Norwegian Cruise Line Adjusts Christmas Itinerary
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America has made significant changes to its Christmas cruise itinerary due to unsafe wave conditions. The ship, which operates year-round inter-island cruises in Hawaii, was scheduled to dock in Maui but has had to cancel its planned visit. This decision was made to ensure the safety of both guests and crew members. Passengers were informed of the changes once they boarded the ship, which departed from Honolulu on December 21, 2024.
The cruise line emphasized that maintaining the original itinerary was a priority. However, the safety of everyone on board is paramount. The notification to guests explained that a winter swell phenomenon was creating large, breaking waves and strong currents along the north- and west-facing shores of Maui. As a result, the scheduled visit to Kahului, Maui, on December 22, 2024, has been canceled. Fortunately, the ship will still visit Kahului on December 23, albeit for a shorter duration.
Reasons Behind the Itinerary Change
Winter swells often originate from storms near the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. These storms can generate large waves that travel unimpeded toward Hawaii, impacting coastal areas. Kahului, located on the north shore of Maui, is particularly vulnerable to these conditions. While the dock is somewhat sheltered, the process of docking can become hazardous due to the swells. The movement of gangways can pose risks for guests and crew members as they embark and disembark from the ship.
Passengers on this Christmas cruise may feel disappointed by the shortened visit to Maui. However, Norwegian Cruise Line has prioritized safety above all else. The ship will instead enjoy a scenic day of cruising on December 22, allowing guests to take in panoramic views of Maui’s volcanic peaks and lush landscapes. Onboard activities will be scheduled to ensure that guests have a fulfilling experience despite the itinerary change.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Despite the cancellation of the Maui stop, the Pride of America will continue its cruise as planned. After the visit to Kahului on December 23, the ship will proceed to Hilo on December 24, followed by Kona on Christmas Day. The cruise will conclude with an overnight stay in Nawiliwili from Thursday into Friday. These ports are not expected to be affected by the swell conditions, although Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Guests who had booked shore excursions in Kahului for December 22 will receive automatic refunds to their onboard accounts. They do not need to visit the Shore Excursion desk for changes, but they can explore additional tour options available on December 23. The Pride of America can accommodate 2,186 passengers and has a dedicated crew of over 900 members, all committed to providing a memorable experience in Hawaii.
