Two Holland America line ships capture Hawaii's spirit on nine extended cruises
Staff Writer |
From fall 2018 through spring 2019, two Holland America Line ships will say "Aloha" to the stunning, sun-drenched islands of Hawaii.
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Guests interested in exploring the famed island chain can choose from nine cruises with itineraries ranging from 16 to 20 days aboard Eurodam and Amsterdam.
Hawaii sailings depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; and San Diego and Los Angeles, California.
Most itineraries feature an overnight call in Honolulu, where guests have extra time to visit Pearl Harbor, relax on Waikiki Beach, take in the breathtaking views from Diamond Head State Monument or spend the evening enjoying traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment at an authentic luau.
The cruises also call at Hilo, Nawiliwili and Lahaina, with most adding a call at Kona.
To kick off the season, Eurodam departs Seattle September 29, 2018, for an 18-day Circle Hawaii cruise that calls at Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, before heading to the Hawaiian ports of Nawiliwili, Honolulu, Lahaina and Hilo.
Guests also can choose to embark two days later, October. 1, and sail roundtrip from Vancouver on a 16-day sailing.
A second 18-day voyage is available aboard Eurodam November 11, 2018, conveniently sailing roundtrip from San Diego.
Guests will visit the same Hawaiian ports, as well as calls at Kona, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.
Those planning for a holiday getaway can enjoy a comparable itinerary on Amsterdam's 17-day Hawaii Holiday cruise, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles December 21, 2018.
In 2019, three similar itineraries are available aboard Eurodam, including two 17-day sailings departing February 3 and February 20, as well as a 16-day sailing, embarking April 13.
Cruisers interested in extending their vacation can lengthen the April 13 cruise and disembark in Vancouver after visiting Victoria for a 20-day voyage.
Guests who wish to dive deeper into the South Pacific can select Eurodam's 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas voyage March 9, 2019.
Sailing roundtrip from San Diego, cruisers will enjoy visits to six ports in French Polynesia – including overnights in both Bora Bora and Papeete – as well as two ports in Hawaii and a call at Fanning Island.
Cruisers can further their exploration of the region on the Amsterdam's 51-day Tales of the South Pacific voyage October 28, 2019.
Sailing roundtrip San Diego, the ship will visit Hawaii, Tahiti, as well as calls in America Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga.
Cruise fares for the 16-, 17- and 18-day Hawaii cruises begin at $1,999; fares for the 20-day Hawaii cruise begin at $2,399; and fares for the 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Voyage begin at $5,179.
Cruise fare for the 51-day Tales of the South Pacific voyage begin at $6,899. All rates are per person, double occupancy.
Throughout the voyages, Explorations Central programming brings Hawaii's local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life onboard.
Guided by locals, guests can immerse in Polynesian culture through lei making, ukulele lessons, hula dancing classes and Hawaiian language classes.
EXC Talks, led by resident EXC Guides provide new perspectives on the region's stories, while those with an adventurous palate can head to America's Test Kitchen for a cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare.
The Dining Room and Lido Market will showcase the flavors of Hawaii, while a poolside Hawaiian Luau and Hawaiian beer tastings add to guests' experience of regional fare.
When journeying ashore, the EXC Team's insider knowledge of each port helps guests to tailor their experiences, whether exploring independently or on an EXC Tour.
Printed EXC Port Maps present a simple view of the best each port has to offer, while EXC Port Guides, featuring tips and information from AFAR Media, allow for a deeper examination of each destination.
The in-stateroom EXC Channel features a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows that explores the destinations on the ship's itinerary. ■