7 Best Cruises That Visit Tonga

1. Holland America Line

Offering 10 cruises that visit Tonga, Holland America Line provides an excellent way to experience The Kingdom. Ships including the “Volendam”, “Zaandam”, “Noordam” and “Westerdam” all call into the main island of Tongatapu, where they spend a full day docked in the capital, Nuku’alofa.

During your stop, you can choose from shore excursions like “Historic Nuku’alofa”, “Liku’alofa Scenic Island Drive”, “Island Encounter & Ancient Tonga”, “Tongatapu Swim”, “Captain Cook’s Landing Site & Culture of Tonga” and “Oholei Beach & Hina Cave”.

Cruises depart from San Antonio in Chile, Sydney in Australia and Seattle in the US, making it easy to access from multiple starting points across the Pacific.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

2. Azamara

For those seeking a more intimate cruise experience, Azamara offers an exceptional voyage through the South Pacific that includes a port call at Nuku’alofa. Their 14-night Segment 2 itinerary takes you through Tahiti, Samoa and Fiji, stopping at nine ports along the way.

What sets Azamara apart is their inclusive approach to luxury cruising. You’ll enjoy access to a variety of dining venues with 24-hour room service, unlimited beer, wine and spirits throughout the day and night, and their signature “Amazing Evenings” events that showcase local culture at each port.

The ship docks in Nuku’alofa for a full day, giving you ample time to explore the capital’s sights, from the Royal Palace to the vibrant Talamahu Market.

Other thoughtful inclusions like unlimited self-service laundry make this an excellent option for travellers wanting a hassle-free voyage.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

3. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers an exceptional journey through the South Pacific on their “Star Collector: Legends of the Pacific” voyage aboard the Star Breeze, sailing between Fiji and Tahiti over 20 nights.

This island-hopping adventure takes you through the heart of French Polynesia’s legendary islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine, where dramatic mountains meet crystal-clear lagoons.

The voyage continues through the pristine Cook Islands before crossing the International Dateline to reach Tonga, one of the few remaining Polynesian kingdoms.

You’ll spend one day docked in Tonga, where shore excursions include the “Island Encounter & Cultural Ancient Tonga” tour, “Malinoa Snorkelling” and the “Likualofa Scenic Island Drive”, offering glimpses into limestone caves, coral reefs and authentic village traditions.

In Fiji, discover lesser-visited gems such as Taveuni, Savusavu and Dravuni. Throughout your journey, enjoy the luxury of Windstar’s water access Marina for the perfect balance of tropical relaxation and cultural discovery.

© Tonga Ministry of Tonga

4. Seabourn

If you’re after a truly luxurious way to visit Tonga, Seabourn offers several voyages stopping at Nuku’alofa aboard the elegant “Seabourn Quest”. These all-inclusive cruises range from 12 to 126 days, departing from ports like Papeete in French Polynesia and Miami, Florida.

Everything is included, from premium spirits and fine wines available throughout your journey to world-class dining across all onboard venues (dine where, when and with whom you wish).

All ocean-front suites are luxuriously appointed, most featuring private verandas, while complimentary WiFi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink keeps you connected.

Tipping is neither required nor expected, and you’ll enjoy complimentary entertainment experiences featuring a variety of shows and live music.

© Tonga Tourism Authority

5. Silversea

Get well and truly off the beaten track in the South Pacific with Silversea. With 10 cruises available that call into Tonga, you’ll have plenty of options to explore this remote kingdom.

Sailing on the luxurious “Silver Dawn” and “Silver Cloud”, you can embark on voyages ranging from 11 to 149 days, departing from ports like Papeete, Fremantle Perth, Lautoka, Los Angeles, Valparaíso and Darwin.

Most cruises dock at Nuku’alofa, while select itineraries venture further to stunning spots like Euaiki Island, Neiafu in Vava’u and the glorious Uoleva Island in Ha’apai – the only cruise to Tonga to do so!

These sailings also include stops across Vanuatu and other South Pacific gems before ending in ports like Fiji.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

6. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours offers an exceptional Pacific voyage aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse II, departing from Fiji on a spectacular 30-night journey.

This intimate Discovery Yacht experience visits Tonga before island-hopping through the Cook Islands and Society Islands, ultimately crossing the Pacific to Panama City.

You’ll explore postcard-perfect destinations including Bora Bora and Papeete, as well as lesser-known gems like Fiji’s Lau Group and the remote Rangiroa atoll.

With accommodation for just up to 228 guests in spacious all-verandah suites, personalised butler service and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, you’ll experience true luxury at sea.

The cruise includes up to 10 culinary experiences, eight bars and lounges, a 550 m² Senses Spa, and an engaging lecture programme led by up to 10 Discovery Team experts.

Complimentary Zodiac excursions, snorkelling, kayaking, airport transfers, tipping and WiFi are all included in this comprehensive Pacific adventure.

© Tonga Ministry of Tourism

7. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises ventures beyond French Polynesia’s Society Islands to offer two extraordinary voyages through the legendary South Pacific, with Tonga as a captivating highlight.

The “Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands & Society Islands” (13 nights) sails from Lautoka to Tahiti, while the “Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji” (15 nights) journeys in reverse from Tahiti to Lautoka.

Both itineraries follow the paths carved by history’s greatest mariners, weaving through pristine shores where culture and natural beauty create unforgettable experiences.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism