Pride of America Returning to Kona, Hilo
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the Pride of America will be resuming its ports of call in Kona and Hilo on Hawaii Island, often called the starting next week.
Earlier this summer the cruise line announced it would be halting stops at the two ports due to “uncertain conditions” after larger-than-normal eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano.
"As we have always said, Hawaii is an incredible destination," said the cruise line in a statement. "We have visited its ports for well over a decade and we are very happy to be returning to Hilo and Kona. Please know that the safety and security of our guests and crew remain our first priority so we will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.
Pride of America will resume calling upon Hilo every Tuesday, starting June 12, and Kona every Wednesday, starting June 13, as part of its regular cruise schedule in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Governor David Ige and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) are praising Norwegian Cruise Line for its decision to resume the calls.
“We are very grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line for reinstituting its port calls in Hilo and Kona,” said Governor Ige. “This is especially wonderful news for the small businesses in and around those communities that service the wishes of the ship’s guests as they venture out to experience the incredible beauty and fascinating attractions throughout the island of Hawaii.”
Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise ship, which carries up to 2,500 passengers and 900 crewmembers per week, home-ports in Honolulu and makes weekly cruise tours throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with port, calls in Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii; Kahului, Maui; and Nawiliwili, Kauai.
“Visitors who enjoy the Hawaii cruise experience will be thrilled knowing they can port in the island of Hawaii and see for themselves what makes the largest and most environmentally diverse of all the Hawaiian Islands so captivating,” said George D. Szigeti, HTA president and CEO. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line and appreciate the careful thought their executives put into making this decision, as this message to resume port calls in Hilo and Kona will be valued by potential travellers who are considering a trip to the Hawaiian Islands.”
Norwegian had temporarily halted the two port calls in mid-May 14.
Kilauea, an active volcano since 1983, is one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions. Currently, most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice.
