Cruises to Niue: What You Need to Know
Seeking a South Pacific cruise that will take you off the beaten track to those islands less visited by cruise ships? Search for cruises with Niue in the itinerary and you might just find the ideal voyage. An exclusive number of cruises visit the tiny island nation of Niue, most departing from Fiji, Tahiti and Auckland. Cruises will call at Niue’s tiny capital, Alofi, where you’ll get the unique opportunity for a cruise ship port-of-call to see most of the country during your visit. Learn more about taking a cruise to Niue in this guide.
Tips for Taking a Cruise to Niue
- Snorkelling gear, reef shoes and swimwear are essential for your shore excursions in Niue where you’ll get the chance to snorkel in crystal clear waters
- Be prepared to take a Zodic boat to get onto this rocky island with 30m-high cliffs!
- Note that sometimes shore excursions to Niue are cancelled in bad weather or when the swell is too big for boats to make it to shore
- Search for cruises departing Tahiti, Fiji and Auckland for the most choice in trips including Niue in the itinerary.
(c) PixabayCruises That Sail to Niue
When planning your cruise getaway, you’re going to want to know which cruise itineraries feature Niue. Cruises to Niue typically depart from Tahiti (French Polynesia), Auckland (New Zealand) and Lautoka (Fiji).
Cruises from Tahiti
Windstar Cruises offers a few options for cruises from Tahiti, including a 15-night voyage with ports of call at Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Niue, and several islands in Fiji. Longer voyages (23-30 nights) also have the inclusions of Vanuatu and several islands in New Caledonia.
Silversea Cruises‘ 13-night cruise across the South Pacific starts from Papeete, Tahiti and includes destinations like French Polynesia, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Fiji. They also spend time in two destinations within Niue’s boundaries, Alofi and the Beveridge Reef.
Noble Caledonia has a 16-night cruise that incorporates ports of call in the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti and, of course, Niue. Cruises either start in Tahiti or Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Cruises from Fiji
Silversea‘s returning cruise across the South Pacific starts in Lautoka, Fiji and ends in Papeete, Tahiti. The 12-night voyage stops by the Cook Islands, Palmerston Island, Niue, Tonga and French Polynesia.
Cruises from New Zealand
Holland America Line‘s South Sea cruises often depart from Auckland, such as their South Seas Sampler 15-night cruise. The cruise makes its way from Auckland to the Bay of Islands before crossing the South Pacific to Fiji then Tonga, Niue, the Cook Islands then ending in Tahiti. They also have a whopping 34-night itinerary starting in Auckland, sailing the South Pacific and ending in San Diego, US.
For more details of each cruise mentioned, see The Cruises That Visit Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comNiue Port of Call: Alofi
All cruise itineraries including Niue involve visiting the small island’s one port of call, Alofi. Alofi is Niue’s capital and the island’s only town, however, it’s the smallest capital you’re ever likely to visit. With the island being only 260km2 (100sq mi), getting to any of the island’s attractions takes no longer than 30 minutes. That means that it’s relatively easy to get a really good taste of Niue even in a limited time.
Typical Attractions in Alofi and Niue Visited on Cruises
- Delve into the limestone Palaha Cave
- Swim in crystal clear waters of the Matapa Chasm
- Visit cultural highlights like the Taoga Niue Museum
- See the interesting Hikulagi Sculpture Park
Must-Dos in Alofi & Niue
- Explore Niue’s sea tracks
- Swim with dolphins and whales
- Do a culture and nature tour
- Scuba dive in some of the world’s clearest waters
- Shop for unique handicrafts and gifts in Alofi
See more suggestions in the 10 Must-Dos in Alofi and 10 Must-Dos in Niue.
(c) Niue TourismNiue Port of Call: Beveridge Reef
Those travelling on the South Pacific Islands Cruise with Silversea Cruises will have an additional port of call to enjoy in Niue’s waters, Beveridge Reef. The reef is an underwater mountain topped with a coral atoll and enclosing a turquoise lagoon.
The reef is an important habitat for endangered species of sea turtles, including loggerhead, hawksbill and green sea turtles. It also holds an abundance of grey reef sharks.
More About Taking a Cruise to Niue
