Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, currently sailing a 7-night Christmas cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, has been forced to adjust its itinerary due to a severe winter swell.
According to news reports, the ship, which departed Honolulu on December 21st, was scheduled to have an overnight stay in Kahului, Maui, on Sunday, December 22nd.
However, a powerful winter swell, generating large, breaking waves and strong currents along the north shore of Maui, has made it unsafe for the ship to dock.
“While we have made every effort to maintain the original itinerary and provide you with the vacation you purchased, the safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority,” the cruise line announced to passengers onboard.
This winter swell, a common occurrence in Hawaii, is typically caused by powerful storms near the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. These storms generate immense waves that travel unimpeded across the vast Pacific Ocean, impacting the Hawaiian coastline with significant force.