DESTINATION

South Pacific

From the iconic lagoons of Bora Bora to New Zealand’s majestic fjords and the warm hospitality of Fiji, the South Pacific is the ultimate bucket-list cruise destination for travelers who crave paradise far beyond the ordinary.

Embark on a South Pacific Voyage

Few places on earth stir the imagination quite like the South Pacific. This is a region of astonishing contrasts—where turquoise lagoons give way to towering volcanic peaks, where ancient Polynesian traditions remain vibrantly alive, and where some of the planet’s most remote and unspoiled islands beckon from the horizon. With year-round tropical warmth hovering between 75–85°F, world-renowned hospitality at every port, and landscapes that range from coral atolls to lush rainforests to dramatic New Zealand fjords, a South Pacific cruise delivers experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.

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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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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Norwegian Fjords
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Pristine Lagoons & Reefs

Glide over crystalline turquoise waters, explore thriving coral gardens, and discover world-class snorkeling and diving at every island anchorage.

Dramatic Volcanic Landscapes

Marvel at soaring volcanic summits, dense tropical rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and New Zealand’s awe-inspiring fjords carved by millennia of ice and water.

Living Polynesian Heritage

Immerse yourself in traditions passed down through generations—from the powerful Maori haka and Fijian kava rituals to Tahitian dance and Samoan village welcomes.

Discover the South Pacific Regions

The South Pacific spans several distinctive cruising regions, each with its own personality and appeal. Our expert advisors have sailed these waters and will match you with the region that fits your travel style perfectly.

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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French Polynesia

Key Ports: Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti (Papeete), Rangiroa, Huahine, Raiatea

Known For: Legendary overwater bungalows, shimmering lagoons, black pearl farms, Polynesian dance and music

Ideal For: Honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, and once-in-a-lifetime adventurers

Duration: 7–14 nights

Amazon Pink Dolphin
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Fiji, Samoa & Tonga

Key Ports: Suva, Lautoka, Dravuni Island (Fiji), Apia (Samoa), Nuku’alofa (Tonga)

Known For: Legendary Fijian hospitality, kava ceremonies, untouched coral reefs, authentic village visits

Ideal For: Culture seekers and families drawn to genuine island experiences

Duration: 7–12 nights

A picturesque Mediterranean harbor filled with sailboats and yachts, nestled against a rocky mountainous landscape with white buildings cascading up the hillside.
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Australia & New Zealand

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Hobart, Great Barrier Reef

Known For: Breathtaking fjords, vibrant world-class cities, Maori traditions, unique wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef

Ideal For: Seasoned cruisers craving diverse landscapes and cosmopolitan port cities

Duration: 10–21 nights

Compare South Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature French Polynesia Fiji, Samoa & Tonga Australia & New Zealand
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–12 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Papeete (Tahiti), Los Angeles Sydney, Auckland, Lautoka Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
Best For Honeymooners, romance seekers, bucket-list travelers Culture enthusiasts, families, snorkelers Seasoned cruisers, nature lovers, city explorers
Highlights Overwater bungalows, lagoon tours, black pearl farms, Polynesian dance Kava ceremonies, village visits, pristine reefs, volcanic islands Milford Sound fjords, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, Maori culture
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 team help you chart a course through the South Pacific’s most spectacular destinations.

With so many extraordinary destinations spread across thousands of miles of open ocean, planning a South Pacific cruise can feel like a thrilling puzzle. Maybe you’re drawn to the legendary lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea. Perhaps the warmth of a Fijian welcome across more than 300 islands sounds like your kind of escape. Or maybe New Zealand’s fjords and geothermal wonders top your list. You could sail to Samoa for unspoiled natural beauty, visit Tonga during humpback whale season, or anchor in the cosmopolitan harbours of Sydney and Auckland. For those who want it all, repositioning voyages weave together Hawaii, Tahiti, and Australia into one sweeping adventure. Whatever calls to you, our team of 23+ expert advisors—many of whom have sailed these very waters—will craft a personalized itinerary that matches your dreams. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond the South Pacific

Extend your South Pacific voyage by pairing it with neighboring regions for an even grander adventure on the water.

  • Hawaii – Volcanic islands, the aloha spirit, and a natural gateway to South Pacific itineraries
  • Southeast Asia – Ancient temples, bustling floating markets, and extraordinary cuisines
  • Papua New Guinea – Remote tribal cultures, pristine rainforests, and exceptional diving
  • Transpacific Crossings – Grand repositioning voyages linking the South Pacific with Asia or the Americas
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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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 Cruise the South Pacific

The South Pacific welcomes visitors throughout the year, though timing your trip to match the right region makes all the difference.

Dry Season (May – October): Across most tropical South Pacific destinations—French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga—this is the sweet spot. Expect pleasant temperatures, reduced humidity, and perfect conditions for snorkeling and water activities. Tonga’s humpback whale season also falls within this window.

Shoulder Months (April & November): These transitional periods deliver terrific value with comfortable conditions and noticeably thinner crowds at popular anchorages.

Australia & New Zealand Summer (November – March): The Southern Hemisphere’s warm months are prime time for Down Under itineraries—ideal for exploring coastal cities, Milford Sound, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Wet Season (November – March for tropical islands): Temperatures rise and brief tropical downpours are common, but this is when rates for French Polynesia and Fiji drop to their most attractive levels.

Holiday departures around Christmas and New Year are especially sought-after for Australia and New Zealand voyages, while spring and autumn repositioning sailings offer outstanding value on transpacific routes.

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.

South Pacific Cruise FAQs

It depends on which part of the region you want to explore. The tropical islands of French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga are at their finest during the dry season from May through October, with comfortable humidity and calm seas. Australia and New Zealand itineraries shine during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of November through March. Repositioning cruises in spring and autumn provide exceptional value for transpacific voyages.

Because the South Pacific covers such vast ocean distances, voyages here tend to be longer than other destinations. French Polynesia sailings generally run 7–14 nights, Fiji and Samoa itineraries span 7–12 nights, and Australia/New Zealand routes range from 10–21 nights. Transpacific repositioning cruises connecting distant regions can stretch to 14–30+ nights. Our advisors will help you find the duration that fits both your schedule and your budget.

A handful of cruise lines operate dedicated South Pacific itineraries. Paul Gauguin Cruises is a specialist in French Polynesia, while Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean cover Australia, New Zealand, and broader South Pacific routes. Luxury travelers can choose from Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea. Captain Cook Cruises operates intimate small-ship voyages in Fiji. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the line that suits your style and preferences.

A valid passport is required for every South Pacific cruise, and it should remain valid for at least six months after your return date. Visa rules differ by country—Australia, for instance, requires an electronic travel authority (ETA) for U.S. citizens, while many Pacific Island nations allow visa-free entry for short visits. Your Cruise Help advisor will walk you through the specific documentation needed for your chosen itinerary so there are no surprises.

Without question—the South Pacific ranks among the most romantic cruise destinations on the planet. French Polynesia, with its overwater bungalows, jewel-toned lagoons, and intimate small-ship voyages, is practically synonymous with romance. Many cruise lines feature special honeymoon and anniversary packages, and our advisors love putting together extras like private beach dinners, couples’ spa experiences, and onboard celebrations that transform your milestone into a truly unforgettable memory.

The range of experiences is extraordinary. Highlights include lagoon snorkeling tours in Bora Bora, Maori cultural performances and geothermal park visits in New Zealand, walking tours of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, authentic Fijian village visits with kava ceremonies, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, jet boating in Queenstown, humpback whale watching off Tonga, and rainforest hikes across volcanic Samoan and Tahitian landscapes.

Most Australia and New Zealand itineraries depart from Sydney or Auckland, while French Polynesia voyages set sail from Papeete in Tahiti. Some cruise lines also offer departures from Los Angeles or Honolulu, particularly for repositioning sailings. We strongly recommend arriving at least a day early to adjust to the time difference and enjoy your embarkation city. Our advisors can arrange pre-cruise hotels and airport transfers to make your journey seamless—with no fees, ever.

Many South Pacific voyages are wonderfully family-friendly, especially Australia and New Zealand itineraries aboard lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess that feature extensive kids’ clubs and teen programmes. Fiji is famously welcoming to younger travelers, with gentle beaches and engaging cultural experiences. French Polynesia tends to attract more couples and adult travelers, though certain sailings do welcome families. Share your family’s ages and interests with your advisor, and we’ll recommend the right fit.

Bring lightweight tropical clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and water shoes for coral-strewn beaches. For Australia and New Zealand port days, pack comfortable walking shoes and layerable pieces—especially for cooler excursions at Milford Sound. A compact rain jacket is handy year-round. Include formal or smart-casual attire if your cruise line hosts elegant evenings. Your advisor can supply a tailored packing checklist specific to your itinerary and season.

We suggest reserving your South Pacific voyage 9–18 months in advance. Because fewer ships operate in this region compared to the Caribbean or Mediterranean, popular cabins sell out early—particularly French Polynesia sailings on Paul Gauguin Cruises and peak-season Australia/New Zealand departures. Booking early also secures the widest cabin selection and gives you access to our exclusive group rates with potential savings up to 50% off published fares. And thanks to our weekly price monitoring, if the rate drops after your booking, we adjust your fare automatically—no fees, no hassle.