Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language
English, Cook Islands Māori
Time Zone
CKT (UTC-10)
Best Time to Visit
Sep–Nov
Typical Duration
12-14 nights
Price Range
$1,124.50–$94,500 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Rarotonga is a tropical paradise offering pristine lagoons, lush mountainous landscapes, and authentic Polynesian culture, making it a premier destination for South Pacific cruises.
Cruises that visit Rarotonga
- cruises to Rarotonga
- Rarotonga sailings
- Rarotonga cruises
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 13-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 34-night Holland America Line cruise
- 35-night Holland America Line cruise
- 41-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 48-night Holland America Line cruise
- 49-night Holland America Line cruise
- 59-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 62-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 71-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 121-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 124-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 124-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 141-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 141-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 150-night Silversea cruise
- 152-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 152-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 169-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 169-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Rarotonga
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Trader Jacks
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Muri Night Markets
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM Sun
Punanga Nui Market
Long-running outdoor market with music
Captain Tamas Lagoon Cruizes
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
Charlie's Raro
Dine-in·No delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Casual beachfront resort with a spa
Snorkel Cook Islands
Onsite services·Online appointments
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Koka Lagoon Cruises
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sun
Ocean Toa Cook Islands
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Shipwreck Hut Bar & Restaurant & Accomodation
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Te Vara Nui Village
Maori attraction with live performances
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Beluga
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
The Mooring Fish Cafe
The best food on the island and friendly staff.
Temporarily closed
Ariki Adventures
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Vaima Restaurant and Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Rarotonga Turtle Tours with Kali & Kato
Rarotonga
Populated, mountainous Pacific islands
21.3 Vaiana's Bar & Bistro
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
On the Beach Bar and Restaurant
Dine-in
The Waterline Restaurant and Outrigger Beach Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Palace Takeaways
Onsite services
Little Polynesian Resort
Best food and service I had when having dinner on the island
Antipodes rarotonga
Dine-in·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Raro Buggy Tours
Onsite services
Nautilus Restaurant
Dine-in·No delivery
Takitumu Tapas
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 11 AM Sun
Wigmore's Superstore
Prepared foods·Credit cards
Open 24 hours
Saigon Shack Raro
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Sanctuary Rarotonga - on the beach
Beachside resort with a swim-up bar
The Lucky Rooster Eatery
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Te Ara Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kikau Hut
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Sun
The Falafel Shack
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 12 PM Sun
Kai & Co
Dine-in·Takeout
Black Rock
Castaway Beach Bar
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
CITC Supermarket
On-site parking·Credit cards
Open · Closes 4 PM
Raro Safari Tours & Concierge Desk
Muri Beach
Laid-back beach for swimming & sunning
Cafe Ariki
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM
The Lazy Trout Cafe
Onsite services
Avarua Shopping Centre
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Beach Hut
Dine-in
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Anchorage
Dine-in·Takeout
Love Café
Dine-in·Drive-through·No delivery
Soul Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout
Aroa Beach
White sand, snorkeling & a resort
Rehab
No delivery
Closed · Opens 10 PM
Mai’i Cafe & Bar
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Highland Paradise
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Lil G's
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM Sun
Bite Time Cafe
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Pizzeria Italiana
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Sammy's Coffee
Dine-in·Takeout
BJ's Tapas Bar
Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Opens soon · 8:30 AM
Laguna on Muri Restaurant and Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Circles Cafe
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 7 AM Sun
Titikaveka Beach
Tuakata Cafe
Takeout·No delivery
Margaritas Bistro & Bar
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Takitumu Conservation Area
Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve
Nikao Beach
Tivaevae Collectables Gift Shop
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Turtles Sportswear
Onsite services
Open · Closes 12 PM
Raro Mart
Onsite services
Open · Closes 12 PM
On the Rocks (OTR) Bar
Closed · Opens 7 PM
Muri Lagoon
Turquoise lagoon with beaches & islands
The Gift Shop
Onsite services
Open · Closes 2 PM
Trio's Garden Bar
No delivery
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Mareko Island Creations
Onsite services
Open · Closes 4 PM
Papa'aroa Beach
Treasure Chest Ltd
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Rarotongan Public Beach
Beachcomber Pearl Market
In-store shopping
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Rutaki Public Beach
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Rarotonga
Rarotonga serves as a popular port of call for cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific, with seven major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea regularly calling here. With around 60 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning January, September, October, March, and November, this island destination attracts cruisers on extended voyages averaging 12 nights. The port connects beautifully to other iconic Pacific destinations like Papeete, Moorea, Sydney, and Honolulu, making it a natural stop on many South Pacific itineraries.
When your ship docks, you'll discover why Rarotonga captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and warm Polynesian culture. The island's pristine beaches and lush tropical landscape invite exploration, while the vibrant local markets and welcoming communities offer authentic cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Rarotonga delivers the quintessential South Pacific charm that makes cruise vacations in this region truly memorable.
When your ship docks, you'll discover why Rarotonga captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and warm Polynesian culture. The island's pristine beaches and lush tropical landscape invite exploration, while the vibrant local markets and welcoming communities offer authentic cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Rarotonga delivers the quintessential South Pacific charm that makes cruise vacations in this region truly memorable.
Cruise Lines at Rarotonga
- MSC Cruises (17 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (14 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (12 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (9 cruises)
- Holland America Line (6 cruises)
- Silversea (5 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Rarotonga
Cruises Visiting Rarotonga
Ship Schedule at Rarotonga
Rarotonga Location
Other Cruise Ports in Cook Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Rarotonga?
The dry season from May to October offers sunny days and calmer seas.
What activities can I do on Rarotonga?
Snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking, fishing, and jet blasting near the airport runway are popular.
Is Rarotonga family-friendly?
Yes, it offers beaches, nature walks, and gentle waters ideal for families.
How do I get around Rarotonga?
Rent a scooter or car or join local tours to explore the island.