Hawaii cruise questions

[springdal]

We are planning to take a Hawaiian cruise next year, probably fall. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the length or dates best to take? We have heard there are weather concerns to keep in mind. If anyone has taken a cruise here, we would be delighted to hear any info you have to offer. Thanks :)

[RuthC]

My last Hawaii cruise was a 15-day HAL cruise, sailing from San Diego in early October of that year. The first and last days were a little cool, but the rest of the time ranged from warm to very warm. It was sunny most all the time. Seas were calm, but that's never a guarantee.

It was a lovely cruise on the Zaandam which I would happily do again.

[cud b cruzn]

We went in March a few years ago... 5 days out of San Diego, 5 days at the Islands, 5 days back... it is an enjoyable cruise and yes the weather can be a large factor but if it smooth sailing...terrific cruise...

[Krazy Kruizers]

We also did a 15 day Hawaiian cruise the end of March - beginning of April -- had a lot of bad weather. 5 days over -- 5 ports -- 5 days back

Now HAL only does 14 day round trip Hawaiian cruises out of San Diego -- Saturday to Saturday.

[boards]

Krazy Kruizers is absolutely correct because we are booked for Nov. 12, 2011 for 14 days. The Oosterdam is on its way back to San Diego right now and from what Lisa reports the weather has been good and the seas fairly calm.

[GeriatricNurse]

We also did a 15 day Hawaiian cruise the end of March - beginning of April -- had a lot of bad weather. 5 days over -- 5 ports -- 5 days back

 

Now HAL only does 14 day round trip Hawaiian cruises out of San Diego -- Saturday to Saturday.

 

That is not entirely correct! ;) HAL ALSO does "circle" Hawaii cruises, Vancouver, B.C. return! In April, 2012, HAL does a 16-Day & in April, 2013, HAL does a 17-Day, (which I may book)! ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

But notice that I mentioned round trip from San Diego.

Didn't mention anything about leaving from Vancouver -- some people can't handle open jaw flights.

[HALrunner]

Our Hawaiian cruise was my favorite cruise. What made it great was the 5 days at sea...plenty of time to relax and get into vacation mode. The next 5 days we ran around the islands and then had 5 more days to relax before returning to the real world. We called it a vacation from our vacation. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

We went our of LA (on princess) in January. The first few days were a little chilly- no sunbathing for sure!

[andeesue]

We were on the holiday cruise Dec. '10/Jan. '11, and went through a bad storm the first few days... lots of funny walking going on, those prone to sea sickness were certainly taking their meds. We were told that even without the storm, it's typically a little rough leaving San Diego. That storm really dumped on San Diego with lots of flooding. By the 3rd day, seas were calm, sky blue, everyone much happier.

[wonton]

We've done the 15 day San Diego - Hawaii roundtrip cruise twice (on Celebrity). Once in October and once again in March. The first two days leaving SD and same on return, are the coolest and had the most 'movement'. We will definitely be taking this cruise again, but will opt again for October. The weather is warmer in October and we were able to enjoy breakfast on our verandah every morning. Some days we would be entertained by dolphins swimming by as we ate:).

 

*However, on the March cruise we saw lots of whales!

[GeriatricNurse]

We also did a 15 day Hawaiian cruise the end of March - beginning of April -- had a lot of bad weather. 5 days over -- 5 ports -- 5 days back

 

Now HAL only does 14 day round trip Hawaiian cruises out of San Diego -- Saturday to Saturday.

 

But notice that I mentioned round trip from San Diego.

 

Didn't mention anything about leaving from Vancouver -- some people can't handle open jaw flights.

 

You stated quite emphatically " Now HAL only does 14 day round trip Hawaiian cruises out of San Diego..."! Technically, that is NOT entirely correct as HAL ALSO does round trips out of VANCOUVER, (varying between 16 or 17 days)! ;) You had left Vancouver out of your original staement, giving, in my view the impression that HAL ONLY does round trips out of San Diego! :)

[cruzn single]

We are probably one of the few responding on here that will describe a less than perfect cruise R/T from San Diego to Hawaii. We were on a 15-day that left in early November. Seas were VERY rough both ways. So rough that doors were lashed shut and no one was allowed on deck. 5 days in the islands were great, but when they brought up the last tender in Kona, we knew we were in for another 5 days of not so pleasant weather. Then, again, we had friends who did the same cruise the next November, and they had smooth seas both ways. Go Figure!

[Bookfinder]

We did the Zaandam in late February and early March of 2009 and had rough seas. It didn't take away from a great 14 day cruise. There wasn't much balcony time due to high winds and we had to skipped Kauai. We loved the sea days even with the rough seas. It is such a great time to relax and we thought the crew of the Zaandam was great. It was my first experience with green apples and crackers but they do help.

[TWOFERTWO]

You stated quite emphatically " Now HAL only does 14 day round trip Hawaiian cruises out of San Diego..."! Technically, that is NOT entirely correct as HAL ALSO does round trips out of VANCOUVER, (varying between 16 or 17 days)! ;) You had left Vancouver out of your original staement, giving, in my view the impression that HAL ONLY does round trips out of San Diego! :)

 

March 31, 2012 the Oosterdam sails to Hawaii for 16 days, R/T.

 

OP, roll the dice on the weather! You can't out guess it. Just book one of the great cruises to the 'Islands'! :cool:

 

We have been booked since Aug. 2010. :rolleyes:

[FoghornLeghorn]

Loved, Loved, Loved our Hawaiian Cruise

14 days from LA - (Golden Princess not a HAL ship)

First part of December.

This cruise was cheaper than the one that goes during the holidays.

The first day and 1/2 out of LA, was a little rough.

But, not horrible.

After that...smooth sailing, even the few days returning to LA.

 

Got to Maui and was able to see whales on our whale watch - so I was a very happy camper!

 

Loved the sea days and the activities on sea days - most were Hawaiian themed.

 

I've been on land vacations for years to Hawaii-but only to Oahu and Maui, so this was a treat getting to see the Big Island and Kauai.

 

The best cruise to date for us!

[TWOFERTWO]

March 31, 2012 the Oosterdam sails to Hawaii for 16 days, R/T.

 

I'm brain dead! Of course I meant 15 days. :o

[NCTribeFan]

My first (but, hopefully, not last) HAL cruise was last year - the circle Hawaii from San Diego on Zaandam. I was worried about the seas being a bit rough, as I'd read in some reviews.

 

The seas were fine. It was a bit too cold to do much sitting out in the sun on deck, though.

 

Weather in Hawaii was, of course, glorious!

 

If you click on my name, then the stats tab, then threads I've started, you can read my review.

 

I hope to do this cruise again next November to celebrate my 60th b'day! :D

[pam vessels]

We are planning to take a Hawaiian cruise next year, probably fall. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the length or dates best to take? We have heard there are weather concerns to keep in mind. If anyone has taken a cruise here, we would be delighted to hear any info you have to offer. Thanks :)

Aloha, the best time to visit Hawaii is ANY TIME....just remember that June-Oct. is hurricane season and it seems like most of the storms we see seem to occur in the fall. Do not let that hinder your decision but keep it in the back of your mind. Remember in Hawaii there is no gambling so during your time cruising in the islands...NO CASINO. You will love our islands.....

[ginger and professor]

We did the 15 day circle Hawaii last year in Nov. the first two days were rough and cool. After that is was warm and smooth sailing, very enjoyable with many whales seen in Maui. A week and a half ago we got off the Westerdam after the 30 days Tahiti trip. We had smooth seas from San Diego on the temp was cool the first and last days. I guess what I am saying is that it will probably be smooth but the weather off California sometimes can produce rough sailing. You will certainly enjoy this itinerary.

[springdal]

Thanks everyone for all your input. Decisions, decisions. June-Oct is hurricane season??!! Does that mean until around October or through October??

[liketraveling]

Thanks everyone for all your input. Decisions, decisions. June-Oct is hurricane season??!! Does that mean until around October or through October??

 

 

I have done the cruise in both March & October and October was the best weather. Sometimes Mother Nature is good to you and sometimes not.

 

The cruise in October was a respositioning cruise from Vancouver to San Diego. We didn't need to stop in Ensenada.

 

The only thing I hate on the Hawaii cruise is the tendering. I don't know if it was the ship or the ports. I just went on the Eurodam and 4 of the 8 ports were tenders and I was very impressed with the tendering on the Eurodam.

 

The Hawaii Cruise is an R&R cruise.

[springdal]

April thru October, or to October??