Norwegian Spirit changed course this week to avoid Tropical Storm Lala, canceling scheduled stops in Hilo and Kona and arriving in Honolulu two days ahead of schedule. The 2,018-passenger ship, which departed Vancouver on July 31 for a 16-night one-way voyage to Hawaii, was originally scheduled to visit the Big Island's west and southeast coasts before ending in Honolulu on August 16. Instead, the ship pulled into Honolulu early Thursday, August 13, after the U.S. Coast Guard warned of gale-force winds expected within 48 hours across most Hawaiian ports.
Passengers were given the choice to disembark early or remain aboard. Those who stayed received onboard credit as compensation for the missed ports of Hilo (originally August 14) and Kona (originally August 15). Norwegian Spirit did not dock; instead, the ship left Honolulu around 11 p.m. Thursday to ride out the storm in deep water, away from potential debris and heavy seas, and will return for the planned August 16 debarkation.
The National Hurricane Center forecast Tropical Storm Lala to reach hurricane strength as it approached the Big Island, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph at the time of the itinerary change. The storm was tracking west-northwest at 10 mph, roughly 620 miles east-southeast of Hilo. A hurricane watch was already in effect for all of Hawaii County.
Cruise line communications kept passengers informed through the ship's app and public address announcements, updating them as plans evolved. For travelers booked on future Hawaiian itineraries during hurricane season, this example underscores how cruise lines balance guest safety with minimal disruption. While route changes and port cancellations are disappointing, most lines now offer onboard compensation and attempt to return passengers to their scheduled debarkation port when conditions permit.
Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (August 14, 2026).
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