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Pacific

From Alaska’s towering glaciers and Hawaii’s fiery volcanoes to the crystalline lagoons of the South Pacific, explore why the world’s largest ocean is home to some of cruising’s most extraordinary voyages.

Venture Into the Vast Pacific

Covering more than a third of the Earth’s surface, the Pacific Ocean is a boundless stage for adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the raw wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage, the tropical allure of the Hawaiian Islands, or the remote beauty of Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand, a Pacific cruise delivers landscapes and cultural encounters you simply can’t find anywhere else. With itineraries ranging from week-long coastal escapes to sweeping transoceanic journeys, there’s a Pacific voyage perfectly suited to every traveller—and our team of 23+ expert advisors has sailed these waters to help you find yours.

Amazon Pink Dolphin
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Silversea Silver Endeavour
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A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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An elegant cafe interior on a cruise ship featuring a curved bar, warm lighting, and yellow and brown color scheme. The 'Caffe Italia' sign highlights the Italian-themed dining area.
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Awe-Inspiring Scenery

Glaciers carving into the sea, volcanic islands rising from deep blue waters, ancient rainforests, and coral reefs bursting with colour—every Pacific itinerary is a visual masterpiece.

Extraordinary Cultures

Polynesian traditions, the Hawaiian aloha spirit, indigenous Alaskan heritage, Maori haka ceremonies, and Aussie warmth—immerse yourself in cultures that have thrived alongside the Pacific for millennia.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventures

Watch humpback whales breach in Alaska, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hike a live volcanic crater in Hawaii, or kayak a Polynesian lagoon—the Pacific is where bucket lists come true.

Discover the Pacific’s Cruising Regions

The Pacific stretches across an astonishing variety of cruising regions, each offering its own personality and appeal. Our expert advisors have sailed these waters firsthand and will guide you toward the Pacific itinerary that matches your travel style, timeline, and budget.

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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Alaska & Pacific Northwest

Key Ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Victoria, Seattle, Vancouver

Known For: Calving glaciers, wildlife encounters (whales, bears, eagles), gold rush history, stunning fjords

Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and scenic cruising fans

Duration: 7-14 nights

View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Hawaii

Key Ports: Honolulu (Oahu), Maui (Lahaina/Kahului), Kona (Big Island), Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hilo (Big Island)

Known For: Active volcanoes, Nā Pali Coast, luau experiences, world-class snorkelling, lush valleys

Ideal For: Couples, families, and anyone seeking tropical beauty with American convenience

Duration: 7-15 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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South Pacific & Australia/New Zealand

Key Ports: Sydney, Auckland, Bora Bora, Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Moorea, Great Barrier Reef

Known For: Overwater bungalows, Maori culture, the Great Barrier Reef, remote island paradises, wine regions

Ideal For: Experienced cruisers, honeymooners, and bucket-list travelers

Duration: 10-21+ nights

Compare Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature Alaska & Pacific Northwest Hawaii South Pacific & Australia/NZ
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–15 nights 10–21+ nights
Main Departure Ports Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles
Best For Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, scenic cruising Couples, families, tropical relaxation Experienced cruisers, honeymooners, bucket-list seekers
Highlights Glacier viewing, whale watching, gold rush towns, fjords Active volcanoes, Nā Pali Coast, luaus, snorkelling Great Barrier Reef, Bora Bora lagoons, Maori culture, wine country
A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Let our Pacific cruise expert advisors chart the course for you.

With so many incredible destinations across the Pacific, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options—and that’s exactly where we come in. Maybe Alaska is calling your name with its jaw-dropping glaciers, breaching humpbacks, and frontier towns like Juneau and Skagway. Perhaps you’re dreaming of Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, the dramatic Nā Pali Coast, and the warm aloha spirit you’ll find on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Or maybe you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime across the South Pacific—turquoise lagoons in Bora Bora and Fiji, the Sydney Opera House from the harbour, or New Zealand’s breathtaking Milford Sound. You can even link multiple regions together on a grand Pacific crossing or repositioning voyage. Whatever you envision, our team of 23+ expert advisors—many of whom have sailed these very waters—will personalise the perfect Pacific cruise for you. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Expand Your Pacific Horizons

Many Pacific voyages can be extended or paired with neighbouring regions to create an even more remarkable journey across the world’s largest ocean.

  • Japan – Ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and world-class cuisine
  • Pacific Coastal – California wine country, the Mexican Riviera, and the Pacific Coast Highway from sea
  • Transpacific Crossings – Grand ocean voyages connecting North America to Asia or the South Pacific
  • Southeast Asia – Combine a South Pacific cruise with stops in Vietnam, Thailand, or Singapore
A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

When to Sail the Pacific

Because the Pacific spans such a vast area, the ideal timing depends entirely on your chosen region—and our advisors know the sweet spot for every destination.

Alaska (May – September): Alaska’s cruise season stretches from late spring into early autumn. Mid-summer—June through August—delivers the longest daylight hours and warmest conditions, while May and September reward travellers with thinner crowds and often spectacular wildlife sightings.

Hawaii (Year-Round): Blessed with warm tropical weather all year, Hawaii is always ready for you. The winter months (December – March) bring prime whale watching season off Maui, while summer offers the calmest seas and peak sunshine.

South Pacific & Australia/New Zealand (October – April): The Southern Hemisphere’s warmer months provide optimal conditions for exploring island paradises and coastal gems Down Under. November through March is the most popular window for these waters.

Transpacific & Pacific Coastal (Spring and Fall): Repositioning voyages and West Coast itineraries shine during shoulder seasons, when the weather is pleasant and fares can offer exceptional value.

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Pacific Cruise FAQs

Timing varies by region. Alaska’s season runs May through September, with June to August offering peak weather and the longest daylight. Hawaii welcomes cruisers year-round—winter is prime whale watching season, while summer brings the calmest seas. For the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand, aim for October through April when the Southern Hemisphere enjoys its warmest months. Our advisors will help you pinpoint the perfect window based on your preferred destination and travel style.

Alaska and Hawaii are both outstanding entry points for Pacific newcomers. Hawaii provides a relaxed, tropical atmosphere with all the convenience of sailing within the United States—no passport needed on most round-trip itineraries. Alaska dazzles with dramatic scenery and easy departures from Seattle or Vancouver. Both offer voyages in the 7-night range, which is a comfortable introductory length. Your Cruise Help advisor will recommend the best fit based on your interests and travel dates.

Each region delivers an entirely distinct experience. Alaska is all about rugged wilderness—calving glaciers, majestic fjords, and incredible wildlife—set against cool summer temperatures. Hawaii showcases volcanic landscapes, verdant valleys, and Polynesian culture in a warm, tropical setting. South Pacific cruises venture to secluded island paradises like Bora Bora and Fiji, often combined with the cosmopolitan appeal of Australia and New Zealand, creating a longer and deeply immersive voyage.

It depends on your destination. Alaska sailings typically range from 7 to 14 nights. Hawaiian itineraries span 7 to 15 nights, depending on whether you’re cruising inter-island or round-trip from the West Coast. South Pacific and Australia/New Zealand voyages usually run 10 to 21-plus nights, and transpacific crossings can stretch from 14 to 28 nights. Our team will match you with the right duration for your schedule and goals.

It depends on where you sail. U.S. citizens on round-trip Hawaii voyages departing from and returning to a U.S. port may not technically need one. However, Alaska itineraries that include Canadian ports like Vancouver or Victoria do require a valid passport. All South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand cruises require passports as well. We strongly recommend carrying a current passport on any cruise—it provides critical flexibility if travel plans change unexpectedly.

Your packing list will depend on where you’re headed. For Alaska, plan for layers: a warm jacket, waterproof outerwear, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and sturdy walking shoes for shore excursions. Hawaii and South Pacific voyages call for lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes. Australia and New Zealand cruises benefit from a mix of casual daywear and smart-casual evening attire. Nearly every Pacific sailing includes at least one formal night onboard, so pack accordingly. Your advisor will send you a tailored packing guide once you book.

A wide range of cruise lines sail the Pacific. In Alaska, look for Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. Hawaii’s standout is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America—the only large ship sailing inter-island year-round—plus seasonal voyages from other major lines. The South Pacific and Australia/New Zealand are well covered by Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Oceania, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. With 23+ expert advisors on our team, we’ll pair you with the cruise line that fits your preferences and budget perfectly.

Absolutely. Alaska cruises offer once-in-a-lifetime family moments—whale watching, dog sledding, and gold panning that kids remember forever. Hawaii provides beach days, snorkelling adventures, and cultural experiences the whole family will love. South Pacific itineraries tend to be longer and may appeal more to families with older children or teens who enjoy in-depth exploration. Most major cruise lines include dedicated kids’ clubs, teen lounges, and family-friendly excursions on their Pacific sailings.

Alaska highlights include glacier helicopter tours, whale watching expeditions, dog sledding, salmon bakes, and gold panning in historic Skagway. In Hawaii, favourites are snorkelling at Molokini Crater, touring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, scenic Nā Pali Coast boat trips, and traditional luau evenings. South Pacific must-dos include lagoon snorkelling in Bora Bora, Maori cultural performances in New Zealand, and Great Barrier Reef diving in Australia. We’re happy to recommend the excursions that match your interests—just ask your advisor.

Yes—and it’s one of the Pacific’s most exciting possibilities. Repositioning cruises and grand voyages let you experience multiple regions in a single sailing. You could travel from Alaska down the West Coast to Hawaii, or embark on a transpacific journey from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand with South Pacific island calls along the way. Back-to-back itineraries are another popular option for combining regions. Ask your Cruise Help expert advisor about extended Pacific adventures—we love helping clients plan these extraordinary trips.