Cruising around the islands of the South Pacific is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many travelers. While some of the island nations, like Fiji, are well known to Americans, others, like Niue, are less familiar. A South Pacific cruise promises cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes and plenty of water-based activities.
You can find South Pacific itineraries on luxury, expedition and even big-ship cruise lines. Some ships sail from Hawaii to Australia with island visits throughout the South Pacific, or offer weeklong cruises from Australia to a handful of the nearest South Pacific islands like Vanuatu. Cruisers looking to dive deep into the rich history and culture of the South Pacific might want to consider some of the smaller luxury lines that depart from the islands themselves; Papeete, Tahiti, in French Polynesia is a common port of embarkation.
South Pacific cruises are often the domain of retirees and honeymooners, but South Pacific cruises can be a fulfilling trip with kids or as a multigenerational vacation.
Here are the nine best South Pacific cruises for your next vacation.
Silversea Cruises’ 11- to 13-night Tahiti cruises
Silversea Cruises offers a variety of South Pacific cruises that span nine to 19 nights, but the most popular options are the 11- to 13-night round-trip sailings from Papeete, Tahiti. In 2025, Silver Shadow will call on ports like Nuku Hiva and Atuona in the Marquesas Islands, Bora Bora and Moorea. Cruisers can enjoy hikes and marvel at waterfalls at Nuku Hiva, while Moorea is known for its ocean activities like snorkeling or sunbathing at picturesque beaches.
The cruise line offers two types of inclusive fares. The port-to-port fares include all food and drinks onboard, butler service, gratuities and shore excursions. This package does not include flights or airport transfers. The door-to-door fare package includes roundtrip flights, airport transfers, a precruise hotel, all food and drinks onboard, shore excursions, butler service and gratuities. Additionally, postcruise hotel and airport transfers are included.
Who should go: Silversea is known for luxury ships that cater to retirees. Silver Shadow features gourmet dining at several specialty restaurants, including the French La Dame and Italian La Terrazza. By day, gaze at the ocean from a light-filled lounge while enjoying a complimentary cocktail; by night, find your luck at the ship’s small casino.
Intuitive service is a Silversea hallmark. The ship has a nearly one-to-one ratio of crew to guests, and a butler attends every suite.
Fares: From $8,900 per person, based on double occupancy
Related: 5 fabulous destinations for luxury cruise fans
Windstar Cruises’ 14-night Tahitian Treasures and Magnificent Marquesas cruise
Windstar Cruises is an industry leader in cruises around Tahiti. The brand has been sailing the islands for more than 35 years and now offers year-round sailings on Star Breeze. (The line will soon have two ships based in the region.)
While its staple itinerary is the seven-night Dreams of Tahiti sailing, the all-suite 312-passenger ship is starting a new 14-night route this year that takes cruisers to multiple islands in the Marquesas, Bora Bora (two-day stop), Moorea, Motu Mahaea (a private island off Tahaa), Rangiroa and Fakarava, with multiple days at sea sprinkled in. The 14-night sailing is limited, with just two departures in 2024 and three in 2025.
With an overnight in Bora Bora, you can try everything from an exhilarating tank dive or scuba excursion to a relaxing lagoon tour. Those looking for a bit of romance can book a night at one of the island’s many over-water bungalow resorts.
Who should go: This itinerary would be ideal for adventurous couples looking to celebrate a major life event like a birthday or anniversary. Star Breeze recently underwent a massive renovation to add two new restaurants featuring Spanish cuisine and barbecue, an upgraded spa with steam and sauna rooms, an infinity pool and a larger fitness area. Each suite has all-new bathrooms, and the ship’s smallest suites are quite large by cruise standards at 277 square feet.
Fares: From $6,899 per person based on double occupancy
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Windstar Cruises ship
Azamara’s 15-night South Pacific Jewels cruise
Azamara’s 15-night South Pacific Jewels cruise is taking place only once in 2025, with embarkation on Jan. 24. On this sailing, Azamara Onward will take guests to islands across French Polynesia, American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, with a final destination of New Zealand.
In Apia, Samoa, you can venture into the vibrant jungle to find hidden swimming holes, while Tonga will lure you into the ocean with incredible snorkeling around coral reefs. In Bay of Islands, New Zealand, join an excursion that takes you right into the heart of a cave system to see glowworms.
Who should go: Travelers looking for adventure off the ship, extended port times and a relaxed onboard ambience will love this cruise. While small, the 684-passenger ship features seven restaurants and cafes, a pool and a spa. All gratuities, both nonalcoholic and specific alcoholic beverages and self-service laundry are included in Azamara‘s base fares. A hallmark of the line is complimentary cultural evening events that take place once a cruise, either on the ship or in port.
Fares: From $4,500 per person based on double occupancy
National Geographic Expeditions’ 9-night Pearls of the Pacific voyage
Travelers looking for a deep dive into the history and culture of the South Pacific should look no further than the 9-night Pearls of the Pacific Voyage to the Society and Tuamotu Islands from National Geographic Expeditions. The 102-passenger National Geographic Orion has exceptional maneuverability, so it can sail through shallow water, bays and small rivers. The two 2025 sailings depart on Jan. 29 and Feb. 28.
The cruise starts and ends in Papeete, Tahiti. Guests will first sail to the Tuamotu Archipelago where you can snorkel with reef sharks. In Fakarava, you can learn about pearl farming, while in Taha’a, you can explore a vanilla bean farm.
Active travelers will enjoy diving into Bora Bora’s crystal clear waters or hiking through a pineapple plantation in Moorea. Raiatea is where you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuatea, where Polynesian seafarers would begin their journeys. A photography instructor, undersea specialist and National Geographic expert well-versed in the region and its culture will accompany the group on this voyage.
Who should go: National Geographic Expeditions is less about the onboard experience and more about exploring and understanding the destination you’re visiting. The ships have all of the basics, like a restaurant and communal lounge, but lack the specialty restaurants and butler service of the luxury cruise lines.
National Geographic Orion was built for function rather than style. On board, you’ll find a mud room with lockers for expedition gear and a fleet of rigid inflatable Zodiac boats that transfer guests from ship to shore. Everything from meals and excursions to alcohol and gratuities is included in the price.
Fares: From $10,910 per person based on double occupancy
Related: Expedition cruises: The ultimate guide to cruising to remote, hard-to-reach places
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 16-night Vibrant Fiji & Polynesian Magic cruise
Those who are looking to live in the lap of luxury and can plan a cruise a year and a half in advance will want to consider Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 16-night Vibrant Fiji & Polynesian Magic sailing aboard Seven Seas Navigator. The ship will depart on Feb. 6, 2026, from Auckland, New Zealand, and sail to Papeete, Tahiti.
The cruise will start with visits to New Zealand ports Whangarei and Bay of Islands, before setting sail for the islands of the South Pacific. Highlights include Port Vila, Vanuatu, where you can hike to the top of a 65-foot waterfall; Lautoka, Fiji, famous for its snorkeling; and Suva, Fiji, where you can participate in a Fijian kava ceremony. An overnight in Bora Bora gives you ample opportunity to explore by land and sea.
The itinerary visits nine ports, includes six days at sea and crosses the international date line.
Who should go: This itinerary is a splurge for travelers looking to be pampered on the ship and see remote islands and beaches off the ship. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the most luxurious and inclusive cruise lines out there. Fares include shore excursions, unlimited beverages including fine wine and spirits, crew gratuities, all specialty restaurant dining and Wi-Fi. You can upgrade to more inclusive fares that cover flights, airport transfers and precruise hotel.
Fares: From $10,199 per person, based on double occupancy
Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity
Disney Cruise Line’s 15-night South Pacific cruise
While Disney Cruise Line is mostly known for its family-friendly Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, it does occasionally send a ship wandering around the globe. In 2024 and 2025, the 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder will offer a 15-night South Pacific cruise, crossing the Pacific Ocean from Honolulu to Sydney in October and from Sydney to Honolulu in February.
Both cruises visit Fiji, New Caledonia and American Samoa, but one itinerary stops in Maui while the other visits Kauai. The itinerary includes 10 days at sea, but you can count on Disney to keep you entertained with shows, movies, activities and character meet and greets, so you won’t get bored during the long ocean crossing.
Who should go: Families with young kids (or homeschooled children) or adults looking for an upscale Disney vacation will enjoy these unusual Disney Wonder itineraries. This repositioning cruise is a good value for a Disney cruise, with inside cabins starting at $170 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. For comparison, a seven-night cruise to Alaska on Disney Wonder starts at $236 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
Disney Wonder has dedicated spaces for kids like Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab, where counselors lead children in games and activities from morning until night. Grownups looking to unwind can do so at the Quiet Cove Pool, which is exclusively adults-only and a great place to hang out on sunny sea days. Everyone can enjoy lively entertainment and themed dining, as well as meeting favorite Disney characters without the long waits you’d encounter at a Disney theme park.
Fares: From $5,111 per cabin, based on double occupancy
Royal Caribbean’s 7- to 9-night South Pacific cruises from Brisbane
For the ultimate mix of unique destinations and exciting things to do on board, Royal Caribbean’s South Pacific cruises from Brisbane, Australia, are ideal. The sailings take place on the 4,905-passenger Quantum of the Seas in 2025 and the 4,000-passenger Voyager of the Seas in 2026.
Ports of call for either season’s weeklong sailings include Mystery Island, Vanuatu, where you can snorkel around coral reefs, and Port Vila, Vanuatu, where zip lining over the jungle canopy is a thrilling excursion. The nine-night sailing includes three Vanuatu stops and one in New Caledonia, the latter of which is great for swimming with sea turtles.
Who should go: If you’re looking for an activity-filled big ship that isn’t overwhelmingly huge, these Royal Caribbean ships will suit you. Voyager offers more onboard attractions for kids, such as water slides and minigolf, while Quantum has a more adult vibe with unique lounges and the indoor adults-only solarium.
Fares: From $589 per person based on double occupancy
Oceania Cruises’ 10-night South Pacific cruises
Step aboard Oceania Cruises’ 10-night South Pacific cruise, sailing round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti. Sailings takes place on the 670-passenger Nautica or Regatta.
The itinerary includes visits to Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa and Raiatea, French Polynesia. Select itineraries include an overnight in Bora Bora where you can check into an overwater bungalow if desired. Bora Bora is also an ideal snorkeling destination where animals like manta rays can be seen gliding through the water.
Who should go: Older adults looking for a luxury cruise to some of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific will love this sailing. While on board, guests can find a cozy spot to relax in the library, enjoy enrichment sessions led by experts, gamble in the casino or just sit back at the bar and chat with the bartenders while they mix cocktails. The outdoor pool and sports deck are great spots to take in the view of the ocean.
Oceania Cruises is known for its food, and the ship has an abundance of dining options for a smaller vessel. While the main dining room is your default for dinner, the specialty restaurants are really the star here. Toscana highlights regional Italian cuisine, while Polo Grill dishes out dry-aged steaks and tableside Caesar salads.
Fares: From $2,999 per person, based on double occupancy
Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14-night South Pacific cruise
Head to the South Pacific from Hawaii on Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14-night South Pacific cruise that starts in Honolulu and ends in the capital of French Polynesia — Papeete, Tahiti. The July 2025 sailing on the 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun begins with a visit to Hawaiian island ports in Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i and Hawaii, where guests can snorkel, sunbathe and surf, or visit historic, cultural and natural sites — including an active volcano.
The ship will cross the Pacific during four days at sea and make its way to French Polynesia, where guests can explore Bora Bora, Raiatea, Moorea and Papeete. Raiatea offers a fantastic day of exploration; visit French Polynesia’s largest outdoor temple and tour the most sacred island in the South Pacific.
Who should go: Cruisers who like to relax and make their own fun will enjoy this sailing on Norwegian Sun. The ship is an older, smaller vessel that doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships have. Dining options are plentiful with 14 venues around the ship, from the complimentary poolside buffet and two main dining rooms to an extra-fee steakhouse and Mexican restaurant. The top deck, while small, is great for taking in the panoramic ocean views while sitting in a lounge chair.
Fares: From $2,299 per person, based on double occupancy
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