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Dinner Cruises in Hawaii
Dinner cruises are a very popular activity in Hawaii, and
no matter if you visit
Oahu,
Kauai,
Maui or the
Big Island,
you can go on a cruise, with your loved one of the entire
family. Depending on your cruise preferences, you can choose
from standard to luxury dinner cruise packages. There are
a wide variety of vessels as well, ranging from small sailboats
and catamarans, to larger ships built specially for Hawaiian
waters.
Dinner Cruise Packages
What is common among all the dinner cruises that are available
is that they sail along the coast of famous beaches and
therefore offer unique photo opportunities. If you decide
to go on a smaller boat, you will most likely be treated
with a tropical standard drink and snack while sailing.
Sailing on a smaller boat gives you the feeling of open
air; you will feel totally immersed into the surroundings
and feel the motion of the waves and smell the fragrance
of the ocean. Sunset cruises on a smaller sailboat is for
those, who want to enjoy the ocean views, rather than having
a dinner and party aboard.
If you prefer to purchase a standard dinner cruise aboard
a larger vessel, your package will most likely include a
drink, a buffet dinner and live entertainment on board.
The shows are different on each vessel, but most of them
emphasize on Polynesian music and dances. Some of the shows
are more party-oriented, others more romantic, and some
entertainers will even perform soft-rock and evergreen songs
for you.
Because dinner cruises are such a popular thing to do in
Hawaii and because the rate of standard dinner cruise packages
is lower than premium or luxury packages, many people choose
the standard packages. So when booking your cruise, keep
in mind that if you purchase a standard package, you’ll
be likely to dine among many others. The deck for standard
cruise guests is usually more crowded and noisy (more like
a party atmosphere). However, if you don’t mind being among
many people, a standard dinner cruise package is perfect
for you.
If you want to experience a romantic dinner atmosphere,
choose an upgraded version of your dinner cruise package,
such as premium or luxury. Although the price for those
is higher, you will most likely enjoy a table by a window,
table service, premium tropical cocktails or even champagne.
Besides that, premium and luxury packages feature a first-class
Polynesian show and sometimes jazz entertainment, depending
on the vessel. The service is also more personal and there
is more space on the deck.
Some of the dinner cruise providers have certain restrictions
for luxury packages, for example that they don’t allow children
under 12, or that gentlemen have to wear jackets.
Whichever package you choose to buy, make sure you talk
to your travel agent about the details of the package, or
read about the details on the Internet, if you’re booking
online.
The average length of a dinner cruise in Hawaii is between
two and three hours. Some cruise providers arrange roundtrip
transportation from your hotel for free or for an additional
fee (depending on the package).
Stunning Views
Aboard the vessel, you will be able to enjoy beautiful ocean
and coastline views. If you are going on a dinner cruise
during the winter season, you will have the chance to spot
whales as well. Spectacular sunset views are not always
possible. Because of Hawaii’s geographic location, the Hawaiian
sunset only lasts for a short period of time (twilight is
much shorter here), and
sunsets are often times not as spectacular as you might
have seen them on postcards. However, intensive and really
colorful sunsets are possible on some days. You will also
notice that after sunset, the Hawaiian sky tints into light-blue
colors and becomes a truly spectacular view.
The Food
The food menu on dinner cruises varies from provider to
provider and from package to package. Standard packages
usually offer a buffet and the menu includes pasta and green
salads, mixed vegetables, Hawaiian fish, such as mahi mahi,
roasted or fried chicken, butter rolls, steamed rice, mashed
potatoes, fruits and dessert.
The dinner menu on premium packages might include a fine
choice of appetizers, entrées and desserts. Premium cocktails
and often times even champagne are included in those packages
as well.
Drinks include beer, wine, mai tai cocktails, pina coladas
and other tropical cocktails. Besides the cocktails that
are already included in the cruise package, some vessels
feature an open bar from where you can purchase more drinks.
Coffee and tea are served for free.
Special Occasions
Some of the Hawaii dinner cruise providers offer special
cruises on holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, July 4th and
New Year’s Eve.
Weddings and other occasions, such as birthday parties and
anniversaries can sometimes also be arranged. For more information
on how to organize a special occasion cruise, contact your
Hawaii travel agency.
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