The ongoing volcanic activity at the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has prompted Norwegian Cruise Line to cancel Pride of America’s Big Island calls “until further notice.”
In an email obtained by the Hawaii Tribune-Herald over the weekend, Norwegian said, “Please be informed that due to the uncertainties associated with the ongoing volcano activity on the Big Island, it has been decided to take Hilo and Kailua-Kona…out of the POA itinerary until the situation is back to normal.”
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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