Hawaii Volcano: NCL to Resume Big Island Calls

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is resuming calls on Hawaii’s Big Island, after a suspension due to the ongoing volcanic activity from Kilauea, a cruise line spokesperson tells Travel Agent.

“After a detailed evaluation and consultation with authorities and experts on The Big Island of Hawaii, we are resuming our regular itinerary for Pride of America,” the spokesperson said. “As we have always said, Hawaii is an incredible destination. 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 remains our first priority so we will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.”

Pride of America had begun to skip calls on Hilo and Kona in mid-May, not long after the volcanic activity began. After that, the ship would call at the two Big Island destinations when conditions permitted, such as a Kona call on May 30, but in early June the cruise line reported that it would spend visits to both ports “until further notice.”

The move comes as the volcanic activity, which has been ongoing since May 3, has prompted Hawaii tourism officials to continue addressing concerns about air quality. In his most recent statement Hawaii Governor David Ige has reassured travelers that the air quality in the Hawaiian Islands is safe for residents and visitors, except in affected areas.

"The bottom line is that there is no reason for travelers to avoid making their vacation plans in the Hawaiian Islands due to safety concerns because of Kilauea volcano,” said Ige.

The volcanic activity has also prompted several airlines to issue flight waivers.

Customers set to fly through Hilo or Kona through June 10 on Hawaiian Airlines can make a one-time reservation change without fee, for new flights through June 17. For changes made to new flights on or before June 17, the airline will also waive any fare differences so long as travel is in the same compartment and there is no change in origin or destination. For changes made to new flights after June 17, the change fee will be waived but the applicable difference in fare will be collected.

Delta is allowing customers set to fly through Kona through June 10 to rebook through June 17, with the new ticket to be reissued on or before that date.

Finally, American Airlines is allowing customers scheduled to fly through Hilo and Kona through June 10 to rebook through June 17 between the same city pair in the same cabin (or pay the difference).

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