiian Cruise Ships?

Because NCLA operate a US flagged ship, their operating costs are much higher. Firstly they are subject to US labor laws and forced to employ US citizens, which demand a much higher wage then citizens of developing countries.

Secondly they are forbidden under US law to operate an onboard casinos and are forced to charge sales taxes for all product sold therefore reducing revenue and profit margins. So really NCL must workharder to make more. These effects flow on to the consumer either through the price of cruise tickets, goods onboard or through downgraded services and features.

You will find that NCL’s international ships have many more features than their Hawaiian cruise ships, along with increased staff and services due to their lower operating costs. NCL just can’t afford to offer everything on their Hawaiian Cruises due to the increased operating costs forced upon them by the US Government.

In summary there are more lucrative markets for NCL to operate other than Hawaiian cruises, without the US Law restrictions, therefore increasing their profit margins. Operating costs and lack luster bookings are forcing NCL to tap into these other more lucrative markets.

Following on from our previos post regarding changes to the PVSA…

Why don’t International Cruise Lines just extend their Hawaiian cruises?

Currently the most popular Hawaiian cruises are around 10 days, which is enough time for the international cruise ships to make the necessary international stop and see all of the ports in the Hawaiian Islands. With the changes to the PVSA the international ships would need to adopt at least a 14 day cruise to operate a dedicated circle Hawaiian cruise Itinerary and the forced international stop (being at least 50% of the time of the cruise).

Now the problem with that is the Hawaiian Cruise market is most popular with short term cruisers looking to take a week or so off. The market for longer cruises in Hawaii is not big enough to warrant the cruise lines to extend their Hawaiian cruises and the extra operating costs would not be worth it.

But NCLA offer a 7 day hawaiian cruise?

I hear what you saying; why not take the NCLA 7 day hawaiian cruise? NCLA are one of the only cruise lines to offer such a short cruise because they are the only US-flagged ship operating a dedicated inter island Hawaiian Cruise and therefore able to travel within the US without the restrictions set upon the foreign flagged ships. The problem is by summer 2008 they will have withdrawn 2 of their 3 ships servicing Hawaiian cruises.

To be continued…

US Customs and Border Protection have put forward a proposal to amend the PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act), which will have a huge impact International cruise ships operating Hawaiian cruises (which is the majority!).

Currently the PVSA forces all foreign-flagged ships taking passengers from one US destination to another to make at least one stop at an international port. Because the Hawaiian Island ports are all part of the US it means that international cruise ships must make a necessary stop an international port, which generally is at Ensenada Mexico.

The proposed changes to the PVSA will now force foreign flagged cruise ships to dock at an international port for at least 48 hours and that the time spent at the international port is at least 50 percent of the cruise. This has a huge impact on the Hawaiian cruise industry because the international cruise lines would struggle to take passengers to all the popular Hawaiian Ports.

Popular Hawaiian cruise lines such as royal Caribbean cruises, princess cruises and carnival cruises would almost be forced out of the market. One would hope that common sense prevails. There are currently many people and groups fighting this decision.

Hawaii is such a popular tropical holiday destination, it has everything, palm trees beautiful beaches, waves, laid back lifestyle and so much more so what’s wrong with the Hawaiian cruise industry and where is it headed?

The big news is that NCL have now reported that a second of their 3 ships offering Hawaiian cruises. It is understood that the “pride of aloha” will be relocated to the more lucrative European Market by summer 2008.

Possible changes to the PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act) could force international cruise lines out of Hawaii, due to unrealistic restrictions.

We will try and explain all of the latest development in the Hawaiian cruise industry in future posts in an easy to understand format.

Thinking of the perfect family vacation, but not sure where to go? There is nothing like a Hawaiian family cruise to satisfy every member of the family. The advantage of a Hawaiian family cruise vacation is that there is no hassle of driving to your destination with impatient kids in the back seat. Parents can spend time together relaxing while kids are pre-occupied in many on board children’s activities. When the ship is in port, you can take the whole family on one of many shore excursions. Cruising is great fun for the whole family and a Hawaiian family cruise couldn’t be a better choice.

On Board Activities

When on your Hawaiin family cruise you will find loads of activities to keep the whole family busy. In recent times cruise ships are becoming more family friendly. There are activities directed solely at the kids for when the parents want a bit of alone time, but there are also many activities for families to enjoy together. Some family activities currently offered by several Hawaiian cruise lines include ice-skating, karaoke, talent shows, bingo tournaments, mini golf, movies, family disco and much more.

Most cruise lines offer specialized youth services which are divided by age group. Each age group has its own team of highly trained staff looking after your children. Some activities currently being offered by various Hawaiian cruise lines include things like storytelling, Painting, Pizza making Parties, crafts & classes, sports activities, video arcade, movies and much more. There are also a wide variety of general activity areas available including swimming pools. With all these activities you parents are bound to get some alone time.

Things You Need to Know

Although most Hawaiian cruise lines cater for family cruising it’s best to do your research of your preferred Hawaiian cruise line by asking some of the following questions, this will make you Hawaiian family cruise that much better.

• What are the age restrictions on the cruise line?
• Do I get a discount due to my children’s age?
• Does the cruise line offer specialized children activities?
• Will the ports of call suit children?
• Are there areas dedicated for children/teens on the ship?
• Are cribs or cots available? If so how much?
• How big are the family cabins?
• What are the dining arrangements?
• Does the cruise line offer children’s menus?
• Is the child care area monitored, secure and safe?
• Do your staff working with children have clearances and are they insured?

A Hawaiian family cruise is a great way to spend your next family vacation. There is nothing like the feeling of getting on that huge cruise ship, knowing there are no more hassles like driving, nagging kids, filling up the car, worrying about budget, constant “Are we there yet”. Sit back and relax and enjoy your Hawaiian family cruise. Remember most of the hassle of a cruise trip is finding the right one and booking it. Because cruises are highly inclusive, therefore you will not have to worry about budget and costs so much, giving you and your family more time to relax together.

What are you waiting for! Get out there and see Hawaii on a Hawaiian family cruise.

If you are thinking of taking a Hawaiian cruise there are several Hawaiian cruise lines to choose from. So which cruise line is right for me? Well hopefully our brief review of the different Hawaiian cruise lines below will answer your question.

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL)

Norwegian cruise line has been in operation since the 1960’s and was one of the first cruise lines to operate in the Hawaiian Islands. They currently operate 2 ships for Hawaiian cruises, these being the “Pride of Aloha” and the “Pride of America”. Depending on the time of year, NCL offer a variety of Hawaiian cruise packages ranging from 7, 10 and 11 day cruises. Although being a long serving Hawaiian cruise line, there is a lot of negative attention towards NCL in the media. Recently they pulled there third ship the “Pride of Hawaii” from service in the Hawaiian Islands.

Regardless, Norwegian cruise line remains a favoured Hawaiian cruise line due to their worldwide reputation and flexible cruise options. You can find out more about an NCL Hawaiian cruise here.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival cruise line was originally founded in 1972 and is a well known brand with a large fleet of cruise ships and is part of the Carnival Corporation fleet. Affiliates of carnival cruise line include, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, who also operate Hawaiian Island cruises. Carnival cruise line primarily operates the carnival spirit in the Hawaiian region and generally offers 12 day, one way cruises. These cruises embark and disembark in Ensanada (Mexico), Vancouver (Canada) and Honolulu, and include all major Hawaiian ports.

Princess cruises, and affiliate of the carnival corporation are well known for their 14 day roundtrip Hawaiian Island cruise from Los Angeles California on board the Golden Princess. Princess cruises also offer many combined Hawaiian island cruises and Tahitian Island Cruises on board the Tahitian princess & Dawn Princess. It is also interesting to note that Princess Cruises was made famous by the TV show The Love Boat, which 2 of its ships were featured.

Holland America Line are another affiliate of the Carnival Corporation and generally offers 15 day circle Hawaiian cruises departing San Diego. They also offer a 17 day circle cruise departing Vancouver (Canada).

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises are another major Hawaiian Cruise Line, and were founded in 1968. Royal Caribbean became well known when in it launched the Song of America in 1982, which at the time was the third largest passenger vessel afloat (after the Norway and the QE2).

Royal Caribbean Cruises offer similar cruise options to carnival cruise lines. They offer 15 day circle Hawaiian cruises departing from San Diego and Ensanada (Mexico) stopping at all of the major Hawaiian ports. They also offer several 10 day one way cruises embarking at Honolulu, Ensanada (mexico) and Vancouver (Canada). Royal Caribbean Cruises primarily operate 3 ships in the Hawaiian Islands being, “Rhapsody Of The Seas”, “Serenade Of The Seas” and “Radiance Of The Seas”.

These are some of the main Hawaiian cruise Lines operating Hawaiian cruises. There are mixed reviews about all of the above companies, so it is always best to do your research before choosing which Hawaiian cruise line is right for you. If you have a review, or comment about any of the above cruise lines, we would love to hear it.

Our aim is to provide potential Hawaiian cruise passengers with useful and up to date information about Hawaiian cruises. So to make the site even better we are inviting everyone to participate in this discussion.

We invite you to post anything to do with Hawaii or Hawaiian cruises. You may have had a great experience and want to share it, or maybe not so great and want to warn others. You might want to post photos of Hawaii. You might want to recommend a hawaiian cruise itinerary or certain sights. Whatever it is, post it and let the world know!