The majority of people who visit Hawaii have the same strategy. They get in a plane, fly to the islands, see as many sights as they can and boogie on home. This is a fine plan, but what's the rush? Why not stretch that vacation out a bit by combining a trip to Hawaii with a cruise?
Princess Cruise Line has a boat-load of experience in the Hawaiian cruise business, and unlike that cramped plane, Princess cruises allow passengers to roam about and enjoy the amenities of a floating vacation resort.
Cruise to Hawaii on Sapphire Princess
Princess Cruise Line has more than 15 cruise ships at its disposal, and the Sapphire Princess spends almost all of its time in the Pacific. When not in the waters of Alaska or the Pacific coast of the United States, Sapphire Princess is probably somewhere between Los Angeles and Hawaii, helping lucky passengers work on their tans.
A two-week Hawaiian cruise includes four of the islands of Hawaii and a stop in Mexico on the way home. But, after leaving port in Los Angeles, the first four days are spent at sea. This gives passengers a chance to check out the ship.
For cruise passengers who can't stand still, plenty of activities are on hand. A jogging track, gym and health club, and a swim-against-the-current pool will keep passengers looking buff for the Hawaiian beaches. Golfers will be able to practice their profanity at the 9-hole mini-golf course, and at the golfing simulator. And, a visit to the Lotus Spa will be a flowery experience.
Several pools and hot tubs are available (good luck finding this on a plane), and the dining on a Princess cruise is the stuff of culinary legend. Some passengers prefer the formal atmosphere of the dining room, while others like to grab a bite whenever they feel like it. Both get their wish on the Sapphire Princess. The food court and room service both provide much needed nourishment at any hour, and the ship even has a wine bar. (There's enough wine on this cruise ship to float a cruise ship)
Hawaiian Vacation on Princess Cruise Line
When the ship drops anchor in Hawaii, passengers will get to visit four ports-of-call on four islands:
- Hilo – On the north shore of the Big Island, Hilo is close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and many other activities are available. A macadamia nut factory and tsunami museum are near by, and probably not that common back home, wherever that is.
- Honolulu – On Oahu, the capital of Hawaii is near to many iconic Hawaii attractions. Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach are among the obvious sights to take in in Oahu.
- Kauai – Take a motor coach tour to Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", visit Wailua Falls or feel the wind in your hair at a zipline course.
- Maui – Dive the Molokoni Crater, tour the "Valley of the Kings" or flop out on the beach of choice on the scenic island of Maui.
The next four days will be spent at sea, heading for home. During this time, passengers on the Sapphire Princess might even have time to look around their stateroom. Nine different stateroom options are available, and many have private balconies. These staterooms are another reason that the Sapphire Princess is such a popular way to see Hawaii.
But, before pulling into L.A., a final stop is in Ensenada, Mexico. Several half-day shore excursions are available, and the six hour stop allows ample time to pick up a couple souvenirs.
About the only way to top off a two-week vacation that involves two states, four islands and two countries is to stop at the airport and watch people get off a plane. You'll be the one with the good tan.
Dave Lovejoy - Dave is a graduate of the University of Nebraska. He is involved in farming and has a custom made furniture business that has customers ...
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