Statendam Hawaiian Cruise - Tendering v. Docking at Ports

[SuzyQ Quilter]

For those who have been on previous cruises to Hawaii on the Statendam, do you recall which ports are Tender ports and which the ship pulls directly into the Dock? Thanks for your help.

[Esme]

Maui for sure, and Kona, if I remember correctly. I'm sure someone who has been recently will know.

Enjoy our Hawaiin cruise - it's wonderful. :D

[user8]

We just got off the Statendam November 20.

We docked at Hilo and Honolulu.
We tendered at Lahaina Maui and Kona.

I don't remember what we did at Nawiliwili Kuai but I think we tendered but I may be wrong.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We have never cruised to Hawaii but hope to some day but have traveled to Hawaii Many many times. I know for a fact that you will tender in Kona on the Big Island. I also am pretty sure in Maui near Lahaina. I have seen the port in Kauai so know there is no tendering there. This time of year makes me wish we could go back to Hawaii and have a Mele Kalikimaka.

[SuzyQ Quilter]

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses!

For those that are tendered, do you recall the waiting time? Were the lines and wait long, or did it move relatively quickly? We booked our shore excursions directly through HAL and most leave relatively early in the morning. Thanks again!

*Only 13 more days 'til San Diego and 14 more days 'til sailing! Yipee!!!

[Esme]

Having booked your excursions through HAL you will not have to wait in line for a tender. I believe the shorex tickets tell you where to meet and then you will all proceed down to the tender as a group. You do not have to get tender tickets.

You do tender right into Lahaini, Maui.

Have fun!

[SuzyQ Quilter]

Well I'm thrilled to hear that, Esme! Now I don't feel so bad about spending a bit more on the excursions by going directly through HAL. The main reason Hubby and I decided to do it that way was they guarantee the boat won't leave without ya.

Since you all have been so generous with your information, I have another question (OK, i hear groans) LOL

One of the excursions we chose was the Oahu Scenic Circle tour (8 hours or so in duration) but it seems you really get to see everything there is on the island. We were also dying to go to the Paradise Cove Luau, but it seems that it won't be possible, because that excursion leaves 15 minutes (or is it 45...can't remember for sure) before our Circle tour arrives back. Any chance that the excursions return earlier? We were going to just wait until we got on the ship and ask the appropriate person about the possibility of making the second Luau excursion. OK, I'm rambling now... Hope you can decipher what I'm trying to ask. LOL

[Esme]

Suzy - that's a loooong day - 8 hours touring, a lot of time sitting on a bus. I, personally would skip the Luau, and stay on the ship and have a relaxing dinner.

The last time we were in Hawaii, our friend picked us up, drove us all over the island, stopping at various spots and for a delicious lunch. By the time we got back to the ship we were exhausted. Had a hot shower, nap and a relaxing evening sitting on our verandah listening to the music coming from Hooters. :D or maybe it was the Mexican restaurant after dinner. Been over 11 years since we did our last trip there.

Check at the Shorex desk and see if you can get a reservation at the last minute for the Luau and then if when you get back you feel up to it, go and have fun.

Aloha

[RuthC]

Suzy, my experience with shore excursions is that they tend to return later rather than earlier.
But even if you did return early, I agree with Esme that after an 8-hour tour you won't want to rush right back out.

This is a lovely cruise; I've done it twice.
Enjoy it.