Aloha State of Mind

The Pacific Islands welcome you with a warmth that goes beyond the tropical sun. From Hawaii’s volcanic peaks to Tahiti’s turquoise lagoons, this is a part of the world that feels like it was made for discovery – and there’s no better way to explore it than on an extraordinary South Pacific cruise.

Sail Away on South Pacific & Hawaiian Cruises

Imagine not looking at your watch or smartphone because you’re so relaxed and carefree that it simply doesn’t matter what’s happening back home. If you can imagine that, then you can imagine what it might be like to take an extraordinary adventure on a South Pacific and Hawaiian cruise. But trust us, no matter how good your imagination is, the South Pacific and Hawaii will still somehow exceed even your highest expectations.

Breathtaking Scenery

Volcanic peaks rising from pristine lagoons, white sand beaches giving way to lush rainforests – the Pacific offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes on earth, and they’re even more breathtaking from the deck of a ship.

Rich Island Culture

The legendary hospitality of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian cultures runs deep. Whether you’re watching a traditional luau or learning about ancient celestial navigation, you’ll find yourself immersed in living history that stays with you long after the voyage ends.

Total Relaxation

Disconnect from the everyday and embrace island time. There’s something about the gentle pace of Pacific life that slows everything down until the only thing on your mind is where to watch the sunset.

Explore the Pacific Regions

The South Pacific is vast, encompassing many regions, sovereign states, islands, and atolls. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect Pacific paradise for your dream vacation. Best of all, our complimentary Cruise Concierge service means you get expert, personalized guidance at no cost to you.

Hawaii

Key Ports: Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo (Big Island), Kona

Known For: Volcanic landscapes, world-class beaches, hula traditions, surfing, luaus

Ideal For: Families, honeymooners, first-time Pacific cruisers

Duration: 7-15 nights

French Polynesia & Tahiti

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

Known For: Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, Polynesian culture, snorkeling

Ideal For: Honeymooners, couples, luxury seekers

Duration: 10-14 nights

Fiji, Samoa & Beyond

Key Ports: Suva, Lautoka (Fiji), Apia (Samoa), Port Vila (Vanuatu)

Known For: Traditional villages, warm hospitality, diving, rainforests, fire walking

Ideal For: Adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts

Duration: 10-21 nights

Compare Pacific Cruise Regions

Feature Hawaii French Polynesia Fiji, Samoa & Beyond
Typical Duration 7-15 nights 10-14 nights 10-21 nights
Main Departure Ports Honolulu, Los Angeles, Vancouver Papeete (Tahiti) Sydney, Auckland
Best For Families, first-timers Honeymooners, luxury Adventure, culture
Highlights Volcanoes, beaches, luaus Bora Bora, lagoons, overwater bungalows Traditional villages, diving, rainforests

Find your perfect cruise line for the Pacific

Like the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska, many major cruise lines offer South Pacific and Hawaiian itineraries. Which line you choose comes down to who’s in your cruising party, what you want to see and do, what your budget is, and what you prefer to do while onboard. As your independent cruise advisors, we provide unbiased recommendations based solely on your preferences – and our complimentary concierge service makes expert guidance available at no extra cost. For complex Pacific itineraries involving flights, hotels, and transfers, our premium White Glove Service handles every detail from departure to return.

For multigenerational groups, consider Norwegian, MSC, or Royal Caribbean. For romance and relaxation, try Windstar, Celebrity, or Viking Ocean. For food-focused voyages with destination depth, Oceania Cruises is an outstanding choice. For ultimate luxury, Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent will show you the Pacific like no one else can.

Beyond the South Pacific

Many Pacific itineraries combine seamlessly with nearby destinations for an even more memorable voyage.

  • Australia – Combine with the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney
  • New Zealand – Add stunning fjords and Maori culture
  • Transpacific – Epic voyages connecting the Americas with the Pacific
  • Asia – Continue to Japan, Southeast Asia, or beyond

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 & Hawaii

The South Pacific offers year-round cruising, but conditions vary by region.

Hawaii: The peak season runs from December through April with pleasant temperatures around 75-84°F (24-29°C) and calm seas. Summer offers fewer crowds and excellent values.

French Polynesia: Best visited May through October during the dry season with temperatures around 77-82°F (25-28°C) and lower humidity.

Fiji & Samoa: The dry season from May to October offers the best conditions. The wet season (November-April) brings warmer temperatures but occasional tropical showers.

Your dedicated advisor at Extraordinary Adventures can help match the destination to your preferred travel dates.

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 & Hawaii Cruise FAQs

Timing depends on which part of the Pacific you’re visiting. Hawaii’s peak season runs December through April, while Fiji, Tahiti, and the broader South Pacific islands are at their best from May to October during the dry season. Even during the wet season, you can expect warm temperatures and brief tropical showers rather than prolonged rain. For region-by-region details including temperatures and conditions, see our detailed breakdown above.

For cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port and visit only Hawaii, U.S. citizens can travel with just a government-issued ID and birth certificate. However, for any cruise visiting international destinations in the South Pacific (such as Fiji, Tahiti, or New Zealand), a valid passport is required. We always recommend traveling with a passport regardless of itinerary.

Many major cruise lines sail the South Pacific and Hawaii. We’ve outlined our top recommendations by travel style in the cruise line section above, but as a quick summary: families do well with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or MSC, while couples often gravitate toward Windstar, Celebrity, or Viking Ocean. Luxury travelers will love Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you narrow down the best fit based on your priorities.

Hawaii cruises typically range from 7 to 15 nights, with 7-night inter-island cruises being especially popular. South Pacific itineraries tend to be longer, often 10 to 21 nights, due to the greater distances between island groups. Some cruise lines offer epic transpacific voyages combining multiple regions, perfect for travelers with more time to explore.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm tropical weather, along with a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned spaces onboard. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, and swimwear. Smart casual attire is typically fine for onboard dining, though luxury lines may have formal nights. A waterproof bag is handy for beach excursions.

Both are excellent honeymoon destinations! Hawaii offers easier access from the mainland U.S., volcanic adventures, and world-class beaches. Tahiti and French Polynesia offer the quintessential overwater bungalow experience, incredibly romantic lagoons, and a more exclusive feel. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you choose based on your priorities and budget.

Yes! The Big Island (Hawaii) is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, featuring Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Many cruises offer shore excursions to the park. Maui’s Haleakalā volcano is another popular destination. Your cruise advisor can recommend itineraries that maximize volcanic experiences.

Activities vary by destination but often include snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear lagoons, beach days on pristine white sand, cultural experiences like luaus and village visits, water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, hiking volcanic trails, and wildlife encounters. Many luxury cruises include water sports equipment and guided excursions.

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.