Hawaii Cruises Blog

NCL America (NCLA), in partnership with Kilohana Plantation and NH Productions, hosted a grand opening of its brand new lu‘au and dinner show for the community on Friday, April 27. Lu‘au Kalamaku promises to be one of Hawai‘i’s most exciting and entertaining experiences offered nowhere else in the islands. The experience will offer traditional Hawaiian games, arts and craft lessons, a hula show and a theatrical production. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample popular island favorites lomi lomi salmon, poi, taro bread and kalua pig catered by Gaylord’s Restaurant. A train ride on Kaua‘i Plantation Railway or a vintage Clydesdale carriage ride through the plantation’s 35-acre estate will also be available as additional featured activities.

“Hawai‘i is a very special place and passengers cruising NCL America ships are here to experience Hawaiian culture and learn about Hawai‘i’s heritage,” said Robert Kritzman NCL America Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hawai‘i Operations. “Lu‘au Kalamaku tells a tale about Hawaiian culture and values through a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance which weaves in ancient and modern dances from the Tahitian, Hawaiian and American traditions.”

Lu‘au Kalamaku is a heartwarming story created by well-known director, producer and performer Haunani Asing Marston and Nanea Tuttle of NH Productions. Marston, a former Miss Hawai‘i, recently returned to Kaua‘i after working for four years in Washington D.C. with the Congress on Homeland Security issues. Marston produced, directed and starred in the Princeville Hotel Lu‘au, “Nani Hanalei o ke kai,” for five years and prior to that produced, directed and starred in Tahiti Nui Family Style Lu‘au, “Aloha Kaua‘i,” for 14 years. Her credits also include stage productions of “South Pacific” at Kilohana Plantation, “Monarchy Nights,” “Some Enchanted Evenings,” and “After Eight” from Big Band Productions/Lionman Records.

The original storyline, which will feature an all Kaua‘i cast, tells the tale of one family’s journey from Tahiti to Kaua‘i. Original music for the production was created by Marston, Halani Boshard and Michael Ruff and choreographed in a collaborative effort by some of Kaua‘i’s top talent, including Kathleen and Alani Woodward, former Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula and Kumu Hula Healani Youn, Kumu Hula Doric Yarvis, Pualani Avaeoru, and Stephania Zenato.

Holaand Ameica’s ms Zaandam which salis in Hawaiian waters, will feature new emission-reduction technology recently installed during a two-week dry-dock. In cooperation with several U.S. and Canadian government and regulatory agencies, Holland America has launched a technology demonstration project, designed to demonstrate the feasibility of using sea water to "scrub," or reduce, engine emissions on oceangoing vessels.

"This is a ship like no other in the cruise industry," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America, "and after studies and modifications of the ship’s new test emissions technology, it could dramatically change not only the cruise industry but the entire maritime industry by reducing ship engine emissions."

The sea water scrubber system, developed by Krystallon, a subsidiary of BP, uses the natural chemistry of seawater to remove virtually all sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as significantly reduce particulate matter emissions. The sea water is then treated to remove harmful components while the calcium carbonate in seawater renders the sulfur oxides harmless by conversions to sulfates and neutral salts. The price tag tops more than $1.5 million and includes assistance of $300,000 from an Environmental Protection Agency/West Coast Collaborative grant and a $100,000 contribution from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Additional support comes from the Port of Seattle, the Port of Vancouver, Environment Canada, B.C. Ministry of the Environment and the B.C. Clean Air Research Fund, as well as Krystallon. Each government agency has representatives serving on a technical advisory committee that oversees the development of this project. "This project shows how Holland America Line focuses on new technologies and best practices to bolster our existing award-winning environmental programs," said Kruse. "We will continue to go above and beyond international requirements, as we have for many years, now in the operation of our vessels."

Holland America also has a fleetwide program that emphasizes compliance with all international environmental guidelines, waste reduction and recycling, and a history of embracing new environmental technologies such as state-of-the-art water treatment systems, shore power while ships are in port, and an internationally recognized whale strike avoidance program. In June 2006, Holland America Line’s Environmental Management System received the international ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating that the company conforms to higher standards than what is just required by the letter of the law. Holland America’s ships currently meet or exceed all provisions of the international regulations governing the environmental management of marine operations. An environmental officer serves on each ship to oversee shipboard compliance and procedures. Each ship in the Holland America Line fleet undergoes a strict port- and flag-state inspection annually and a mandatory environmental audit conducted both by an outside environmental auditing firm and by internal staff. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.

While the Pride of Hawaii may be leaving Hawaiian waters, one should not take that to mean NCL’s Hawaii cruise initiative is in trouble.  On the contrary,  The Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha have always been a success and will continue to operate offering 7,10 and 11 day itineraries. As a Hawaii based travel agent, I can tell you that  the introduction of the Hawaii cruise itineraries has been a welcome and needed alternative for travelers coming to Hawaii. As a result of NCL’s initiative, Hawaii has become a very popular cruise destination not only for NCL, but for other cruise lines as well.  With these other ships coming into the marketplace to get a piece of the pie,  it only made sense for NCL to take the Pride out of the mix for now and bring it back when demand allows.

The Hawaii Cruise ship itineraries make it  possible for people from all over the world to see the islands like never before, offering overnights on both Maui and Kauai. Additionally they, fulfill an important need in the marketplace by giving consumers a all-inclusive experience in Hawaii in only seven days,  at a great price. Perfect for both families and honeymooners alike.  

NCL  showed a lot of profitability with both the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America before the Pride of Hawaii ever came here to Hawaii. These 2 ships have the most experienced American crew members who have been here in the Hawaiian Islands many years now.  They know what they’re doing and offer excellent customer service. Many people have told me they prefer the American crew to foreign crews because they have great personalities, they’re American and likewise can communicate with cruisers more effectively.

Cruises in Hawaii have now become part of the tourism landscape in Hawaii and will remain so for many years to come.  If you get the chance to come to Hawaii don’t hesitate to book a NCL cruise to Hawaii, you’ll be very happy that you did.