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South Pacific Cruises & Tours

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A cruise through the South Pacific will take you to some of the most remote, idyllic islands on the planet. The ancient civilizations of Easter Island left giant 100-ton stone Moai for travelers to ponder. Expeditions on small cruise ships enable you to access paradisiacal tropical destinations like the Cook Islands, Society Islands, the Marquesas and the spectacular Bora Bora. In addition, you can visit the Great Barrier Reef or snorkel with the giant pelagic species across the top of Australia. See Hawaii from a different perspective on a luxurious small ship cruise. Go way beyond the beach exploring the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and the fascinating cultures of Melanesia. Contact us to start planning your luxury cruise of the South Pacific.
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10 Best South Pacific Cruises for 2024-2025

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Top 10 Luxury Cruises of the South Pacific for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Tahiti & the Society Islands$32008Apr 6, 2024On this 8-day cruise through Polynesian paradise, explore the best of the South Pacific from aboard the Paul Gauguin, with stops in the …
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Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji$755016Oct 26, 2024Discover the South Pacific's most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities during this 15-day cruise on the luxury ship, …
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Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands$790014Nov 10, 2024Embark on this 14-night journey across four South Seas archipelagos, this adventure offers insight into diverse cultures and landscapes. Experience …
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Cook Islands & Society Islands$580012Apr 13, 2024This 12-day cruise on the luxurious small ship Paul Gauguin showcases the region’s incredible diversity of scenery. From low-lying Aitutaki to the …
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Society Islands and Tuamotus$550011Apr 24, 2024The Society Islands & Tuamotu Archipelago beckon on this 11-day South Pacific cruise upon the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin. Explore lush rainforests, …
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Gems of Polynesia$59919Apr 1, 2024Experience the ultimate 9-day escape through the Pearls of Polynesia. Discover Moorea's natural treasures, take in Bora Bora's overwater luxury, and …
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Tahitian Getaway$58649Apr 1, 2024Experience the charm of Tahiti's pristine landscapes, Raiatea's cultural diversity, and the luxury of Bora Bora during this 9-day Tahiti getaway. A …
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Majestic Tahiti$41174Apr 1, 2024Set out on a four-day retreat in the tropical paradise of Tahiti. Indulge in sun-kissed days, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Immerse …
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Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands$755015Dec 21, 2024The Paul Gaugin hosts this two-week journey through the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and the Society Islands, offering plenty of time to explore at your own …
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Expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands$1148015Dec 3, 2024Set sail from Dunedin on Le Soleal for a 15-day exploration cruise to New Zealand's Fiordland and Subantarctic Islands. Explore the South West World …
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South Pacific Travel Deals

Top 10 South Pacific Travel Deals for 2024-2025

Trip NameSaveFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest IslandsCustom Label$950012Dec 28, 2024On this 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer starting and ending in the beautiful city of Invercargill, admire some of New Zealand's best pelagic …
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Seabirds & Cetaceans of Australasia: An Epic East Coast PelagicSavings$39959Nov 15, 2024Embark on a 9-day expedition with Heritage Expeditions from Port Vila to Hobart. Discover rare seabirds and cetaceans while contributing to citizen …
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All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland ExperienceCustom Label$529510Jul 16, 2024Join this ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand's remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests, and winding fiords of Fiordland. This treasured …
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Undiscovered Philippines and IndonesiaCustom Label$999515Jun 22, 2024Join Heritage Adventurer on this 15-day exploration of the undiscovered islands of the Philippines and Indonesia from Manila to Darwin. Highlights of …
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Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley CoastCustom Label$699511Aug 11, 2024Join Heritage Adventurer on this brand-new 11-day cruise expedition along Australia's world-renowned coast and Kimberley, one of the world's most …
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Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern FiordsCustom Label$41507Jul 4, 2024Discover Southern Fiordland, one of New Zealand's most remote regions, onboard Heritage Explorer. Misty veils surround waterfalls, streams, rivers, …
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Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern FiordsCustom Label$39507Jul 25, 2024Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland's Northern Fiords, where clouds cover the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with …
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Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote FiordlandCustom Label$31505Aug 4, 2024Join this 5-day exploration cruise of the Undiscovered Dusky Sound from Supper Cove and back aboard Heritage Explorer. Start and conclude your trip …
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The KimberleySavings$867011Apr 5, 2024Marvel at the natural beauty and some of the earliest known Indigenous art, the enigmatic Bradshaw drawings. Soak up the history and unique geology, …
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Tahiti, Society and Tuamotu IslandsSavings$439012Mar 29, 2024Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the islands of French Polynesia by small ship. Visit Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, and …
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5 Favorite South Pacific Cruise Destinations for 2024-2025

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South Pacific Travel Guide

The South Pacific region comprises Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Easter Island, and the surrounding islands. Each of these regions is home to its own unique and endemic species:
  • Papua New Guinea - Between the flourishing endemic bird populations and an eclectic mix of other wildlife, Papua New Guinea offers exciting ways to experience nature and learn about the Melanesian cultures.
  • Solomon Islands Discover some of the most strategically important islands of World War II, where remnants of the military bases are being reclaimed into the tropical nature.
  • Easter Island - Snorkeling, biking, hiking, and swimming are just a few ways you can get to know this ancient island, where the renowned giant Moai statues have mystified travelers for years as to their origin or meaning.
  • Australia - Explore the natural beauty of the "Outback," bounding with mammals, birds, and marine life, and home to breathtaking waterfalls and the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
  • New Zealand - This is not only a great way to get to know the wildlife-rich Southern Islands, where penguins and seals abound, but also serves as a portal to exhilarating Antarctic cruises.
South Pacific FAQs
Do I need a visa to travel to the South Pacific?
It depends on where you are going - New Zealand & French Polynesia (Tahiti) do not require a visa. Papua New Guinea and Australia do. All countries require a passport valid for at least three months and some countries require six months validity from your departure date.

Is tipping customary in the South Pacific?
Generally, tipping is not an expectation in the South Pacific. Unless you receive absolutely phenomenal service at a relatively modern or western-style restaurant or if the guide really impresses you, you shouldn't feel obligated to tip. In certain places, a tip might be included in a bill, but in other places it might actually be considered a bit counter-cultural to offer a tip for service that many islanders consider their obligation to you as a guest.

What is internet access like in the South Pacific?
You will not likely have access to the internet for the majority of your stay in the South Pacific. It's possible that a hotel might offer WiFi, but most ships do not.

Can I use my cell phone while in the South Pacific?
Probably not. You could buy a SIM chip for your phone at the airport, but realistically you will be out of range of a cell signal for most of your trip.

Do I need power adapters?
Depending on where you are going, you will need either a European style two round prong plug adapter or an Australian style three flat slanted prong adapter. Power throughout the South Pacific is 220-240v, so if your 110v devices aren't compatible with this, you will also need a step-down converter.

What are the toilets like in the South Pacific?
Since most of our South Pacific journeys are cruises, you can count on modern flushing toilets in your suites. When you are touring the more isolated areas, you might encounter a squat toilet which requires you to hover and bring your own toilet paper, which you will then throw in a waste basket rather than the toilet.

Can I drink the water in the South Pacific?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the South Pacific, so we make sure that you will always have access to clean filtered or bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted in the South Pacific? Will I be able to find ATMs?
When arriving in the South Pacific, you should probably go on the assumption that you will not have frequent access to ATMs. Our trips are all inclusive, so other than souvenirs or if you plan to do things that are not on the itinerary you will not have to worry about using money.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
You should always purchase travel insurance before a trip. Our associates at TravelGuard have some excellent offers on our Once You're Booked page.
 

Best South Pacific Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

  • Ponant - is a French cruise line established in April 1988 with eleven ships operating under the French flag. The Oceania and Pacific islands cruises have been created specifically with snorkelers and diving enthusiasts in mind. Le Laperouse has ports of call at the idyllic beaches of French Polynesia and New Caledonia, allowing you to admire some of the most beautiful seabed environments in the world.
  • Silversea Cruises - excels at taking you off the beaten path, and a voyage to the South Pacific is no exception! Departing Tahiti's paradisiacal shores, sail to difficult-to-reach islands, enjoy Zodiac cruises spotting endemic wildlife and see rarely visited archaeological sites aboard Silver Explorer.
  • Heritage Expeditions - has pioneered conservation-driven small ship expedition cruises to some of the planet's wildest, least-explored, and biologically rich regions. On the Heritage Adventurer, visit the popular Pacific holiday destination Vanuatu, a unique archipelago of 83 coral and volcanic islands sprinkled across 450,000 square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. 
  • Coral Expeditions - Onboard Coral Geographer, marvel at the remote coral atolls and beaches of the idyllic Melanesia region, with time to explore the wrecks and remnants of the war in the Pacific theatre, and expert guides on hand to discuss the various battle sites, historical significance, and strategies
  • Variety Cruises - combine unique destinations, the yacht suitable to your liking, professional crew, and exquisite cuisine always with a local flavor. Uncover the islands of French Polynesia aboard Panorama II, a 49-guest small ship. Visit Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, and Raiatea islands, all sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks lined with vivid turquoise lagoons.
  • Lindblad Expeditions - goes to the most amazing places on the planet, all 40+ geographies in all. Snorkel over colorful coral reefs crowded with tropical fish, stroll through rainforest trails in search of rare wildlife and meet the friendly locals aboard the National Geographic Resolution.
  • Aurora Expeditions - pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica and remains committed to a small, low-impact group. The Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, this allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently,
  • Oceanwide Expeditions - pioneered ship-based expeditions, inventors of Basecamp Antarctica, and one of the first companies to take travelers to the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. Fortified for both poles of the planet, the ice-strengthened and thoroughly outfitted Ortelius provides you with an up-close experience. 

 
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