Cruises & Expeditions · Best May–Oct
French Polynesia cruise packing list for families
A French Polynesia cruise is all about the water, from lagoon snorkeling to beach days on a private motu. Packing for wet, sunny days is the secret to an easy trip.
Photo by Fabien BELLANGER on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on French Polynesia Cruise
- Ships here are small, and many itineraries include a beach day on a private motu. Pack reef shoes for everyone, because the lagoon floors can be rocky or coral-covered.
- Getting here usually means an overnight flight from Los Angeles. I like to arrive a day or two before the cruise so kids can sleep off the travel before boarding.
- May through October is the drier season, and it lines up nicely with summer break. Book early, since ships are small and family-friendly cabins go first.
Best timeMay–Oct
PlugsTypes C and E, bring an adapter
MoneyCFP franc (cards accepted on board and at resorts)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
French Polynesia Cruise
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing15
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Formal-night outfit
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light rain jacketTropical showers pass through quickly.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Reef shoes for everyoneKristina's pickProtects feet from coral and rocky lagoon floors.
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Kids' snorkel maskThe lagoons are full of fish right off the beach.
Adventure1
Dry bagTender rides and motu days get wet.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech20
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickTypes C and E, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
French Polynesia Cruise weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
| February | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
| March | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
| April | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
| May | 87°F 31°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | |
| June | 86°F 30°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | Summer break sailings, when small ships fill early |
| July | 85°F 29°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | Heiva festival in July, with traditional dance, music, and sports Humpback whale season, with mothers and calves near the islands Summer break sailings, when small ships fill early |
| August | 85°F 29°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season, with mothers and calves near the islands Summer break sailings, when small ships fill early |
| September | 86°F 30°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season, with mothers and calves near the islands |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings | Humpback whale season, with mothers and calves near the islands |
| November | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Humpback whale season, with mothers and calves near the islands Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
| December | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid wet season with heavy showers and a cyclone risk | Wet season with lush green islands and fewer travelers |
Questions families ask
French Polynesia Cruise with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit French Polynesia Cruise with kids?
The best time is May–Oct. Drier, breezy season with warm days and pleasant evenings
What's the weather like in French Polynesia Cruise?
Typical daytime highs range from about 85°F (29°C) in July to about 89°F (32°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for French Polynesia Cruise?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for French Polynesia Cruise?
Types C and E, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for French Polynesia Cruise with kids?
Ships here are small, and many itineraries include a beach day on a private motu. Pack reef shoes for everyone, because the lagoon floors can be rocky or coral-covered.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.