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NCL returning to Maui, with community's support

Norwegian Cruise Line will return to calling at Kahului, Maui Sept. 3, a move supported by the community, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

August 31, 2023

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Earlier this month, Honolulu-based Pride of America halted Maui calls to avoid stressing local resources following the deadly wildfires in Lāhainā on the island’s west side. Kahului is on the east coast.

Strong ties

Pride of America has been cruising the Hawaiian Islands year-round for 18 years, with weekly visits to Maui. 

'We have a strong connection with the people and islands of Hawaii and long history of bringing guests from all over the world year-round to this paradise in the Pacific,' NCL President David Herrera said.

He added NCL was quick to mobilize its network to support local recovery efforts in Maui.

Donations and supplies

'We temporarily adjusted our itineraries to avoid stressing the destination further, we donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and together alongside our partners have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing and mattresses,' Herrera said.

'We look forward to returning to this incredibly special destination soon with the guidance and support of the local community, Hawaii Tourism Authority and encouragement Governor Green.'

'Responsible return' encouraged

Green expressed appreciation for the 'continued partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, and the support it has recently provided to aid the recovery of the residents of Lāhainā. While travel to West Maui is restricted to returning residents and emergency responders, we are working with our tourism partners, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, and encouraging them to make a steady return to other areas of the island and throughout the rest of the state.'

Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, chief brand officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, called the wildfires' impact on the Lāhainā heartbreaking.

'As recovery efforts are under way, the island of Maui is dependent now more than ever on the return of mindful, respectful visitation which keeps our residents employed and businesses open,' he said. 'We are encouraging travelers and visitor industry companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, to make a responsible return to the island, visiting the many areas that were not impacted by the fires, and are welcoming travelers back.'

How to help

For the latest Maui emergency management and recovery information, and to kōkua (help) the people of Maui, visit mauistrong.hawaii.gov and Maui United Way. For information about the areas of Maui that are open and welcoming visitors, see gohawaii.com/maui.

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Norwegian Cruise Line

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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