Polynesia Expedition Cruise Lines Compared
Polynesia — spanning remote atolls, volcanic islands, and storied anchorages from Papeete to Easter Island — draws travelers chasing one of cruising's great bucket-list itineraries. Gvoya's current inventory lists 575 departures across 10 cruise lines, with voyages ranging from 3 to 144 nights and embarkation ports including Papeete, Darwin, Te Anau, and Molokai. October is the busiest departure month, and the most common itinerary length is 13 nights. Below is a neutral, side-by-side look at five featured lines — Silversea, Heritage Expeditions, Ponant, UnCruise Adventures, and Lindblad Expeditions — to help travelers weigh their options.
Silversea
Silversea offers Polynesia voyages from $17,000, with itineraries from 22 nights. Its all-inclusive pricing model typically covers flights, shore excursions, gratuities, beverages, and onboard dining, making the headline fare a relatively comprehensive cost indicator. Itinerary highlights may include calls at Fakarava, Raiatea, and Easter Island, among other remote waypoints across International Waters. Physical demands are generally moderate, with expedition landings available but not mandatory on most sailings. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.
Ideaal voor: Well-suited for travelers seeking longer immersive voyages with an all-inclusive cost structure and a preference for spacious, amenity-rich ships.
Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions offers Polynesia departures from $10,000, with itineraries from 13 nights. The line operates the Heritage Explorer, an intimate vessel with a guest capacity of just 18, enabling access to shallower anchorages and wildlife-rich sites that larger ships cannot reach. Embarkation options include ports such as Papeete. The small-ship format means a higher guide-to-guest ratio, and itineraries often emphasize natural history and ecological interpretation. Physical requirements vary by landing type — some Zodiac-based shore excursions may require a moderate level of mobility. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.
Ideaal voor: Well-suited for travelers who prioritize intimate, naturalist-led experiences aboard a small vessel with access to off-the-beaten-track anchorages.
Ponant
Ponant offers Polynesia sailings from $11,000, with itineraries from 11 nights. The line operates multiple ships in the region, including Le Jacques-Cartier (capacity 184) and Le Soléal (capacity 264), offering a mid-size expedition experience with French-influenced hospitality and cuisine. Ports of call can include Fakarava, Lautoka, and Honolulu, among others. All-inclusive elements vary by fare category, so travelers should confirm what is covered at booking. Physical demands are generally accessible, with optional expedition activities available for those seeking more active engagement. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.
Ideaal voor: Well-suited for travelers looking for a mid-size expedition ship with a refined onboard atmosphere and a range of itinerary lengths across Polynesia.
UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures offers Polynesia voyages from $8,000, with itineraries from 7 nights, representing one of the shorter entry-point options in this comparison. The line's Safari Explorer accommodates 36 guests, creating a small-group dynamic with an emphasis on active, immersive exploration — including snorkeling, kayaking, and skiff excursions. Embarkation ports include Molokai and Hilo, with itinerary highlights spanning Kailua Kona and other Hawaiian and Polynesian waypoints. The active programming means a moderate-to-good level of physical fitness is helpful for getting the most from the experience. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.
Ideaal voor: Well-suited for active travelers seeking shorter, adventure-focused small-ship sailings with hands-on water and land activities.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions offers Polynesia departures from $20,000, with itineraries from 15 nights. Lindblad is known for its partnership with National Geographic, and its voyages typically feature onboard naturalists, undersea specialists, and photography experts. Itinerary highlights can include Easter Island, Fakarava, and remote International Waters passages. The all-in pricing generally reflects a comprehensive expedition package, though travelers should verify inclusions at booking. Physical requirements range from light to moderate depending on the specific landing and activity program chosen. Prices and availability are subject to change; final price confirmed at booking.
Ideaal voor: Well-suited for travelers with a strong interest in natural history, scientific interpretation, and photography-focused expedition programming on longer voyages.
Polynesia's cruise landscape offers meaningful variety across price point, voyage length, ship size, and onboard philosophy. UnCruise Adventures and Heritage Expeditions provide shorter or more intimate options at lower starting fares, while Silversea and Lindblad Expeditions cater to those seeking longer, more comprehensively packaged expeditions. Ponant sits in the middle ground with mid-size ships and flexible itinerary lengths. Travelers should weigh total all-inclusive cost (not just the headline fare), preferred voyage length, physical activity level, and desired group size when comparing these lines. With 575 departures available across the region — spanning every calendar month and embarkation points from Papeete to Darwin — there is a broad range of options to match different travel styles and schedules. No single line is the definitive choice for every traveler; the right fit depends on individual priorities.
Klaar om uw reis naar Polynesië te plannen?
Bekijk actuele afvaarten of vraag het onze concierge – wat u maar wilt.