From Bora Bora and Huahine to Nadi — South Pacific cruises are one of the best ways to enjoy all of the stunning sights and dreamlike experiences the South Pacific has to offer. The South Pacific is made up of a whopping 7,500 islands scattered throughout perfect azure blue and turquoise waters. While only 500 of the islands in the South Pacific are inhabited, that doesn’t stop most thrill-seekers from venturing out. Considered the ultimate honeymoon destination, collectively, the South Pacific islands are commonly referred to as “paradise on earth,â€? and the people of the islands are considered to be the most beautiful in the world.
The South Pacific islands are grouped into three categories: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Melanesia includes the island nations of the Western Pacific: New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Micronesia, which lies north of the equator, includes eight nation states: Yap, Chuuk, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Polynesia, a triangle of ocean formed by Easter Island, Hawaii, and New Zealand includes: American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia.
French Polynesia consists of five archipelagos including the Society Islands with Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine, as well as Austral, Tuamotu, Gambier, and the Marquesas islands. Polynesia represents one-fifth of the earth’s surface.
There are more than a dozen major cruise lines offering South Pacific cruise itineraries including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise lines, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises.
Shore excursions are just as varied as the different types of cruise lines sailing to the South Pacific. Passengers will enjoy water activities, shore-side activities, and special events when the ship is in port. Just a few examples include: canoeing, diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, shark feeding, and snorkeling. You can even take a toiur on a glass-bottom boat and explore a lagoon, or you can even charter your own catamaran or powerboat. Other activities include: exploration by 4×4 safari, circle-island trips, independent shopping or village exploration, or guided hiking trips high up into the mountains.
Some of the most popular South Pacific cruises are seven, 10, or 14 days in length and they typically set sail from Papeete or Honolulu. Ports-of-call, depending upon sailing, include: Honolulu, Christmas Island, Kona, lahaina, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea or Huahine.
If you’re ready to book your South Pacifica cruise, keep in mind that South Pacific has a high and low season just like most tropical vacation destinations. South Pacific’s peak season is during the months of June, July, August, September, and October, and low season is November-May. During peak season, occupancy is near 100%, while low season ranges from 20% to 50%. Prices drop by an average of 30% in low season, so you can find excellent deals during this time. The two major cruise lines that service the South Pacific year-round are Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Star Clipper.
To book a South Pacific cruise, contact your favorite cruise line directly (online or by phone), or contact your local cruise travel specialist.