South Pacific Cruises: Your Extraordinary Island Paradise

From the impossibly blue lagoons of French Polynesia to the lush volcanic peaks of Fiji and the ancient Maori culture of New Zealand, discover one of the world’s most enchanting and remote cruise destinations.

Your Extraordinary South Pacific Adventure Awaits

The South Pacific is a destination that stirs the soul—a vast expanse of sapphire ocean dotted with thousands of islands, each more breathtaking than the last. This is a place where time seems to slow, where warm trade winds carry the scent of frangipani and tiare flowers, and where the hospitality of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Maori cultures welcomes you like family. With year-round tropical temperatures between 75–85°F and some of the most spectacular natural scenery on Earth, a South Pacific cruise is the voyage of a lifetime.

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic Old Town Market Square in Warsaw, Poland, featuring colorful baroque townhouses and outdoor cafe terraces at twilight.
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A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic city center, featuring multiple bridges crossing the Vltava River, surrounded by lush green trees and purple lilac flowers in the foreground.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic cityscape featuring Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River under a clear blue sky.
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A panoramic view of multiple waterfalls flowing over dark basaltic rocks, creating a dramatic and misty landscape with white water cascading between moss-covered stone formations.
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Pristine Lagoons & Reefs

Crystal-clear lagoons teeming with marine life, vibrant coral gardens, and some of the world’s most spectacular snorkeling and diving experiences.

Volcanic Landscapes

Dramatic volcanic peaks, lush rainforest-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls, and geothermal wonders create landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

Ancient Polynesian Culture

Immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions—from Maori haka performances and Fijian kava ceremonies to Tahitian dance and Samoan village life.

Explore the South Pacific Regions

The South Pacific spans a vast stretch of ocean encompassing distinct island groups, each with its own character and allure. Our cruise advisors will help you navigate the possibilities and craft the perfect voyage.

A breathtaking panorama of floating blue icebergs in a tranquil glacial lagoon, with a dramatic pink and purple sunset illuminating snow-capped mountains in the background.
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French Polynesia

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

Known For: Iconic overwater bungalows, impossibly blue lagoons, pearl farms, Polynesian culture, romantic seclusion

Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, luxury seekers, and experienced cruisers

Duration: 7–14 nights

A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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Fiji, Tonga & Samoa

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

Known For: Warm Fijian hospitality, traditional kava ceremonies, pristine coral reefs, lush volcanic islands, remote village visits

Ideal For: Cultural explorers, families, snorkelers, and those seeking authentic island experiences

Duration: 7–12 nights

A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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Australia & New Zealand

Key Ports: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Hobart (Tasmania)

Known For: Stunning fjords, Great Barrier Reef, cosmopolitan cities, Maori culture, extraordinary wildlife, world-class wine regions

Ideal For: Nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and multi-generational families

Duration: 10–21 nights

Compare South Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature French Polynesia Fiji, Tonga & Samoa Australia & New Zealand
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 7–12 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Papeete (Tahiti) Sydney, Auckland Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
Best For Couples, luxury seekers, honeymooners Cultural explorers, families, snorkelers Nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, adventurers
Highlights Overwater bungalows, lagoons, pearl farms Kava ceremonies, coral reefs, village visits Fjords, Great Barrier Reef, Maori culture

A majestic waterfall cascading down a lush green cliff in a scenic Icelandic landscape, with a river in the foreground and green mountains surrounding the waterfall.
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Our South Pacific cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With thousands of islands scattered across millions of square miles of ocean, planning the perfect South Pacific cruise can feel like charting an entirely new world. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

In French Polynesia, you can explore the legendary lagoons of Bora Bora, the lush peaks of Moorea, the cultural heart of Papeete in Tahiti, and the pristine atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa offer warm-hearted island hospitality, sacred coral reefs, traditional village life, and some of the most unspoiled tropical landscapes in the world.

Australia and New Zealand combine vibrant cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Auckland with awe-inspiring natural wonders—from the Great Barrier Reef to the fjords of Milford Sound and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.

Many South Pacific itineraries also include calls to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, and Hawaii, creating voyages that span the full breadth of the Pacific.

If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated South Pacific cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond the South Pacific

Many South Pacific itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for a truly grand voyage across the Pacific.

  • Hawaii – Volcanic islands, Polynesian heritage, and the Nā Pali Coast
  • Southeast Asia – Ancient temples, floating markets, and vibrant cuisines
  • New Caledonia & Vanuatu – French-Melanesian culture, pristine lagoons, and active volcanoes
  • Transpacific Crossings – Epic ocean voyages connecting the South Pacific to North America or Asia
A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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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.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise the South Pacific

The South Pacific offers cruising opportunities throughout the year, though the ideal season depends on your chosen region and what you want to experience.

Peak Season (May – October): The dry season across much of the tropical South Pacific, including French Polynesia, Fiji, and Tonga. Temperatures range from 72–82°F with lower humidity and calm seas — ideal for snorkeling, diving, and island exploration.

Australia & New Zealand (November – March): The Southern Hemisphere summer brings warm weather to Sydney, Auckland, and the spectacular fjords of New Zealand. This is peak cruising season Down Under, with temperatures between 65–85°F.

Shoulder Season (April, November): Excellent value with pleasant conditions and fewer travelers. Many cruise lines reposition ships during these months, offering unique itineraries.

Whale Season (July – October): Humpback whales migrate through Tonga, New Caledonia, and parts of French Polynesia, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters from the deck of your ship.

Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

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

The best time depends on your destination. For French Polynesia, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, the dry season from May through October offers ideal conditions with temperatures between 72–82°F, lower humidity, and calm seas. For Australia and New Zealand, the Southern Hemisphere summer from November through March is peak cruising season. Shoulder months like April and November offer great value with pleasant weather.

South Pacific cruises tend to be longer than Caribbean sailings due to the vast distances involved. French Polynesia itineraries typically run 7–14 nights, Fiji and Samoa voyages are usually 7–12 nights, and Australia/New Zealand cruises often range from 10–21 nights. Grand voyages and transpacific crossings can extend to 30 nights or more. Your cruise advisor can help you find the ideal duration.

Several exceptional cruise lines offer South Pacific itineraries. Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar specialize in French Polynesia with intimate, small-ship experiences. Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean offer Australia/New Zealand and broader South Pacific routes. For luxury, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, and Oceania provide refined voyages throughout the region. Our advisors will match you with the perfect line for your preferences.

Yes, a valid U.S. passport is required for all South Pacific cruises. Unlike some Caribbean sailings, there are no closed-loop exceptions for the South Pacific. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Some destinations may have additional visa requirements — your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will guide you through all entry documentation needed for your specific itinerary.

Most South Pacific cruises depart from Papeete (Tahiti), Sydney (Australia), or Auckland (New Zealand). Direct flights from Los Angeles to Papeete take approximately eight hours, making French Polynesia more accessible than many travelers expect. Flights to Sydney and Auckland from the U.S. West Coast are typically 13–16 hours. Our White Glove Service can coordinate all flights, hotels, and transfers for a seamless journey.

Absolutely! Australia and New Zealand offer outstanding family-friendly cruising with wildlife encounters, adventure activities, and cultural experiences children love. Fiji is also wonderful for families, with warm hospitality and kid-friendly resorts and shore excursions. French Polynesia tends to attract more couples and honeymooners, though families are certainly welcome. Your advisor can recommend the best itinerary and cruise line for your family’s ages and interests.

Popular excursions include snorkeling and diving in Bora Bora’s crystal-clear lagoon, visiting a traditional Fijian village for a kava ceremony, cruising through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, exploring Sydney Harbor and the Opera House, swimming with manta rays in Moorea, experiencing a Maori cultural performance in Rotorua, and touring pearl farms in the Tuamotu Atolls. Our advisors can arrange curated, private experiences that go far beyond the standard offerings.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for tropical islands, along with reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings in New Zealand. If your itinerary includes New Zealand’s fjords, pack layers for temperatures that can dip into the 50s°F. Don’t forget snorkeling gear if you prefer your own, and formal attire for elegant evenings onboard. For a detailed packing guide tailored to South Pacific voyages, check out the packing resources on our YouTube channel @cruiseandtravel.

Not at all! While the South Pacific is certainly a bucket-list destination for seasoned travelers, it’s also a magnificent choice for anyone seeking an extraordinary first voyage. French Polynesia’s calm lagoons and smaller ships provide an intimate, comfortable introduction to cruising, while Australia and New Zealand itineraries on larger ships offer all the familiar amenities with awe-inspiring scenery. Our advisors specialize in matching first-time cruisers with the right ship and itinerary for a seamless experience.

The South Pacific offers a sense of remoteness and discovery that few other cruise regions can match. The vast distances between island groups mean more relaxing sea days — perfect for enjoying your ship’s amenities. The cultural experiences are deeply authentic, from Polynesian dance performances to village visits that haven’t been commercialized. The natural beauty is unparalleled, with volcanic peaks rising from impossibly blue lagoons. And the sense of being genuinely far from the everyday world creates a transformative experience that stays with you long after you return home.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.