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Compare: 12 Cruise Ships in the South Pacific

Contributor
Tiana Templeman

Last updated
Oct 10, 2019

Read time
4 min read

With a year-round tropical climate, fabulous beaches and picture-postcard views, the South Pacific is one of the world's most popular cruising destinations, especially for Australians. This diverse region also offers visitors much more than a spot to simply soak up the sun. Cruisers can enjoy a taste of France without the jetlag in New Caledonia, snorkel pristine tropical reefs in the Solomon Islands, go to church at a traditional Fijian village or shop for pearls in Tahiti. With more than a dozen ships plying the South Pacific's picturesque waters, many of them throughout the year, passengers have plenty of options.

This chart features a ship from each of the major South Pacific cruise lines such as Princess, Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, as well as lesser-known lines such as Azamara, Windstar and Ponant. Each of the 12 ships suits a different type of traveller. Families on a budget might find the most value onboard P&O Cruises' Pacific Adventure, while couples can pamper themselves with a romantic sailing on Windstar's Wind Spirit.

Learn more about each line's itineraries and exclusive offerings to decide which one is best for you.

Note: Click on a ship name to get more info and read hundreds of cruise reviews.

On This Page

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice has a sleek, spacious and modern interior design, with a relaxed atmosphere. A unique feature of this ship is the open-air Lawn Club, a half-acre of grass on the top deck with ocean views and games such as bocce and mini-golf. Known for its great dining and bars, Celebrity appeals to sophisticated couples, though you'll notice more families during school holidays.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Sydney.

  • Ports: Mare, Lifou, Oahu, Maui, Papeete, Bora Bora, Moorea, Lautoka, Suva, Apia, Vavau, Pago Pago, Nuku, Vila, Isle of Pines, Noumea, Lahaina.

Exclusives

  • Destination lecturers give talks in the main theatre.

  • Some itineraries include visits to several ports in Tonga.

  • Take a helicopter flight around Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano.

Ship Wows

  • A Taste of Film' which pairs a foodie-themed movie with delicious culinary bites.

  • Watch artists at work at the Hot Glass Show on the top deck.

  • The Alcove's private cabanas are ideal for taking in the view.

Photo Tour of Celebrity Solstice

Browse Upcoming Celebrity Solstice Cruises

Regal Princess

Regal Princess combines big ship features such as the SeaWalk with classic Princess favourites such as the Voice of the Ocean gameshow (a spinoff of The Voice TV program) and an aft pool for soaking up the sun. The 3,560-passenger Regal Princess also has an adults-only retreat, Movies Under the Stars and Discovery Channel activities for adults and kids alike.

Itineraries

  • Home Ports: Brisbane, Sydney

  • Ports: Mare, Mystery Island, Vila, Champagne Bay, Luganville, Alotau, Kitava, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island, Conflict Islands, Suva, Pago Pago, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Kona, Hilo, Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora.

Exclusives

  • Onboard menus feature Pacific Rim cuisine.

  • Watch locals fire walk in Vila.

  • One of the few lines to visit Papua New Guinea's Conflict Islands.

Ship Wows

  • New showEncoreblends pop music and opera.

  • Educational kids program in newly refurbished spaces.

  • Cantilevered glass SeaWalk offers great views

Browse Upcoming Sea Princess Cruises

Maasdam

HAL prides itself on a traditional cruising experience. Expect a high quality of service and food quality in the main dining room, and plan a date night in specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill steakhouse or Canaletto. Maasdam attracts a more mature cruiser, but some families and multigenerational groups may be found on New Zealand cruises, especially during school holidays.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Sydney.

  • Ports: Mare, Lifou, Lautoka, Suva, Apia, Dravuni Island, Kona, Honolulu, Lahaina, Kauai, Pago Pago, Kitava, Kiriwina Island, Conflict Islands, Alotau, Luganville, Mystery Island, Isle of Pines, Noumea.

Exclusives

  • Explore the Devil's Grotto on the Isle of Pines.

  • Learn about the local cuisine at the onboard Culinary Arts Centre.

  • Take a traditional Fijian longboat ride to a waterfall.

Ship Wows

  • Dance the night away at the Crows Nest.

  • Join a singalong at the late-night piano bar.

  • Main pool has a retractable roof for poor weather.

Browse Upcoming Noordam Cruises

Voyager of the Seas

Go ice-skating in the South Pacific on Voyager of the Seas, a 3,114-passenger ship with enough restaurants, activities and entertainment to appeal to every age group. Featuring a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall and an ice-skating rink for professional shows and passenger skate sessions, there is little danger of getting bored on this action-packed ship. Passengers range from young couples to singles, active retirees and plenty of families, especially during school holidays.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Sydney.

  • Ports: Mare, Lifou, Lautoka, Mystery Island, Vila, Isle of Pines, Noumea.

Exclusives

  • Family Connections excursions designed for adults and kids to enjoy together.

  • Taste locally made beer on a Vila pub crawl in Vanuatu.

  • Watch a traditional hunting demonstration in Lifou.

Ship Wows

  • Ice skating rink is the ideal spot to cool down.

  • Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course.

  • Johnny Rockets diner and its singing, dancing waiters.

Browse Upcoming Voyager of the Seas Cruises

Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor promises fun for all with a Twister waterslide, kids clubs and vast Splendido Lido pool deck. Parents can order a mojito and soak up the atmosphere at El Mojito or escape the crowds at the adults-only aft pool area. This 3,006-passenger "fun ship" is great value for families on a budget and those who love interacting with the friendly, attentive crew.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Sydney.

  • Ports: Mare, Lifou, Mystery Island, Vila, Isle of Pines, Noumea, Suva.

Exclusives

  • Vanilla farm and processing plant visit in Lifou.

  • Big game fishing in Vanuatu.

  • Active shore excursions aimed at younger travellers.

Ship Wows

  • Adults-only aft pool area.

  • Play giant Connect 4 atHasbro, The Game Show*.

  • One of the region's largest spas at sea

Browse Upcoming Carnival Spirit Cruises

Azamara Journey

Azamara offers several longer Tahiti and Hawaii itineraries on the 690-passenger Azamara Journey. Itineraries stop at several sought after destinations in Tahiti plus popular Hawaii ports such as Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, and Nawiliwili. With a focus on swimming, snorkelling, and mingling with other passengers, this intimate ship offers plenty of bonhomie and cultural immersion.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Papeete and Los Angeles.

  • Ports:Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Papeete, Bora Bora, Moorea.

Exclusives

  • Sail past the scenic Na Pali coast.

  • Enjoy an overnight stay in Tahiti.

  • Attend a traditional Hawaiian Luau feast.

Ship Wows

  • Expert guest lectures on upcoming ports.

  • White Night Dinner on the pool deck.

  • Long stays in port make it easy to explore indepth.


Wind Spirit

With its white sails billowing, the romance of Wind Spirit is hard to resist. This 148-passenger ship sails French Polynesia year-round and offers a convivial onboard atmosphere and water sports off the back deck. Dinner at the main restaurant combines casual attire with fine food and service in a single open seating. This intimate cruise experience appeals to well-travelled couples who appreciate the finer things and relaxing on holiday in equal measure.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Papeete.

  • Ports: Fakarava, Tiputa, Motu Mahaea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea,Avatiu, Alofi, Suva, Lautoka, Yasawa-I-Rara, Port Vila, Lifou, Mare, Noumea,

Exclusives

  • Local fish features on the menu.

  • Fire show and sunset BBQ dinner in Bora Bora.

  • Itineraries feature lesser- known ports such as Tiputu.

Ship Wows

  • When conditions permit, the ship is powered by the wind.

  • Open bridge policy.

  • Relaxed yet chic ambiance.

Photo Tour of Wind Spirit

Browse Upcoming Wind Spirit Cruises

Le Laperouse

The first of Ponant's expedition ships, the 184-passenger Le Laperouse, provides a comfortable, all-inclusive cruise experience that showcases the region's stunning scenery. The ship is built for active exploration with a fleet of Zodiacs and aft marina for watersports. The infinity pool is ideal for watching the South Pacific's stunning scenery go by, as is the industry first underwater observatory known as the Blue Eye Lounge.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Cairns and Honiara.

  • Ports: Kouare Island, Lifou, Tanna Island, Espiritu Santo, Ureparapara Island, Vanikoro Island, Guadalcanal Island, Rabaul, Lusancay Islands, Tufi, Fergusson Island, Dobu Island, Samarai Islands, Kei Islands, Maluku Islands, Triton Bay, Banda Run, Palau Saparua, Palau Sapura, Palau Molana.

Exclusives

  • Spend the day at the remote Kei Islands.

  • Experience the age-old cultures of Banda Run.

  • Explore Tangkoko National Park.

Ship Wows

  • Blue Eye Lounge underwater observatory.

  • Onboard lectures from expert guides.

  • All-inclusive cruise experience.

Browse Upcoming Paul Gauguin Cruises

Viking Orion

Carrying 930 passengers, Viking Orion's refined ambiance, complimentary excursions, and included perks such as wine with meals, attract a discerning crowd, mostly empty nesters and retirees. Viking Orion also stands out with its high-tech planeterium for stargazing and eductaional lectures. When it's time to eat, passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, all of which are included in the cruise fare.

Itineraries

  • Homeports: Sydney.

  • Ports: Papeete, Bora Bora, Tongatapu, Suva.

Exclusives

  • Visits lesser-known ports such as Tongatapu in Tonga.

  • Complimentary excursion in every port.

  • Overnight stay in Papeete on some voyages.

Ship Wows

  • Extensive thermal suite for relaxation.

  • Onboard planetarium linked to the ship's telescope.

  • Specialty restaurants included in the fare.

Browse Upcoming Crystal Symphony Cruises

Pacific Adventure

With a maximum of 3,100 passengers, this ship will offer a more lively South Pacific cruise experience than most other mainstream lines when it debuts in October 2020. Plenty of fun can be found at the P&O Edge Adventure Park and at the ship's lively bars, especially after the sun goes down. Free dining options abound and new specialty restaurants by chefs such as Luke Mangan are also set to debut. Pacific Adventure is sure to be a hit with cruisers of all ages who appreciate a larger size ship and low-key, casual vibe combined with modern Australian style.

Itineraries

  • Homeports: Sydney and Brisbane.

  • Ports: Alotau, Madang, Wewak, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island, Kitava, Conflict Islands, Noumea, Mare, Port Vila, Nuku'alofa, Vava'u, Suva, Port Denarau, Santo, Pentecost, Mystery Island, Isle Of Pines.

Exclusives

  • Mainstream cruise line offering destinations such as Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

  • Active shore excursions aimed at younger travellers.

  • Expert Mutiny on the Bounty guest lecturer on Bounty Adventure cruise.

Ship Wows

  • Exclusive Byron Beach Club for suite guests

  • P&O Edge Adventure Park offers fun for young and old.

  • Gatsby and Bianco theme parties on the top deck.

Browse Upcoming Pacific Aria Cruises

Silver Muse

The 596-passenger Silver Muse combines adventure with a luxury cruise experience. As an intimate, all-suite, all-inclusive vessel, it offers a lavish South Pacific cruise experience. The onboard team includes enrichment lecturers with specialist knowledge of the ports on each itinerary. The ship also features high-quality dining, large suites, butler and included extras like wine, beer and spirits.

Itineraries

  • Home Ports: Sydney and Melbourne.

  • Ports: Isle of Pines, Lautoka, Dravuni Island, Savusavu, Noumea.

Exclusives

  • See the famous Moai statues on Easter Island.

  • Includes lesser-known destinations such as Oeno Island, Manihiki and Suwarrow.

Ship Wows

  • Loads of outdoor space to soak up the sun.

  • An all-suite ship with a butler assigned to staterooms.

  • All-inclusive, luxury cruise experience.

Browse Upcoming Silver Explorer Cruises

Seven Seas Navigator

This intimate 490-passenger ship makes an ideal home base for destination-intensive exploration. All passenger accommodations are spacious suites and nearly all of these have balconies, with the exception of the window suites on the lowest decks. This all-inclusive luxury ship attracts mature couples and wealthy families. Passengers shell out up front, but enjoy included amenities such as shore excursions, specialty restaurants, drinks and gratuities.

Itineraries

  • Home Port: Papeete and Sydney.

  • Ports: Rangiroa, Pago Pago, Apia, Lautoka, Suva, Noumea, Honolulu, Hilo, Nawiliwili, Kuhului, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Fakarava, Raiatea, Hilo, Noumea.

Exclusives

  • Overnight stay in Bora Bora.

  • Expert lecturers from the Smithsonian Institute.

  • Unlimited free shore excursions allow for in-depth exploring.

Ship Wows

  • Swimming pool and sun deck.

  • 90 per cent of ocean view suites have balconies.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Photo Tour of Seven Seas Navigator

Browse Upcoming Seven Seas Navigator Cruises

Publish date October 10, 2019
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