Norwegian Cruise Line says it will halt all port calls on Hawaii’s Big Island ‘indefinitely.’
In a communication to travel partners, NCL said the 2,186-passenger Pride of America will skip all calls until everything is ‘back to normal.’
"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 itinerary until the situation is back to normal," wrote Luigi Razeto, senior vice president of marine operations.
The line didn’t disclose what it regards as ‘back to normal.’
Pride of America has been skipping scheduled calls to Kailua-Kona since May 9 and Hilo since May 1.
It has cited poor air quality and the uncertainty of an escalation of volcanic activity as the reason for bypassing the Big Island.
Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau executive director Ross Birch said a single port cancelation to Kailua-Kona costs the local economy about $175,000.
