Nuku'alofa, Tonga 

Watch and swim with southern Humpback whales for an out of the world experience you won't forget during Nuku'alofa holidays. Sign up for tours that will take you to the exotic beaches in the nearby islets where you can swim, snorkel and relax or get cultural and take time off to get acquainted with the Tongan people, their dances, cooking, tapa making, weaving and wood carving at the National Centre.

Your ship will dock alongside at the Queen Salote Wharf.

Limited taxis are available dockside.

On the wharf where our ship docks there will be handicrafts stalls and a Duty Free goods tent. Downtown, a couple of kilometres from the ship, the Talamahu Market sells everything from fruits and vegetables to beautifully patterned tapa cloth, handicrafts and carvings. Whether you buy or simply browse, the market is a fascinating place to wander through and try out a few words of Tongan. Please ensure that any items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

Nuku’alofa has a good range of cafes and restaurants specialising in traditional Polynesian and other regional specialties that utilise local ingredients, particularly suckling pig, root vegetables, seasonal fruit, and seafood such as snapper, mahi-mahi, lobster and octopus.

The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume this food, they do so entirely at their own risk.

Tonga’s climate is tropical, but the trade winds temper any extremes. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

Tipping is not a custom, nor is bargaining.

Major credit cards and charge cards are accepted in restaurants, cafés, hotels and large stores.

Public telephones are available throughout Nuku’alofa.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. In cooler months, bring a jacket. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Please remember to dress modestly. Revealing clothes are not considered suitable by the Tongan people.

There are a number of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Nuku’alofa. Subject to availability, tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk.

Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Nukn’alofa or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries, Thank you.

In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest crew member. Alternatively, P&O Cruises Port Agent for Nuku’Alofa is:

Forum Shipping Agencies
Suite No 1-5 South Building Fakfanua Centre
P.O.Box 1346
Nuku’Alofa, Tonga
Tel: (67) 6 23 012
Fax: (67) 6 23 345