The Jones Act, the PVSA and Hawaii Cruises
The 1886 law that decides which ships can sail between Hawaiian ports.
Ask for Hawaii Cruise QuotesThe 1886 Law Behind Every Hawaii Itinerary
If you have wondered why a Hawaii cruise from California stops in Mexico, or why ships from Vancouver are so common, the answer is a U.S. law called the Passenger Vessel Services Act, often loosely called the “Jones Act.”
The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (PVSA) reserves the carrying of passengers between U.S. ports for vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged and crewed under U.S. rules. Its better-known cousin, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, called the Jones Act, does the same for cargo. Since nearly all large cruise ships are built in Europe and registered abroad, the PVSA decides where they may take on and let off passengers in the United States.
What the Rule Means in Practice
Round trip from a U.S. port
A foreign-flagged ship may sail from a U.S. port and return to the same port if it calls at a foreign port along the way. That is why Los Angeles and San Diego round trips usually visit Ensenada.
One U.S. port to another
To start in one U.S. port and end in a different one, a foreign-flagged ship must call at a “distant” foreign port, which excludes nearby ports in North and Central America, Bermuda and the West Indies. In practice, few Hawaii voyages do this.
Starting abroad
A voyage from Vancouver to Honolulu starts in a foreign port, so it can end in Hawaii without extra stops.
U.S.-flagged ships
A ship that is U.S.-flagged and qualified for coastwise trade can sail purely between Hawaiian ports. That is how Pride of America runs its weekly inter-island cruise.
Why It Matters to You
The law shapes three practical things. First, it explains the itineraries: if you see Ensenada on a Hawaii cruise, it is there for legal reasons rather than as a highlight. Second, it affects getting off early: on a foreign-flagged ship, leaving the cruise at a different U.S. port than planned can expose the line to a per-passenger penalty, which is typically charged back to you. Third, it limits island-only cruises to U.S.-flagged ships.
The rules are enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and they have been debated in Congress many times. If a change is ever passed, itineraries could look very different, but for now the patterns described here hold.
Harbors and Schedules
Hawaii’s commercial harbors, including the cruise piers at Honolulu, Kahului, Hilo and Nāwiliwili, are run by the Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division, which posts cruise ship schedules and visitor information. Kona’s pier, where tenders land, is managed separately by the state.
Foreign-Port Rule Questions
Is it really the Jones Act?
Not exactly. The Jones Act of 1920 deals with cargo. Passenger trips are covered by the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. People often use “Jones Act” for both because they work the same way: U.S. coastwise trade is reserved for U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed vessels.
Why does a Los Angeles round trip stop in Ensenada?
A foreign-flagged ship that starts and ends at the same U.S. port must call at a foreign port somewhere on the voyage. Ensenada is the most convenient one on the way back from Hawaii.
Can I get off in Honolulu at the end of a cruise from Los Angeles?
Not on a foreign-flagged ship’s round trip, unless the line arranges it within the rules. Leaving the ship at a different U.S. port can trigger a fine for the cruise line, which lines pass on to guests. Always ask before you plan to leave early.
Let Us Sort Out the Itinerary
Not sure which Hawaii sailings fit your dates and the rules? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will explain the options and send free quotes.
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