yogini06

There were multiple buses at the airport in May 2022.

We did this two years ago. There’s people with celebrity signs just past baggage claim. They find your names on a list and send you to a bus. When the bus is full it leaves the airport. They stop once for a bathroom break at a gas station. Took about three hours.

This article suggests another RCI ship https://www.thegardenisland.com/2024/05/09/hawaii-news/hta-dlnr-following-up-on-reports-of-cruise-ships-venturing-too-near-na-pali-coast/

I was on this sailing and up on deck 15 during the 360° maneuver. My pictures look much closer than what I saw. I posted a link above that USCG cleared them of violating any federal laws. As noted previously they violated local rules put in place for environmental purposes.

It is my understanding that when ports are missed the cruise line refunds the port fees paid. In this case a sail by was missed and a port was substituted.

https://youtu.be/UV8sjG8FX2E?si=b0iXfMQ8guibhJdr This report includes a statement from the USCG that the ship did not violate Federal law. However the state may have other laws and regulations they may have violated

Previous reports said the reflection on the right is reflection from the helicopter windshield

We were also on the ship. Both on our balcony then on deck 15 for the 360° maneuver. ITA with your assessment.

His review states he is currently on the Solstice.

Yes. I don’t believe we were ever in “shallow” waters or in any danger. The violation was the distance to the shore not the depth of the water.

The “environmental restrictions” likely mean they couldn’t get close enough to shore for folks to see Na Pali coast. Or they were refused sailing privileges due shore distance violations the previous day. RCI corporate likely doesn’t want staff talking with an ongoing investigation in process. Even though everyone enjoyed the views (prior to knowing about shore distance restrictions ) most people would have preferred a day in a Hawaiian port instead of another day at sea. We were scheduled to tender to the Lahaina port but it is closed due to the fire. No other Hawaiian ports were available. I was on the 14 April cruise and left the ship yesterday. Captain Matt was very safety conscious. We sailed through coral reefs that were very narrow and shallow in French Polynesia. He knew the exact width and depth of the ship as well as the width and depth of the water surrounding the reefs. He also knew what speed he should proceed under those conditions. The ship was moving very slowly and took almost an hour completing a 360° maneuver. Unfortunately he was unaware of the shore distance restriction.

Agree. This was put into place beginning in October to substitute for the Lahaina port closure. I believe another ship did this lat October. I’m not sure if there was a pilot onboard. Ship went very slowly and did a 360° off Na Pali.

I was this cruise. Captain Matt reported the cruise navigation route goes to corporate shortly before they set sail. He said he is not allowed to deviate more than 3 miles without corporate approval. Other passengers report he spoke in the theater after the incident that he was unaware of local restrictions of not being less than 1000 yards from shore. I know he bears ultimate responsibility but why didn’t RCI catch it?

@abcmanzer did you do this excursion? How was it? I booked it for 2025. I would like to avoid the cable cars completely

Ask your TA for a price adjustment