Cruise lines modify Hawaii itineraries and donate toward Maui relief efforts

Posted on : 08/17/2023
Cruise lines modify Hawaii itineraries and donate toward Maui relief efforts
Cruises 

While details about the damage at Lahaina Harbor in Maui have been scarce, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said many ships sunk in the adjacent small-boat harbor during the fire that ravaged Maui.

“We had nearly 100 vessels moored in the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor before the fire and now only seven are above water,” said Ed Underwood, administrator of the department’s division of boating and ocean recreation.

Lahaina Harbor in Maui, where dozens of cruise ships are scheduled to call this fall, is closed indefinitely. Burned and sunken vessels and debris in the water at the small-boat harbor have led the U.S. Coast Guard to ban all vessels from the harbor and surrounding waters unless the ships have Coast Guard approval. 

Several cruise lines that call at Lahaina Harbor or Port Kahului have donated tens of thousands of dollars toward relief efforts as they alter itineraries away from Maui. 

Carnival Corp. has partnered with Direct Relief to donate $50,000 toward relief efforts in Maui. Holland American Line, which is scheduled to call there in October, will dedicate its “On Deck For A Cause” walks during cruises in Hawaii to further fundraise.  

“For years, Holland America Line guests have visited Lahaina and gotten to know the people, the beauty, and historical significance of this region,” said Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha. “We are working now on alternatives for voyages that were scheduled to visit Lahaina, and we will alert booked guests and travel advisors once the changes are confirmed.” 

Princess Cruises swapped out its Aug. 14 call in Lahaina to call in Kona on the Big Island instead. 

Royal Caribbean Group has also modified itineraries on fall transpacific sailings calling in Lahaina. The Celebrity Solstice and Brilliance of the Seas will instead include an overnight call in Kona. The Quantum of the Seas will call in Honolulu and the Ovation of the Seas will call in Victoria, B.C., and Seattle.

Norwegian Cruise Line, which is the only large liner to sail the Hawaiian Islands year-round, donated $50,000 to Maui United Way to support local relief efforts. NCL replaced its calls in Kahului on the Pride of America with overnight stays in Hilo on the Big Island and Nawiliwili on Kauai through the end of the month.

“We can’t wait to return to this incredible destination as we know the significant impact it makes on local businesses and tourism in Hawaii,” said John Chernesky, NCL’s senior vice president of North American sales. 

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