Cruise Line NCL America, which operates three ships in Hawaiian waters, announced yesterday that it will partner with kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine and her halau, Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, to launch a hula program for cruise passengers. Other halau have also been invited to participate in the onboard shows.

The hula schools will not sail aboard the vessels but will appear on all three ships — Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawai'i — while the vessels are in port in Honolulu.

"We are working toward putting together programs aboard our ships that honor Hawai'i's people and culture," said Robert Kritzman, NCL America executive vice president and managing director of Hawai'i operations.

"Working with local hula groups is a positive step toward creating a cultural program that will be enjoyable and educational for our passengers."

In the past, some have criticized cruise lines here for not sufficiently reflecting Hawaiian history and culture in their ships and programs. NCL has created several programs to link passengers with Hawai'i, including creating Hawaiian cultural centers or displays on the ships. Now it has attracted the aid of Takamine, a respected University of Hawai'i instructor and a hula traditionalist who serves as a Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition judge and is president of the 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition, a group that works to protect and preserve Hawaiian cultural rights and practices.

The first "Ho'okipa Aloha" hula showcase will be held on Monday aboard Pride of Hawai'i. Programs, which are for passengers only, are on Pride of America Saturdays and Pride of Aloha Sundays.

The shows are at 5 p.m. when new passengers are embarking.

Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.