Too many Islands, too little time!

One of the biggest challenges of specializing in Hawaii vacations is trying to find the right “fit” for the client.  Each of Hawaii’s five main islands offers a totally different feel, look, and recreational opportunities and it is very important to “match” the client with the right island(s) for them.  Too often, a client wants to see three or four of the islands in one 7-day vacation because they say “This is the only time I will go to Hawaii so I don’t want to miss anything”. (By the way, most end up returning to the islands many times in their lifetime after that first visit!)  To do that, they would spend half of their trip packing, unpacking, checking out of hotels, waiting in line at airports, renting cars, and checking in to new hotels….not exactly the relaxing tropical vacation they are imagining!  A great option for some first-timers to Hawaii who only have a week is a 7-night interisland cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America.

The Pride of America sails regular weekly itineraries that spend nearly 100 hours in ports, visiting the four most popular islands and 5 ports (with 2 overnights on Maui and Kauai to allow for a little island nightlife) in 7 days.  This is not your typical Caribbean-type cruise with nonstop activities and “sea days” full of those awful hairy chest and belly flop contests around the pool, although they do have lots of activities and a great children’s program available.  The ship acts as your transportation between islands (sailing mostly at night) and offers a large number of tours and shore excursions in each port, if you don’t feel like winging it on your own.  After a day of sightseeing, beaching or ziplining, you can then return to your floating hotel for a dinner that is included in the price, a little evening entertainment, and a good night’s sleep to prepare for your next adventure.  Here are a few of the great reasons to give Hawaiian cruising a try:

1.  You get a taste of four of the most popular islands without having to pack, unpack and change hotels!  You can spend your time enjoying all the beauty and fun that Hawaii has to offer.
2. The ship provides two special “sail by’s”   providing a great view of both theawesome NaPali Coast of Kauai and the unforgettable sight of watching red-hot lava hit the ocean on the Big Island (if the volcano cooperates, of course!)…all from the comfort of your private balcony!
3. The Pride of America provides guests the “Best Luau Show in Hawaii” while on the island of Kauai…a private showing for cruise passengers only!
4. Onboard, they provide authentic Hawaiian experiences for the whole family, including local food, entertainment, cultural classes, lei making, hula classes and more!
5. The cruise provides a tremendous value!  Accommodations, meals, entertainment, children’s activity programs and more are included in your cruise fare.  It’s the closest you will come to an “All Inclusive” experience in Hawaii.
6. The 5 port/4 island itinerary gives you the chance to “sample” and appreciate the differences of each island and will plant the seed for which of the islands you plan to return to first for a longer, more in depth stay.

The Pride of America has just undergone a $30 million renovation and the cabins and public spaces have been spruced up and are waiting for YOU! 

Contact us, at Signature Escapes, for pricing…it is a great idea to combine a cruise with a couple of extra days either before or after the sailing for a true Hawaiian experience.  I guarantee that your “once in a lifetime” vacation to Hawaii will become the first of many over your lifetime….the Aloha Spirit of the islands gets in your blood and never lets go!