French Polynesia guide
What Does a French Polynesia Cruise Cost?
French Polynesia is one of the more expensive warm-water destinations we sell, and the fare is only part of the total. Ship type, cabin category, what the fare includes, the length of the itinerary and the long-haul flights to Papeete each move the number substantially. We quote live pricing on specific departures rather than publishing ranges that go stale.
Why we do not print a price range
The spread between a sailing vessel, a small luxury ocean ship and the passenger-freighter service to the Marquesas is so wide that an average would mislead you. Two apparently similar weeks can differ by a factor of several, and the same ship can differ by thousands between cabin categories.
We would rather quote a live fare on a departure you are actually considering. That number is real, it includes what the line is currently offering, and it can be compared honestly against an alternative.
What moves the number most
In rough order of impact:
- Ship type and cabin category — the single largest variable.
- What the fare includes — excursions, diving, watersports, drinks and gratuities are included on some ships and charged on others.
- Season — dry-season departures are the most expensive; the wet season is the cheapest.
- Itinerary length — a Society Islands week against a two-week voyage taking in the Tuamotus or Marquesas.
- Flights to Papeete — direct from the US West Coast, with a connection and often a hotel night from elsewhere.
- Pre- and post-cruise nights — Papeete, Moorea or Bora Bora hotel rates are high by any standard.
Comparing two fares properly
The trap in this destination is the inclusion line. A fare that looks higher can be the cheaper trip once the diving, the lagoon excursions and the bar bill are counted, and a fare that looks low can turn into a long list of paid extras by the end of the week.
We work it out on paper before recommending anything: fare, included excursions, dive package if you want one, drinks, gratuities, flights and hotels, as one number. That is the only comparison worth making.
What our planning costs you
Nothing extra. Pricing matches booking direct, with Signature amenities added where available. Our compensation comes from the cruise lines, and we say so plainly on about.
Common questions
Are flights the biggest hidden cost?
For most American travelers they are the biggest cost people forget to plan. Papeete is a genuine long haul, and from the Midwest or East Coast you are adding a domestic leg and usually a hotel night. Booking the air early, and around the departure rather than after it, is where the savings are.
Is a longer trip better value?
Usually, yes. Two days of the journey are spent getting to and from Papeete regardless of how long you stay, so a ten- to fourteen-night trip spreads that cost across more of the holiday than a seven-night one does.
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Written by your expedition advisors
Chris Commisso · Expedition Expert
Erika Commisso · Travel Experience Architect
CLIA Elite Cruise Counselor · ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
Chris and Erika have personally sailed 18 expedition ships and explored eight expedition regions.
Last updated .