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Which Cruises Go to Tonga?
169 islands scattered in a line across the South Pacific, Tonga is made for cruising. In fact, the island group of Vava’u is said to be one of the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific! Sample the rich culture of the only South Pacific nation with its own monarchy, experience unique activities like swimming with humpback whales, and discover fascinating historical sites by making Tonga a must on your next cruise! To help you plan your next voyage to The Kingdom, here’s a quick list of the cruises that visit Tonga!
For more information on cruising to Tonga, see The Complete Guide to the Ports of Call in Tonga!
1. Holland America Line
Offing 51 to 56-day cruises of the South Pacific, Holland America Line has Tonga right in the centre of the itinerary. On board Ship Zaandam, you’ll experience both Tonga’s northern island group, Vava’u, as well as the main island, Tongatapu on all South Pacific voyages. The ship fits 1,430+ guests across five tiers of luxurious suites and staterooms. Cruises to Tonga depart from San Diego and Vancouver.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism2. P&O Cruises
Tonga is a highlight of several South Pacific voyages with P&O Cruises. Tonga features on their “Tongan Discovery”, “Tongan Explorer” and “Bounty Adventure” cruises. The 10 to 13-night cruises start and end in Auckland. Both ports in Tonga, Nuku’alofa and Vava’u, are on the itinerary giving you a real taste of Tonga. What’s more, you’ll be sailing on the Pacific Explorer (or similar) complete with waterslides, a range of Australian, Asian and Italian restaurants, and entertaining stage shows.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism3. Princess Cruises
Although Princess Cruises offers a wealth of South Pacific cruises, only their lengthier 20-night “Grand Pacific Adventure” between Honolulu, Hawai’i and Sydney, Australia features Tonga in the mix. Discover the islands of Hawai’i and French Polynesia before calling into the capital, Nuku’alofa, to experience Tonga’s vibrant culture and crafts.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism4. Azamara
The Miami-based luxury small-ship cruise liner is embarking into the South Pacific with its “Luxury Journey” from Tahiti to New Zealand. On the 14-night cruise with Azamara, sail between the magical islands of French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and, of course, Nuku’alofa in Tonga before finalising in New Zealand. Azamara specialises in non-crowded ocean excursions, with their small-ship cruises often described as a “boutique hotel at sea”.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Windstar Cruises
Do some island-hopping in the South Pacific with Windstar Cruises and one of their small-ship voyages to Tonga! The “Sailing the South Pacific” cruise takes travellers on the lavishly finished Star Breeze to the likes of Fiji, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Nuku’alofa in Tonga. The trip starts in Auckland, New Zealand and ends in Papeete, French Polynesia.
© Tonga Ministry of Tonga6. Crystal Cruises
Jump aboard the Crystal Serenity for a 14-night cruise of the South Pacific, including stops in Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand and, of course, The Kingdom of Tonga. The award-winning luxury cruise ship by Crystal Cruises houses 980 guests and boasts a “six-star” experience with a 1-to-1.5 staff-to-guest ratio. Their South Pacific cruise starts in Papeete in Tahiti and ends in Auckland, New Zealand.
(c) Pixabay7. Seabourn
If you’re looking for an epic adventure and a substantial escape, Seabourne has you covered with their 29-145-day cruises incorporating Nuku’alofa in Tonga into the world-crossing itinerary. Days at sea involve indulging in oneself, whether it’s fine dining, working in wellness at the fitness centre or salon, or captivating the mind in the elegant card room. What’s more, cruises seemingly end in all sectors of the world, starting from Los Angeles or Miami (US) and ending in Keelung (Taiwan), Auckland (New Zealand), Shanghai (China), Sydney (Australia) and Piraus (Greece).
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© Tonga Tourism Authority8. Silversea
Get well and truly off the beaten track in the South Pacific with Silversea. With cruises to call into the far-flung island of Niuatoputapu, you’ll be visiting islands that most Tongans haven’t even visited – just check out their 50-day cruise between Chile and Fiji! Another sailing option is from Papeete, Tahiti. You’ll not only stop at Neiafu in Vava’u, but you’ll also get to experience the glorious Uoleva Island in Ha’apai – the only cruise to Tonga to do so! The 12-14-night cruise also includes stops across Vanuatu before ending in Lautoka, Fiji.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism9. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
One of the lesser-known cruises that visit Tonga, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours visits Vava’u on their 13-day “Reefs & Volcanic Isles: Tahiti to Fiji” cruise. The luxury cruise liner takes you to some alternative destinations in the South Pacific, including Niue, Aitutaki and Palmerston Island in the Cook Islands, Fuluanga and Vanua Balavu in Fiji and more. The trip starts in Papeete, French Polynesia and ends in Nadi, Fiji.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism10. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Explore Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji and French Polynesia on a 15-night cruise with Paul Gauguin Cruises. The small-ship cruise starts in Papeete, Tahiti and ends in Lautoka, Fiji and vice versa, stopping at the Vava’u island group in Tonga. You’ll be aboard the MS Paul Gauguin where your experience includes a day on the cruise liner’s private island, Motu Mahana.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismMore About Cruises That Visit Tonga
That’s it for our list of cruises that visit Tonga. For more on the subject, take a look at the following:
- How to Save Money When Visiting Tonga on a Cruise
- 10 Tips for Taking a Cruise to Tonga & the South Pacific
- The Guide to Ports of Call in Tonga
Finally, for more ways to get to Tonga, take a look at Getting Here: How to Get to Tonga.
