Holland America, Celebrity and Princess offer the best 14-night cruises from San Diego to the Hawaiian Islands. They generally include 1-day stops at Hilo, Lahaina, Nawiliwili Kauai, Honolulu, Kona and sometimes even Ensenada. Holland America also offers the best longer, South Pacific cruise, lasting 30 days, which also includes the exotic locales of Bora Bora, Moorea and Nuka Hiva. Due to the length of time (4 days each direction) it takes to get from San Diego to Hawaii, there aren't any shorter options available.
Of the listed cruise lines, Holland America is best known for their exceptional service, luxurious ships and excellent dining.
The most popular time for cruising is in the winter when families take longer vacations over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Keep in mind that on cruise from San Diego to Hawaii, you will be at sea for 4 days before arriving the islands, then another 4 days on the return. You should seriously consider if your smaller children can handle being sequestered on a boat for this extended period of time, or even you and your significant other for that matter.
Among the many benefits of cruising are the numerous dining experiences, attentive service, swimming pools, numerous bars, 24-hour room service, Internet options and movies as well as first class shows and casinos. And for many, the price tag may appear staggering, but remember that you pay for the entire cruise up front, leaving only your beverages, tips and Internet charges to contend with when you arrive home. All of these ships have onboard spas with fantastic offerings such as facials, massage, hot stone therapy and whirlpools.
On shore, you can explore the sights and sounds of Hawaii with its mountains, volcanoes and brilliant white sand beaches. Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boat tours, hiking, shopping and swimming in waterfalls are among the many excursions you can enjoy while in port.
Although you will be cruising on a state-of-the-art vessel, keep in mind that not everyone is able to handle the occasional swells and may experience sea sickness. The ship's crew and medical staff are always available to help you should you become ill.
Additionally, the cabins are quite small. Fortunately, they are no longer the "bunk bed" offerings they once were, but they are still considerably smaller than most master or even guest bedrooms in homes. If you have any issues with claustrophobia, ask for a balcony, which provides a nice place to sit in the fresh air and enjoy the sea.
If you have never cruised before, you may want to consider starting out on a shorter cruise to see if you are well suited for it. There are some 3-day cruises from San Diego to Mexico that may give you a better idea of whether you would enjoy a lengthier, 14- or 30-day Hawaiian cruise.
