Cruise region

South Pacific

The South Pacific is the stuff of dreams, with turquoise lagoons and volcanic peaks in French Polynesia. Islands such as Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea are best explored by ship. Longer voyages cross the ocean from Peru via Easter Island and Pitcairn, or continue north to Hawaii.

Best time to go

May to October, the drier and slightly cooler season in French Polynesia.

Season

Year-round.

Typical daytime highs

Dry season (May to October). Typical daytime highs around 27 to 29°C in the dry season (May to October). Sunny and less humid.
Wet season (November to April). Typical daytime highs around 29 to 31°C in the wet season (November to April). Hot and humid, with tropical showers.

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

How long

Usually 7 to 10 nights in French Polynesia, and three weeks or more for ocean crossings.

Fly-cruise airports

Tahiti Faa'a (Papeete) (PPT). about 20 to 22 hours with one connection, often via Los Angeles
Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM). about 12 to 13 hours

Who it suits

Honeymooners, couples celebrating a special occasion and travellers seeking remote islands.

Questions

When is the best time to visit Tahiti?

May to October is drier and slightly cooler.

How do I get to Tahiti from the UK?

Usually with one connection, often via Los Angeles, taking around 20 to 22 hours.

Can I visit Easter Island on a cruise?

Yes. Some long voyages from Peru call at Easter Island and Pitcairn.

Ports and places

Moorea
A lagoon island of jagged peaks, pineapple fields and snorkelling.
View 2 cruises featuring Moorea
Papeete, Tahiti
Tahiti's capital, with a lively market and black sand beaches nearby.
View 2 cruises featuring Papeete
Bora Bora
Swim in a turquoise lagoon beneath Mount Otemanu.
View 2 cruises featuring Bora Bora
Callao (Lima)
The port for Lima's colonial centre and Miraflores.
No cruises featuring Callao just now
Easter island
See the giant moai statues of Rapa Nui.
No cruises featuring Easter island just now
Fakarava
A Tuamotu atoll and UNESCO biosphere reserve known for diving.
No cruises featuring Fakarava just now
Hilo (Hawaii)
The gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
View 2 cruises featuring Hilo
Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii
Visit Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.
View 2 cruises featuring Honolulu
Lima
Explore the colonial centre and the clifftop Miraflores district.
No cruises featuring Lima just now
Nawilliwilli (Kauai)
The port for Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast (usually spelt Nawiliwili).
View 1 cruise featuring Nawilliwilli
Pitcairn Island
The remote home of the Bounty mutineers' descendants.
No cruises featuring Pitcairn Island just now
Raiatea
A sacred island with the Taputapuātea marae, a UNESCO site.
View 2 cruises featuring Raiatea
Waikiki Beach (Oahu), Hawaii
Relax on Honolulu's famous beach or try surfing.
View 2 cruises featuring Waikiki Beach