Tourism Fiji Expands 2027 Cruise Program Across South Pacific

Tourism Fiji expects a growing lineup of international cruise calls and small-ship expeditions in 2027, with itineraries connecting the country to Australia and French Polynesia. The program includes departures from Suva and Lautoka, regional expedition voyages and sailings through Fiji’s outer islands.

Fiji recorded approximately 86,000 cruise passengers in 2024, generating an estimated FJ$7.4 million in economic contribution. Tourism Fiji’s announcement did not include a total call count, passenger forecast or year-on-year comparison for the forthcoming program.

Connections across the South Pacific

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer South Pacific itineraries departing Suva or Lautoka and finishing in Australia or French Polynesia in May, October and December 2027. National Geographic Expeditions has a 16-day voyage starting in Tahiti and ending in Fiji, with departures in April and May.

Ponant/Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Silversea will include Fiji on routes connecting destinations across the wider South Pacific. Their routes take in Aitutaki, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti, letting passengers travel between islands without inter-island flights.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Crystal Cruises also have Fiji on their 2027 schedules. Tourism Fiji named both but did not detail their individual voyages.

The cruise program follows a record month for Fiji’s wider tourism industry: August 2026 was its busiest month for international arrivals. Tourism Fiji said cruising offers access to communities beyond the country’s established tourism hubs, with options to combine voyages with resort stays or longer South Pacific journeys.

Small-ship sailings and a new regional expedition

Within Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruises has introduced the 44-guest Yasawa Princess II, which entered the operator’s service in 2026 following a comprehensive refurbishment. The vessel has 22 cabins and a shallow-draft design that allows access to sheltered bays and islands inaccessible to larger ships, including the operator’s private beach. Blue Lagoon offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries through the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands.

Heritage Expeditions will add an 11-day roundtrip voyage from Lautoka aboard the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer. Departing March 14 and returning March 24, 2027, the “Tropical Islands of Fiji, Samoa & Tonga Cruise” will also visit the French overseas territories of Wallis and Futuna.

Lautoka is a short drive from Nadi International Airport, with nonstop flights from Sydney taking approximately four hours. The voyage’s Fiji destinations include Savusavu, Fulaga and Taveuni, while the wider itinerary includes village and market visits, cultural activities and sites associated with World War II history.

“This voyage is for adventurers of all levels looking to explore off the beaten track,” said Aaron Russ, commercial director and expedition leader at Heritage Expeditions.

Excursions include exploring the limestone islands of Fulaga and the rainforest and waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni. Other planned activities include snorkeling at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and Swallows Cave, with an optional guided sea-kayaking excursion also available.

Advertised fares for the expedition start at $7,160. Heritage Expeditions is offering a 20% early-booking discount for reservations made by October 30, 2026.

Compare current South Pacific cruise fares on Cruise Lookup.