Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through spring 2009
The deal
Surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean, it only makes sense to see Hawaii the way ancient Polynesian voyagers did — from the sea. These pearls of the Pacific are packed with breathtaking natural wonders but they’re also a pricey cruise destination. So we recommend booking one of the early-bird specials we scoured, for three Aloha State sailings. Discounts run as high as 49 percent and prices drop to as low as $1,199.
Circle Hawaii cruise aboard HL Zaandam
For the best savings and the most epic Hawaiian odyssey, you can’t do better than the terrific bargain by CruisesOnly. A 15-night Hawaii voyage with Holland America next fall sells for just $1,499 in an interior cabin. At this price, discounted by 32 percent off rack rates, the upscale Zaandam hits high seas round trip from San Diego on November 22. En route, you’ll take in five of Hawaii’s most stunning spots — Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili (Kauai), Lahaina (Maui) and Kailua-Kona — as well as Ensenada, Mexico on the way back to California. Eight entire days at sea are also covered in the itinerary. Oceanview staterooms are also reduced in price to just $1,699!
Aloha voyage on Pride of America
We also spotted a fantastic early-bird special by Orbitz, at a price that’s as simply unbeatable. A seven-night Hawaii sailing in December 2009 sells at half-price! Interior cabins on this weeklong journey aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America now go for $1,199; oceanview units sell for $100 more. The regular price of this odyssey is $2,049, which means you’ll save 41 percent. The ship departs round trip from Honolulu, along the way calling at Kahului on Maui; Hilo and Kailua-Kona on Hawaii; and two days in Nawiliwili on Kauai. You’ll sail aboard Pride of America, described by CruiseCritic.com as “a unique ship specially designed for Hawaii”.
Hawaii odyssey aboard Carnival Spirit
For a fun-filled Hawaii sailing aboard Carnival Spirit in April 2009, we recommend the Vacation Outlet special we screened. This 12-night voyage has been reduced in price by 49 percent, to just $1,299 in an oceanview cabin! This cruise departs from Honolulu toward Canada’s West Coast city of Vancouver, en route taking in five Hawaiian beauty spots. Those include Kauai’s Nawiliwili; Kahului and Lahaina on Maui; and Hilo and Kailua-Kona on Hawaii. Five entire days at sea are covered, too. Balconied cabins are also on sale with this early-bird special, for just $1,499!
The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. The cost covers onboard accommodations, meals and entertainment, as well as port charges. You’ll just have to dish out extra for government taxes and fees.
The catch
Airfare to Hawaii is pretty pricey year-round so you’d be wise to book soon.
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