Planning a Hawaii cruise but overwhelmed by all the options? You're not alone. Hawaii remains one of cruising's most sought-after destinations, but choosing the right cruise line can make or break your tropical getaway. After sailing to the islands on multiple lines, I'm breaking down exactly what each major cruise line offers for Hawaii — the good, the bad, and everything you need to know to pick the perfect fit.
NCL absolutely owns the Hawaii cruise market, and for good reason. The Pride of America is the only major cruise ship that can legally sail inter-island itineraries year-round, thanks to its US-flag status. This means you get 7-day round-trip cruises from Honolulu visiting four islands — something no other line can match.
What makes NCL special:
The reality check: Pride of America isn't NCL's newest or flashiest ship. Built in 2005, she shows her age in cabin size and dining variety. The crew-to-guest ratio is also lower than NCL's international fleet, which means service can feel rushed during peak times.
Best for: First-time Hawaii cruisers who want maximum island time and don't need cutting-edge ship amenities. Expect to pay $1,800-$3,200 per person for interior to balcony cabins in 2026.
Princess brings their signature refined cruising style to Hawaii with excellent port programs and longer stays than most mainstream lines. Their Hawaii itineraries typically run 10-15 days, departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Princess advantages:
The Ruby Princess and Grand Princess typically handle Hawaii routes, both offering spacious balcony cabins — crucial for those spectacular sunrise views over the Pacific.
The downside: Princess skews older (average age 55+), and their longer itineraries mean higher overall costs. Sea days can feel long if you're eager to explore the islands.
Best for: Experienced cruisers who value ship quality and don't mind paying $2,400-$4,500 per person for the premium experience.
Share your Princess Hawaii experiences in our Cruise Comparison forum!
Celebrity's approach to Hawaii combines their award-winning culinary program with sleek, modern ships. The Celebrity Edge has been working Hawaii routes in 2026, bringing cutting-edge design to the tropical cruise experience.
Celebrity's strengths:
Reality check: Celebrity's Hawaii itineraries are repositioning cruises or longer Pacific voyages, not dedicated Hawaii programs. You'll get fewer total days in Hawaiian ports compared to NCL or Princess.
Best for: Design-conscious travelers who want the newest ship features and don't mind fewer island days. Budget $2,800-$5,200 per person depending on cabin category.
Holland America brings their signature laid-back elegance to Hawaii with longer itineraries and a more mature crowd. The Koningsdam and Noordam typically handle Pacific routes including Hawaii.
Holland America highlights:
Consider this: Holland America's demographic runs 60+, creating a very different energy than family-focused lines. Their Hawaii itineraries are often part of longer Pacific crossings, meaning 14-21 day commitments.
Best for: Mature travelers seeking sophistication and cultural enrichment. Prices range $2,200-$4,800 per person for Hawaii segments.
Royal Caribbean's Hawaii presence is smaller but growing, with ships like Anthem of the Seas occasionally working Pacific routes. When they do Hawaii, they bring their signature adventure-focused amenities.
Royal Caribbean perks:
The catch: Royal Caribbean's Hawaii offerings are limited and often part of repositioning cruises. You won't find the consistent Hawaii programming of NCL or Princess.
Best for: Families who prioritize onboard activities and are flexible with dates. Expect $2,000-$4,000 per person when available.
Choose NCL if: You want maximum time in ports, casual atmosphere, and the only true inter-island experience. The ship itself is secondary to island exploration.
Choose Princess if: You value refined cruising, longer port stays, and don't mind paying premium prices for quality. Perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Choose Celebrity if: Modern ship design and culinary excellence matter most. You're comfortable with fewer Hawaiian ports in exchange for luxury amenities.
Choose Holland America if: You prefer mature, sophisticated atmosphere with excellent enrichment programs. Ideal for cultural immersion seekers.
Choose Royal Caribbean if: You're traveling with active families and want adventure activities onboard. Flexibility with sailing dates is essential.
Booking Timeline for 2026:
Hawaii cruises book up faster than Caribbean routes. NCL's Pride of America sells out 8-12 months in advance for peak seasons (December-April). Princess and Celebrity typically have availability 6-8 months out, while Holland America and Royal Caribbean offer more last-minute options due to limited schedules.
Insider tip: Consider shoulder seasons (May and September-November) for better pricing and fewer crowds, both on ships and at Hawaiian attractions.
Ready to dive deeper into Hawaii cruise planning? Join the discussion and get personalized advice from fellow Hawaii cruise veterans in our Cruise Comparison forum!
Norwegian Cruise Line: The Hawaii Dominator
NCL absolutely owns the Hawaii cruise market, and for good reason. The Pride of America is the only major cruise ship that can legally sail inter-island itineraries year-round, thanks to its US-flag status. This means you get 7-day round-trip cruises from Honolulu visiting four islands — something no other line can match.
What makes NCL special:
- Inter-island itineraries with overnights in Maui and Kauai
- Port times ranging from 10-17 hours (compared to 6-8 hours on other lines)
- No formal nights — perfect for the laid-back Hawaii vibe
- Freestyle dining means you eat when and where you want
The reality check: Pride of America isn't NCL's newest or flashiest ship. Built in 2005, she shows her age in cabin size and dining variety. The crew-to-guest ratio is also lower than NCL's international fleet, which means service can feel rushed during peak times.
Best for: First-time Hawaii cruisers who want maximum island time and don't need cutting-edge ship amenities. Expect to pay $1,800-$3,200 per person for interior to balcony cabins in 2026.
Princess Cruises: The Premium Hawaii Experience
Princess brings their signature refined cruising style to Hawaii with excellent port programs and longer stays than most mainstream lines. Their Hawaii itineraries typically run 10-15 days, departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Princess advantages:
- Two full days in each major port (compared to one day on most lines)
- Movies Under the Stars with Hawaii-themed films
- ScholarShip@Sea enrichment programs about Hawaiian culture
- Crown Grill and Sabatini's specialty restaurants rival shore dining
The Ruby Princess and Grand Princess typically handle Hawaii routes, both offering spacious balcony cabins — crucial for those spectacular sunrise views over the Pacific.
The downside: Princess skews older (average age 55+), and their longer itineraries mean higher overall costs. Sea days can feel long if you're eager to explore the islands.
Best for: Experienced cruisers who value ship quality and don't mind paying $2,400-$4,500 per person for the premium experience.
Share your Princess Hawaii experiences in our Cruise Comparison forum!
Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury Meets Paradise
Celebrity's approach to Hawaii combines their award-winning culinary program with sleek, modern ships. The Celebrity Edge has been working Hawaii routes in 2026, bringing cutting-edge design to the tropical cruise experience.
Celebrity's strengths:
- Le Petit Chef dining experience with Hawaii-themed projections
- The Retreat suite-class area offers true luxury at sea
- Infinite Veranda cabins provide indoor-outdoor living
- Rooftop Garden provides stunning ocean views
Reality check: Celebrity's Hawaii itineraries are repositioning cruises or longer Pacific voyages, not dedicated Hawaii programs. You'll get fewer total days in Hawaiian ports compared to NCL or Princess.
Best for: Design-conscious travelers who want the newest ship features and don't mind fewer island days. Budget $2,800-$5,200 per person depending on cabin category.
Holland America: The Relaxed Hawaiian Getaway
Holland America brings their signature laid-back elegance to Hawaii with longer itineraries and a more mature crowd. The Koningsdam and Noordam typically handle Pacific routes including Hawaii.
Holland America highlights:
- Exceptional enrichment programs about Polynesian culture
- Canaletto Italian restaurant rivals Maui's best dining
- Spacious staterooms with excellent storage
- Music Walk venues provide world-class entertainment
Consider this: Holland America's demographic runs 60+, creating a very different energy than family-focused lines. Their Hawaii itineraries are often part of longer Pacific crossings, meaning 14-21 day commitments.
Best for: Mature travelers seeking sophistication and cultural enrichment. Prices range $2,200-$4,800 per person for Hawaii segments.
Royal Caribbean: Family Fun in Paradise
Royal Caribbean's Hawaii presence is smaller but growing, with ships like Anthem of the Seas occasionally working Pacific routes. When they do Hawaii, they bring their signature adventure-focused amenities.
Royal Caribbean perks:
- Rock climbing walls with ocean views
- FlowRider surf simulators perfect for Hawaii vibes
- Adventure Ocean kids' clubs keep families happy
- Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods create resort-like atmosphere
The catch: Royal Caribbean's Hawaii offerings are limited and often part of repositioning cruises. You won't find the consistent Hawaii programming of NCL or Princess.
Best for: Families who prioritize onboard activities and are flexible with dates. Expect $2,000-$4,000 per person when available.
Making Your Choice: Key Decision Factors
Choose NCL if: You want maximum time in ports, casual atmosphere, and the only true inter-island experience. The ship itself is secondary to island exploration.
Choose Princess if: You value refined cruising, longer port stays, and don't mind paying premium prices for quality. Perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Choose Celebrity if: Modern ship design and culinary excellence matter most. You're comfortable with fewer Hawaiian ports in exchange for luxury amenities.
Choose Holland America if: You prefer mature, sophisticated atmosphere with excellent enrichment programs. Ideal for cultural immersion seekers.
Choose Royal Caribbean if: You're traveling with active families and want adventure activities onboard. Flexibility with sailing dates is essential.
Booking Timeline for 2026:
Hawaii cruises book up faster than Caribbean routes. NCL's Pride of America sells out 8-12 months in advance for peak seasons (December-April). Princess and Celebrity typically have availability 6-8 months out, while Holland America and Royal Caribbean offer more last-minute options due to limited schedules.
Insider tip: Consider shoulder seasons (May and September-November) for better pricing and fewer crowds, both on ships and at Hawaiian attractions.
Ready to dive deeper into Hawaii cruise planning? Join the discussion and get personalized advice from fellow Hawaii cruise veterans in our Cruise Comparison forum!