Cruise Info

Cruises to the Cook Islands

Cruises to the Cook Islands are among the most unique voyages in the South Pacific   rare, scenic, and full of local island charm.
Because only a few major cruise lines include stops here, every arrival feels like a special occasion. Ships typically anchor off Rarotonga or Aitutaki, where guests tender to shore to explore coral lagoons, villages, and pristine beaches.

Whether you’re planning a luxury voyage or a long-haul Pacific crossing, this guide highlights the cruise lines and itineraries that can take you there.

Top 10 Cruise Lines Visiting the Cook Islands

Holland America Line

Typical Routes: Grand Pacific Explorer, South Pacific Crossings, World Cruise Segments
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Aitutaki
Duration: 30–60+ days
Ships: MS Noordam, MS Volendam, MS Zuiderdam

Holland America combines timeless luxury with exceptional service. Their South Pacific itineraries often include Rarotonga or Aitutaki, where guests can snorkel, attend local dance shows, or explore the lush volcanic interior.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Typical Route: Cook Islands & Society Islands (7–11 nights)
Ports Visited: Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Moorea
Duration: 7–11 nights
Ship: m/s Paul Gauguin (330 guests)

A boutique, all-inclusive experience that captures the heart of Polynesia. Paul Gauguin’s cruises feature overnights in Aitutaki, lagoon excursions, and onboard Tahitian entertainment.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Silversea Cruises

Typical Route: Tahiti to Rarotonga and Beyond
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Bora Bora, Samoa
Duration: 12–18 days
Ships: Silver Muse, Silver Shadow

Silversea offers expedition-style luxury voyages through the South Pacific, including rare stops in the Cook Islands. Suites come with personal butlers and open verandas perfect for watching the island approach.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Oceania Cruises

Typical Route: Tahitian & South Pacific Sojourn
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Fiji, Samoa
Duration: 18–25 days
Ships: Regatta, Nautica, Insignia

Oceania blends small-ship comfort with culinary excellence. Guests enjoy hands-on cooking classes, destination lectures, and local market excursions. Select sailings include Rarotonga as part of extended Pacific routes.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Seabourn Cruises

Typical Route: South Pacific & Coral Triangle Expeditions
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Fiji, Tonga
Duration: 14–30 days
Ships: Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn’s ultra-luxury ships feel like private yachts. Enjoy fine dining, water sports, and exclusive beach picnics on South Pacific voyages that often include Rarotonga.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Join the Newsletter

Sign up for exclusive cruise line discounts, Cook Islands travel updates, and your chance to win a FREE Cruise for Two in 2027!

Sign Up Here

(Promotion subject to official rules. No purchase necessary. Open to residents 18 +. See Newsletter page for details.)

MSC Cruises (World Cruise)

Typical Route: Around the World (118–121 Days)
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Auckland, Sydney, Tahiti, Honolulu
Duration: 118–121 days
Ships: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica

MSC offers an epic around-the-world experience where the Cook Islands become a breathtaking midpoint.
Perfect for travelers wanting to see it all — with European dining and entertainment onboard.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Ponant Expeditions

Typical Route: Islands of the South Seas
Ports Visited: Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Tonga
Duration: 10–14 days
Ships: Le Lapérouse, Le Soléal

Ponant’s small expedition ships offer eco-friendly luxury and in-depth cultural immersion. Travelers enjoy bilingual service, guided excursions, and visits to remote Cook Islands lagoons.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Typical Route: South Pacific Repositioning (Sydney → Honolulu)
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Pago Pago, Bora Bora
Duration: 16–21 days
Ships: Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian’s trans-Pacific itineraries occasionally include Rarotonga. Great for guests who prefer a lively, modern ship with entertainment and flexible dining.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Princess Cruises

Typical Route: Tahiti, Fiji & South Pacific Explorer
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Tahiti, Bora Bora
Duration: 25–35 days
Ships: Crown Princess, Coral Princess

Princess Cruises blends elegance with accessible luxury. Their South Pacific sailings often call at Rarotonga for snorkeling excursions and local markets.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Typical Route: Grand South Pacific & World Cruise Segments
Ports Visited: Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Papeete
Duration: 20–140 days
Ships: Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner

Regent Seven Seas delivers the most all-inclusive experience in cruising — with open bars, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions all included. Cook Islands stops appear on select ultra-luxury world cruise routes.

🔗 Book or Check Availability

When to Go

  • Best season: May to October (dry, calm, and cooler).

  • Climate: Warm year-round with highs around 27°C (80°F).

  • Tip: Book early! These itineraries often sell out a year or two in advance due to limited port access.

Ports of Call

Rarotonga

  • Capital and largest island of the Cook Islands.

  • Excursions include snorkeling at Muri Lagoon, Punanga Nui Market shopping, and island cultural shows.

  • Ships anchor offshore and tender guests to Avarua.

Aitutaki

  • One of the most beautiful lagoons in the Pacific, often compared to Bora Bora.

  • Enjoy lagoon cruises, kayaking, and coral snorkeling.

  • Accessible mainly by small or expedition ships. 

Planning Tips

  • Tendering: Large ships may skip Cook Islands stops during rough seas.

  • Insurance: Recommended due to remote location.

  • Repositioning Deals: Look for one-way voyages linking Tahiti, Hawaii, or New Zealand.

  • Stay Updated: Join our newsletter to get early alerts for 2026–2027 itineraries.