POA to skip the Big Island of Hawaii

[BirdTravels]

We are cruising June 9. Will we know ahead of sailing so we can book other excursion?

Nope. You will be given options once you are onboard. Making an unscheduled stop in a port with a cruise ship is a lot harder than picking a random reststop on the highway,,, realtime negotiations with local tour providers. And, since Lahaina is close to Kahului, they will be trying to get different tours organized.

[CruisinChills]

I have been following all of this with interest as we'll be sailing on the POA on 6/23. I just read elsewhere that this week's cruise will also be skipping Hawaii, and I completely understand why they would make that choice (I get all the debates upthread about whether they should do it or not, but I do understand they are trying to limit liability from people getting themselves into dangerous situations). I know everyone picks this cruise to have no sea days, but I was OK with making do (or just recovering from touring) on a sea day and then the day in Lahaina would be a nice treat as we weren't going to make it there in the 2 days on Maui.

 

However, the schedule announced for this week I am very unhappy about and hope they do not continue it further! Apparently they are adding a day in Oahu (so still boarding today, but not departing until tomorrow night), and then arriving a day late to Maui for the the 2 scheduled port days, and then going to Lahaina for a 3rd Maui day, then back on schedule for Kauai. To me, this shows blatant disregard for people who have booked private tours for the 2 days on Maui and is a) a way to get more people booked on NCL tours, and b) a way to save a few $$ by sailing less miles (i.e., not going to Maui, going out to sea, then going back to Maui). So, on the off chance anyone from NCL is reading these boards, I urge them to reconsider this particular revised itinerary going forward! I have been on many cruises with many itinerary changes, and I roll with it. But this particular change rubs me the wrong way for the reasons I stated. I'd rather deal with a sea day than have no tours (or be forced onto a big NCL tour), and everything else stays the same.

[Linda the Book Lover]

Though I am not happy with the sea day and extra day in Maui I agree the change you posted is worse. Some cruisers have booked private tours and we also booked a full day at the Maui Aquarium with advance tickets. It would be nice if NCL gave at least some idea of what the plan is but again they don't have to as they clearly state NCL can change the itinerary at any time. Since my past experiences with NCL and their changes at a drop of a hat have not been good I am not surprised. I will make sure my DGD has a good time no matter what hot mess occurs with NCL.

[GJustice]

I have been following all of this with interest as we'll be sailing on the POA on 6/23. I just read elsewhere that this week's cruise will also be skipping Hawaii' date='

 

However, the schedule announced for this week I am very unhappy about and hope they do not continue it further! [/quote']

 

Can you share where you're finding this info about current schedule changes? We're on the 6/23 as well and I'd like to keep up with what's likely to be going on. Not that we'll have any control over it, just setting expectations.

 

Thanks

[CruisinChills]

Can you share where you're finding this info about current schedule changes? We're on the 6/23 as well and I'd like to keep up with what's likely to be going on. Not that we'll have any control over it, just setting expectations.

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

It was on the POA FB thread. A cruiser boarding today posted the itinerary change they were given by NCL.

 

 

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[Zeno]

Personally I think it's a ridiculous decision on NCL's part - particularly skipping Kona which is nowhere near the eruption.

But then I find cruise lines are often absurdly over-cautious about perceived "danger".

[GJustice]

Thanks, I don't frequent FB. Guess I need to selectively.

[luv2gonow]

I have been to the Big Island and drove completely around it. It's BIG. I can understand not stopping in Hilo but I don't understand why NCL is not stopping at Kona. Maybe to prevent stupid people from renting a car and trying to get a "closer look" at the Volcano. NCL can't be held responsible for stupid things people do in port if not on their excursions.

K

We cruised on POA last summer. It was an amazing cruise. Watching the news is devastating to me. I walked in volcano national park last year. My daughter15 who was learning about volcanoes in earth science was freaked out and would NOT go on excursion to the volcano park.

On the tour I was laughing and thinking thank god she didn’t come. Guide was giving very good info whole time ... but also saying how’s this is active volcano and if u feel the earth move and see the park rangers talking excitedly on their walkie talkies .... run back to bus!!! Cause I will be skidding down the mountain shortly!!!! I was LOL at time .

 

Not funny at all now. I am horrified over this current situation. Hawaii is very expensive to live and the big island is cheaper to live and most of the people displaced probably are financially devastated at the moment. My heart breaks for these people and now they will be hurting even more with tourism drying up.

 

Here is my question and rationalization of why NCL is not stopping at Kona.:o

 

Like PP has said.... NCL will have bad headlines and court cases over idiot passengers. People will try to drive and see the lava and be stupid!

 

But IMO NCL is thinking about what if a major blow..... now we have all these people ashore.... and god knows 1/3 of passengers might be chasing the lava....

Now we might have a situation where we have tenders trying to get everyone back to boat in state of panic.

Now the boat is waiting for passengers who were chasing the lava...

People on board are complaining.... OMG I am breathing poison this ship needs to leave.....

Yes end of day business is run by threat of lawsuits......

Insert annoyed rolling eyes smilie....

Peace

And I pray for all of the people who are affected .

Peace

Kerri

[pspercy]

But take into consideration that with a lack of geographical orientation how many people won't cruise to Cozumel MEXICO, a safe, tourist friendly island far offshore of the mainland, due to reports on TV and other media of MEXICAN Gang violence and Drug Cartels many hundreds of miles away.

 

Look up Cancun, close to Coz and there's been shootings there and Playa del Carmen in the last few months.

[luv2gonow]

But take into consideration that with a lack of geographical orientation how many people won't cruise to Cozumel MEXICO, a safe, tourist friendly island far offshore of the mainland, due to reports on TV and other media of MEXICAN Gang violence and Drug Cartels many hundreds of miles away.

 

Look up Cancun, close to Coz and there's been shootings there and Playa del Carmen in the last few months.

I know Mexico has certainly had its share of tourist deterrents.

I’m thinking specifically Kona..... best snorkeling on the planet almost( haven’t seen it all) just most of Caribbean)

I think the main reason they stopped Kona is that it is a tender port and if there is a catastrophe it will be harder to leave the islands in a timely fashion.

I would personally wish the ship would stop at Kona if I was in it as I know how far away and awesome it is. But I do understand NCL position considering a tender port and harder to evacuate I would imagine.

I am praying for the people who live in Hawaii who are affected by this catastrophe! Xo

Kerri

[GJustice]

Just got the email from NCL - June 2 - July 28, 2018 - No stop at Hilo, Now a Sea Day

 

Wewill continue to assess the situation carefully and will make changes to ourplanned itineraries if conditions warrant. We will commence calls to Hilo assoon as conditions allow.

 

[Linda the Book Lover]

Just got the email from NCL - June 2 - July 28, 2018 - No stop at Hilo, Now a Sea Day

 

Wewill continue to assess the situation carefully and will make changes to ourplanned itineraries if conditions warrant. We will commence calls to Hilo assoon as conditions allow.

 

 

I guess that answers my excursion question.

[alwalaska]

Just got the email from NCL - June 2 - July 28, 2018 - No stop at Hilo, Now a Sea Day

 

Wewill continue to assess the situation carefully and will make changes to ourplanned itineraries if conditions warrant. We will commence calls to Hilo assoon as conditions allow.

 

 

No mention of Kona? Does that mean it is a day to day decision based on VOG conditions and all?

[Ozzie's Mom]

We're stopping at Kona. Only Hilo is a sea day.

 

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[GJustice]

I'm assuming, optimistically, that we'll be sailing "near" Hilo, and if conditions are favorable, making a stop. HOPEFULLY, we'll at least sail around the volcano side of the island and not circle back around the northwest side to get to Kona.

 

Guess it's really a day-by-day situation.

[Linda the Book Lover]

This is your update answer for POA - as you can see Kona is a stop

Thank you for booking your cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line

 

SAT 6/2/18 thru 7/28/18 Honolulu, HI –

 

Norwegian Cruise Line has important information for you

regarding Pride of America's 7-Day Hawaii sailings

From June 2, 2018 to July 28, 2018 from Honolulu, Hawaii.

All guests booked on these sailings need to be aware of this change.

 

Over the last couple of weeks we have been carefully monitoring the geological conditions on

The Big Island of Hawaii. We are pleased that Pride of America will begin calling again to Kona

on May 30th. The Big Island of Hawaii is an incredible destination for our guests and we are

proud to have faithfully visited its ports for the last 14 years.

 

Our top priority continues to be the safety and security of our guests and crew.

 

We will continue to assess the situation carefully and will make changes to our planned itineraries

if conditions warrant. We will commence calls to Hilo as soon as conditions allow.

 

Please review the revised itinerary information below:

 

0 Honolulu D/7:00 PM

1 Kahului Maui 8:00 AM

(Overnight)

2 Kahului Maui 6:00 PM

3 At Sea (Was Hilo, HI CXLD)

4 Kona 7:00 AM/5:30 PM

5 Nawiliwili Kauai 8:00 AM

(Overnight)

6 Nawiliwili Kauai 2:00 PM

7 Honolulu A/7:00 AM

 

If you pre-booked shore excursions through Norwegian Cruise Line for Hilo, Hawaii

they will be cancelled and automatically refunded.

[Computer Nerd]

Just got the email from NCL - June 2 - July 28, 2018 - No stop at Hilo, Now a Sea Day

 

Wewill continue to assess the situation carefully and will make changes to ourplanned itineraries if conditions warrant. We will commence calls to Hilo assoon as conditions allow.

 

 

Interesting that I haven't received this email yet (sailing 14 July) but I appreciate you posting the info.

[Computer Nerd]

So what is there to do on ship for a sea day?

[cruz_happy]

Interesting that I haven't received this email yet (sailing 14 July) but I appreciate you posting the info.

 

 

 

Hi Computer Nerd. We too are sailing July 14 (our 39th wedding anniversary date). We received the notice on Friday. You may want to confirm with your TA or NCL agent that they have all your correct information. Looking forward to this trip. Sad about Hilo as we were looking forward to that one particularly for the very reason we can no longer stop there. Completely understand though. Our prayers are with the safety and well-being for those in Hilo.

 

 

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[BirdTravels]

So what is there to do on ship for a sea day?

What have you done on all of your carnival cruises on sea days? Repeat on POA.

[Computer Nerd]

What have you done on all of your carnival cruises on sea days? Repeat on POA.

 

Actually, not true. No casino on POA. No big screen on POA. Not much of anything on POA from my understanding from those who have sailed her before.

[BirdTravels]

Actually, not true. No casino on POA. No big screen on POA. Not much of anything on POA from my understanding from those who have sailed her before.

So you gamble from the time you wake up til you go to sleep on carnival? Taking an occasional break to watch a music video?

[pspercy]

The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is now closed indefinitely, FYI.

[Linda the Book Lover]

The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is now closed indefinitely, FYI.

 

There is still much to see.

Visitors with tickets to the area will be able to view a documentary, and participate in a narrated harbor tour surrounding the memorial, but will not be allowed to disembark. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, such as the free museums, shore side exhibits, snack shop and Pacific Historic Parks Bookstore, are still open. The partner sites to the USS Arizona: the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor are not affected by the closure.

Above taken from this article:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/27/uss-arizona-memorial-at-pearl-harbor-closed-indefinitely.html