South Pacific Cruises
A South Pacific cruise offers the allure of unrivaled natural beauty and mysterious island cultures. Vanuatu, Krakatau, Java, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga – even the names of these islands evoke images of a fairy tale paradise so removed from our daily lives that they almost seem to exist in the fantastic. Watch water buffalo race across a rice field on the island of Sumbawa. Get a close-up look at Komodo Island's "dragons." During your trip witness the Leonid Meteor shower from the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, or travel to one of the wonders of the ancient world — the Buddhist temple of Borobudur. And, of course, enjoy a snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef. There is no better way to access these remote islands and experience so many diverse cultures as on an adventure cruise through the South Pacific.
Expedition Cruise Ships
Spacious, comfortable passenger vessels designed for smooth sailing with deluxe accommodations and services. These ships offer larger cabins, as well as deluxe amenities such as roomier public areas, lounges and bars, gift shops, and fitness facilities.
Aranui |
Ship Highlights
| $3,827*14 days | |
 | The Aranui is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between Tahiti and the Marquesas. The name "Aranui" means "The Great Highway" in Maori, another ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuamotu & the Marquesas Islands | 14 | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | South Pacific: Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Islands |  |
Ice Breaker Ships
Former ice breaker research ships converted to passenger vessels. These larger ships offer many deluxe amenities including fitness facilities, gift shops, and multiple bars and lounges, but maintain the expeditionary style and feel of former "working" ships.
Spirit of Enderby |
Ship Highlights
| $2,000*8-33 days | |
 | The Spirit of Enderby is perfect for expedition travel. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodations with semi-private and private bath ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birding Down Under | 19 | Dec | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton | 30 | Jan, Feb | Antarctica: Macquarie Island, Polar Circle, Ross Sea South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Western Pacific Odyssey | 31 | Mar | Asia: Japan South Pacific: New Caledonia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands | |
| South Indian Ocean | 33 | Oct | South Pacific: Australia | |
| Birding the Australian Bight | 8 | Dec | South Pacific: Australia | |
| Galapagos of the Southern Ocean | 14 | Dec | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand | |
Luxury Expedition Ships
These expedition cruise ships offer luxury 5-star amenities and services. Whether you're gliding along the rivers of West Africa or plunging through the icy waters of Antarctica, you'll enjoy the detailed touches onboard that make these luxury vessels. These vessels allow travelers the opportunity to take advantage of the adventurous land excursions and up-close wildlife viewing that is best experienced on a small expedition ship without sacrificing the creature comforts traditionally found on much larger cruise ships.
L'Austral |
Ship Highlights
| $4,498*15-16 days | |
 | The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papeete to Noumea | 16 | Mar | South Pacific: Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga | |
| Noumea to Darwin | 15 | Mar | South Pacific: Australia, New Caledonia | |
| Darwin to Singapore | 15 | Mar | Asia: Indonesia, Singapore South Pacific: Australia | |
Oceanic Discoverer |
Ship Highlights
| $14,790*14 days | |
 | Built for comfort & safety, the Oceanic Discoverer is large enough to provide the luxury & convenience of a larger cruise ship yet with a maximum of 68 guests. ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring the Cultures & Wildlife of ... | 14 | Oct | South Pacific: Australia, Papua New Guinea | |
Orion |
Ship Highlights
| $2,450*6-21 days | |
 | Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art of Arnhem Land | 8 | Sep | South Pacific: Australia | |
| Pure New Zealand | 11 | Nov | South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights | 12 | Mar, Oct | South Pacific: Australia, Papua New Guinea | |
| Tropical Reefs & Culture | 6 | Sep | South Pacific: Australia | |
| Forgotten Islands and Asmat Art | 8 | Apr | South Pacific: Australia, Papua New Guinea | |
| Great Barrier Reef | 7 | Mar, Nov | South Pacific: Australia | |
| Mawson’s Antarctica Commonwealth Bay: ... | 19 | Dec | Antarctica South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Scott and Shackelton’s Antarctica Ross ... | 21 | Jan | Antarctica: Macquarie Island, Ross Sea South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand | |
| Macquarie Island & New Zealand ... | 13 | Dec | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand | |
| Tasman Discoverer | 7 | Feb, Nov | South Pacific | |
| Mawson's Antarctica-Commonwealth Bay: ... | 19 | Jan | Antarctica: Macquarie Island South Pacific: New Zealand | |
| Kimberley Exploration 2012 | 11 | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | South Pacific: Australia | |
Orion II |
Ship Highlights
| $7,985*12-15 days | |
 | Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built in Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights | 12 | Nov | South Pacific: Australia, Papua New Guinea | |
| The Yangtze, Ryukyu & Philippines | 15 | Jul | Asia: China, Malaysia, Taiwan South Pacific: Philippines | |
| Micronesia Revealed | 13 | Nov | South Pacific: Micronesia, Papua New Guinea | |
Paul Gauguin |
Ship Highlights
| $2,847*8-15 days | |
 | The Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti & Society Islands Holiday Cruise | 8 | Dec | South Pacific: Society Islands, Tahiti | |
| Society Islands & Tahiti | 8 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Tahiti | |
| Tuamotus & Society Islands | 11 | Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Society Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Islands | |
| Cook Islands & Society Islands | 12 | Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Nov | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Cook Islands, Society Islands, Tahiti | |
| Australs & Society Islands | 12 | Sep | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Society Islands, Tahiti | |
| Fiji - Eastbound Voyage | 13 | Nov | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Cook Islands, Fiji, Society Islands, Tahiti, Tonga | |
| Fiji - Westbound Voyage | 14 | Oct | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Cook Islands, Fiji, Society Islands, Tahiti, Tonga | |
| Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands | 15 | Feb, Apr, May, Aug, Nov, Dec | South Pacific: Bora Bora, Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Islands | |
Safari Explorer |
Ship Highlights
| $4,995*8 days | |
 | The Safari Explorer is exquisitely appointed with new design features such as an intimate Wine Library and spa area including a large hot tub, sauna, fitness ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Seascapes - Hawaii to Maui | 8 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec | North America: Hawaii South Pacific: Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island | |
| Hawaiian Seascapes - Maui to Hawaii | 8 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec | North America: Hawaii South Pacific: Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island | |
Research Ships
Former research ships refurbished for small-group passenger travel. These ships feature large decks and open bridges, but maintain the expeditionary feel of their former status. Offer economical options for solo travelers who want to share accommodations with other passengers in a wide range of cabin categories.
Akademik Shokalskiy |
Ship Highlights
| $5,690*13 days | |
 | Akademik Shokalskiy is a terrific expedition ship, sister ship to the Polar Pioneer. Built in Finland in 1983, she is ice-strengthened and has stabilizers for ... | ||
| Itinerary | Days | Months | Destinations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islands of Smiles | 13 | Apr | South Pacific: Papua New Guinea | |
| Lost in Paradise: Fallen Heroes | 13 | Apr | South Pacific: Papua New Guinea | |
