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The five most active
cruise lines in Hawaii

One is upmarket, the other four are mid-price cruise lines. I briefly describe how they differ.

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Key

Top 4  Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island

Cruise line websites   Click a cruise line's boldface name to go directly to its website for booking or for ship, itinerary, schedule, price, and other information.

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Holland America Line  Upmarket

Of the five cruise lines featured on this page, Holland America is the highest priced. But it's a good value for cruisers craving sophisticated ambiance, dining, and service - and refined fellow passengers. I do not recommend it for most families (children could be bored) and young party-goers (the social scene is lively but not vibrating).

15 & longer

Yes

San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver, Honolulu

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Royal Caribbean International  Mid-price

It's the overall best Hawaii cruise line in the mid-priced category. Royal Caribbean is well-geared for families cruising with children and teens because it has a laudable assortment of facilities and organized activities for them. Ditto for teens. Food is above average for a mid-price cruise line.

10 & longer

Usually

Vancouver, Honolulu

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Princess Cruises  Mid-price

It's just a notch behind Royal Caribbean in overall quality. Princess Cruises is popular with families and has extensive onboard activities. Entertainment is flashy Las Vegas style. Food and service are good but not superb. One of its Hawaii itineraries includes Tahiti and other French Polynesia ports of call.

10 days & longer

Usually

Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu

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Carnival Cruise Line  Mid-price

Has a party-boat reputation among young singles and couples. It's also family friendly. There are numerous and varied onboard activities to keep you occupied during the five-day ocean crossing. Not recommended for those seeking a quiet vacation.

12

Yes

Vancouver, San Diego, Honolulu

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Norwegian Cruise Line  Mid-price

Its Pride of America ship (photo) is the only  cruise ship that sails a Honolulu-to-Honolulu itinerary. This lets you fly roundtrip between Hawaii and the North America mainland, saving you 4 to 10 days of sea time. Crew is American. Fares are the lowest among the mid-price ships, but so are service and food quality.
7

Yes

Honolulu

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Occasional

Several cruise lines in the luxury and upmarket categories add Hawaiian ports of call to their trans-pacific, round-the-world, and repositioning cruises. Or, they conduct only a small number of Hawaii cruises. These cruise lines include:

Celebrity
Crystal
Cunard
Regent
Seabourn
Silversea

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Island location map

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Official external links

Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

Hawaii Tourism Authority

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