In my opinion the safe, guaranteed and no-worry bet is to utilize Princess Cruises Shore Excursions. If the shore excursions gets caught up in traffic (yes, the islands have traffic & grid lock too) and the excursion is late. The cruise line will be responsible and will hold the ship till the group arrives. Not so much, if you chose to pick “your independent” and “cheaper” excursion that you found on the internet yourself. Miss the boat and you are responsible to get to the next island to catch up. Something to think about for sure!
The other thing to think about, is to decided what you would like to see and experience on each island. There are Helicopter Rides on just about each of the island but so are Sightseeing Drive and Visits. Oh what to do??? Do you want an active excursion, kayaking, biking, trekking or do you want to lounge on the beach? Is shopping your thing? Or do you want to have a Hawaiiana Cultural excursion? Each island has its highlights and beauty.
I recommend you go on-line “NOW” and check out Princess.com > Ships & Experience > Ports & Excursions. #1 Select a Destination (Hawaii), #2 Select a Port of Call (Hilo, Hawaii / Honolulu, Hawaii / Kauai ‘Nawiliwili’, Hawaii / Maui ‘Lahaina’ Hawaii and our last ports of call Ensenada Mexico).
These excursions and ports of call will be a good indication of sample excursions and highlights of each of the ports of call. If you viewed my previous blog article “Important Cruise Deadlines for your Calendar”, it is anticipated that Princess will be posting our cruise shore excursion anywhere from 140 - 75 days prior to our embarkation date of October 3. Which means that Princess will be starting to post shore excursions as early as the week of May 12th to as late as the week of July 21st. Why the lengthy window of time? Because Princess reps will be negotiating independent island excursions for their cruisers and these details often require time and detail contract preparations.
So check back frequently during this period under Princess.com Log-In>Booked Guests > Cruise Personalizer>Excursion Reservations. There is a wish list option for you to consider,if you like..
Its been my experience that if its something that is a “must do” or a close to my “heart bucket list gotta have” sign-up early and use your diligence. You won’t regret it! Now might also be a good time to talk to fellow cruisers about what excursions they will be taking and asking if you can share the excursion experience by coordinating your sign-ups together. Though it might be the same excursions the time can vary and you maybe assigned to different groupings. So if you want to share it with another fellow cruisers get in touch and coordinate the registration!
Not everyone is planning to head to a shore excursion, maybe because they have visited Hawaii before and done it or may have friends and family that they plan to visit on the islands. Whatever the choice, be sure you do not miss the boat and allow yourself ample time to get back to the ship. In the Princess Patter there is ‘Emergency Contact for Princess Cruise Passengers', in case you miss the ship” so check that out in your daily newsletter and have that information with you. Just remember the expenses to catch up to the ship will be yours! So plan accordingly.
Oh and here's a veteran cruiser tip ...if you are not planning to get off the ship...take advantage of the quietness of the ship and enjoy the public areas without the crowd and contact the spa and see what kind of specials are running for treatment at a discount. Good opportunity to enjoy this indulgence!
Lastly since many often inquire and would like to know.......Roger and I, we will not be participating in the sign-ups of Shore Excursions at this point. Our plan is to visit friends on some of the islands that we will be visiting. Or catch Roger and I at a local restaurant or bar as we par take in our favorite “ono-licious” Hawaiian fare in between roaming for some sightseeing shopping for fun!
Happy exploring...it’s under a 200 days now till our ship leaves the Port of Los Angeles!
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