The Best Cruise Line for Hawaii
Three questions that narrow the choice to one or two lines.
Compare Hawaiian Cruise QuotesThe Best Cruise Line for Hawaii Depends on You
The best cruise line for Hawaii is the one whose itinerary and onboard style match the trip you want. The quickest way to find it is to answer three questions: how much time do you have, do you enjoy sea days, and what kind of ship atmosphere do you like?
Time is the biggest filter. With about a week, the inter-island cruise from Honolulu is the practical choice; fly in, sail, fly home. With two weeks or more, the mainland voyages open up, along with lines whose style may suit you better. And if you have a month and a generous budget, a luxury line’s Pacific voyage can include Hawaii as one chapter of a much bigger trip.
Matched by Travel Style
| If you are… | Look first at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short on time | Norwegian (Pride of America) | Four islands in seven nights from Honolulu |
| A sea-day lover | Princess, Holland America | Round trips from the West Coast with relaxing days at sea |
| Watching the budget, in Southern California | Carnival | 14-day voyages from Long Beach, no long flight |
| Combining Hawaii with Canada | Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America | Sailings from Vancouver, often one-way to Honolulu |
| Looking for luxury | Seabourn, Oceania, Silversea, Viking | Small ships, inclusive fares, Hawaii on longer voyages |
| Traveling with children | Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean | Kids programs and family cabins |
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
- How many days will I actually spend on the islands?
- Which islands are included, and is Kona a tender port on this sailing?
- Is there an overnight anywhere, so I can enjoy an evening ashore?
- What foreign port is included, and does it matter to me?
- What does the fare include: drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities?
- Do I need a passport for this itinerary?
Reviews and Rankings
Reviews are useful, but read them with your own priorities in mind: a line praised for nightlife may not suit a couple who want quiet sea days. For an independent overview of the major lines, see Best of the USA’s 20 Best Cruise Lines; for line-by-line comparisons beyond Hawaii, Cruise Compares. When you are close to deciding, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can quote two or three lines for the same dates so you can compare value fairly.
Choosing a Line
What is the best cruise line for Hawaii overall?
There is no single answer. For the most islands in the least time, Norwegian’s Pride of America. For a relaxed ocean voyage from California, Princess or Holland America. For value from Southern California, Carnival. For luxury, a long voyage on Seabourn, Oceania, Silversea or Viking.
Which line is best for families in Hawaii?
Families short on time usually prefer the island-hopping week, which keeps children busy ashore every day. Families in Southern California often choose Carnival’s Long Beach voyages for the kids’ programs and the chance to skip a long flight.
Let Us Match You to a Hawaii Cruise Line
Tell us your time, budget and travel style. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will recommend the best cruise line for your Hawaii trip and send free quotes.
Get Matched and Quoted