Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is cutting short its Hawaii itinerary and heading back to port early to avoid Tropical Storm Lala. The 2,180-passenger ship departed its Kauai stop on August 13, a full day ahead of schedule, and will return to Honolulu on August 14 to wait out the storm in open waters outside the cruise terminal. The change means passengers originally scheduled to disembark on August 15 will not leave the ship until August 16, and the next sailing's embarkation will be delayed by one day.
The Pride of America was in the middle of a 7-night Hawaiian sailing when the tropical storm developed in the Central Pacific southeast of the islands. Rather than risk being stuck at port when Honolulu closes due to weather, the ship elected to skip the overnight Kauai visit entirely. Passengers will have already completed stops in Maui, Hilo, and Kailua-Kona before heading back. The cruise line expects the storm to potentially strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches the Big Island.
Norwegian's decision shows how tropical weather forces real changes to cruise schedules. Passengers with August 15 disembarkation can choose to leave early when the ship reaches Honolulu on the 14th, or stay aboard through official debarkation on the 16th. Those staying longer should contact hotels immediately to extend reservations or book new accommodations. Norwegian recommended three Waikiki hotels with available rooms: the Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, and Embassy Suites By Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk.
The next sailing, also due to embark on August 15, will now start a day late. That voyage will likely lose at least one port call since passengers would have spent August 16 in Maui, which is no longer possible with the delayed schedule. This is the second Norwegian ship rerouting for Tropical Storm Lala; sister ship Norwegian Spirit also headed to Honolulu ahead of the weather.
Cruise passengers booking Hawaii sailings during Atlantic and Pacific hurricane season should expect itinerary changes as ships prioritize safety and port availability over scheduled routes. Travel insurance becomes valuable in these situations.
Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Catie Kovelman (August 14, 2026).
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