hawaii
Top 5 Hawaiian cruise line rankings- Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
1. Holland America
Of the five Hawaiian cruise lines ranked 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).
PRICE CATEGORY: Upmarket
CRUISE DAYS: 15 & longer
VISITS ALL OR MOST OF THE TOP ISLANDS: Yes
EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION PORTS: San Diego, Seattle, Vancouver, Honolulu
2. Royal Caribbean International
It's the overall best Hawaiian 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.
PRICE CATEGORY: Mid-priced
CRUISE DAYS: 10 & longer
VISITS ALL OR MOST OF THE TOP ISLANDS: Usually
EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION PORTS: San Vancouver, Honolulu
3. Princess Cruises
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.
PRICE CATEGORY: Mid-priced
CRUISE DAYS: 10 or longer
VISITS ALL OR MOST OF THE TOP ISLANDS: Usually
EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION PORTS: Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu
4. Carnival Cruise Line
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.
PRICE CATEGORY: Mid-priced
CRUISE DAYS: 12
VISITS ALL OR MOST OF THE TOP ISLANDS: Yes
EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION PORTS: Vancouver, San Diego, Honolulu
5. Norwegian Cruise Line
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.
PRICE CATEGORY: Mid-priced
CRUISE DAYS: 7
VISITS ALL OR MOST OF THE TOP ISLANDS: Yes
EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION PORTS: Honolulu
Note
I did not include Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea because they are occasional Hawaiian cruise lines. Their Hawaii visits are part of their trans-pacific, round-the-world, and repositioning cruises. Or, they conduct just a few Hawaiian cruises.
