Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has been the first to announce that, for now, it will halt Maui as a port of call on Hawaii cruises. Before the Maui fire, Kahului was their first port of call after leaving Honolulu, and they stayed two days a week there, on Sunday and Monday. More cruise lines will be changing schedules soon following the devastation amidst the Maui fires.
Norwegian Cruise Line has begun notifying guests, initially for the next three Pride of America weekly Hawaii cruises, that modifications to the itinerary have become necessary. Their website has not been updated to reflect the change at the time of publication.
NCL decided to alter the itinerary of its own accord to relieve any unnecessary strain placed on Maui’s infrastructure so that a total focus on recovery operations can occur.
NCL replaces Maui with overnight on the Big Island at Hilo.
NCL said, “In an effort to alleviate the pressure on local resources, we have made the decision to replace our scheduled stop in Maui with an overnight stay in Hilo, Hawaii.”
The interim itinerary will also include more time on Kauai, according to NCL, that will “Provide an optimal opportunity to immerse in the splendor and natural allure of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Future changes for all Hawaii cruises remain unknown at this time.
The initial change will apply to Pride of Americas’ three upcoming cruises in August, which leave each successive Saturday from Honolulu. NCL is aware of the rapidly changing situation and is monitoring the Maui conditions for further changes, which we believe are highly likely. We’ll have more updates on this as we get more details.
Princess Cruises alters Hawaii cruise plans.
We have yet to see all of the Hawaii cruise industry changes, and our focus remains on more critical aspects of the fast-evolving situation on Maui. That having been said, Princess Cruises also announced it will alter its first Hawaii cruise itinerary. It will eliminate its scheduled call on Maui on Monday and will replace that with a stop on the Big Island at Kona.
Fragile Maui infrastructure is far from ready for cruises.
First responders on Maui are actively helping the island’s recovery from the wildfires, which is in its infancy phase. The lack of cruise ships will help to unload additional burdens on the failing infrastructure immediately.
With all of Maui’s resources already stretched too thin, the rerouting of cruise ships will let resources be directed to critical recovery efforts for the immediate future. The state continues to discourage visitors to Maui at this time.
The resumption of cruise itinerary stops on Maui may range from weeks to months. That will be determined based on the extent of the damage that is still just coming to light in relation to the availability of resources on the island.
Many cruise lines stop on Maui, and we expect numerous changes ahead.
For those Hawaii visitors with cruise plans between now and the end of 2023, please get in touch with your cruise line for potential changes.
Can you share any insight on whether NCL Pride of America will officially stop in Maui in September? Per customer service, if you haven’t gotten notification of port change, Maui is still a scheduled stop unless there is an emergency situation. This still sounds like a maybe to me. Thanks.
Hi JJ.
We’ve seen no further announcement of changes from NCL. Therefore, we assume they are returning to Kahului for September.
Aloha.
I messaged NCL a few days ago and was told a decision was not made yet for September.
NCL is offering no choice, no option to change an upcoming Hawaii booking for September 2023. This is deplorable. We are being forced to go on a vacation that we did not plan. Two days in Maui is why we booked the cruise in the first place for our 35 year wedding anniversary. I will never cruise with them again and will tell everyone I know !!!
Hi Denise.
NCL hasn’t announced what its plans are for September. They, like everyone else are still trying to understand what’s appropriate and to act accordingly. If you choose to not go with them, that’s entirely up to you. Calling them deplorable and threatening to “tell everyone I know” may assuage your upset but won’t matter to them.
Aloha.
They need to send empty cruise ships to Maui to house those who are stranded from the the Fire.
I’m scheduled for September 2nd. I’m very happy NCL made the decision to bypass Maui at this time. I would never ever want to intrude at such a sad time. I would totally understand if the entire cruise was canceled to allow the locals time to grieve. If we stay overnight in Hilo it’s fine with me as well. This is my first ever cruise, and my first trip to Hawaii. I would volunteer if an option. My heart aches for everyone involved right now.
Just wondering how realistic it would be for a few cruise ships to house victims of the wildfires. Is it possible to act as refuge for its citizens?
Sending deep condolences to all the people in Maui for the Devastation caused by the recent fires. Thinking about you all at this very sad time. 😔
. Liverpool UK
I feel ncl pride of America provide more entertainment on the boat now mauii of course, had to be cancelled
The cruise industry could help the people of Lahaina immensely right now by docking one of those ships nearby empty for people to stay. The hotels are all full.
We need cruise ships in Maui Kahului is still a go
Just a thought, the U.S. Navy should park one of their amphibious helicopter carriers off (an LHA is a mini aircraft carrier) Lahaina. They are fully equipped with command and control facilities, global communications, a large and fully equipped hospital (Very much needed here), electrical generation and water desalination capabilities to supply a small city, extensive aviation support facilities, as well a ship to shore, shore to ship connectors in the form of hovercraft and landing craft which could carry very large amounts of aid ashore. Its been done very successfully in the past to deal with previous littoral natural disasters both in the U.S. and abroad. They can be resupplied right on station so the ship would have a very long on station time.
Fantastic report by the way Guys! Thank you.
Hi Jay.
Thanks! We’re appreciate your input on the tragedy.
Aloha.
Are any of the cruise lines offering discounts to people in the United States who want to go to Maui to help in relief efforts and restoration efforts?
My prayers go out to Maui -and those impacted by the fires and loss of life.
Aloha!!
Hello, my Husband and i are taking a Cruise to Maui in October. Can you please tell us if we should reschedule at a later time due to the Heart Break of all people due to fires.
We were there 2006 this trip is our Wedding Annervisy.
Thank you
God Bless
All of Hawii.
Andrea Slone
Hi Andrea.
It’s too soon to know, as this just happened. But the cruise lines will make accommodations, including stopping at different ports in Hawaii.
Aloha.
Hawaiian Cruise Industry has a great opportunity to give back to the families and businesses of Maui and the state if Hawaii in this moment of crisis. A pivot to iffer a ship iff shore to provide temporary on board housing for support workers, displaced residents, medical make-shift services. .the billions of dollars the industry has made off Lahaina town alone should be a give-back opportunity to take a leap at Now.