CLIA-NWC Hawaii Newsletter – October 2018

HAWAII VISITED BY RADIANCE OF THE SEAS & GOLDEN PRINCESS AS CRUISE SEASON BEGINS

In addition to the regularly scheduled Pride of America cruises that sail year-round in Hawaiian waters, Hawaii recently welcomed two other cruise lines heading into the upcoming cruise season.  The Radiance of the Sea, made a port call to Honolulu on September 17, followed by a visit by the Golden Princess on September 28.  The two helped kick off what looks to be a very busy upcoming cruise season with multiple port calls each month on various islands. 

Radiance of the seas

The Radiance of the Seas, which is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises International, travels to more than 300 destinations across the globe and has the capacity to accommodate 2,501 passengers. 

Golden Princess

The Golden Princess, classified as a grand-class with a capacity of 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crew members is the sister ship to the Grand Princess and Star Princess. 

Cruise guests visiting Hawaii ports look forward to spending the day visiting local attractions, learning about Hawaiian history and sampling a variety of culinary offerings ashore.  In September, the Hawaii Tourism Authority announced that visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.41 billion in August 2018, an increase of 1.4 percent compared to the previous year.  Year-to-date visitor spending through August shows an increase from every market segment including U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan and Canada.  The highest increase was from other international markets at 12.5 percent or $2.23 billion of the combined total. 

The HTA report also stated that the average daily spend by visitors rose to $203 per person (+2.2 percent). 

“GET THE DRIFT & BAG IT ”

HAWAII PARTICIPATES IN THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP

Hundreds of individuals throughout the Hawaiian Island’s famous beaches turned out to participate in “Get the Drift & Bag it” on September 15, 2018.  The locally coordinated effort to benefit ocean health is part of a larger global effort called the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) organized by the Ocean Conservancy, Cruise Line International Association-Global has been a partner and supporter of for several years. 

A global effort the third Saturday of September each year, “Get the Drift & Bag It” has a 30-year history, the State of Hawaii has participated in the ICC since 1988.  Cleanups across the globe continue through the end of November.  From figures collected by the ICC Coordinators and volunteers worldwide who participated in 2017, 789,138 volunteers in more than 100 countries collected nearly 20.5 million pounds (or 9.3 million kilograms) of trash during the ICC. 

CRYSTAL CRUISES ” YOU CARE WE CARE” PROGRAM HELPS LOCAL RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS

During the July 22nd call in Hilo by the Crystal Symphony, guests and crew members took the opportunity to participate in Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” volunteer program.  In collaboration with John Stoll, Crystal Cruises vice president of land programs, Ross Birch, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau executive director lead the planning that included guests and crew participating in the following Crystal Voluntourism Adventures. 

Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP): in partnership with the FHVNP, a non-profit organization.  Guests removed invasive species at Volcano Art Center’s Sculpture Garden and Native Forest which in turn gives back to the Volcano community. 

“Chefs of Hawaii” foundation: we collaborated to upgrade the complimentary lunches provided for the community members. 

“We truly appreciate Crystal Cruises for their ongoing support and commitment to the island of Hawaii’s residents and visitors, especially in times of need such as this,” said Ross

Birch, executive director of Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. “ Kīlauea volcano has erupted continuously for the past 35 years and been a draw for travelers from around the globe.  Now that the recent flow has diminished, recovery efforts are underway, and travelers are eager to visit.” 

Crystal Voluntourism Adventures was established in 2011 when Stoll and his team introduced the innovative, compassionate and complimentary “You Care, We Care” programs dedicated to worthwhile causes worldwide. 

As one of the first cruise lines to fully embrace the notion of combining meaningful and educational tourism with adventure travel, Crystal focused on finding worthwhile causes on every itinerary (whenever possible).  Stoll explained that the “You Care” element offers guests the opportunity to make a difference in the places they visit at a very local level, while the “We Care” portion represents Crystal’s own investment in preserving precious historical sites around the world. 

“We feel very fortunate to be able to contribute through our You Care We Care program to the communities impacted by the recent volcanic eruption here on the island of Hawaii said John Stoll, Crystal Cruises vice president of land programs. “ It was extremely rewarding for all of us to be involved.  We extend sincere gratitude to Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP), Puuhonua O Puna Info & Supply Hub and the Chefs of Hawaii.  We hope that our volunteer efforts have helped in some small way to provide hope and some positive energy towards a full recovery for the communities that were affected by this volcanic eruption.”  According to Stoll, the cruise line will be back in December and hope to be of assistance once again. 

Crystal Serenity, the Symphony’s sister ship, will return to the island of Hawaii during its roundtrip Holiday Cruise departing from Los Angeles with calls in Kailua-Kona on Monday, December 30th and in Hilo on Monday, December 31st. 

HOLLAND AMERICA TO FEATURE OVERNIGHT VISITS

Holland America Line has announced that two ships will visit Hawaii from fall through spring of 2019. 

The Amsterdam and the Eurodam will sail a total of nine cruises ranging from 16 to 20 days, departing from Seattle, Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Diego. 

Most of the itineraries feature an overnight call in Honolulu, where guests will have time to capture the Aloha Spirit with visits to Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, the Diamond Head State Monument and spend the evening enjoying traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment at an authentic luau.  The cruises also call at Hilo, Nawiliwili and Lahaina, with most adding a call at Kona. 

“Hawaii is synonymous with paradise — from the stunning scenery to the laid-back, friendly culture — and these islands beckon cruisers to come explore, relax and become enchanted with their idyllic ambiance,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America, in a prepared statement. “ We are committed to providing guests with an immersive and memorable vacation, so our Hawaii itineraries are further enriched with unique onboard offerings that bring Hawaiian cultural activities and cuisine on board throughout the voyage.  To read the full story visit cruiseindustrynews.com, July 14,2018

HARBOR MODERNIZATION & IMPROVING GUEST EXPERIENCE

State Representative Henry Aquino is a five-term member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  This year is his fourth year serving as the House Transportation Committee Chair and over the last several years he has worked on several initiatives to help all harbor users, including the cruise industry.  One of the main initiatives he has promoted with his legislative colleagues is to provide harbor modernization and improve funding to enhance the visitor experience at Hawaii’s piers.  He also helped to pass legislation that streamlined the renewal process for vessel pilots. 

“The cruise industry is a vital component to the largest economic driver in the state of Hawaii,” said Aquino. “ It provides a unique experience for our visitors and directly and indirectly affords employment opportunities for our local residents.” 

Over the course of the next two years, a grand total of 38 cruise ships from various cruise lines will visit the Islands, many of them more than once.  Between August 2018 and December 2018, cruise ships will make 215 port calls to the six piers located throughout the state. 

Aquino believes, that in the future, the cruise industry will continue to thrive because Hawaii has been and will continue to be a destination for visitors who want to experience the beauty and Aloha of Hawaii.  He sees the legislature’s role as being able to pass policies that will benefit the residents and state of Hawaii because the revenues generated by visitors are critical to providing the state with funding for necessary services and programs. 

He also plans to continue working with his colleagues, the administration and stakeholders to support the needs of the state by providing a transportation system of harbors, roads and airports that are safe and accessible and enhances the lives of residents and the millions of visitors that come to the islands annually. 

“With the various pier improvements undertaken statewide, we are increasing capacity to serve more boats and visitors, and we hope the cruise industry will take advantage of these opportunities.  The cruise industry is an important partner that supports tourism and we are always open to ideas that would positively impact the visitor industry.” 

Representative Aquino has represented the 38th House district of Waipahu since his election in November 2008.  He is currently the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and serves on the Housing and Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee.  In this role, he oversees the policies that are responsible for the Hawaii’s state highways and freeways, harbors and airports.  He also former Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety.  He also served as the House Majority Policy Leader from 2013-2014. 

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