10 Best Cruises That Visit Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

1. Paul Gauguin Cruises

One of the best island-hopping cruises between the Cook Islands and the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin Cruises‘ offers a dedicated “Cook Islands & Society Islands” round-trip from Papeete (Tahiti). The trip spends two days in the Cook Islands, one on Aitutaki and the other on Rarotonga, between days at sea.

There is also an extended version of this trip lasting 14 to 16 nights, sailing also to Tonga and Fiji.

See more ways to island-hop around the Cook Islands in the 10 Best Island-Hopping Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

© Cook Islands Tourism

2. Silversea Cruises

Included on Silversea Cruises‘ voyages from Papeete (Tahiti), Rarotonga, and Aitutaki are highlights of these luxury cruises. The selection of cruises varies from 12-day cruises between Papeete and Lautoka (Fiji), 16 days between Papeete and Auckland, and 37 days between Valparaiso (Chile) and Lautoka (Fiji) and more.

Cruises are all-inclusive, including airport transfers and hotels at either end of the voyage.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

3. Aranui Cruises

Specialising in Polynesian cruises right down to the Polynesian crew employed, Aranui Cruises is well worth considering for your cruise to the Cook Islands. While their main focus is the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, some cruises also include Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the itinerary.

The cruise ship acts as a cargo ship, delivering supplies to remote communities.

© Aranui Cruises

4. Seabourn

Boasting Rarotonga, Aitutaki and even Palmerston on the agendas of their South Pacific cruises, Seabourn is a worthy cruise choice for exploring more of the Cook Islands. The cruise line giant has a dizzying array of tours ranging from 20 days South Pacific voyages to 140 days round-the-world trips.

Despite their extensive selection of trips, Seabourn’s ships are relatively intimate, offering a more luxurious small-ship cruise experience.

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5. Holland America Line

If you’re looking for grand Pacific voyages – we’re talking 34-69 days – then Holland America Line offers several long-term cruises that visit Rarotonga mid-way through the trip. Most cruises depart from San Diego (US), Sydney (Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), or Vancouver (Canada) and end at the same ports.

Ships from Holland America are design-driven, each featuring an individual style, whether it’s classic art or garden-inspired patterns. Onboard activities include regional cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, a spa, fitness classes, and more.

© G. Bembridge on Flickr

6. MSC Cruises

Included on MSC Cruises‘ large-ship around-the-world cruises, Rarotonga and sometimes Aitutaki hold a solid position on their mammoth 71 to 121-day itineraries. Departing from Italy, their world cruises travel to four continents and could be your best option for cruising the South Pacific from Europe.

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7. Costa Cruises

Another world tour starting from Hong Kong, or Tokyo Costa Cruises offers 47- to 66-day cruises, taking in the sights of Rarotonga as one of the select South Pacific destinations on their itinerary.

Their ships are lavish and expansive, with the most regular ship to Rarotonga boasting eight swimming pools and hot tubs, eight restaurants and snack bars, and 10 bars and lounges.

© Sean Scott - Cook Islands Tourism

8. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a spectacular South Pacific journey that includes a stop in Rarotonga. Their 13–14-night voyages typically sail on the Norwegian Sun, departing from Papeete, Tahiti and visiting enchanting destinations like the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

You will enjoy the combination of cultural experiences and casual cruising amenities available on board. Be sure to experience the scenic island excursions in Rarotonga. NCL provides an ideal way to explore multiple South Pacific gems in one unforgettable voyage.

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9. Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises offers a gastronomy-first experience with “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” on their 10–14-day South Pacific voyages. Their mid-sized ships occasionally call at the Cook Islands alongside destinations like French Polynesia and Fiji.

The ship Riviera visits Rarotonga on its extensive Tokyo-to-Papeete voyage. Here, you can enjoy the island’s gorgeous volcanic landscape on an off-road scenic excursion, revealing hidden parts of Rarotonga.

Alternatively, relax on a beach day at Black Rock, go snorkelling in the tranquil southern lagoon, or take a leisurely bike ride around the island—perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.

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10. Ponant

Ponant offers an enchanting South Pacific voyage with “The Archipelagos and Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific” cruise, which includes a captivating stop in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. This luxury small-ship experience combines natural beauty with cultural immersion, making it perfect for those seeking an intimate exploration of the region.

While in Rarotonga, you’ll have the opportunity to discover lush volcanic landscapes and vibrant Polynesian culture. Engage yourself in local village encounters, enjoy traditional performances, and embark on scenic explorations of the island’s mountainous interior and coral lagoons.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com