Cruising in Fiji

Dreaming of swaying palms, coral reef-filled waters, and that slow island pace where time doesn’t matter? Welcome to Fiji, where cruising isn’t just a way to get around, it’s half the experience. Whether you’re chasing barefoot luxury or island-hopping adventures, a cruise through Fiji gives you the perfect taste of the South Pacific.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you book: from the top cruise lines and ships heading there in the 2025–26 season, to the best time to go, the ports you’ll likely visit, and all those little practical things people forget to ask.

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What Is the Best Month to Cruise to Fiji

Fiji looks good pretty much all year round. But if you want to cruise there in peak conditions, timing does matter.

The best time to hop on board is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when you’ll get sunny days, lower humidity, and calm seas. Perfect for beach days, snorkelling sessions, and sipping cocktails without sweating through your shirt. It’s also when most of the big-name cruise lines schedule their South Pacific paradise itineraries, so you’ll have more options to choose from.

April and November are also solid picks. They’re the shoulder seasons, which means you still get decent weather, but without the bigger crowds. Sometimes you’ll find slightly cheaper fares too. The landscapes are lush and green after the wet season, and the islands feel a little quieter, a little more untouched.

November to April is the wet season, which sounds bad, but it’s not a total write-off. You might get the odd downpour or humid afternoon, and there’s a small risk of cyclones, but you’ll also get cheaper cruises, vivid green landscapes, and fewer people.

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What Cruise Lines Go to Fiji

If you’re dreaming of idyllic island-hopping through warm turquoise waters, sipping something cold while the sun dips behind a palm tree, Fiji’s got your name on it. Luckily, some top cruise lines are already charting their course for this tropical paradise in the 2026/26 season.

1. Ponant

If you’re after something a little different (a bit more polished, a bit more intimate), Ponant might be your pick. These French expedition-style cruises sail through Fiji as part of longer South Pacific adventures, and they do it with serious flair. Think small ships, luxury service, and itineraries that get you to those hard-to-reach islands. It’s the kind of cruise where you might sip champagne on deck one minute, then head off on a snorkelling trip or village tour the next, all without bumping elbows with a thousand other passengers.

2. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the big names that still makes time for Fiji, and if you’re after a cruise that doubles as a floating theme park, this is it. Their larger ships include Fiji on some of their South Pacific itineraries, sailing out of Australia and stopping in Suva, Lautoka, or Denarau. You’ll have surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and Broadway-style shows onboard, and then wake up the next day in a tropical paradise. It’s a family favourite for good reason, with plenty to do whether you’re seven or seventy.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity brings a modern, stylish edge to cruising, and Fiji’s firmly on the menu for the 2025–26 season. Their ships call in at places like Suva and Lautoka, giving you the chance to get off the ship and into the real Fiji, whether that’s through a village visit, waterfall hike or beach escape. Back onboard, everything’s a bit sleeker: the food, the cabins, the design. If you want to explore the islands by day and then head back to a ship that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise liner, Celebrity’s a great fit.

4. Princess Cruises

Princess knows the South Pacific like the back of its hand, and Fiji is a regular favourite on their longer itineraries. You’ll usually stop in Suva and Lautoka, with time to explore the markets, beaches, or nearby islands. Onboard, it’s a classic cruising experience: easygoing, friendly, and just the right amount of fancy when you feel like dressing up for dinner. It’s a solid choice for older travellers, couples, or anyone who wants the comfort of a mid-size ship without the chaos of a megaship.

5. Cunard

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes a bit of tradition with your tropical getaway, Cunard will be right up your alley. Their grand ocean liners, like Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne, include Fiji as a stop on their longer South Pacific voyages. Expect formal nights, afternoon tea, classical music in the lounge, the whole refined package. It’s not for everyone, but if you love the idea of crossing the Pacific in style and arriving in Fiji with a gin and tonic in hand, Cunard does it beautifully.

6. Holland America Line

Holland America is a quieter, more thoughtful kind of cruise line, and that carries over to its Fiji sailings. Their mid-sized ships stop in ports like Suva and Lautoka, usually as part of extended South Pacific routes. It’s all about cultural enrichment, quality service, and a slower pace. It’s perfect if you’re not fussed about waterslides and go-karts, but do want to soak up the scenery, chat with locals, and learn a thing or two along the way. The ships are elegant without being over the top, and the vibe is very relaxed.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

If you want casual, flexible, and fun, NCL is your go-to. They’ve got cruises that start or end in Lautoka and include stops in places like Dravuni, Savusavu, and Suva. It’s freestyle cruising, which means no set dining times, no dress codes, and no pressure. You can do as much or as little as you want. Their ships are well equipped, the itineraries are interesting, and the atmosphere is always upbeat without being in-your-face.

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania doesn’t do mass-market cruising, and their vibe is more “floating country club.” Their ships call into Fiji on longer regional and round-the-world voyages, and the ports tend to be the less-crowded, more culturally rich ones. Onboard, you’ll get what they’re famous for: top-tier dining, a laid-back but classy atmosphere, and just enough structure to keep things interesting. Great for travellers who want a bit of luxury without going full white-glove.

9. Regent Seven Seas

If your idea of a good holiday is having absolutely everything included (and we mean everything), Regent is worth a look. Their cruises to Fiji come with all the trimmings: business-class flights (on some fares), shore excursions, drinks, gratuities, and luxe suite-style cabins. It’s a high-end way to see the islands without constantly reaching for your wallet. Plus, with smaller ships and longer stops, you get time to enjoy Fiji, not just tick it off the list. 

10. Silversea

Silversea specialises in intimate, luxury expedition cruising, and Fiji is one of their go-to regions for that. Their ships are small, elegant, and seriously well-staffed, and you’ll probably be on a first-name basis with half the crew by the second day. The real perk is that they can get to places the big ships can’t, offering more remote stops and deeper local experiences. If you want your holiday to be a mix of barefoot beaches and white-tablecloth dinners, this one’s for you.

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Popular Ships Visiting Fiji

Now that you’ve got an idea of the cruise lines, let’s talk ships. Because not all floating hotels are created equal, and when you’re headed to paradise, you might as well do it right.

One of the most talked-about vessels in the region is the Paul Gauguin. Built specifically for the South Pacific, this beauty is more like a boutique resort than a traditional cruise ship. It’s small, sleek, and purpose-built to get into lagoons and anchor near white sandy beaches the big guys can’t reach. Onboard, you’ll find local experts giving talks about Fijian culture, and there’s even a watersports marina on the back for paddleboarding and kayaking straight off the ship.

Over at Captain Cook Cruises, their MV Reef Endeavour is made for exploring the real Fiji. It’s not flashy, and that’s kind of the point. You’ll be hopping between islands that most big ships never see, swimming in marine life reserves, and visiting schools in remote villages.

Then there’s the M.V. Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises. This one’s all about that casual, barefoot luxury. Only 68 passengers, a seriously friendly crew, and stops in places where the only sound is the crystal clear water lapping at the side of the tender boat. It’s perfect for travellers who want a slower, more immersive experience. 

As for the bigger ships? Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class and Voyager-class ships, along with Princess’s Coral-class vessels, are all making appearances in the region. These floating cities offer a different vibe with their waterslides, casino nights, and steak dinners on the upper deck.

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Popular Ports in Fiji

One of the best things about cruising in the Fijian Islands is that you’re not just seeing one place. You’re sampling a whole menu of islands and cultures. Here are the ports that most ships (big and small) like to call home:

Suva, the capital, is a bit of a surprise for most travellers with its busy streets, colonial buildings, and local markets. It’s where you go if you want museums, curry houses, and a dose of modern Fiji.

Over on the western side, you’ve got Lautoka, or the “Sugar City.” It’s smaller than Suva and has a more relaxed atmosphere. A lot of cruises use it as a base for heading into the highlands or out to the famous Mamanuca Islands. It’s also great if you just want to stretch your legs along the waterfront and soak up the sun.

Then there’s Port Denarau, the fancy cousin. It’s where the resorts are, and the marina is usually buzzing with yachts and tour boats heading off to day trips. It’s clean, well-organised, and the perfect launchpad if you’re keen on island-hopping or hitting the nearby spas and golf courses.

If you’re lucky, your cruise might also stop at Dravuni Island, a tiny speck in the ocean that’s pure tropical fantasy. There’s not much there beyond a small village, a perfect beach, and maybe a few dogs napping in the shade. 

Other gems include Savusavu, with its amazing hot springs and lush jungle feel, and Levuka, a sleepy heritage-listed town with a fascinating colonial past. And if your ship swings by Beqa Island, you might catch a traditional firewalking performance or spend the afternoon diving some of the region’s most vibrant coral reefs.

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Frequently Asked Questions