Cruises to Moorea

139 Reviews
Moorea (Photo:GuilhermeMesquita/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Moorea

They don't call the heart-shaped Moorea "the magical island" for nothing. Dominated by jagged mountain peaks, turquoise lagoons and lush tropical foliage, Moorea is the favorite port of call on French Polynesia cruises for many passengers and crew members.

Some say that Bali Hai, the fictional island from the musical South Pacific, was based on Moorea -- and the island looks the way you probably imagine a tropical paradise to look (even unsightly power cables are buried underground to further the paradisaical effect). Even better is the wide, shallow lagoon that surrounds it. You can swim or snorkel right from shore, or take a short boat ride out to a secluded motu, a tiny islet.

Upscale Bora Bora may get more hype, but Moorea is a sleeper. While it doesn't have Bora Bora's drop-dead beautiful lagoon, there are many beautiful vistas at every turn for those who take the time to explore. Residents of Tahiti know all about it. They come for the weekend because it's so easy to get here, a mere 30 minutes on the fast ferry from Papeete. No matter when you visit, you won't find crowds or traffic jams. Only about 16,000 people call Moorea home.

  • More about Moorea

  • Why Cruise to Moorea?

  • Moorea Cruise Port Facilities?

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Regatta
Regatta

10 Night
Tahiti Cruise

423 Reviews
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Seven Seas Voyager
Seven Seas Voyager

10 Night
South Pacific Cruise

344 Reviews
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Star Breeze
Star Breeze

10 Night
Tahiti & The Tuamotu Islands 10d Ppt-ppt

123 Reviews
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Grand Princess
Grand Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

33 Night
South Pacific Cruise

1,601 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

17 Night
Tahitian Treasures Cruise

2,220 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

37 Night
Grand World Voyage

1,028 Reviews
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32 Night
South Pacific Cruise

1,020 Reviews
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12 Night
Dreams Of Tahiti Package With Air From Sea+hotel &...

123 Reviews
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13 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,168 Reviews
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12 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,123 Reviews
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54 Night
Australia Cruise

1,228 Reviews
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150 Night
150 Night World Cruise

392 Reviews
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36 Night
Transpacific Cruise

1,777 Reviews
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31 Night
Transpacific Cruise

2,240 Reviews
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35 Night
Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas

866 Reviews
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More about Moorea

Why Cruise to Moorea?

Pros:

Spectacular rugged mountains are the island's scenic drawcard

Cons:

The lagoon is not as invitingly blue as Bora Bora's

Bottom Line:

Plenty to do on land and sea, but renting a car or scooter will add to the experience

Moorea Cruise Port Facilities?

Merchants set up tables of shell jewelry, key chains, pareos and other wallet-friendly souvenirs at each tender drop-off spot on the island. There are also a few cafes, pizza parlours and shops in Cook's Bay -- but that's about it. Remember, you're in Moorea to get away from it all.

Good to Know?

Chickens cross the road! Moorea is sleepy and safe; apart from sunburn and mosquito bites there's little to fear. Still, practice common sense especially if renting motor scooters.

Getting Around?

By Car: Driving around Moorea is easy and a fun way to spend a day in port. The island's coastal road is 40 miles (63 km) long and there are only a few roads that venture into the island's interior -- the main one wanders up to the Belvedere Lookout for amazing views. As in Tahiti, distances are measured by Pointes Kilometre markers, called PK, which begin at 0 at the airport and are numbered both clockwise and anti- or counter-clockwise. For example, the Hilton Resort, located between the two bays on the north coast, is located at PK13 counter-clockwise on maps. You'll get the idea once you start driving. Avis (689-40-56-32-68), Europcar (689-40-56-28-64) and the family-owned Albert Rent-a-Car (689-40-55-21-10) rent cars from around 90 Euro a day at Vaiare and other locations across the island; advance reservations are highly recommended and prices are seasonal. Local car rental agencies gather at the pier, as do renters of bicycles and scooters. There is virtually no public transportation on Moorea, and taxis are expensive. Even hitching a ride is chancy as there is so little traffic, although it is perfectly safe

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The local currency is the French Pacific franc, which is written as CFP in shops, and on currency exchange websites as XPF. Banque de Polynesie ATM is located in Le Petit Village, the island's main shopping area on the north-west coast of the island.

Language?

French and Tahitian are the official languages. Some locals speak English, but don't count on it. Carry an English/French dictionary or phrase book.

Where You're Docked?

Ships anchor off the town of Vaiare on the east coast -- or in Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay on the northern coast -- and tenders passengers to makeshift villages that spring to life only when ships are in.


Moorea Cruise Reviews
Moorea was sensational and will look to go there again in the future Read More
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Chillimudcrab
Moorea is unbelievably beautiful ! We booked a ATV tour through Viator and had a terrific time riding through the pineapple fields, up to Belvedere Lookout and Magic Mountain. Highly recommended.Read More
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doyleb
I wish I could give this port even more stars. We did a Waverunner excursion here that was absolutely the best ever. We also got to swim with sharks and stingrays. We were in Nuka Hiva, Bora Bora, Tahiti and MooRead More
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Iloveketo
Enjoyed the cultural tourRead More
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stephenking

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