norwegian cruise line island

Nassau to Exuma Day Trip

• Day Trip to Exuma
• Day Trip to Eleuthera
• Compare Exuma vs Eleuthera
• Thunderball Grotto
• Plane Wreck
• Staniel Cay
• Air Charter
• Exuma Guides
• Islands Guides
• Islands Map
• Nassau Attractions
• Nassau Beaches
• Out Islands

Join the List. Sign up for deals!

Contact Info

[email protected]

+1 786-289-8977

Mon – Sun 9.00 – 17.00

4300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref No. ST41785

Bahamas Day Trips

Staniel Cay Tours Miami to Bahamas Day Trips Nassau to Exuma Day Trips Swimming Pigs Excursions Harbour Island Day Trips

Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit on a Cruise

Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is a Norwegian private island of the popular cruise line. Strolling around the island on a newly constructed walking path, you will be able to see the beauty of this place. Palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters; all familiar scenes of the Bahamas. However, that is not all this great island has to offer. To know exactly what is at your doorstep, you must first explore the island. Sink your feet into the warm sand and let out a shriek of joy if you must, but there is much more to Great Stirrup Cay than the norm.

Like its sister island, Little Stirrup Cay, Great Stirrup Cay island is a part of a set of islands known as the Berry Islands north of Nassau about fifty miles. It is actually the northernmost island of the set. Purchased decades ago, this Norwegian cruise private island has come a long way in being developed into an exclusive island oasis offering dozens of Great Stirrup Cay excursions to create the ultimate experience for guests.

We have put together a list of things to do on the NCL private island to make your time on Great Stirrup Cay island unforgettable. What used to be a deserted island is now a paradise of thrills and frills and activities for visitors of all ages so that everyone can have the time of their lives.

The top destination in the Bahamas is the famous Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach. Only a short day excursion on your Bahamas Cruise stopover in Nassau, you’ll be bale to take part in the Swimming with Pigs tours at Staniel Cay Exuma. Bahamas Air Tours offers Bahamas Day Trips and Swimming Pigs Tours from Nassau . Or if you don’t have time on your Bahamas Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you can take our Miami to Bahamas Day Trip before or after your cruise from our departure location in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas — an NCL private island.

What to do on this Norwegian Private Island?

Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970’s, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island:

Go on a Swimming with Pigs Tour

Just as is popping up more and more around the Bahamas, this Norwegian private island gives you the opportunity to experience swimming with pigs in the Bahamas yourself. For $105, you will board a boat and be taken to a nearby island where you will be greeted by swimming pigs who are out for their daily feed.

This is a relatively new tour but will surely become an excursion favorite in no time. Bring your camera — photos of these pigs in the water are too good to be true. The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Take a Self-Guided Stroll Around the Island

Like mentioned before, this Norwegian private island is doing great things in developing the island to cater to the cruise guests. This includes a newly constructed walking path around the length of the island. The path is paved and suitable for all guests. Just be careful of the hot sun and find some shade along the way!

Little Stirrup Cay is a Norwegian private island.

We know, we know. It is a typical thing to do and you probably don’t need to be told to enjoy the beach on your trip to a Norwegian private island in the Bahamas, anyway. However, you probably didn’t know that this tiny island has over 10 acres of beachfront property to enjoy.

Don’t limit yourself to the closest beach from the cruise port which is generally the most crowded. Get out and explore the different beaches and you are sure to find a beach which you can enjoy nearly to yourself.

Check out Stirrup Cay Island — an NCL private island in the Bahamas.

Take part in Shore Excursions

Just like any island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, the Norwegian private island also has its fair share of shore excursions to keep all cruise passengers busy during their day on the island.

Whether you want to rent a paddle board ($27) or a kayak ($60), you can explore the crystal clear exotic waters around Great Stirrup Cay in an exciting and different way.

Swimming areas are very visibly marked so just make sure you stay out of those zones. You can also rent a life vest for your safety.

Explore the Underwater Sculpture Garden

Go grab a snorkel, vest, fins, and mask and explore the underwater sea life surrounding Great Stirrup Cay! Luckily, the folks at Norwegian Cruise Lines have also set up an underwater Sculpture Garden for your snorkel viewing pleasure. You can rent all your gear for just $30 and enjoy all the marine life and sculptures your heart desires in the beautiful pristine waters around the island.

Tip: The Sculpture Garden is an excellent place to start snorkeling as it is teeming with marine life of both micro and macro levels. Guide yourself around and make multiple trips out to the garden throughout the day.

Snorkeling in Stirrup Cay Island of the Bahamas.

Visit Stingray City

Like many cruising company’s private islands, this Norwegian private island also has their own take on a stingray sanctuary at Stingray City. It is just a short ride by speed boat from Great Stirrup Cay (toward Little Stirrup Cay) and can be fun for the whole family.

The southern stingrays are harmless but, regardless, your guide will give you a safety run down before the tour begins so you know how to treat the stingrays during your interaction (for their protection more-so than yours). Tours start at just $79. It is one of the best Great Stirrup Cay excursions on this Norwegian cruise private island.

Shop Local (Berried Treasure Bazaar)

Looking for a souvenir for a loved one? A momento to remember your trip? Berried Treasure Bazaar is the place to do your local artisan and souvenir shopping. It is a great place to meet locals and maybe have a conversation or two, as well. Most cruise passengers give the market a visit, or at least a walk through to see all the neat crafts and tees.

Take a Jet Ski Tour

Jet ski tours around the island are perfect for that adrenaline-seeking traveler. It is OK if you have no experience riding a jet ski, there will also be a quick instructional provision for beginners. The tours start at $105 for one person on a jet ski. Your guide will show you around and tell you neat things about the island at high speed thrills. A jet ski tour is a guest favorite on the Norwegian private island and an excellent way to spend your day.

Check out the Great Stirrup Cay excursions on the Norwegian private island.

Swimming Pigs Nassau to Staniel Cay Day Tour

If you haven’t got your fill of exotic islands on your Norwegian private island Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas getaway, maybe Bahamas Air Tours can help. Although Great Stirrup Cay now offers their own version of a swimming pigs tour, there’s no better way to see pigs in the Bahamas than where they were originally found; Big Major Cay ( Pig Island ), home of the Exuma pigs!

Book a Miami to Bahamas day trips by plane for an unforgettable experience through the sky! Our Bahamas vacation packages feature flights to Bahamas in our private Cessna Grand Caravan Bahamas air charter where you will be treated with luxury like you never have before traveling from Florida to Bahamas.

Take one of our Exuma day trips Bahamas vacation deals to go on one of our swimming pigs tours to Pig Beach on Pig Island (Big Major Cay) to see the Exuma pigs in the Bahamas. It is the extraordinary chance of a lifetime to go on a one day cruise to Bahamas to go swimming with pigs Bahamas style! Take a day trip to Bahamas with us and be treated to memories for ages.

Get our FREE Bahamas Guidebook

Discover the Bahamas Out Islands

With beautifully illustrated maps and informative destination guides. Download the Guidebook

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Miami to Bahamas Day Trip

Day trip to bahamas eleuthera, for more information, connect to us, the bahamas blog.

5-Star Rated Tours

• Booking Terms
• Website Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Join the List

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

20+ Tips & Things to Know for Harvest Caye, Belize — Norwegian’s Private Island

Is your cruise headed to Harvest Caye? If you’re headed on a Norwegian cruise to the western Caribbean, chances are good your ship will stop here. If so, you are in for a treat.

The cruise line’s private island is one of the nicest in the Caribbean, with a tremendous amount of things to see and do… without having to spend a fortune.

Harvest Caye sits at the southern end of Belize, about 50 miles north of the border between Guatemala and Honduras. And while it is an island, it sits only about a mile from the mainland and roughly five miles from the town of Placencia.

Norwegian Cruise Lines spent an enormous amount of time and money to transform the island into a playground for its cruise guests. Here are more details of everything to know about NCL’s Harvest Caye, including things to tips, things to know, and what to do…

Map of Harvest Caye

As you can see, just about everything on the island is within a short walk. The main focal points on Harvest Caye is the area around the pool, LandShark Bar & Grill, and the beginning of the beach. Here you’ll find the most people while crowds get thinner the farther away from here you get.

The most distinguishable landmark on the island is the lighthouse, which towers over the landscape. The lighthouse is actually the signature of the zipline course that runs across the island. If you decide to do this adventure, you’ll get to ride from the lighthouse across the beach (see below).

Other points of interest include the city/shopping area, the wildlife reserve, and the marina.

10 Things to Do on Harvest Caye

For such a small island, there are a surprising number of things to do. As you might expect, most of the activities revolve around the pool and beach, but there is really something for everybody.

Swimming Pool (Free) Located just as you walk off the ship’s pier and in the heart of the island, there is the swimming pool. It’s a large resort-style pool with lots of bends and turns, a bridge with waterfall, swim-up bar, a gently-sloping shallow kids area, and hundreds of chairs/umbrellas for you to lounge. The pool is the heartbeat of Harvest Caye, and you’ll find the most cruise passengers spending their time here. Private pool cabanas are are available for rent for around $250, but other than that, it’s free to use.

Beach (Free) Across from the pool is a scalloped cove of the beach that runs for hundreds of feet. There are ample lounges and umbrellas, as well as shaded “clamshell” covers that you can rent for $39 for the day. Along the beach there are lifeguards posted, and there are a number of beach games like volleyball and soccer.

The closer you are to the pool (near the start of the beach), the more people you’ll find. The crowds thin as you walk down the beach. One more thing, the water isn’t the best. Visibility can be iffy, and don’t expect the electric blue color you might find elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Zipline (Paid) If there’s a signature things to do on Harvest Caye, it has to be the zipline. During our stop people were constantly soaring through the air on the course that zig-zags around the island. The most exciting run goes from the lighthouse, over the beach, and across the water. Person after person flew by on this route… all seeming to have the time of their lives. The zipline costs between $29 to $89, depending on the route you want to take and adult versus child pricing.

Paddleboarding/Kayaking (Paid) On the backside of the island is a calm area of water that features a number of bends and turns for guests to use stand-up paddleboard or kayaks. The area is roped off from the surrounding water (so you don’t have to worry about taking a wrong turn into the open water). It’s also a bit out of the way so you can feel like you’re out on your own without going far. The cost for renting a kayak or paddleboard is $29.

Ropes Course (Paid) If you have an older kid or teen, they might be interested in the ropes course. It’s basically a multi-story jungle gym. You strap in and climb around different obstacles that are dangling up to 20 feet above the ground. During our trip the zip line was a more popular choice and you could do the ropes course without any wait. It’s also affordable at only $19 per person.

Beach Villa (Paid) Sometimes you just want to relax… in style. There is a section of Harvest Caye’s beach that is roped off and available only to guests staying in the handful of private beach villas. Here you have everything you could want, including your own cabana with air conditioning, loungers, daybeds, facilities, and more. The cost is steep — $599 for up to six people. Extra persons are $49 each. Still, if you want to ensure you have your own comfortable spot away from all the other cruise passengers, this is your ticket.

Shopping If you’ve never been on a cruise, then you might be surprised at how much shopping is promoted and encouraged on the ship and on shore. Harvest Caye is no different. In the “town” section of the island there are a number of souvenir stands and shops selling everything from small trinkets to bamboo bed sheets. There is even a Harley-Davidson-branded store.

Wildlife Experience (Free) On Harvest Caye is a small “Wildlife Experience” for guests. Inside there is a butterfly exhibit, a boa constrictor, and two aviaries with a toucan and scarlet macaw. The entire area is free but only takes about five minutes to walk through. If you’re looking for a calm shady spot to sit down, it’s a great idea to get away from the buzz of the rest of the island.

Kids Splash Area (Free) If you have smaller kids, check out the splash area. With tons of contraptions spraying water in every direction, it is one of the most impressive splash pads we’ve seen. Kids are sure to get wet and have a blast without having to worry about the depth of the pool or the ocean’s waves at the beach. Best of all, it’s free to play.

Off-Island Excursions (Paid) While you could certainly spend your entire day on the island of Harvest Caye, there are a number of excursions that take you to see the other sights in Belize. Some ideas include river rafting in the jungle, tubing, Mayan ruins, and more. This is also snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours available near the island as well. If you plan to go on an excursion, expect to spend around $100 per person.

Places to Eat & Drink in Harvest Caye

Of course, a big part of cruise life is the food. Unlike other private islands run by cruise lines, Norwegian doesn’t supply food on Harvest Caye. You’ll need to bring money and purchase anything you want to eat. You can also head back to the ship for lunch if you don’t want to pay.

LandShark Bar & Grill If you eat on the island, it’s a good chance it will be at LandShark. Sitting poolside (there is even a bar that serves you in the pool), the multi-story restaurant is right in the heart of everything. It offers all your favorite drinks, and the food is traditional American fare. There are burgers and baskets, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more. As with all food on the island, the prices are a little high (about $12-18 for an entree), and made higher by a 12.5% tax and a 15% service charge that’s tacked onto your bill.

Laughing Bird Bar & Grill Down the beach from LandShark, the Laughing Bird was another popular spot to sit and have a drink and a bite to eat. It features all your favorite beach drinks (pina coladas, margaritas, etc.) As for food, it’s tropical bar eats with some BBQ options, ceviche, burgers, nachos, and chicken baskets.

Horse Eye Jack’s The smallest bar and restaurant on the island, Horse Eye Jack’s is also the least busy in our experience. It sits near the end of the island by the private villas. Here you can sit at the bar looking out over the water or even dine with your feet in the sand. The drink menu is as you would expect with everything from soda to beer (including local brews) to rum drinks and more. The food is a mix of burgers and salads, with local snacks like plantains and ceviche.

Manatee Bar Away from most of the buzz of the pool and beach, the Manatee Bar is a large complex sitting near the marina on the other side of the island. You can find your favorites here, including Belize’s own Lighthouse Lager if you want to sample the local brew.

Tips On Visiting Harvest Caye, Belize

If it’s your first time to visit the island with Norwegian, then there are some things to know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Bring Cash and/or a Credit Card We’d suggest bring cash (U.S. dollars are accepted) and leave the credit card on the ship. Either way, just know that your shipboard account doesn’t work at restaurants and bars on Harvest Caye, so you can’t charge things to the room. Instead, you’ll pay for anything you want out of pocket, so be sure to bring some moolah to shop and eat.

The Wildlife Experience is a Great Place to Find Shade If you want to chill out for a few, there are a number of shady spots to sit for a moment around the island. That said, we found the Wildlife Experience to be the shadiest and there are several benches where you can stop and rest a while. If you are simply wanting to cool off and get out of the sun, there’s no better spot.

Take a Picture With the Belize Sign Located near the marina, the “Belize” sign was installed for an Instagram-worthy spot to take a vacation photo. It’s one of the best spots on Harvest Caye to grab a souvenir snapshot, and it’s also free. We suggest checking it out after a couple of hours on the island. The line to grab a photo was 20 people deep when we first arrived.

Stake Out a Spot by the Pool Early If you know you want to hang out by the pool, then we suggest staking out your spot early in the day (when you first arrive). The pool is by far the most popular spot and when we arrived around lunch time every lounger was already claimed, despite us being on a smaller Norwegian ship. Get there early if you want a spot to set your stuff.

The Pool Isn’t Heated The pool is large and inviting, but just know that it’s not heated. If you visit during the winter months, it will still be warm enough to swim, but it might be a little bit of a shock when you first get in. As well, the ocean water can be chilly as well. It’s still better than trying to stay warm back home!

Lockers Are For Rent Around the island you’ll see several locker stands that have a couple of dozen spots for people to rent. The cost is $5 and you can actually put it on your ship’s card (no cash is accepted). For the price you get the use of the locker all day and are given a key to let you access it when you need to do so.

Rides Are Available Up and Down the Pier To get to Harvest Caye, there’s a lengthy walk from the ship down a long pier. If you have mobility issues, don’t fret. There are carts that run the length of the pier, picking up and dropping off passengers between the ship and the shore. If you walk the pier, just be sure you stay on your side of the walkway to let the carts pass.

There is a 12.5% Tax and 15% Service Charge at Restaurants As we mentioned above, food and drink on Harvest Caye is pricey. List prices for most beers are between $6-7. A burger and fries can cost $13-15. On top of that, however, is an additional 12.5% tax and then another 15% for a service charge (in place of a tip). In other words, a $10 cocktail on the menu will actually cost you $12.75 all told.

Go Down the Beach for Smaller Crowds The area around the pool and the head of the beach can get busy both in people and noise (music by the pool is usually playing). If you want to go somewhere quieter — or just want a beachfront lounger — then just walk down the beach a little bit. Crowds quickly thin and you can find a spot all your own beneath a palm tree.

There’s No Wi-Fi (That We Found) We went in search of wi-fi around the island to see if there were any free services to allow passengers to connect. Searching the pool and area near the LandShark Bar & Grill (the most popular area on the island), we weren’t about to find any open connections. If you planned to connect while in port, you might be out of luck.

Coke is Served on Harvest Caye It may sound silly, but loyal Coca-Cola drinkers don’t want Pepsi and vice versa. Pepsi products are served on Norwegian , and if you’re a Coke drinker you are out of luck. But on Harvest Caye, Coca-Cola is served in the restaurants. If you’re a Coke lover, it’s an oasis in a desert of Pepsi. One note — you can’t bring the drinks back on board with you, so get your fill while on the island.

Have more questions about Harvest Caye? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, worth it complete norwegian cruise line (ncl) drink package guide, 10 major differences between royal caribbean and norwegian cruise line (ncl), ‘be on time’: cruisers show little sympathy for ncl passengers who missed ship, norwegian cruise line gratuities (tips): full guide to cost & how they work, good deal everything to know about norwegian’s “free at sea” sale, 20+ norwegian cruise tips, tricks, and things to know.

Coke is on Norwegian ships now

You didn’t mention that you can purchase a ferry ticket to get away from the crowds and go to placencia. They have amazing All inclusive resorts there for cruisers

Is it possible to snorkel from the beach? Or must one take an excursion?

You can snorkel at the beach. You might need to rent some gear, or just bring your own mask and snorkel.

You didn’t mention the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. Is there an entrance fee and is it worth it?

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Nearly 100 Passengers Fall Ill With Stomach Virus on Princess Cruise

Cruise news: carnival’s new ship, royal’s new beach club, ncl’s big milestone & more, cruising with a baby: what to know from someone who’s done it, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Thoughts on Hawaii Inter-island Cruise?

By 4thgrade , March 23, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

My husband and I are debating about a trip to Hawaii-by cruise ship or on land?  What are your thoughts regarding experiencing the Hawaiian Islands by cruise ship?

Thank you so much!

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

BirdTravels

NCL's Pride of America is absolutely the best way to see Hawaii.  Fly in a few days early to get adjusted to the time zone and do some sightseeing. Then you are on a 7-night floating hotel. You're in port every day (2 days overnight to partake in evening activities like luaus or early morning activities like a bike ride down a volcano). 

The Pride of America cruise allows you to see the 4 main Hawaiian islands. Like BirdTravels suggests, fly in early and visit the many sites on Oahu. I really enjoyed visiting Hawaii this way. 

Should you decide you would like to do a land tour, there will be transportation between the various islands required. 

If this is your first time coming to Hawaii then my personal opinion is to do a land trip, there is so much to see and experience on each island that a day or two in port isn’t enough to really immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of each island. Pick one or two islands and spend multiple days on each so that you can really explore and feel the Aloha spirit. 

ChiefMateJRK

Pride of America is likely the only way I would visit HI.  Very enjoyable. 

Loved it years ago and looking forward to returning.

The first two times we visited Hawaii was on cruises, in 2005, and 2012.  Both excellent, and got to see different parts of each island during the port stops.  Cruising is an excellent way the first time or for us the first 2 times, as you are in a floating hotel without having to pack/unpack/fly/travel in order to see the 4 islands (Kona and Hilo on 2 sides of the Big Island).

After that we took a land vacation of Oahu and Big Island.  Being able to spend a few days at Kona, allowed me to do the manta ray diving and wife snorkeled.  For divers, the Kona manta ray diving is a must do in the lifetime.

mearsfansinboise

We’ve done a circle cruise to Hawaii. No different from other ports and other destinations but I really felt like we didn’t have enough time on each island. For us it was an incredibly long cruise, I think it was like six days there and six days back and then just four days in the islands. Don’t get me wrong, I love cruising, but it just seemed too long for me. And once we reached our destination and were heading back to the states, those were the longest six days of my life. But that’s a circle cruise … I am imagine a one-way and then fly back/there or whatever would be different. 

Travelling2Some

10 hours ago, BirdTravels said: NCL's Pride of America is absolutely the best way to see Hawaii.  Fly in a few days early to get adjusted to the time zone and do some sightseeing. Then you are on a 7-night floating hotel. You're in port every day (2 days overnight to partake in evening activities like luaus or early morning activities like a bike ride down a volcano). 

This is what we did and would totally recommend it.  We spent a few days before the cruise on Oahu in a little cottage up on the north shore.  Ideally we would have loved to return to Maui for an extra few days following the cruise but that was before retirement so we hadn't the time.  Rent a convertible and do the Road to Hana:)

cruisequeen4ever

It’s the most comprehensive of the Hawaii cruises. The upside is that you get to visit all of the islands at a better price than flying between them. The downside is that your time is limited on each island. It makes for a great overview, and then you can fly back to the island you most enjoyed. 

We have taken this cruise twice, and have it scheduled again for this December.  We also have a timeshare and trade it for week long trips to the islands.  You can't go wrong either way and we love the islands, especially Kauai.  Advantages to us of the cruise:  if you still work, its a great way to see several islands in a short amount of time, you don't waste time sitting in the various island's airports waiting to island hop if your time is limited, cruising the Napali coast is beautiful, there may or not be volcano action, one trip there was, one trip their wasn't, if you are not into renting a car, the ship's shore excursions are an easy (though pricy) way to get see stuff, if I sat here long enough, I'm sure I could come up with more items.  My suggestion - go a day or two early to check out Honolulu and all it has to offer, then take the cruise to get an overview of the islands, figure out which one you'd like to go back to first for a land trip, and then do that 🙂

BermudaBound2014

A cruise of Hawaii is a great way to sample the islands, but as with all port stops, you will only experience a very limited snapshot of what each island has to offer. That maybe just enough, or not.

Pro to cruising: Although a Hawaiian cruise may seem expensive out of the gate, it is likely this will be the least expensive way for you to visit Hawaii. Hawaii does have the highest Cost of Living in the USA and I get a giggle each time friends/family visit a supermarket here for the first time. You don't say where you are from. California residents are less shocked than those from the mid-west, but Expect to pay over $8 for a gallon of Milk. A package of hot dog buns are going to run you $5. Gas just hit $6. These prices are then reflected in restaurants. My local beach bar charges $25 for a fish sandwich. A draft beer is $9. So, on a cruise where all your main meals and drinks are included will likely be a significant cost savings.

Another pro to cruising is that you can visit multiple islands without unpacking or the hassle of commuter shuttles. This will give you a brief taste of the islands, but that maybe just enough for you to decide which island to return to for a land vacation.

Con to cruising: A growing number of residents are anti-cruise ship. This is not unique to Hawaii, as many popular cruise destinations are struggling with sustainable tourism, but I have witnesses some poor behavior from residents toward cruise passengers. It's not likely this will be overt, but the Aloha Spirit of the 80's has evolved.

Also IMO, a snapshot is just not enough to truly connect with the Spirit of the islands. There is just no way to have any sense of immersion with the culture on a limited overnight visit. The spirit of Aloha is more than just a greeting, it is being in the present and connecting to the essence of life. It teaches us peace, compassion, respect and a responsibility. Dare I say that on island there is great significance to the passage of time (;-0).  If any of this resonates with you, a longer stay in one island maybe a better choice.

In summary, like most cultural destinations, the longer you can stay in each island the better. However; lengthy destination stays are not always possible so we must compromise.

Regardless of either choice, these tips apply (to any destination):

1) Wear reef safe sunscreen. Read the labels. Many 'reef safe' sunscreens are not at all reef safe.

2) Support local whenever possible.  

3) Be ocean aware

4) Respect. Respect. Respect. The culture, the people, the land.

I'm sure I've missed a lot of important points. Hopefully the full time residents on the forum can add more insight. 

My husband and I took this cruise in 2016. It’s a fantastic way to see Hawaii without having to hop on and off planes.  We had a marvelous time and I would highly recommend it.  We hope to do it again someday.  I wrote a review if you would like to read it.  

NikiPinkston

We did the 11 day POA explorer cruise in 2016 and really enjoyed it as we had only visited Maui previously.  On Oahu, as part of our tour before we boarded the ship, we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, and the Dole Plantation, among other locations.  We were in the Marriott in an ocean view room & it was a great introduction to Oahu plus, as others have mentioned, once you board the ship, getting to see a bit of each island without the hassle of inter-island air travel is a big bonus.  I highly recommend it.  We're booked on the 7-day cruise this fall (after 4 cancellations due to covid) & will be staying in Waikiki for a few days prior to embarking.  On our schedule this time is the PCC again including dinner & their show, Ha (with pick-up at our hotel), the Monarch's Tour which includes a visit to the Bishop Museum & a tour of Iolani Palace, and time to visit some of the great restaurants in Waikiki, do a little shopping, and maybe take the HOHO trolley around town. The islands are so beautiful that, whatever you decide, you'll have an amazing time!

Longstockingpippi1

I was fortunate to visit right before Covid at a great price, I loved it ❤️ . I think it was a good first trip and gave me a sample of each island so I know where I want to go back to. Kauai 😍 😍  

With the hotels scarce there (last time I checked) the POA is a great way to travel. Oh, and some fantastic scenery awaits you as you head back to Oahu, everyone was trying to get a good view!!!!

13 hours ago, mearsfansinboise said: We’ve done a circle cruise to Hawaii. No different from other ports and other destinations but I really felt like we didn’t have enough time on each island. For us it was an incredibly long cruise, I think it was like six days there and six days back and then just four days in the islands. Don’t get me wrong, I love cruising, but it just seemed too long for me. And once we reached our destination and were heading back to the states, those were the longest six days of my life. But that’s a circle cruise … I am imagine a one-way and then fly back/there or whatever would be different. 

Hi, NCL’s Pride of America is RT seven days, visiting 4 Islands.  It sails every Saturday from Honolulu and returns the following Saturday.  It doesn’t sail to Hawaii from somewhere else. Its home port is Honolulu.  It is the only mainstream crisis line that does this.  Sunday/Monday-Maui , Tuesday-Hilo Wednesday- Kona, Thursday/ Friday- Kauai. Saturday Am back in Honolulu.  

2 hours ago, Longstockingpippi1 said:   ❤️ 😍 😍 Oh, and some fantastic scenery awaits you as you head back to Oahu, everyone was trying to get a good view!!!!

Be sure to get a stateroom on the port side of the ship for the best view of Kauai's Napali Coast.

janice2348-I would love to read your review!  We decided to add the three day Cruisetour!  

Thank you so much for your ideas and suggestions, everybody!    I am going to write them down!

@4thgrade So happy for you that you decided to book the cruise tour.  I know that you'll have an incredible time!  Here's another great review of the POA with some wonderful tips from Prof. Cruise:

https://profcruise.com/35-tips-for-your-cruise-to-hawaii-on-ncls-pride-of-america/

On 3/23/2022 at 9:10 AM, Travelling2Some said: This is what we did and would totally recommend it.  We spent a few days before the cruise on Oahu in a little cottage up on the north shore.  Ideally we would have loved to return to Maui for an extra few days following the cruise but that was before retirement so we hadn't the time.  Rent a convertible and do the Road to Hana:)

Your little cottage sounds great... can you share the details?  Am thinking I would love to do the same thing you outlined.

14 hours ago, NikiPinkston said: Be sure to get a stateroom on the port side of the ship for the best view of Kauai's Napali Coast.

Doesn't the ship sail past one way, turn around and then sail past the other?  It's been a while....

GeezerCouple

1 hour ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Doesn't the ship sail past one way, turn around and then sail past the other?  It's been a while....

Yes, but on the "return" sail by that coast, it is apparently further out to sea, and the view is more distant... not as dramatic.

45 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:   Yes, but on the "return" sail by that coast, it is apparently further out to sea, and the view is more distant... not as dramatic.   GC

Thanks.  As I said, it’s been a while, but we’re planning to return in May. 

4 hours ago, lgdesign said: Your little cottage sounds great... can you share the details?  Am thinking I would love to do the same thing you outlined.

It was 15 years ago so I don't remember the contact info although it was a local rental agency (pre Air B&B!).  It was directly on the beach known as the Pipeline and the distinctive thing about it was that it was decorated in a Christmas motif year round.  It might have been called the Christmas Cottage but not sure on the name. 

don't-use-real-name

You are on the starboard side and should be on the port - well - - -

Remedy - go to one of the highest decks and watch with the crowds of others -

walk to the stern (aft) of the ship and around to the starboard side to see the

Cliffs of Na Pali and the coast from a slightly more distant view.

All I have seen reported here is the same ole same ole starboard turn -

WHY couldn't the POA do a full circle (like the Alaska Glacier viewing) or

make a port side turn instead ?

After viewing the Na Pali coast all that is left in the cruise is the night passage to

the home port and end of the cruise at Honolulu.

A leisure putt putt all night - - - - -  WHY the rush to getter over and done with ?

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 6 hours ago

LauraS · Started 10 hours ago

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

The Best Romantic Comedy Of The Last Year Just Hit Netflix

Rudy giuliani and mark meadows indicted in arizona fake electors case, tupac shakur s estate challenges drake over ai vocals in kendrick lamar diss song.

The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Hawaii Cruises

Click to Explore other Destinations Cruises

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Canada & New England
• Greek Isles
• Pacific Coastal

No One Does Hawai`i Like Norwegian.

• Cruise Destinations
• Itineraries
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES

Voted Best Hawai`i Cruises for 15 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine

Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You'll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavour of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Looking to make the most out of your time in the region? Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise . Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui.  We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round.  It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org .  In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, whilst also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations. As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai'i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Cruise to Hawaii Year-Round with Pride of America

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! It is no wonder that we were voted Porthole Magazine's "Best Hawaii Itinerary" for 12 years in a row! And since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, we offer convenient year-round Saturday departures, so you can holiday on your timetable .

NEW! Hawaii and French Polynesia Cruises

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world's most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia , in one holiday. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea . Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Leaving, on the other hand, takes a lot of convincing.

Cruise To Hawaii Year-Round

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. When it comes to cruising Hawai`i, it’s our thing. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.

Beauty of Volcanic Proportions

Your seven days of paradise begins from the moment you arrive. Lose yourself in the lush rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. Let the lush natural landscape take your breath away. Cruise by Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world. Adventure awaits you around every corner as we are the only cruise line to offer Cruisetours in Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruise Image Gallery

• Kahului, Maui
• Snorkeller on the Big Island, Hawaii.
• Hawaii Luau
• Waipio Valley, Big Island, Hawaii.
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Oahu
• Pride of America

Explore Hawaii Cruise Ports

Featured Hawaii CRUISE ITINERARIES

Best hawaii excursions.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes...

Historic Kona

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honauna...

Road to Hana

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. ...

The Land Of Frozen Fire

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions....

Hawaii HOTELS

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories.

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

• Distance/Airport: 10 miles Distance/Pier: 4 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Ala Moana, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, is just a five-minute drive away giving you easy access to over 340 shops, services and entertainment.

• Distance/Airport: 8 miles Distance/Pier: 3 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Resort Fees Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Maximum quad occupancy per room. Triples and quads will be accommodated in a room with 2 queen sized beds. Rollaway are subject to availability and must be requested. Surcharges will apply.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Hawaii Cruises

What to Wear in Hawaii

Bring these essential items on your tropical getaway.

Stay Longer in Paradise

Explore more of Hawaii with our Cruise Tours.

Cruise Hawaii Without a Passport

Learn more about cruising to Hawaii without a passport.

The Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Wondering when is the best time to cruise to these gorgeous islands?

Find Adventure

Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do.

Quite the Sight

Check out our top favourite photos of Hawaii, from sunrise to sunset.

Wake-Up Call

Believe it or not, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.

This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

• Norwegian Cruise Line-stock
• News for Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to Hold Conference Call on First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

MIAMI, April 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (together with NCL Corporation Ltd., “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings” or the “Company”) announced today it will report first quarter 2024 financial results on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time with a conference call and webcast to discuss results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

The conference call will be webcast via the Company’s Investor Relations website, https://www.nclhltd.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be available here on the Company’s website for 30 days following the call.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company that operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 32 ships and approximately 66,500 berths, NCLH offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide. NCLH expects to add 13 additional ships across its three brands through 2036, which will add approximately 41,000 berths to its fleet. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line News MORE

Related stocks.