Cruises to Fiji: What You Need to Know
Want to sample the glorious archipelago of Fiji, as well as a few other South Pacific Islands along the way? A cruise to Fiji is certainly a lavish way to go about it, getting to see the South Pacific from its best angle, the ocean.
You’ll not only find Fiji on the itinerary of world-class cruises, but many cruises to Fiji incorporate two or even three ports of call to make the most of the South Pacific’s friendliest islands.
But what are the ports of call in Fiji, and, more importantly, what are the things to do there? You’re in the right place to find out!
In this guide to the cruise ports of Fiji, we not only go over where they are but offer ways to enjoy them beyond what your cruise ship sells to you (which will be much cheaper too).
Wait, you haven’t booked your cruise to Fiji yet? Check out the 12 Best Cruises That Visit Fiji to see who goes there. For more advice on cruises within Fiji, see The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
Table of Contents
7 Tips for Taking a Cruise to Fiji
Embarking on a cruise to Fiji is an exciting way to experience the South Pacific’s crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Here are seven essential tips to help you make the most of your Fijian cruise adventure:
- Look for cruises departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland and Tahiti, which have the largest selection of cruises to Fiji.
- Off the beach, make sure you wear knee-length shorts/skirts to respect local customs.
- Book your shore excursions independently, which is much cheaper than booking on the ship – see our favourites in the 10 Best Fiji Shore Excursions.
- Bring snorkelling equipment and swimwear on shore excursions.
- Prepare for sea days – there’s a significant number of sea days on South Pacific cruises.
- Car rental is available in Lautoka, Suva and Savusavu (with deliveries to Denarau) should you want to explore at your own pace.
- Fiji is a year-round cruise destination, although you’ll find more rain-free days between May and October – learn more about the seasons in Fiji here.
Now that you’re armed with these essential tips, let’s dive deeper into what you can expect during your cruise to Fiji, including popular ports of call, must-see attractions, and cultural experiences that await you in this tropical paradise.
© FijiPocketGuide.comSuva
Featuring on the majority of cruise itineraries, Suva is Fiji’s capital city, which is located on the southeastern shores of the main island, Viti Levu.
While the city has its own attractions of the national museum, eateries and the largest produce market in Fiji, passengers wanting to see more of the “real” Fiji can hop on a shore excursion to the Pacific Harbour or take a taxi to the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.
Plan more of your visit to Suva with The Complete Travel Guide to Suva and find places to eat in The Food Guide to Suva: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Must-Dos in Suva
Aside from the shore excursions listed below, cruise ship passengers might also want to check out some of the other Suva experiences well worth doing:
- Visit the waterfalls of the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
- Check out the Fiji Museum
- Shop, mingle with the locals and try kava at the Suva Markets
- Wander around Thurston Gardens
- Check out the city’s architecture, with many POIs in the 10 Best Historical Sites in Suva.
Find out more about each must-do and more in the 15 Best Things to Do in Suva.
Shore Excursions from Suva
While shore excursions can be booked through your cruise, you’ll find booking tours independently will save you a ton! Here are a few shore excursions from Suva worth considering:
- Suva Walking Tour – Guided Walking Tours Suva
- Jewel of Fiji Tour – Discover Fiji Tours
- Nature and Waterfall Tour – Kay Services Tour
- Suva City Sightseeing Tour – Hot Fiji Tours
- River Tubing Adventure – River Tubing Fiji
Learn more about these shore excursions and more in A Guide to the Port of Suva for Cruisers + 5 Best Shore Excursions.
How to Tour Suva Independently
If you’d rather make your own way around Suva or to the nearby Pacific Harbour, you can hire a car. Car hire is readily available in Suva, with some rental companies even delivering a car to the port free of charge.
Find out more in the 10 Best Car Rentals in Suva.
Finally, if you need inspiration for an itinerary of exploring Suva in a day, then we have just the guide for you! Check it out in the 5 Best Day Trips from Suva.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDenarau
A top tourist hub in Fiji, Denarau is the base for many excursions to Fiji’s idyllic Mamanuca Islands, Nadi, the Coral Coast and more.
Wander the small town centre, its eateries and shops at Port Denarau, check out the array of five-star resorts on the manmade island, play a round of golf or hop on one of the island-hopping, fishing or snorkelling tours from the marina.
Plan your visit to your own travel style using The Complete Guide to Denarau Island and find places to eat in The Food Guide to Denarau: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Must-Dos in Denarau
If you’d like to stick to things to do in Denarau, a few must-dos include:
- Play golf at the championship golf course
- Indulge in a luxury spa treatment
- Do some shopping and eating at Port Denarau
- Make a splash at the Big Bula Waterpark
- Fly over the islands in a helicopter or seaplane.
Get more inspiration in our 20 Best Things to Do on Denarau Island.
Shore Excursions from Denarau
Take the hassle out of exploring Denarau’s nearby attractions by joining one of its shore excursions! If the shore excursions offered by your cruise ship are a bit out of your price range, then these are the best tours to take you around the island, and you can book them yourself.
- Private Nadi Shore Excursion – Fiji Golf Tours & Transfers
- Coral Coast Tour – Uniquely Fiji
- Sabeto Safari 4WD Adventure – Fiji 4WD Safaris (Rosie Holidays)
- Cultural Discovery ATV Tour – Go Dirty Tours
- Castaway Island Day Trip – South Sea Cruises
Learn more about these shore activities and more in the 10 Best Shore Excursions from Denarau.
How to Tour Denarau Independently
If you’d rather explore this port of call yourself, Denarau Island is easy to navigate on foot. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront walkway, checking out the various resorts as you go.
For a more convenient option, hop on the Bula Bus and do some resort-hopping (you’ll find more details in our Denarau Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Denarau).
Want to venture further afield? Any of The Best Car Rentals in Nadi will deliver to Port Denarau, typically free of charge. Once you’ve got your wheels, the possibilities are endless! Explore the stunning beaches, wildlife attractions and jet boat tours of the Coral Coast, discover the hot pools and vibrant town of Nadi, or venture to other nearby attractions.
To make the most of your day, check out our guide to the 5 Best Day Trips from Denarau – you’ll be spoiled for choice!
© FijiPocketGuide.comLautoka
Fiji’s second-largest town is a cultural hub of Indo-Fijians and Fijians. Lautoka is a thriving hub for Fiji’s sugarcane industry, but for visitors, you may prefer it for its bustling market with amazing Fijian handicrafts or its many eateries.
You can also organise trips to the nearby Abaca Village in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, which has a waterfall walk. You don’t have to miss out on the Nadi attractions, such as the famous mud pools, when docking at Lautoka, as Nadi is just a short drive away.
Learn more about this town, which is one of the hubs of the Suncoast, in The Complete Travel Guide to Lautoka, Rakiraki & the Suncoast.
Must-Dos in Lautoka
Want to know what to tick off the bucket list? Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Browse the Lautoka Market
- Try an Indo-Fijian curry at one of the local eateries
- Venture into the Koroyanitu National Park for a waterfall hike
- Wander Around the Lautoka Botanical Garden
- Visit Viseisei Village, the landing point of the first Fijians.
For more ideas, see the 10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka.
Shore Excursions from Lautoka
Make sightseeing easy, fun and insightful with one of Lautoka’s guided experiences:
- Private Lautoka Shore Excursion – Fiji Golf Tours & Transfers
- Mt Koroyanitu Heritage Park Hike – Fascination Fiji
- Lautoka Day Tour – Prince Tours
- Discover Mud Pool/Hot Spring – Valentine Tours
- Nadi Tour From Lautoka – Excite Tours & Travel
See these tours and more in the 10 Best Shore Excursions from Lautoka.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDravuni Island
An island in the remote Kadavu Group, Dravuni Island is only visited by a few cruise ships. Unlike the developed ports of call elsewhere in Fiji, Dravuni is timeless, with no vehicles, no shops and less than 200 inhabitants.
With that, shore excursions here are limited to what your cruise ship company can provide, such as a zodiac nature tour around the island.
Otherwise, passengers can enjoy walking and swimming at the pristine beaches or take a look around the small Fijian village here.
If you’re fit, you might also want to walk up the palm-lined trail to the island’s peak for some stunning panoramic views.
Learn more about Dravuni in the 10 Best Things to Do on Dravuni Island, as well as the island group in The Complete Guide to Kadavu.
© FijiPocketGuide.comSavusavu
Another port of call that very few cruises venture to, Savusavu is one of the main towns of Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. The town itself is home to natural hot springs, a small selection of eateries and a market.
However, most cruise ship passengers to the island prefer to get out and explore Vanua Levu, such as the local village of Vuadomo and its amazing waterfall, nature trails and cultural experiences, or venture into the vibrant snorkelling sport of Split Rock.
Learn more about spending time on the island in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu and check out places to eat in The Food Guide to Savusavu & Vanua Levu: Places to Eat & Tours.
Must-Dos in Savusavu
- Snorkel at Split Rock
- Scuba dive at the Namena Marine Reserve
- Tour the J. Hunter Pearl Farm
- Visit Vuadomo Village and its waterfall
- Tour the chocolate factory at KokoMana
For more ideas, see the 20 Best Things to Do on Vanua Levu and the 10 Best Things to Do in Savusavu.
How to Tour Savusavu Independently
Exploring Savusavu on your own is a breeze, and you’ve got plenty of options to choose from! For those who love a good stroll, the town centre is perfect for wandering on foot – you’ll find charming little shops and friendly locals at every turn.
If you’re keen to venture further afield, why not hire a set of wheels? Check out The Best Car Rentals in Savusavu to find your perfect ride.
For a hassle-free way to hit all the main attractions, consider hiring a taxi driver by the hour. It’s a great way to get local insights while you explore! (Plus, you won’t have to worry about navigating those potholes). If you’re interested in this option, be sure to read our guide on How to Hire a Driver in Fiji.
As for where to visit once you’ve got your wheels, there’s a wealth of island lookouts, quaint cafes, wonderful waterfalls and beaches to explore. Plan your whole day with the 5 Best Day Trips in Savusavu & Vanua Levu.
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© FijiPocketGuide.comTravel Tip: Fiji Has Its Own Cruises!
Did you know that Fiji has its own small-ship cruises around its islands? If you were looking for a cruise experience that includes Fiji specifically, then the best thing for you might be the local cruises with Blue Lagoon Cruises.
You’ll get to anchor at a new island each night on voyages from three to seven days, allowing you to experience much more than the usual one to three days you get in Fiji on an international cruise.
See The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji to learn more.
More About Taking a Cruise to Fiji
That’s it for our guide to taking a cruise to Fiji; for more information about cruising in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- A Guide to the Port of Suva for Cruisers
- 12 Ways To Save Money on a Cruise to Fiji
- The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Fiji.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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