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Hawaii and Western USA
THE LACK of direct flights from Europe to Honolulu has caused this cruise region to be low on the list of preferred destinations for British travellers. The west coast of the United States and Hawaii enjoy sunshine for most of the year and is naturally popular amongst North Americans, Canadians and Australians. British people who do make the effort to invest in a cruise to the region are rarely disappointed, especially if there is an opportunity to stay a few days at a hotel pre and post cruise. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas are favourites as all three have direct flights from the United Kingdom as well as connections on to Honolulu. Many operators sail from a US west coast port with a couple of days at sea in each direction between the mainland and Hawaii. It is also often necessary to satisfy US employment and tax regulations by taking a long detour to Kiribati to the south of Hawaii. Norwegian Cruise Line has its Pride of America based in Honolulu throughout the year. The operator offers ten-night programmes from the UK with two-night stopovers available in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. There is also an opportunity to stay in Honolulu pre or post cruise. The port of Kona requires transfer by tender and overnight stays are possible in Maui and Kauai. Whilst Honolulu is a modern and bustling resort, the islands of Kauai and Maui are scenic, romantic and overflowing with natural beauty. The cliffs of Kauai tower 3,000 ft above the sea. Golfing enthusiasts will be impressed by the quality of the golf courses on the islands and others will want to be driven along the 11 mile crater rim of the 5,000 ft high Kilauea Volcano near Hilo. The temperature in Hawaii is warm throughout the year but there can be heavy, but fairly short, showers between November and February. In California, most rainfall is between January and March with mild and warm weather throughout the year. Highlights |
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