Hawaii or Europe?

[Quincella]

This post may seem odd, and will definitely seem premature to some, but I'm just trying to get a semi-realistic idea of pricing for Hawaii versus Europe. We're looking at April of 2016, so...yes, 2 years out.

 

I want to book the Pride of America. I did the Pride of Aloha in 2005 and fell in love. My husband has never been to Hawaii, and we do enjoy the beauty of islands in warm weather.

 

On the other hand, I've never been to Europe, and my husband hasn't been to any of the Western Med cruise cities. He'd do either, but I think he's leaning toward Europe.

 

If I were to book today, the standard balcony cabin for the POA would set us back about $5100, and air would be approximately $1800, totaling approximately $6,900 before we even step foot on the ship. I do see that cabin prices for standard balconies the rest of this year are significantly less, so if the prices do fall at all it could be about $2,000 less for the cabin, but I'm not counting on it.

 

If we do Europe and were to book today based on prices as far out as I can check, the standard balcony cabin would be about $3,100 and airfare would be about $3,000 for two, so about $6,100 total.

 

Questions:

 

1. If anyone has watched POA prices historically, have they tended to drop significantly as the date draws nearer? And yes, I know it depends on demand and such, so I'm just wondering what others' experiences have been.

 

2. Assuming everything remains the same, I believe that prices for shore excursions (even going on my own as opposed to through the ship) would set us back significantly more than what they would be in Hawaii (again, on our own). Is that an accurate assumption? And yes, I know it depends on what we would do. So, in Europe, assume we'd do all the things that 1st time tourists to the major sites would do, eg. The Vatican in Rome (probably by train, not private car), the Leaning Tower of Pisa, etc. In Hawaii, we'd probably rent cars most places and site see on our own, Pearl Harbor, do a luau (probably Old Lahaina), Haleakala, maybe a tour or two, booked privately, thrown in.

 

Again, I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges post, but if we're looking at overall cost, as it will likely bet the determining factor, based on your experiences will a 7-day Med Cruise of 7-day POA cruise likely be more costly?

[ttnc4me]

Questions:

 

1. If anyone has watched POA prices historically, have they tended to drop significantly as the date draws nearer? no

 

2. Assuming everything remains the same, I believe that prices for shore excursions (even going on my own as opposed to through the ship) would set us back significantly more than what they would be in Hawaii (again, on our own). Is that an accurate assumption? yes

 

will a 7-day Med Cruise of 7-day POA cruise likely be more costly?see #2

 

If neither of you have done the Med, then do it & plan for Hawaii at a later date. :)

[Cubechick]

I have done both and loved both, but for very different reasons.

 

I loved the history of the Western Med (could spend all day in Pompeii) but loved Hawaii's relaxed style and simply gorgeous islands.

 

That said one point in the Med's favor is that the prices have dropped on those cruises during the last few seasons (lots of competition). So while you won't likely see prices dropping on the Hawaii cruise, you have a good chance that you'll see adjustments on the Med (I adjusted my price downward three times before final payment...and I only booked about 6 months out).

[Captain Canuck]

Love Hawaii...even though I got married there (kidding sweety)

 

We have done the Hawaiin cruise. Have done several Med cruises. To see anything in Hawaii you either have to do the ships tours or try and rent a car for the day. neither the best way to see Hawaii. Europe on the other hand means well developed infrastructure for tours and public transport.

 

Sailing into Istanbul one of the coolest things we have ever done. Greek Islands are great especially Santorini. Other than Amalfi coast which is a traffic nightmare we have gone off on our own. Booked ships tour for Amalfi coast as ship will wait for their tours. Our tour was late and the ship waited.

 

2 years out way to soon to book. but you can start the planning. pick out the ports you really want to see and then shop for cruises as it gets closer.

 

shoulder season - spring or early fall best for the med. crowds are down a bit. prices are better. weather still good. our last med cruise was in Feb last year. weather great..but as we are Canadian our expectations are lower for that.

 

have done Israel and Egypt as part of med cruises. if things settle down there in a couple of years that could be an option too.

 

have fun planning

[Ilovesailing]

We have done both and there are sure "must do's"

My suggestion is that you look at Europe 14 days or 2 b2b to average out airline cost and to cover more ports that chances are you may never go back.

We did 7 days Greek Islands and 7 days Croatia and Turkey and I'm glad we did 14 days.

 

As for Hawaii prices almost never go down except for spotty cabin situations inside and ocean view.

I suggest you book this cruise at least one year out and watch the prices increase. We've seen our Hawaii cruises increase $500 to $800 per person.

 

You have to remember that NCL is the only cruise line that sails from Hawaii which allows for more port time and two islands with overnight.

Because NCL ship is American flagged there is no casino on board as there is no gambling in the state of Hawaii not even bingo or lottery tickets so that is why the cruise is more expensive.

[HokiePoq]

There are bargains to be had on the Jade for the Med. We are leaving this week for our fourth Jade cruise. I'd rather have gone in December when the prices are rock bottom and the ship half full. We did December Jade cruises to the Canary Islands and another to Israel. The current Jade itinerary is port intensive and would give you lots of ports for your money. I'd look for deals from the online agencies (that's how we've booked all four) that include airfare. The December ones were practically the cost of the airfare as the fares are rock bottom between Thanksgiving and Christmas, not holiday weeks. If you liked the Pride of Aloha, you will really like the Jade,lol. It still has its Hawaiian decor.

That said, I'd still like to do the POA itinerary as it goes places we didn't get to visit when we went by Hawaii on another line. I didn't think the ship's excursions were any great deal there (on the other line.)

[Ilovesailing]

There are bargains to be had on the Jade for the Med. We are leaving this week for our fourth Jade cruise. I'd rather have gone in December when the prices are rock bottom and the ship half full. We did December Jade cruises to the Canary Islands and another to Israel. The current Jade itinerary is port intensive and would give you lots of ports for your money. I'd look for deals from the online agencies (that's how we've booked all four) that include airfare. The December ones were practically the cost of the airfare as the fares are rock bottom between Thanksgiving and Christmas, not holiday weeks. If you liked the Pride of Aloha, you will really like the Jade,lol. It still has its Hawaiian decor.

That said, I'd still like to do the POA itinerary as it goes places we didn't get to visit when we went by Hawaii on another line. I didn't think the ship's excursions were any great deal there (on the other line.)

 

I agree, we too scored a deal 3 months prior and also got a flight from Toronto return for under $700 tax in.

We had the cruise booked originally for end of Sept 2012 and then saw the deal for May/ June. We saved well over $3k for 14 days plus saved at least 40% on flight.

 

I think that the the Med is over crowded with ships.

[dexddd]

We've done both and were lucky to get decent cruise pricing on both. When we went to Hawaii there were the 3 NCL ships so pricing was great. The Med we went on the Gem when it was new which was great trip as well. The airfare was a killer to the Med though.

 

The sites in the Med are great and it was interesting to see those.

[dalgirl]

We have cruised Hawaii once and the med four times - so you can tell right away where my bias lies;)

 

As said before these are two very different experiences - if you are beach people who want to be laid back, then Hawaii is for you, it is the most laid back place in the world - except for this tourist who attacks all vacations as though they were military campaigns. The islands are beautiful, the food good, and the people very nice and warm. But to us it was a really, really long way to visit a beautiful beach from the East coast. Our Hawaii cruise price never went down from our early booking price, but we did get upgraded to a balcony right before we sailed - we went in May. Then there is the fact that your mobile phone is considered "local" with no roaming charges from shore and you won't have to change out any money or be required to have a passport - all pluses for traveling to Hawaii.

 

If you love history, beautiful scenery and the joy of good food, good wine, and lovely people, the a cruise in the Med is an unforgettable experience. And as said before you can get some real bargain cabin prices even up to sail time after you book the Med. You will need a passport, your won't be able to use your cell without some expense (but internet is easy to get on shore mostly free), and your will be using Euros (and the exchange rate is not in your favor).

 

If you keep in mind that eventually you will do both cruises, then go with your gut on what you want to do NOW. Then let the planning begin:D

[AF-1]

I would say if cost is a big part of your budget, then Hawaii can be done for less. The shore excursions in Europe are probably going to cost more; you can wander around by yourself; however, if you take a ship excursion it will be more than Hawaii. Off ship will be more expensive because of the dollar verses the Euro. I am booked on a B2B on Jade out of Venice next year; I have cruised out of Venice before and loved it; I have also cruised out of England and sailed into the Med and love that cruise. I have never sailed Hawaii; however I travel there a lot on business; and the weather is always great. I look at Hawaii as more of a beach vacation; and Europe more as a sightseeing vacation. Good luck with your choice

Edited April 7, 2014 by AF-1

[Fishbait17]

We've spent a LOT of time in Hawaii, but never on a cruise - and have sailed Europe numerous times plus done several land trips. In my opinion, Hawaii is better explored on a land trip - more time to mingle and relax and truly absorb the real island culture. Of course, the same could be said for anywhere in Europe, but the ports are also nice to explore for a day, so cruising works really well there. I myself would never cruise in Hawaii, but I know many love it... To me cruising in Hawaii isn't much different than cruising the Caribbean, as you don't really get the whole feeling of the islands and their vast differences in culture and geography. It's a nice, warm getaway, yes, but if that's what I wanted, Id save money and go to the Caribbean - saving Hawaii for a more personal visit where I could really absorb the culture that makes it unique.

 

With cost being the most important factor, I will tell you that likely Europe will be more costly for a one week vacation - airfare gets pricey but more importantly, you can spend a lot on excursions. But, by combining a cruise and some land time, or two cruises, the cost gets much better by the day. Also, don't be afraid to do most European ports on your own, or on group excursions with your roll call members - it really saves money and, again in my opinion, makes your day really tailored to what you want to do, rather than sitting on a bus all day. Trains and city transportation make a lot of Med ports very easy to explore on your own if you do the research first. Of all my European cruises, we've only done one organized ship's tour, and that's only because it was the only way to spend the night in Marrakesh..

 

Air prices are high, but I can't imagine ever spending $3000 for two to pretty much anywhere in Europe. There are generally much cheaper flights to get there. I've never spent more than $1000 pp, even for more expensive routes like Copenhagen and Oslo, even from CA cities, and we usually are only willing to fly non-stop. You should be able to do better than $3000 (although not sure where you are traveling from). (Hawaii and Europe are very similarly priced for us in NYC). There are lots of tricks and tips for better airfare costs (connecting, using low cost European airlines, using air miles, planning your home port carefully ie Venice is more expensive than Barcelona, etc) that can save you a lot of that money. Excursions can be much cheaper by yourself or with a small group (again, your roll call really helps here) than with the ship.

 

So, bottom line, I would much rather cruise in Europe, especially in the slight off-season (early spring or late autumn), and would save Hawaii for a land trip, even if the Med was a bit more expensive (but again, it doesn't have to be more $$). But that's my own personal opinion, and you would need to decide which vacation is more "your style". :)

 

Robin

Edited April 7, 2014 by Fishbait17

[GORDONCHICK]

I'll go at this a couple different way, none of which I've seen tackled here yet. First, the airfare on both is a good portion, and to me, once you get there, stay as long as you can.

 

Having just spent 3 weeks in Hawaii this past July (and we stayed on 3 islands), we got a lot more bang for our buck by flying over, doing hotels and renting cars. Got to do and see everything at our own pace. Which is usually ideal for a relaxing beachy vacation. Actually, it's ideal on any vacation, but not always practical - budget wise. We didn't stay at hotels right on the beach, though. Usually a block or two of walking to the beach was it. One was right across the street.

 

The Med is itinerary intensive - in a new port every day (which POA is similar), so with that in mind, I would give up the balcony if money is a huge consideration. If you are out and touring, that's less time on the balcony. Another money issue is that I think the dollar's value will continue to shrink, so if you want to go to Europe, do it now before it goes down more. Yes, the excursions are going to be expensive but there will be value to that if you properly research your options. This would be another one where I'd definitely stay longer than a week, as someone else suggested. You can do a B2B or get off one ship and board another to get to the ports you want to see.

 

Others have mentioned that prices do seem to drop on European cruises, so if you do book one or more of those, continually watch prices to take advantage of those.

[Budget Queen]

I go to Hawaii and Europe every year, over about the last 10. I greatly enjoy both, but have seen NCL prices way up there- with rising prices, usually. This is because NCL is a winner with itinerary, and well worth the prices. I do add at least another week at the beginning and end of the cruise. In my opinion, compared to many other of my travel areas, Hawaii is a bargain for touring. A rental car is all you need, so much of Hawaii is simple, drive up beauty. I never tire of the endless opportunities.

 

For Europe, I also always add at least another week for touring. Plenty to see and do, and a lot to do by foot. :) Depends on the area, but I do rent cars, and pick up some nice walking tours.

 

I suggest YOU figure out what activities are your priorities, and what you want to see and do the most. This should lead you to the right selection. Both will give you a fantastic touring.

[debbeck]

I thought I would put in my 2 cents worth here. We are going this year on the POA to see Hawaii for the first time. We have been to Europe a few times cruising and there is nothing to compare to seeing all the places in Europe you have heard about all your life in history books, etc. I know Hawaii is going to be amazing too.

 

We booked the trip almost a year out and booked a BD category balcony cabin level 9 mid ship for about $3300 dollars total (with taxes and port charges). We usually use a travel service and not book directly through NCL so the prices are always lower than NCL brochure prices. I watched the prices go up as the time got closer to departure but then about 45 days out, I noticed the prices dropped dramatically. I called my travel service and she told me that no funds would be refunded at that time since final payment is made 60 days before travel. She said she would call NCL for me to see if there might be an upgrade or OBC offered. They moved us to an SE suite category and included a dinner at a "pay" restaurant and a couple of other small perks. We live in Philadelphia and the airfare from Philly to Honolulu was coach class $747 and first class $1800 each. We booked the pre cruise hotel at Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort for 1 night at about $250 taxes included. It's right on the beach and the Friday night fireworks over Waikiki are in the harbor right in front of this hotel.

 

I have researched the ports extensively and have planned each stop. I would say that if you have already been to Hawaii, you might just want to rent a car at a couple of the islands and go see something that you didn't see on your last visit to the islands. Car rentals are easy and are $50 to $75 a day. You can look at this website to see what other excursions might cost. Adventureinhawaii.com We have booked several excursions through this company. They have information with each excursion for cruise ships passengers because they are aware of our time restrictions. We never book excursions through the ship….much more expensive! I would say that we will be spending less than $200 a day for each day while in Hawaii on excursions. I think our overall expense will be less than $6000 for our entire trip to Hawaii.

 

Europe cruises are great too. The killer there is the exchange rate for the USDollar vs. the Euro. Not as bad as it was but still a sting to the budget. The airfare is sure to be higher than the Hawaii airfares. Don't forget the cost of calling home….phones and internet is a pain while traveling outside the US. The Europe trip will be more expensive but IT'S EUROPE! We can't wait to see Hawaii but we are also looking forward to another opportunity to go see more sights in Europe. I hope this has helped a little with your decision. Have a wonderful time no matter which you choose. Sounds like a win-win situation!

 

We're on the April 26th sailing of the POA! Less than a month away and after the winter in Philadelphia, we're counting the days!

Edited April 8, 2014 by debbeck

[Quincella]

Thanks for everyone's feedback!

 

I'm not booking now, of course. Too soon. I'm just trying to get an idea of what people have seen pricing-wise. It's difficult with no competition in Hawaii, but the prices today are considerably less than what's listed for 2016.

 

Price is a consideration, but not the only one. I do want to do the Med, very much. I think those of you saying it's better to add a week or so onto the trip are probably right. Unfortunately, we won't be in a position to do that for several years due to work and kid commitments. Given that, I think we're leaning toward Hawaii. Not that Hawaii is bad. I adore it there, and loved cruising it. In fact, I'm glad I cruised there instead of booking a land trip, because had I booked a land trip only it would have been to Maui, most likely, and that's not my favorite island!

 

Ok, I have books to read and research to do. Did I mention that the planning is pretty much my favorite part? :D

 

Thanks again! Much to consider, but Hawaii is in the "win" column as of today.

[b_cruise]

Hawaii definitely if u only have a week. Jet lag knocks me out for 2-3 days. I need 3 weeks for Europe, lol.. And euros are a killer...

 

I love Europe though... I'll go every chance I can get!

[OhJinkies]

I thought I would put in my 2 cents worth here. We are going this year on the POA to see Hawaii for the first time. We have been to Europe a few times cruising and there is nothing to compare to seeing all the places in Europe you have heard about all your life in history books, etc. I know Hawaii is going to be amazing too.

 

We booked the trip almost a year out and booked a BD category balcony cabin level 9 mid ship for about $3300 dollars total (with taxes and port charges). We usually use a travel service and not book directly through NCL so the prices are always lower than NCL brochure prices. I watched the prices go up as the time got closer to departure but then about 45 days out, I noticed the prices dropped dramatically. I called my travel service and she told me that no funds would be refunded at that time since final payment is made 60 days before travel. She said she would call NCL for me to see if there might be an upgrade or OBC offered. They moved us to an SE suite category and included a dinner at a "pay" restaurant and a couple of other small perks. We live in Philadelphia and the airfare from Philly to Honolulu was coach class $747 and first class $1800 each. We booked the pre cruise hotel at Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort for 1 night at about $250 taxes included. It's right on the beach and the Friday night fireworks over Waikiki are in the harbor right in front of this hotel.

 

I have researched the ports extensively and have planned each stop. I would say that if you have already been to Hawaii, you might just want to rent a car at a couple of the islands and go see something that you didn't see on your last visit to the islands. Car rentals are easy and are $50 to $75 a day. You can look at this website to see what other excursions might cost. Adventureinhawaii.com We have booked several excursions through this company. They have information with each excursion for cruise ships passengers because they are aware of our time restrictions. We never book excursions through the ship….much more expensive! I would say that we will be spending less than $200 a day for each day while in Hawaii on excursions. I think our overall expense will be less than $6000 for our entire trip to Hawaii.

 

Europe cruises are great too. The killer there is the exchange rate for the USDollar vs. the Euro. Not as bad as it was but still a sting to the budget. The airfare is sure to be higher than the Hawaii airfares. Don't forget the cost of calling home….phones and internet is a pain while traveling outside the US. The Europe trip will be more expensive but IT'S EUROPE! We can't wait to see Hawaii but we are also looking forward to another opportunity to go see more sights in Europe. I hope this has helped a little with your decision. Have a wonderful time no matter which you choose. Sounds like a win-win situation!

 

We're on the April 26th sailing of the POA! Less than a month away and after the winter in Philadelphia, we're counting the days!

debbeck, enjoy your POA cruise -- mine is coming up in May!

I was reading your post and noticed that you said you are staying at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort. You're probably aware of this, but there are TWO Hiltons in Waikiki -- the Hilton Waikiki Beach (Kuhio Beach), which is about a block back from the beach, and Hilton Hawaiian Village, which is directly on the beach/lagoon (this is where the fireworks are). You might want to verify your actual location so that you're not disappointed.

 

For the OP, I booked a solo studio on the POA, and prices have gone up since I booked about a year ago (there are only four on the ship, and they tend to sell out). While I heard on my roll call that prices had gone down for other accommodations and upgrades were given, not for me. :( My TA did her best.

Since I'm traveling alone, I'm not renting a car on the islands but booking tours. I want to enjoy my visits, not be distracted by driving. It's adding up to be quite an expensive trip but I want to do it right. :)

If you want to visit several islands, I do think that the POA offers the best itinerary. You don't waste time cruising from the mainland, or having to re-pack and go through TSA for inter-island flights. With overnights on Maui and Kauai, and two days on the Big Island, coupled with some extra time in Honolulu, I feel like I have sufficient time to experience the highlights I want to see on each island.

Edited April 8, 2014 by OhJinkies

[VideoTech]

We just got off the POA recently, and enjoyed the cruise immensely. It's a good way to get a "taste" of the main islands, but having done it, if we go back we will pick an island and go stay there. IMO, the costs of the cruise vs. of staying on any one island for a decent period of time would be about equivalent.

 

I would agree with others who mention that you will probably never see any "bargains" on POA pricing. NCL has a lock on this itinerary, and the cruise is always popular.