Just a short journey from Australian shores lies the awe-inspiring expanse of the South Pacific, an idyllic paradise that stands out because of its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and an array of vibrant cultures.
With its proximity to Australia, the South Pacific Islands have long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a tropical getaway. The region’s wonderful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters and array of countries keep drawing Aussie travellers and cruisers back in.
Additionally, the most popular destination in the South Pacific is Fiji, thanks to its wonderful, family-friendly resorts, great diving and lovely locals. Cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries, departing from Sydney or Brisbane, which are generally at least seven days.
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American Samoa
American Samoa is still a relatively exotic cruise port, generally only part of round-the-world or trans-Pacific itineraries. National park covers three of the territory’s seven islands and atolls. The main attractions are its rainforest hiking trails and snorkeling and diving.
Pago Pago
The small capital of American Samoa is a quiet tropical outpost with limited facilities. Locals set up an impromptu market on the waterfront when a cruise ship arrives. The harbour is surrounded by a stunning mountain range and highlights of the town include the Jean P Haydon Museum of American Samoa and the arts-and-craft centres selling hand-blocked tapa prints.
What is this destination best for?
- Couples
- nature lovers
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- HAL
- NCL
- Oceania
- P&O
- Princess
- Regent
Cook Islands
Just to the southwest of Tahiti, the Cook Islands are one of the quieter corners of the South Pacific. The nation is famous for its snorkelling and scuba-diving sites and the Wreck of the Matai is a popular diving site. The 15 islands bask in sunshine almost year-round and are known for their unique white coral churches, pristine beaches and rugged jungle interiors. The most popular cruise ship port is Rarotonga.
Rarotonga & Aitutaki
Rarotonga is the largest island and is home to rugged mountains as well as the capital, Avarua, where cruisers can shop for local handicrafts, perfume and black pearls. Smaller ships can visit Aitutaki, regarded as one of the prettiest islands in the South Pacific with one of the world’s best lagoons.
What is this destination best for?
- Beach and water lovers
What cruise lines visit this destination?
- HAL
- Paul Gauguin Cruises
Fiji: The cruise centre in the South Pacific
One of the most-visited cruise destinations in the South Pacific, Fiji has rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and pristine coral reefs. The year-round tropical weather makes it popular among cruisers – and it’s just a short sail from Brisbane and Sydney.
Nadi (Port Denarau & Lautoka)
Relax in a thermal mud pool in Sabeto Valley and visit the nearby Garden of the Sleeping Giant to see native plants and an impressive orchid collection. The Koroyanitu National Heritage Park has walking trails through forests and grasslands as well as traditional villages.
What is this destination best for?
- All ages
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Captain Cook Cruises
- Carnival
- Celebrity
- Cunard
- Disney Cruise Line
- HAL
- NCL
- Paradise Adventures & Cruises
- P&O
- Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Princess
- Regent
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
- Windstar
Suva
Suva is the busiest and largest city in Fiji. At the Municipal Handicraft Centre you can watch local artists making unique souvenirs. The Colo-I-Suva Forest has hiking trails, swimming beaches and bird-watching spots. The beautiful Coral Coast stretches from Suva to Sigatoka, and is dotted with resorts and beaches.
What is this destination best for?
- Families
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Celebrity
- Cunard
- HAL
- P&O
- Princess
- Regent
- Royal Caribbean
- Windstar
Papua New Guinea
The southwestern Pacific nation has some fantastic inland and active volcanoes. There are dense rainforests and hiking routes, including the famous Kokoda Trail, and stunning coral reefs for divers and snorkellers. Lines such as P&O have started to send cruise ships to this lovely region.
Alotau
Milne Bay is a lovely spot for snorkelling in clear water with myriad fish and other sea life. It was also the site of fierce fighting during World War II and tours take in Wahuhuba Bay where the Japanese first landed. Alotau town has a small market.
What is this destination best for?
- History buffs
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- APT
- Cunard
- Oceania
- P&O
- Princess
- Regent
New Caledonia
The French territory of New Caledonia has beautiful small islands, including the Isle of Pines, and is also known for its palm-lined beaches and one of the world’s largest lagoons, which is rich in marine life. Many major cruise lines visit the country.
Noumea
The capital Noumea is home to French-influenced restaurants and luxury boutiques selling Parisian fashion. Adventure seekers will enjoy the Mont Koghi Nature trek or take a Segway ride around Parc Zoologique et Forestier to see the cagou, a flightless bird that is the symbol of New Caledonia. The Tchou Tchou train traverses the city to Notre Dame de Pacific lookout, stopping at a couple of swimming hideaways including Lemon Bay beach.
What is this destination best for?
- Families
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Carnival
- Celebrity
- HAL
- P&O
- NCL
- Oceania
- Princess
- Ponant
- Royal Caribbean
Isle of Pines
Take a boat ride to Turtle Bay to see loggerhead and green turtles, swim in the clear waters or simply relax by the beach. The beautiful Cave of Queen Hortense is surrounded by rainforest and is one of the largest limestone caves on the island. Shop for souvenirs including sandalwood products at market stalls along Kuto Bay.
What is this destination best for?
- Couples
- families
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Carnival Australia
- Celebrity
- HAL
- NCL
- Oceania
- P&O
- Princess
- Royal Caribbean
- Seabourn
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and with its black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and extinct volcanoes, it’s a popular destination for remote cruises. Papeete, on the island’s north, features on longer cruise itineraries around the Pacific. For a uniquely local experience, Aranui sails from the island and offers cruisers a once-in-a-lifetime experience on board its half-cargo, half-passenger vessels.
What is this destination best for?
- Nature lovers
- couples
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Aranui
- Celebrity
- Cunard
- HAL
- Oceania
- Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Ponant
- Princess
- Regent
- Royal Caribbean
- Windstar
Vanuatu
One of the main attractions of Vanuatu is scuba diving in underwater caverns and wrecks from World War II.
Port Vila
Port Vila’s bustling downtown market is a vibrant spot where locals in brightly coloured dresses shop for produce including king-sized bananas, papayas and mud crabs. At Mele Cascades water crashes down into small pools, some deep enough to swim in. For culture, visit the Ekasup Village to watch demonstrations on traditional cooking, singing and hunting.
What is this destination best for?
- families
Which cruise lines visit this destination?
- Carnival
- HAL
- NCL
- Oceania
- P&O
- Princess
- Royal Caribbean
Mystery Island
This little gem at the southern tip of the Vanuatu archipelago can only be reached by ship. Surrounded by clear blue waters and sheltered by coral reefs, it is the perfect snorkelling and paddleboarding hideaway. Enjoy a traditional Vanuatu massage under a palm tree or get your hair braided at a beachside village market. It only takes about 40 minutes to walk around the island.
What is this destination best for?
- Families with kids
What cruise lines visit this destination?
Carnival, Celebrity, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn.
