Turquoise seas, silky soft white sands, coconut-laden palm trees and cute islands – it’s no wonder South Pacific cruises often top the bucket lists of cruise lovers.
From the pinkish-hued sand of Champagne Bay in Vanuatu to the bluest of blue seas in Fiji and a touch of France in pretty Noumea, the South Pacific is perfect for couples, families, first-time cruisers and those who love to follow the sun.
Here are some handpicked cruise itineraries that will entice you to pack your swimmers and sunscreen and enjoy long lazy days discovering South Pacific gems.
LUXURY
Silversea
Silversea offers more than 40 journeys to French Polynesia and the Pacific region, including a two-week voyage leaving from Lautoka, Fiji, return on the sleek Silver Cloud from May 6, 2025.
The cruise also visits Tonga, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, providing a deep dive into local lifestyles. Highlights include meeting island communities off the beaten track, swimming in tropical waters teeming with sea life, walking among lush vegetation and learning about eco-systems from onboard biologists.
Two-week Tahiti cruises are also popular, from Papeete return on Silver Whisper.
Tahiti is a kaleidoscope of colour, from the fine white beaches of Moorea to the starry skies in Raiatea, the turquoise waters of the Fakarava atoll, and the emerald greens of the Marquesas Islands.
Ponant
Ponant offers a choice of 64 cruises in Oceania and the Pacific Islands, and also ventures to mysterious Easter Island.
It won’t take long to fall under the spell of the idyllic beaches of French Polynesia and New Caledonia, where the snorkelling and marine life is amazing. A 14-night Polynesia and Easter Island cruise on Le Boreal from Papeete to Hanga Roa Easter Island is a standout.
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, Easter Island is known for its undeciphered “rongorongo” inscriptions carved into wooden tablets, and its striking moais or walking statues.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seven Seas Navigator embarks on a variety of voyages in the South Pacific, including an immersive exploration of French Polynesia with a round-trip sailing from Papeete, Tahiti. There are multiple overnight stays across the sailings, including at the “world’s most romantic island”, Bora Bora. The 10- to 18-night sailings also visit Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Suva, Fiji; Noumea, New Caledonia; and Apia, Samoa. A standout excursion includes a motorised outrigger canoe ride discovering the beauty of Raiatea, known as the homeland of ancient Polynesians. You will pass by wild hibiscus, ginger and bamboo groves and hear tales about those who sailed to faraway Hawaii and New Zealand.
Scenic
The luxe Scenic Eclipse II, which has two helicopters and a submersible, sails on cruises that showcase diverse regions of Polynesia and the Pacific Islands.
The ship also visits the unofficially named Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai, the world’s newest island, which emerged between two existing islands in December 2014 after the eruption of a submerged volcano that spewed steam, ash, and rocks into the air. The 8-day Lagoons, Reefs & Cultures of Fiji and the Pacific cruise visits the stunning Yasawa archipelago with its 20 volcanic islands, which served as the backdrop for the iconic Blue Lagoon movies and are a photographer’s dream.
Seabourn
Seabourn Pursuit’s 2025 season will see an additional 13 expedition voyages to more than 40 destinations departing between August and September, including the South Pacific.
A 14-Day Island Cultures and Coral Coasts to Melanesia and Polynesia on Seabourn Pursuit departs Lautoka, Fiji on September 27, 2025, and finishes in Papeete, French Polynesia.
Highlights include Kadavu Island, Fiji, a paradise with incredible reefs, tangled rainforests and friendly and welcoming locals, and Nukupule Island with pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, coral reefs and an introduction to traditional Tongan island life. The ship also stops in Samoa and the Cook Islands.
PREMIUM
Oceania Cruises
A dolphin-watching expedition to the outer reefs from the Tahitian port of Moorea, with a marine-biology researcher as your guide, is one of the impressive excursions on offer on a French Polynesia cruise. Acrobatic spinner dolphins and other marine mammals frequent the warm waters of the area, where pilot whales and humpbacks are seen during the breeding season. You will also learn about French Polynesia’s geology and evolution, and view Moorea’s dramatic beauty from the sea, followed by a swim or snorkel. There are multiple Papeete return cruises offered with land immersion programs.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises visits many enchanting islands on its extensive Tahiti, French Polynesia and South Pacific Cruise itineraries. Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu cruises showcase the stunning natural beauty of the region, along with its colourful cultures and rich histories. An 11-day round trip from Sydney on Crown Princess, leaving December 4, 2024, visits five including Noumea, a little piece of France in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Try the delicious croissants and pastries from a local patisserie. The ship also stops at Mystery Island, Port Vila and Luganville in Vanuatu.
CONTEMPORARY
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa cruise to stunning South Pacific tropical islands known for great snorkelling and swimming. The cruise line also offers more than 45 family activities on board to keep everyone entertained.
An Isle of Pines cruise from Australia ventures almost to the heart of paradise – literally: the former Pacific Ocean penal colony is nicknamed “the closest to paradise”. Shore excursions on a New Caledonia cruise offer water activities in the blue waters and diving on coral reefs of Kuto Bay. The area is known for its picture-postcard beaches.
Disney Cruise Line
You’ll meet all your favourite Disney characters on Disney Wonder, on a 14-night cruise from Hawaii that crosses the international dateline on its way to Sydney, stopping at South Pacific ports along the way.
The cruise sails October 3-19, 2024, with an itinerary that takes you to the picturesque beaches and colourful coral reefs of Pago Pago in American Samoa, as well as Fiji and New Caledonia.
The Disney cruise will include fun deck parties, dazzling Broadway-style shows and gourmet themed dining. There’s also a 15-night cruise scheduled for 10-24 February 2025.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL offers cruises that venture to two of the world’s most popular holiday destinations – French Polynesia and Hawaii in one cruise, as well as South Pacific cruises.
The French Polynesian cruises depart from Papeete, Tahiti, and Honolulu, Hawaii, with itineraries that have been designed to showcase the most beautiful scenery in the region.
Activities include paddle boarding in Maui, diving and snorkelling in Tahiti or, if you want to relax, simply sitting back and taking in the stunning views in Raiatea. A 14-night South Pacific: Fiji, Vanuatu and Great Barrier Reef cruise on Norwegian Sun departs on 23 April 2025, visiting 11 ports.
OFF BEAT/BOUTIQUE
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Gauguines and Gauguins – Tahitian hosts and hostesses – star aboard the luxury Ms Paul Gauguin, a small-sized ship designed for navigation among the lagoons and shallow seas. It has 165 spacious staterooms and suites, all with sea views and most with balconies. Six itineraries, ranging from 7 to 14 nights, visit Tahiti, Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Moorea. Cruises also call in the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Islands and the Cook Islands.
