Which ship

we are wanting to do the Hawaiian cruise but haven’t been on Princess before so are wondering which ship is best and why. Many thanks for all you wonderful knowledge.

we are wanting to do the Hawaiian cruise but haven’t been on Princess before so are wondering which ship is best and why. Many thanks for all you wonderful knowledge.

From where?

Round trip or fly/cruise?

When are you looking to go? This winter (2018-19) and next (2019-20) are both open for booking.

Do you have a preference as to which port to embark in (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver) or are solely looking for recommendations based on which ship is sailing?

The ship that spends most of the season doing the Hawaii sailings from Los Angeles usually has the most Hawaiian enrichment programs. In 2018-19 that is Emerald Princess, for 2019-20, Star Princess.

Another ship factor: Star Princess and Grand Princess have covered pools, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess do not. The weather can be quite cool the first and last couple days in and out of California. Grand will be sailing from San Francisco both years, Star from Los Angeles in October-November this year and between November 2019 and March 2020. Though Emerald (sailing Dec 2018 to March 2019, plus April 2020) and Ruby (two sailings in March & April 2019) from Los Angeles are much newer ships with better public spaces, though no covered pool and 400 more passengers.

Looking to go either 2019/20 . Which ever port has the best ship . Thinking of Mar/ Apr time but will be open to other dates . Thanks for your input .

Looking to go either 2019/20 . Which ever port has the best ship . Thinking of Mar/ Apr time but will be open to other dates . Thanks for your input .

All Princess ships that sail to Hawaii will be similar in design and will have similar entertainment, an Hawaiian Culture program, and other activities. Select the date and port that is best for you.

From San Pedro you only have the Emerald, Star and Ruby. The Emerald and Ruby are sister ships, just about identical. The Star is very similar, but has 500 less passengers an indoor pool, a second show lounge, Vista Lounge, and some other differences. The Star has limited sailings to Hawaii.

If you wish to sail from San Francisco there is the Grand. This ship is similar to the Star, originally sister ships. The Grand was the first Grand Class ship built in 1998.

The Star also has one or two scheduled sailings from Vancouver.

Bear in mind that Princess continues to do what it does because it does it right. Cruising to Hawaii is not for everyone, you must bear in mind the number of sea days. Some folks just cannot put up with that many days in a row at sea. Once you get to Hawaii, you have at least four days in a row of going ashore and having fun.

Jim

Thanks Jim , we love sea days , did a transatlantic last year , they went too fast .

My first choice would be on the Star which sails out of LA (San Pedro). They have been featuring Elua, who provides many amazing Hawaii enrichment programs. The Star, currently, has Captain Tuvo, who leads a ships crew who are second to none. It was our favorite cruise. If not, the Emerald is also one of our favorite ships. Have fun

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Elua is scheduled to be on the Emerald for the 2018/2019 season.

All Princess ships that sail to Hawaii will be similar in design and will have similar entertainment, an Hawaiian Culture program, and other activities. Select the date and port that is best for you.

From San Pedro you only have the Emerald, Star and Ruby. The Emerald and Ruby are sister ships, just about identical. The Star is very similar, but has 500 less passengers an indoor pool, a second show lounge, Vista Lounge, and some other differences. The Star has limited sailings to Hawaii.

If you wish to sail from San Francisco there is the Grand. This ship is similar to the Star, originally sister ships. The Grand was the first Grand Class ship built in 1998.

The Star also has one or two scheduled sailings from Vancouver.

What ships return to the same port; or do they all return to the same port?

Thanks.

What ships return to the same port; or do they all return to the same port?

 

Thanks.

So far these are all round trip from their, respective, departure ports.

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Looking to go either 2019/20 . Which ever port has the best ship . Thinking of Mar/ Apr time but will be open to other dates . Thanks for your input .

I have been to Hawaii in March. Schools and colleges have a spring break vacation in March/April. Much better chance of having youngsters on board ship and especially in Hawaii during those months. I would pick another time myself.

Last year we did the April 23 Grand Princess Hawaii Cruise out to San Francisco and hit the Mother Lode of Hawaiian Cultural Event. The 15th Annual Waikiki SPAM JAM Festival. Over 40 thousand attended this event and were one 50 different Spam Jam Food items to partake. Four main blocks on Waikiki's were closed for this festival. It was a BLAST!

Do a Cruise Critic Search for a comprehensive review for this Hawaiian Cruise out of San Francisco written by Mark under his posting name "H20skibum". His posting was daily and very descriptive with lots of photos.

The review is called "The Grand Hawaiian Adventure. A Trip Report with Patters, Menus, Elvis and...", is written by Mark under his posting name "h20skibum". It's a 21 page review.

Thank you