Despite a band on cruise ships in Hawaii through the end of 2021, UnCruise Adventures commenced operations in the destination over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. UnCruise, which has received permission to operate in ports and parks in Hawaii, is the sole small ship company currently operating overnight interisland cruising aboard its 36-guest Safari Explorer.
Recent news of a cruise ship ban proved to be a major setback for large ship cruise lines that were forced into canceling cruises in Hawaii until 2022. UnCruise Adventures does not fall into the large cruise ship ranks and was granted permission by the Hawaii government to continue operating. UnCruise Adventures says its safety and operations team worked with all levels of management at the state and county levels, including close coordination with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The company worked with the Hawaii Department of Health to gain approval of its 100 percent vaccination and testing requirements for all guests and crew.
At the time of the cruise ship ban announcement, UnCruise Adventures owner, Captain Dan Blanchard said, "The effects of the potential cancellation of these small ship excursions will have negative ripple effects for the small businesses and Hawaiian practitioners of Molokai, along with our small business.”
Guests on the Hawaiian cruise can immerse themselves in the heritage and culture of the locals while sailing from Molokai to Maui, Lanai and the Big Island. The “Hawaiian Seascapes” itinerary visits the Halawa Valley, Hualalai Volcano and Kealakekua Bay, among others.
For more information, www.uncruise.com.
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