carnival cruise to hawaii from san francisco

15 - Day Hawaii from San Francisco, CA

Cruise itinerary.

Carnival Journeys

Some take vacations… and some take their vacation further. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more.

Day 1: San Francisco

Day 2, 3, 4 & 5: Fun Day at Sea

Day 6: kahului, maui, day 7: honolulu, oahu, day 8: nawiliwili, kauai, day 9: hilo, hawaii.

Day 10, 11, 12 & 13: Fun Day at Sea

Day 14: ensenada.

Day 15: Fun Day at Sea

Day 16: san francisco.

Get to Know Carnival Legend

Legends are made, not born... and over time, this ship has become even more deserving of its nameplate. Let’s discover some of the secrets of Carnival Legend. If you’re out to find new legends, flip directly to the RedFrog Pub ® , featuring not only a mythical mascot, but actual drinks — plus Caribbean atmosphere by the gallon. Your heroic journey down the Green Thunder waterslide is a saga you’ll recount for ages. Bonsai Sushi ™ proves that you needn’t teach a man to fish for him to enjoy delicacies from the sea. And once you’ve had a look — not to mention a taste — at the certifiable cocktail magic of Alchemy Bar ® , you still may not believe your eyes. This ship, which pays tribute to some of the most enduring legends throughout the ages, still features classic Carnival Legend favorites. Take a dip in the Camelot and Avalon pools, wish for fortune at Club Merlin Casino, and taste something savory at Truffles Restaurant. There’s more than one way to dine at Lido Deck’s Unicorn Café, including handmade faves at Guy’s Burger Joint ™ and fresh taco-burrito goodness at BlueIguana Cantina ™ . And of course there’s our signature steakhouse, Nouveau Restaurant, where the multi-course meal is no myth. Music lovers who go for the classics will love Billie’s Piano Bar. Kids will tell and retell their tale of their favorite vacation, spent hanging out and meeting new friends at one of three supervised youth areas. And adults can get lost in a good book, or just one another’s company, at the legendarily kid-free Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ area... and then dance the night away at Medusa’s Lair Dance Club. Activities on Carnival Legend? Nothing short of legendary. For a cruise vacation that’s sure to go down in your history books, turn to Carnival Legend.

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Cheap Hawaii Cruises from San Francisco

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16 Night Cruise to Hawaii

• You want a big ship experience with plenty of onboard choice
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• You value having plenty of open decks to admire the scenery
• You want a ship that's got plenty of action-packed amenities
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Explore San Francisco

San Francisco to Hawaii Cruises

Two cruise lines offer cruises from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands. The round-trip voyages visit the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. See the calendar of departures below.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: January 7.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: February 22.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: March 9.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: April 4.

15-day cruise to Hawaii on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from San Francisco to Maui (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: September 16.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: September 29.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: December 2.

16-day cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico). • 2024 departure: December 18.

Cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii

Two cruise lines offer voyages from San Francisco to Hawaii. They are round-trip. See the complete schedule of departures below.

Hawaiian cruises are one of the great vacations. Visit as many as four of the islands. See an active volcano. Snorkel or surf. See the hula dance. Enjoy the good island food. And maybe see whales.

This video is a short promo listing reasons to go on a cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco. It is from Princess Cruises.

These cruises are a great vacation adventure. A little more than two weeks of crossing the open Pacific and exploring Hawaii .

For more options in addition to these out of SF, consider a cruise to Hawaii from Los Angeles or a cruise to Hawaii from San Diego .

January 7, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

January 24, 2024: 18-night cruise to Hawaii & the South Pacific on Regent Seven Seas . One-way from San Francisco to Papeete (Tahiti). Visit Nawiliwili (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kahului (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Nuku Hiva (French Polynesia), Fakarava (French Polynesia) and Moorea (French Polynesia).

February 22, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

March 9, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

April 4, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

September 16, 2024: 15-night cruise to Hawaii on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from San Francisco to Maui (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

September 29, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

December 18, 2024: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess Cruises . Round-trip from San Francisco to Hilo (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

January 3, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

January 30, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

February 20, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

March 19, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

April 4, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

September 21, 2025: 15-day cruise to Hawaii on Carnival . Round-trip from San Francisco to Maui (Hawaii), Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

October 30, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

December 1, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

December 17, 2025: 16-night cruise to Hawaii on Princess . Round-trip from San Francisco to Honolulu (Hawaii), Kauai (Hawaii), Maui (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii) and Ensenada (Mexico).

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Cruises from San Francisco

From the golden gate bridge to the painted ladies, sail on the best sf cruises with princess®.

Best Cruises From the West Coast

Cruise Critic

Start your cruise from San Francisco by sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and into a sea of opportunity. Venture north to relive Alaska’s gold rush history, or head south to bask in the beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Tour the California Coast on a 4-day cruise from San Francisco, or explore the Hawaiian islands on a 15-day cruise. Arrive in Northern California and embark on your dream vacation with Princess.

Find the Best Cruises from San Francisco

Alaska Cruises

Glaciers, wildlife and mountains await you on a cruise from San Francisco to Alaska. Our roundtrip voyages bring you up close to untouched landmarks, including Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in Juneau and pan for gold in Skagway. Experience it all with Princess, the #1 cruise line in Alaska*.

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

California Coast Cruises

From Northern California to the Southern cities, The Golden State is brimming with breathtaking coast lines, creative cuisine and iconic marine life. On cruises out of San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, California’s very own living sanctuary. Explore Catalina Island’s underwater oasis where kelp forests dance to the rhythm of the ocean. Or enjoy crisp wines amidst the Sonoma Wine Country.

Hawaii Cruises

On a cruise from San Francisco, unpack once and visit multiple Hawaiian Islands. Drive through Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Then enjoy an evening in Honolulu with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays – included in every itinerary. With the sunset as your backdrop, conclude your trip with a traditional luau. Island hop with ease in a way that only Princess can offer.

Mexico Cruises

For a taste of fun, flavor and fiesta, sail to Mexico with Princess. On a cruise from San Francisco, dive into adventure in Cabo while snorkeling beside sea turtles and kayaking along the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Puerto Vallarta, zipline over vast jungle canopies. Or take the day to relax on one of the unspoiled beaches where sun-kissed sand and crystalline waters leave you feeling recharged.

Panama Canal Cruises

The Panama Canal is a true engineering wonder, but even more spectacles lie ahead when you cruise from San Francisco aboard the #1 cruise line in the Canal. Visit the Sloth Sanctuary in Limon. Stroll along the colorful streets of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Spanish fortresses nearby. Or zipline through Nicaragua’s lush jungles and relish in sweeping views of the region’s untouched landscapes.

Getaway Cruises

Enjoy convenient departures and itineraries with Getaway Cruises out of San Francisco. Sail down the coast to meet San Diego’s famous seals, and sip fine wines in Ensenada’s Guadalupe Valley. Or head North to Astoria to experience the iconic beauty of the Pacific Northwest while sampling ales at local breweries. Choose from a four-day cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver or a five-day voyage through the Golden State.

What to Know About Cruises from San Francisco

Make the most of your cruise out of San Francisco by taking in the flavor, beauty and history that lies before you. Here’s everything you should know before arriving in the Golden Gate City.

San Francisco at a glance

• Language: English
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• Docking: Your Princess ship docks at Pier 27, San Francisco Cruise Terminal.
• Attire: Light jackets, sweaters or blazers are recommended, especially for the mornings and evenings.
• Transportation: Taxis or rideshare vehicles can get you to and from the ship and are available pier side for all guests.

Things to do in San Francisco

Visit Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods National Monument. In the birthplace of blue jeans, shop boutiques on Market Street, or find the perfect souvenir at Pier 39. Then savor Italian seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and try the city’s signature dish — clam chowder in a bread bowl. Or spend time in Sonoma or Napa sipping locally grown wines before your cruise from San Francisco.

Ships That Cruise from San Francisco

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from San Francisco. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

1 dead, several injured in Honolulu after shuttle bus crashes outside cruise terminal

One person has died and multiple people were injured in a shuttle bus crash in Honolulu , Hawaii on Friday.

"Nine Carnival Miracle guests were hit by a shuttle bus in the transportation area outside the Honolulu cruise terminal on Friday morning," Matt Lupoli, senior manager of the Carnival Cruise Line , told USA TODAY. "Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover."

The shuttle bus crashed into pedestrians and two concrete barriers at the terminal. The shuttle bus driver mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the break when they attempted to stop the bus from moving, Hawaii News Now reported.

All of the victims were taken to local hospitals and are being treated for their injuries. The victims are in different conditions ranging from serious to stable, the news outlet said.

"Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones," Lupoli said.

USA TODAY has reached out to the  Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for comment.

1 dead, 13 injured: After man crashes truck into Texas Department of Public Safety building

Eyewitnesses share their experience after the Honolulu shuttle bus crash, reports state

Eyewitness told KITV Island News that the relaxing Friday morning turned deadly after the shuttle bus crash.

"We heard the tire of a vehicle screeching," Lillian Le, a visitor from Denver told the broadcast station. "We looked and it was a bus running over people and hit against a wall."

An employee at the complex said he has never experienced this before.

"We saw the first responders coming, it was substantial, probably about 10 a.m., four or five ambulances, two fire trucks, ten cop cars, looked pretty bad - it's really distressing," Mark Elwell, an employee at the complex wher the accident occurred. "I've worked here 21 years, I've never seen anything to this magnitude, really sad to see, obviously people were hurt pretty bad to be taken away by ambulance."

Jessica Lani Rich, a visitor at the Aloha Society of Hawaii told KITV Island News that the woman who died was celebrating her 46th wedding anniversary with her husband.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X @forbesfineest.

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16 Night Hawaii Cruise

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Hawaii holds cultural delights and tropical pleasures in store for your cruise vacation.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

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Odd sight: House spotted floating in San Francisco Bay

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – Some people say they have a place on the water, but one home on the San Francisco Bay is a little different.

On Monday, a two-story houseboat, complete with a white picket fence and sky lights, was captured on camera as it was towed through the San Francisco Bay.

According to the San Francisco Standard , the dwelling was one of several moved out of Redwood City due to a legal battle.

The owner of the houseboat wanted to stay unidentified but said he wasn’t on the boat during the two-day trek.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman said the houseboat is safely anchored on Richardson Bay near Sausalito.

Copyright 2024 KPIX via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

One dead, 11 others injured after shuttle bus plows into group near Honolulu cruise port

Flooding rains batter Kauai, triggering rescues and closing all the island’s public schools

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San Francisco to Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 13 San Francisco to Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: March 2016

Cabin Type: Mid-Ship Balcony

Review for a Hawaii Cruise on Pride of America

Flew to San Francisco 2 days before our scheduled cruise departure, to see the sights around the area. Wanted to be there because too many things can go wrong flying in the same day as the cruise. This way we are rested rested and ready to board at our scheduled time. The problem was NCL gave us the notice of delaying departure by 1 day, less than 24 hours of our scheduled boarding time. We were ... Read More

Cabin Type: Penthouse with Large Balcony

We had two balcony cabins for the PoA cruise in March 2016 to bring her from dry dock in San Francisco back to Honolulu for her usual year-round island hopping. Departure was delayed by one day as the bad weather in SFO impacted some of the renovations. Boarding at Pier 27 was the most chaotic and unprofessional procedure that I ever had to witness, it took us 3,5 hours to get on the ... Read More

Cabin Type: Balcony

Have taken this cruise 3 times now. Usually from HNL to HNL. Last time from San Francisco as POA was in dry dock for refurbishment. Gave us 5 sea days which I badly needed. (4 with a small delay because rain hampered NCL from finishing work) BUT they made good for the small delay with credit for the 1 day delay, 50% credit back what we paid for Hawaii cruise toward future cruise, and hotel in SF ... Read More

Review for a Transpacific Cruise on Pride of America

This was our second time on the POA as Hawaii is a favorite destination for us. It offers the best itinerary and is the most relaxing way to see all the islands, offering overnights in Maui and Kauai, two ports on Hawaii, and an hours long sail by of the Na Pali coast which I don't believe anyone else offers. POA is the only cruise ship which sails strictly inter island and weekly, year round. ... Read More

We were a family group of 5 that booked one of the new family suites this ship has to offer. This was our 5th cruise (2 of which had been on the SS Independence). To start with, the Ship is absolutely beautiful, inside and out and we had a wonderful time in paradise. However, our experience was not all we hoped it would be. When we arrived, our suite (a little smaller than anticipated) still had ... Read More

Sail Date: July 2005

Cabin Type: 2-Bedroom Family Suite with Large Balcony

I was on the POAm SF to Hawaii. We had a wonderful trip! The ship is beautiful with a lot of attention to detail. This was my first cruise, so I can only compare this to a land vacation. The room was small, but after reading the posts here, I was pleasantly surprised. It is nicely done - would've liked a larger balcony. We were on the 10th floor and if I were doing it again, I would not choose ... Read More

This review has been written whilst on the ship, Pride of America, July 12-22, 2005, San Francisco to Hawaii and therefore I may tend to use both the past and present tense when writing ...my apologies in advance! First let me preclude any other thoughts and say, we love cruising. Let me also state that the reason we love cruising is because of the choice you have. For us, a great cruise is ... Read More

Sail Date: May 2005

Traveled with children

Review for a Hawaii Cruise on Norwegian Sky

FOOD and DINING The same comments about the food I would agree with. The food and service was inconsistent. The food in the Bistro was good. Unless you go early, we had a short wait. Our longest wait was about 30 minutes. Compared to what we had to pay in Hawaii post cruise for food that was very costly but not that good, the Bistro is an excellent value. We paid 80.00 for a two course meal ... Read More

Sail Date: June 2004

We were on the June 20 repo cruise. Most of the reviewers have hit it on the head: the service on the ship is way below average and definitely below what should be expected for the amount of money you paid. Going to dinner meant sitting for 3 hours, more if you went late and there wasn't a table. They were unorganized. The buffet's were incredibly crowded, the lines were long and there were few ... Read More

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