Cruising the South Pacific 

If you dream of swapping the nine-to-five for white sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and waves lapping against the shore, the South Pacific is waiting for you. It’s a place where time slows down, and your biggest worry is deciding whether to snorkel, nap, or order another cocktail.

A cruise is the perfect way to experience it all without the stress of figuring out flights, ferries, or where the good spots are. You get to visit many different South Pacific islands (Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Solomon Islands, the Loyalty Islands, etc), unpack once, and let the crew take care of the rest. This guide will cover everything you need to know: the destinations, the ships, what’s on offer, and a few tips to have the best vacation possible. 

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What Is the Best Month to Cruise to the South Pacific

The South Pacific’s the kind of place that feels like a dream year-round, but if you want to get the absolute best out of your cruise, timing matters.

For most travellers, the sweet spot is between May and October. That’s when the weather’s at its best: warm but not sweltering, with lower humidity, clear skies, and less chance of rain messing with your plans. It’s also the perfect time to make the most of the islands, whether you’re snorkelling in the lagoons or lounging under a palm tree with a cocktail in hand.

July and August are peak months, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices, especially if you’re travelling during the school holidays. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, the shoulder months of May, September, and October are a great pick. You still get the lovely weather, but without the hustle and bustle.

Now, if you’re not too fussed about a bit of rain and you’re keen on a bargain, cruising between November and April is still an option. Just keep in mind it’s the wet season, so the weather can be unpredictable.

All in all, you can’t go too wrong in the South Pacific, but if you want the sunshine, blue skies, and the best chance of smooth sailing, May to October is where it’s at.

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Which Cruise Lines Go to the South Pacific

If you’re dreaming of cruising through the South Pacific, the good news is there’s no shortage of options. Every major cruise line is keen to get you there, from big-name players to smaller, more intimate operators.

1. Ponant

Ponant is one of those lines that quietly slips into places the big ships can’t reach, and the South Pacific is right in their wheelhouse. In 2025, they’re sending ships like Le Paul Gauguin and Le Jacques Cartier to explore some of the region’s more remote corners: think Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and French Polynesia. The experience is part expedition, part floating boutique hotel, with French flair, great food, and a focus on local culture. If you’re looking for small-ship luxury without the fanfare, this is your match.

2. Royal Caribbean

For travellers who like their cruises big, bold, and packed with things to do, Royal Caribbean is a go-to. In the 2025/26 season, Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are both sailing out of Australia to South Pacific hotspots like Noumea, Mystery Island, and Port Vila. These ships are floating cities, with surf simulators, skydiving machines, bumper cars, and heaps more. Perfect for families or anyone who likes a lively ship and lots of choice, both onboard and ashore.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is all about relaxed sophistication, and they’re bringing their star player, Celebrity Edge, to the South Pacific in 2025/26. Destinations include Fiji, Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga, and they’ve woven in cultural experiences like local village visits and food tastings. If you want something that feels stylish without being stuffy (and you still like a good cocktail and a comfy lounger), this line hits the mark.

4. Princess Cruises

Princess is a household name in Australia for good reason. They’ve been doing South Pacific cruises for years and know the region well. In the upcoming season, you’ll see Grand Princess and Royal Princess offering round-trip sailings from Sydney and Brisbane. Destinations include New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and even some longer itineraries that stretch out to French Polynesia. Princess strikes a nice balance between comfort, familiarity, and just the right amount of pampering.

5. Cunard

Cunard’s presence in the South Pacific usually comes as part of their longer world voyages, and while they’re not always as visible as other lines, they bring a very different flavour. Think formal evenings, afternoon tea, and a grand, old-world feel that you won’t get elsewhere. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience with a touch of British charm, keep an eye on Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2, which occasionally pop into the region on their extended itineraries.

6. Holland America Line

Holland America tends to fly a bit under the radar in the South Pacific, but they’ve got a loyal following and a reputation for longer, more immersive itineraries. Their cruises often connect Australia or New Zealand with islands like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tahiti. Expect a quieter atmosphere, excellent service, and a crowd that’s more into cultural excursions than pool games. It’s a good fit if you want to explore the region without the noise and bustle of the mega-ships.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL is stepping into the South Pacific with its laid-back, freestyle cruising style. The Norwegian Sun is running 14-day itineraries through French Polynesia and Hawaii in 2025, hitting places like Papeete, Moorea, and Raiatea. Their “do what you want, when you want” approach works especially well for this kind of region, where the whole point is to take things slow and enjoy the view.

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania’s Insignia is one of the ships popping up in the South Pacific with longer itineraries focused on French Polynesia, Fiji, and New Caledonia. It’s the kind of cruise where the onboard experience is as important as the destinations: fine dining, smaller passenger numbers, and a slower pace. If you’re the type who wants to savour your trip (and your food), Oceania delivers a more refined, immersive way to see the islands.

9. Carnival Cruises

Carnival brings the fun wherever it goes, and the South Pacific is no exception. Ships like Carnival Splendor, Carnival Encounter, and Carnival Adventure are scheduled to cover routes to Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu from 2025 onwards. These cruises are upbeat, casual, and good value for money, making them ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone just looking to kick back, grab a cocktail, and let loose.

10. Regent Seven Seas

While Regent hasn’t officially announced all its South Pacific itineraries for 2025/26, they tend to sail through the region as part of longer luxury voyages. If they’re in the area, you can expect an ultra-all-inclusive experience: shore excursions, business-class flights, top-shelf drinks, the works. It’s the kind of cruise where you don’t need to think about a thing once you’re onboard.

11. Silversea

Silversea’s Silver Nova is heading to the South Pacific for the 2025/26 holiday season, covering everything from New Zealand and Fiji to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. It’s luxury all the way: smaller ships, exceptional service, and destinations that most cruise lines don’t touch. If you’re after a premium experience but want something a bit more adventurous than your typical poolside cruise, this is it.

12. Scenic

Scenic is going big in the South Pacific with its ultra-luxe expedition yacht Scenic Eclipse II. This isn’t your typical cruise. Think helicopters, submarines, butlers, and all-suite accommodation. Their itineraries hit remote spots in Papua New Guinea, the Solomons, and beyond, combining luxury with serious exploration. Perfect if you’ve done the usual islands and want something next-level.

So, whether you’re after a laid-back luxury escape, an island-hopping adventure, or just a break where you don’t have to think too hard, there’s a cruise line ready to take you there.

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Popular Ships Visiting the South Pacific

If you’re heading to the South Pacific, there are plenty of ships ready to take you there.

For the 2025/26 season, you’ve got some of the big names like Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, both known for being packed with entertainment, activities, and a lively vibe that’s perfect if you like a bit of energy onboard. 

Princess Cruises is also in the mix, with Grand Princess and Royal Princess offering a more classic, laid-back cruising experience, while still getting you to those gorgeous islands.

Celebrity Edge is turning heads, too, since it’s one of those ships that feels a bit like a floating resort, with all the sleek design and fancy extras. And if you want a smaller, more intimate vibe, Paul Gauguin is the go-to for the South Pacific. It’s been sailing the region for years and has that relaxed, ‘you’re-part-of-the-family’ feel.

For something a little different, Seabourn Pursuit is all about the luxury expedition experience. Think smaller groups, off-the-beaten-path stops, and plenty of chances to get close to nature. 

Then there’s Silver Nova from Silversea, bringing a touch of modern luxury to the islands, while Insignia from Oceania and Windstar’s small ships are perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and explore those hidden gems.

And let’s not forget Carnival Splendor. It’s a bit of a classic in Australian waters, and it’ll be doing the rounds too, visiting favourites like Lifou Island, Port Vila, and Noumea.

So, whether you’re after a big, fun-filled adventure or something a bit more low-key, there’s a ship heading to the South Pacific with your name on it.

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Popular Ports in the South Pacific

The South Pacific is full of ports that’ll make you want to get off the ship and stay a little longer. Every stop’s got its own thing going on. Some are laid-back and quiet, others are buzzing with markets, music, and a fair bit of action.

Papeete’s a bit of a hub with lots of colour, a bit chaotic, but in a good way. It’s the place you start or end a lot of trips, and the market there is great for grabbing some fresh fruit or a shell necklace you’ll probably never wear again, but will buy.

Then there’s Bora Bora with its picture-perfect water, overwater bungalows, and those blue lagoon views that make you feel like you’re in a postcard.

Moorea’s just next door and is more laid-back, with fewer people but just as much charm. If you like the idea of swimming with stingrays or taking in some stunning views, this is the spot.

Fiji’s ports, like Suva and Lautoka, are a bit more bustling. There are plenty of markets, sugar cane fields, and a proper slice of island sea life. Vanuatu’s got Port Vila for a bit of shopping and exploring, while Mystery Island is, well, a mystery. It’s uninhabited, so it’s just you, the pristine beach, and the occasional snorkeller.

Over in New Caledonia, Noumea’s got a bit of a French twist, but the Isle of Pines, though, is where you go when you want to switch off completely.

Samoa and American Samoa (Apia and Pago Pago) are all about that laid-back island atmosphere, with local markets, churches, and those bright, colourful houses. And if you end up in the Cook Islands, Rarotonga’s the main event, while Aitutaki’s lagoon is straight-up tropical paradise.

Overall, every port’s got its own story. Get off the ship, have a wander, and soak it all in. That’s what cruising the South Pacific is about.