South Pacific Cruises

South Pacific Cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and beyond!

Thirteen island nations offer so much to see and do on unforgettable South Pacific cruises. A rich mix of cultures, landscapes and seascapes means each day can feel different. You might wake up to emerald mountains and rainforest walks one day and quiet lagoon swims the next.

The names themselves conjure up images of great voyages and island legends. Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti and Papua New Guinea all feature heavily on itineraries from Australia. Each has its own charm that has drawn explorers and adventurers for generations. If you are looking for grand adventures with sandy shores and uninterrupted serenity, South Pacific cruise holidays make it easy to turn that daydream into a real itinerary.

Which Cruise Line is Best for the South Pacific?

Choosing the right ship is just as important as choosing the right destination. The South Pacific is served by almost every major cruise line in the region, but they offer very different experiences.

Royal Caribbean & Carnival (Family Fun & Action): If you are travelling with active kids, teenagers or a group of friends, these lines are the top choice for high energy and value.

• Royal Caribbean: Known for massive ships like Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. Expect bumper cars, surf simulators, skydiving tunnels and Broadway-style shows. The vibe is dynamic and exciting.
• Carnival Cruise Line: The “Fun Ships” (including Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa) focus on a laid-back, Aussie-friendly atmosphere. Think water slides, comedy clubs, burgers by the pool and a spirited party vibe. They have recently expanded their fleet in Australia, offering more capacity for families.

Princess Cruises & Norwegian Cruise Line (Flexible & Premium): These lines offer a refined experience that appeals to couples, adult groups and those who prefer a slightly more stylish pace.

• Princess Cruises: A step up in premium feel. Ships like Discovery Princess offer “Movies Under the Stars,” excellent dining options and a sophisticated atmosphere. They are fantastic for couples who want romance without the price tag of a luxury line.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Perfect for those who dislike strict schedules. NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” means there are no fixed dining times and no formal dress codes. You eat where you want, when you want. Plus, their “Free at Sea” offers often include drinks packages and specialty dining credits in the fare.

Celebrity, Holland America & Oceania (Luxury & Discovery): For those who want to elevate the experience with finer dining and fewer crowds.

• Celebrity Cruises: Famous for “Modern Luxury.” The ships are stylish and contemporary with grass lawns on the top deck and incredible specialty dining.
• Holland America Line: A classic, nautical experience with a focus on live music and culinary excellence. Their mid-sized ships can sometimes access ports that the mega-liners cannot.
• Oceania & Regent: If budget permits, these luxury lines offer all-inclusive experiences with smaller ships that visit boutique ports like Bora Bora and Rangiroa.

How long do I need for a South Pacific cruise?

One of the most common questions we get is about duration. Because the islands are a fair distance from Australia’s east coast, the length of your cruise determines how far you can travel and how many sea days you will enjoy.

The “Taste of the Islands” (7 to 8 Nights)

These itineraries are the most popular volume sellers. They typically focus on New Caledonia or occasionally Southern Vanuatu. You will usually have two to three sea days to travel there and back, with stops at Noumea and Isle of Pines or Lifou. It is the perfect length for a first-time cruiser or a school holiday break.

The “Explorer” Voyage (9 to 12 Nights)

This is the “sweet spot” for most travellers. The extra days allow the ship to reach Vanuatu (Port Vila, Mystery Island) and sometimes Fiji. This gives you a broader variety of cultures. You get the French influence of Noumea mixed with the Melanesian culture of Vanuatu.

The “Polynesian Discovery” (13+ Nights)

If you want to reach Fiji, Tonga or Samoa comfortably, you will usually need a longer voyage. These cruises offer more sea days to relax and deeper immersion in Polynesian culture. They are ideal for retirees or those taking a major annual holiday.

Transpacific & Relocation Cruises

For the ultimate adventure, look for one-way relocation cruises that sail from Australia to Hawaii or Tahiti. These grand voyages often visit remote islands that standard round-trips cannot reach. They happen seasonally (usually April and September) as ships move between regions.

What is the best time to cruise the South Pacific?

The South Pacific is a year-round destination, but there are distinct seasons that might influence your booking.

Peak Season (December and January)

This is when the atmosphere is most festive. Families flock to the ships for school holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The weather is hot and humid, perfect for swimming, though it is also the wet season so you might encounter tropical showers. The seas can be livelier, but the mood on board is unbeatable.

Dry Season (May to October)

Many experienced cruisers prefer this window. The humidity drops, the trade winds provide a cooling breeze and the chance of rain is lower. It is the ideal time for hiking and shore exploration without overheating. August to October is particularly popular as it avoids the main Australian school holidays.

Shoulder Season (November, February to April)

This is often where you find the best value. Prices can be lower and ships are less crowded. The weather is a mix of both seasons, offering plenty of sunshine with the occasional storm.

South Pacific Islands Cruise Destinations in More Detail

Many South Pacific cruises depart from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Popular round-trip itineraries out of Sydney often call on Isle of Pines and Lifou in New Caledonia, with longer sailings sometimes adding Fiji ports such as Lautoka and Suva.

Cruise New Caledonia and Vanuatu

Isle of Pines

An absolute must for many New Caledonia cruise fans, Isle of Pines is a compact tropical island located about 48 kilometres off the coast of mainland New Caledonia. As you approach, you will notice the ring of pine trees lining the shore. The sand is famously soft, and the clear water makes it easy to spot sea turtles and colourful fish just offshore. Most visitors spend the day snorkelling, swimming and enjoying the beach, with time to browse local handicrafts and hear stories about sacred rock formations and totem poles.

Note: older travel write ups sometimes reference specific political timelines for New Caledonia. If this is important to your plans, check current local advice and shore tour guidance before you travel.

Lifou

Lifou, the largest island in the Loyalty Islands archipelago, offers a slower pace that suits travellers who want scenery and simple pleasures. Spend the day on stunning beaches, snorkel in clear shallows, or walk through forested tracks with ocean views. You can join an organised tour or explore independently. Be sure to visit the open air market in Easo for local arts, crafts and produce, and consider the walk to the Notre Dame de Lourdes church that overlooks the bay.

Noumea

Noumea is the culturally vibrant capital of New Caledonia, set on the peninsula of Grand Terre. It is a lovely stop for cruisers who want a mix of waterfront views and city life. You can choose from French inspired restaurants and casual bistros, browse local shops, or grab a bite from a food truck as you stroll. The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed, which makes it easy to enjoy a comfortable day ashore.

Port Vila

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, is a small but bustling hub around Vila Bay. Despite its scale, the town has plenty of energy, with markets, cafes and waterfront dining. Many cruisers combine a wander through town with a lagoon swim, a beach club day, or a scenic drive to lookouts and local villages. If you enjoy food and local colour, the markets are often a highlight, with fresh produce, handmade goods and a friendly welcome.

Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

Suva

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has welcomed cruise travellers for decades. Visitors can explore colonial era streetscapes and modern duty free shopping districts, alongside a growing mix of restaurants and bars. Excursions are available to the Fiji Museum and Thurston Gardens, plus Colo i Suva Forest Park for rainforest scenery and swimming spots. Experiential tours may include a visit to a Fijian village, a kava ceremony and cultural performances, which can be a memorable way to connect with local life.

Denarau Island

Denarau Island is a man made island close to the mainland and a common call for Fiji itineraries. The port at Denarau combines warm Fijian hospitality with a wide range of bars, restaurants and retail outlets in one convenient location, which suits travellers who prefer to stay close to the ship. If you want to venture further, tour operators can take you onto the mainland for beaches, cultural experiences and island adventures. To explore more routes that include Fiji, browse our dedicated Fiji cruises.

Nuku’alofa

Tonga’s islands are scattered across a huge stretch of the South Pacific, with only a portion inhabited. Nuku’alofa, the capital, is located on Tongatapu and acts as a hub for tourism and trade. The township offers markets and distinctive architecture, while the island features beaches and archaeological sites, including Ha’amonga a Maui. It is also a useful jumping off point for exploring nearby islands with white sand beaches bordered by rainforest and coral lagoon snorkelling spots.

Apia

Samoa is divided into Samoa and American Samoa, and cruise itineraries can include ports in both. Apia, the capital of Samoa, is a rewarding stop if you want to see traditional Polynesian lifestyle alongside natural scenery. Popular shore days include visiting the Samoa Cultural Village, seeing waterfalls and lagoons, or spending time at the beach with snorkelling only steps from the sand. Guided excursions are a great option if you want to cover more of the island in a single day.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia embodies the image of paradise, with pristine beaches, clear water and swaying palms. As land based holidays here can be expensive, cruising can be a smart solution. Not only do South Pacific cruises often visit a number of islands in the archipelago, but your accommodation and onboard meals are included in your fare, which can make the overall trip feel far more accessible. The best way to see more of French Polynesia is often to sail on cruises from Papeete, though some trans Pacific itineraries between Australia and the Americas can also include French Polynesia in their port lists.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is synonymous with romance, but it offers far more than a honeymoon destination. Its tranquil lagoon is ideal for snorkelling, while deeper waters provide excellent diving opportunities. A lagoon cruise can take you to standout snorkelling spots and pristine beaches while you watch an underwater wonderland pass beneath the boat. On land, a 4WD tour can share local legends around Mount Otemanu, the island’s dramatic volcanic peak. Alternatively, take advantage of local transport and beach hop your day away.

Itineraries are subject to change. Please check your sailing details and planned port calls prior to booking.

Ready to find your perfect South Pacific cruise?

For the best South Pacific cruises, Cruise Guru helps you compare itineraries side by side with live pricing and cabin availability. Use the filters on this page to sort by month, length, ship and price. You can then open individual sailings to review inclusions and port schedules before you book.

If value is a priority, compare a few departure dates and cabin categories. Remember to look for our Price Guarantee symbol as you decide when to lock in a fare.

To hear about last-minute releases and limited offers, follow us on  Facebook, Instagram and X. When you are ready, start your search on this page and our team will help you set sail with everything organised. If you prefer to talk, call us on 13 13 03 or reach out via our Contact Us page.