South Pacific Cruise

Breathtaking sunsets and a magnificent underwater world make the South Pacific a fabulous destination for those of you seeking something different.

Explore the islands during the day and leave the evenings open to enjoy your time onboard. A cruise holiday is a wonderful way to see these locations and utilising the ship’s tour desk will help set up the must sees.

As the song says from South Pacific, “”Here am I, your special island! Come to me, come to me!”

Bora Bora

Start off your South Pacific cruise holiday with a trip to Bora Bora. Although it is the smallest of the islands, the amount of possibilities it offers are endless. Begin the trip by going to one of the many enormous beaches and try swimming or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.

The island is also well known for it’s mountains, which you can see with an amazing 4×4 tour that takes you throughout the island. Enjoy a drink in the Bloody Mary restaurant, named after a famous character in the classic musical South Pacific. It has served many celebrities over the years yet its charm has remained unchanged from when it first opened.

Bora Bora

Fiji

Fiji is perhaps the best known of the South Pacific islands and as such, it has so many attractions that you can’t possibly do them all in one day. Start off with a trip to the Fiji Museum, an extensive area that details not only the history but the wildlife of the area. See a religious icon in the form of the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, one of the few Hindu temples outside of India with Dravidian architecture.

Nature lovers of all kinds will enjoy the sights at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, which are about 20 metres high. The dunes are famous not only for their beauty but for the rich archaeological treasures within. There are also traditional Polynesian performances such as fire dancing to be seen.

Fiji Iguana

Tahiti

Tahiti may be the best island of them all. It is well known for its authentic feel, far away from the tourist shops and modern amenities, virtually everything here is independently owned. This gives Tahiti a unique feeling that’s hard to find anywhere else, its unspoiled beauty serving as a wonderful backdrop. Take a tour to see the waterfalls, located at Trois Cascades Te Fa’auruma’i.

There are 3 waterfalls in total and the path is very clear. See the water cascade down from miles above for a great photo opportunity. The history museum Musée de Tahiti et des Iles details the vibrant history of the island. See ancient artefacts, some items from Captain Cook’s ship and even a demonstration on turning a log into a canoe.

Tahiti

Moorea

Moorea served as inspiration for the island “Bali Hay” in South Pacific and it’s easy to see why. The ideal location, filled with soft sandy beaches, blue water and stunning weather makes it seem as though you are being featured in a travel brochure! Apart from snorkelling and feeding the manta rays, a good activity is to take the Circle Island tour bus.

Here, you can see exciting areas such as Cook’s and Opunohu Bays; check out the ancient Tahitian temples and visit several colonial pineapple and vanilla plantations. This day trip is the best way to get the most out of your time here.

Papua New Guinea

Culturally and geographically rich, step into a journey of the unknown in the relatively untouched Papua New Guinea. Walk along the infamous Kokoda Trail. Although impossible to trek the entire 37 miles, it does offer a chance to discover its historical use. The National Museum & Art Gallery is notable for the indigenous tribal culture of its inhabitants. PNG offers great snorkelling among gorgeous reefs teeming with unique marine life.

Papua New Guinea

Many cruise holidays begin in Australia and New Zealand but some will start out of the Port of Papeete in Tahiti.

Cruise lines including Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America and Princess amongst others offer holidays to the South Pacific. The number of days of each sailing and months sailed in varies.

Written by Veronica Shine

Have you cruised around the South Pacific? Let us know below!