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 Taking a Cruising to Tonga. Plus, check out 10 Ways To Save Money on a Cruise to Tonga.
1. Holland America Line
Offing 20 to 63-day cruises of the South Pacific, Holland America Line has Tonga right in the centre of the itinerary. Onboard Ship Maasdam, 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 1,258 guests across five tiers of luxurious suites and staterooms. Cruises to Tongatapu depart from San Diego and Sydney.
(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 11-night cruises start and end in Auckland, while the 14-night cruise is a round-trip from Brisbane. Both ports in Tonga, Nuku’alofa and Vava’u, are on the itinerary giving you a real taste of Tonga. From Auckland, you’ll be sailing on the Pacific Aria, while cruises from Brisbane are on the Pacific Dawn.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism3. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a yearly cruise to Tonga on a 13-night journey starting and ending in Auckland. The cruise sails to New Zealand’s Bay of Islands before departing across the Pacific Ocean to Fiji then Samoa. Finally, you’ll reach Tonga where you’ll get to enjoy both the island group of Vava’u and Tongatapu! The sailing is on the Celebrity Solstice, holding 2,850 guests and decorated with luxury staterooms.
(c) Pixabay4. Royal Caribbean
Offering a variety of cruises from Australia, Royal Caribbean features Tonga on the itinerary of their 8-10-night South Pacific cruises. They have relatively frequent sailings from Sydney and Brisbane, stopping at Tonga during the whale season (June-October).
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism5. Viking Ocean Cruises
If you’re looking for a round-the-world cruise that stops at Tonga, take a look at Viking Ocean Cruises. Tonga is on the itinerary of their whopping 119-day Viking World Wonders cruise that departs from Los Angeles and ends in London. Alternatively, you can sail to Tonga on the South Pacific & the Land Down Under cruise, starting in Los Angeles and ending in Sydney.
(c) Pxhere.com6. 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. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Explore Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji and French Polynesia on a 12-13-night cruise with Paul Gauguin Cruises. The small-ship cruise starts in the Papeete, Tahiti and ends in Fiji and vice versa, stopping at the Vava’u island group in Tonga. You’ll be aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin where your experience includes a day on the cruise liner’s private island, Motu Mahana.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism8. Silversea
Another sailing option from Papeete, Tahiti, that includes Tonga is a cruise with Silversea. You’ll not only stop at Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu and Neiafu in Vava’u, but you’ll also get to experience Mounu Island of the Vava’u Group – see 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u for more information on the island and the resort there. The 14-night cruise also includes stops across French Polynesia, Fiji and Vanuatu before ending in Sydney.
(c) Pixabay9. Carnival Cruises
Cosy up in one of the twin or quad rooms of the Carnival Spirit on a cruise across the Pacific, from Sydney to Honolulu, Hawaii! The 18-night adventure takes you on a Transpacific journey, stopping at New Caledonia and various islands of French Polynesia. In the middle of the excitement is a stop at Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu for a taste of the culture and history of Tonga. The cruise is an ideal option for families, with family-friendly eateries, waterslides and kids’ clubs.
(c) Pxhere.com10. Cruise & Maritime Voyages (Columbus)
Finally, for an unforgettable round-the-world trip, set your sights on sailing on the Columbus with Cruise & Maritime Voyages. The cruise liner offers one sailing a year on the 120-day London to London tour, which features Tonga! The cruise can be experienced in shorter sections, such as sailing London to Auckland, London to Hong Kong or London to Singapore. In the middle of the vast itinerary, there’s a one-day stop at Tonga’s very own Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismMore About Cruises That Visit Tonga
