Cruise critic — Urban Honolulu, HI

Generally, the shoulder seasons offer better prices. Think late spring or early fall. This is often when you'll find more affordable options out of Honolulu. You'll want to compare prices for cruises departing in May or September for the best chances of a deal.

The most popular options usually involve the Hawaiian Islands themselves, often round-trip. Other top choices include longer voyages to the West Coast or even repositioning cruises. To get the specifics on what's currently trending, it's best to speak with a local pro. They can tell you what's hot right now for Honolulu residents.

It really depends on the destination and duration. A shorter, inter-island cruise might be possible within that budget. Longer voyages or those to more distant destinations might require more.

This can fluctuate, but generally, lines that focus on shorter itineraries or have more interior cabins tend to be more budget-friendly. Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line often have competitive pricing on Hawaiian itineraries. The best way to find out what's cheapest for your dates is to get a personalized quote.

When looking for the absolute cheapest, consider cruise lines that offer fewer onboard amenities or focus on basic travel. However, it's important to balance price with the experience you want. A pro can guide you toward lines that offer good value for your money from Honolulu.

For the cheapest fares, aim for the off-peak seasons. This typically means avoiding major holidays and school breaks. The months of September, October, and November (before Thanksgiving) can offer significant savings. Early spring, like April, can also be a good bet for lower prices.