by Susan Young
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Sat January 18, 2025
While northern states are digging out of snow piles, Hawaii is basking in a temperate climate and warm sunshine.
Visitors are treated to an Aloha culture that welcomes tourists with open arms and a tradition of compassion and respect.
There is an actual state statute called "Aloha Spirit," meaning “mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.”
A recent cruise on the Ruby Princess, from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands, during the winter holidays, provided a respite from the demands of the season and offered a relaxing way to celebrate the New Year. Beautifully decorated, the ship featured a festive ambiance for families, solo travelers and couples looking for a memorable getaway.
The 16-day itinerary included five sea days, each way, and four Hawaiian ports in Hilo, Kona, Kuaui and Oahu. A stop in Ensenada, Mexico, on the way back was also scheduled.
Sea days were filled with many opportunities to fill the time. Large-scale shows, spa events, shopping, live music, games, casino and many dining options were on deck.
Drinks at The Salty Dog Gastropub. (Photo Credit: Susan Young)
Special guests on this itinerary included the Ambassadors of Aloha, Aolani and Auntie Geri. Both raised in Hawaii, they taught the guests hula dancing, ukelele lessons and lei-making crafts. Their four-year experience with Princess granted guests a pleasant way to prepare for the island ports and leave with knowledge and experiences they would never forget.
Through enrichment lectures and demonstrations, guests were also educated about the nation’s 50th state with its rich history, lush land and numerous volcanoes.
Located on the east coast of Big Island, Hilo was the first port to visit. The location of Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on earth, lies in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With green rainforests and black sand beaches, Hilo has an other-worldly ambiance.
Ruby Princess from Reeds Bay Beach Park in Hilo, Hawaii. (Photo Credit: Susan Young)
Princess Excursions include Rainbow and Akaka Falls, Wai’po Valley, Kilauea Lava Fields, the Hamakua Coast and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory. There are also bus tours through the town of Hilo or a walk from the ship can take you to Reeds Bay Beach Park for a peaceful respite from the ship.
The next stop is Kona, on the west side of Big Island. This is a tendered port with the Ruby Princess at anchor and multiple trips back and forth to port scheduled throughout the day. The town is easily walkable with shops and restaurants, where you can get your fix of Spam Sushi, if you so desire. Spam is a popular commodity on the various islands as it is easily shipped and lasts forever.
Flowers are abundant on the island and Kona coffee is touted to be the best in the world, due to the fertile land and rainy environment.
From Kona, you will sail to Nawiliwili Kauai. Known as the Garden Island, the area is abundant with orchids and hibiscus. Excursions will take you from volcanoes to Waimea Canyon, the Fern Grotto and Opaekaa Falls, among others. Free shuttles take you to the famous Hilo Hattie’s for shopping. From the ship, you can walk to a beach for swimming, snorkeling and paddle boarding for a relaxing day.
Hula dancing with the Ambassadors of Hula. (Photo Credit: Susan Young)
The final Hawaii stop is Honolulu, Oahu, with its amazing views of Diamondhead and the verdant rainforests, as well as pristine beaches. The ship docks at an area of the city which is walkable and safe. A statue of King Kamehameha and the Iolani Palace are a comfortable stroll from port, along with shops and restaurants. Honolulu offers a big city vibe, much different from the other islands and ports.
Excursions will take you to Diamondhead for a hike to the top, or the Pali Lookout and North Shore for glimpses of huge waves and surfers. Of course, not to be missed is Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the U.S. Arizona Memorial site. Over 900 men are still entombed in the ship and others were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as The Punchbowl, in the Nuuanu neighborhood.
The Ruby Princess was docked at Honolulu from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., so there was plenty of time to drive around the island of Oahu, should you choose to rent a car or purchase an excursion. The Polynesian Cultural Center, where students at nearby Brigham Young University Hawaii work and study the culture of the people of Polynesia, is made up of island village replicas from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, among others.
As the ship heads back to the mainland, it makes a stop at Ensenada, Mexico, as part of a 1920 Merchant Maritime Act, also known as the Jones Act. Ships flying foreign flags are not allowed to cruise from one American port to another without stopping at a foreign port first. Since this itinerary starts and ends in San Francisco, a Mexican port was chosen as the final port before heading home.
Ruby Princess in Ensenada, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Susan Young)
Located just south of San Diego, Ensenada is a favorite weekend destination for Californians and a popular cruise port. Known as the gateway to the Baja peninsula, the town is also touted as the birthplace of the margarita. La Bufadora, the largest marine geyser, or blowhole, is located a short drive from the city and included in Princess excursions.
Wave season is the perfect time to reserve your 2025 winter cruise to Hawaii for a break from the cold temperatures and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Take advantage of seasonal deals and start preparing for an Aloha way of living.
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