South Pacific

South Pacific Cruise Guide

South Pacific Cruise Guide

A South Pacific cruise is a tropical escape to paradise. Imagine sailing through crystal-clear waters, visiting remote islands, and basking in the sun on pristine beaches. With ports in places like Fiji, Tahiti, and Bora Bora, you'll have the chance to explore vibrant cultures and experience breathtaking natural beauty. It's a journey that promises relaxation, adventure, and the allure of the South Pacific's idyllic islands.

Sydney
Dunedin

Key South Pacific Cruise Information

Ships & Cruise Lines

The South Pacific is served by a diverse fleet of ships, from mega-resorts at sea to intimate exploration vessels. Major cruise lines like Carnival and Celebrity deploy larger ships, such as the Carnival Adventure, which are packed with amenities like water parks, multiple dining venues, Broadway-style shows, and expansive kids' clubs. These ships are destinations in themselves and are ideal for families and travelers who want a wide variety of onboard entertainment. With an average cruise length of 9 nights, these larger ships offer a balanced itinerary of relaxing sea days to enjoy the ship's features and exciting port days to explore the islands.

For a more destination-focused experience, smaller ships from lines like Azamara, including the Pursuit, Quest, and Onward, are perfectly suited for navigating the region. Their smaller size allows them to access secluded harbors and more remote islands that larger vessels cannot reach. These ships often emphasize the destination with enrichment lectures, longer stays in port, and sometimes even overnight calls. Onboard amenities are geared towards relaxation and enjoying the scenery, with features like expansive sun decks, pools, and often a retractable marina platform at the stern, allowing guests to swim, kayak, or paddleboard directly from the ship in calm anchorages.

Last updated on June 20, 2025

Best Time to Cruise

The best time to cruise the South Pacific is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you can expect pleasant, warm temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for beach days, snorkeling, and exploring the islands. This is the peak season, so while the weather is ideal, prices for cruises and flights will be at their highest, and popular spots will be more crowded. The shoulder months of April, May, October, and November can offer a sweet spot with a good balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and more moderate pricing.

The wet season, from November to April, brings hotter temperatures, high humidity, and a greater chance of rain, with the risk of tropical cyclones being highest from January to March. While this might deter some, this is the low season, meaning you'll find the best deals on cruises and encounter far fewer tourists. If you travel during this time, be prepared for sudden downpours and potential itinerary changes due to weather. Regardless of when you go, packing light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses is essential. For the wet season, a lightweight rain jacket and insect repellent are also highly recommended.

Last updated on June 20, 2025

Who Should Go

South Pacific cruises hold immense appeal for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. They are particularly perfect for couples and honeymooners looking for romantic escapes on idyllic beaches, as well as families wanting a vacation that combines fun onboard activities with accessible shore excursions like snorkeling in calm lagoons and visiting local villages. Nature lovers and active travelers will be in their element, with ample opportunities for diving world-class reefs, hiking to waterfalls, and kayaking through turquoise waters. With a median price of around $122 per person per day, these cruises offer a relatively affordable way to visit multiple exotic destinations without the logistical hassle of island-hopping by plane.

The experience is well-suited for those with a moderate activity level, though most excursions can be tailored. Ports like Mystery Island, Vanuatu, are flat and easy to walk, while adventures in Airlie Beach or Noumea can be more strenuous. Travelers with significant mobility issues should research specific ships and ports carefully, as many smaller islands require tender boats to get ashore, which can be challenging. While perfect for those who love the sun, sea, and a laid-back pace, travelers who prefer fast-paced, city-centric vacations or dislike heat and humidity might want to consider alternative destinations. Those seeking deep, independent cultural immersion may also find the structured nature of a cruise somewhat limiting.

Last updated on June 20, 2025

Best South Pacific Cruise Deals

10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
March 23, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Noumea Lifou Mystery Island Port-Vila Sydney
$1,138
$114 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
February 10, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Mystery Island Port-Vila Lifou Noumea Sydney
$1,151
$115 per day
Suite
9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 10, 2025
9 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.11/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Moreton Cairns Airlie Beach Sydney
$1,046
$116 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
November 16, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Noumea Lifou Port-Vila Mystery Island Sydney
$1,173
$117 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
July 19, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Port-Vila Mystery Island Lifou Noumea Sydney
$1,173
$117 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
June 8, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Mystery Island Port-Vila Lifou Noumea Sydney
$1,206
$121 per day
Suite
4 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
December 2, 2025
4 Night Moreton Island Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.22/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Moreton Sydney
$491
$123 per day
Suite
11 Night Brisbane to Brisbane cruise
January 22, 2026
Crown Princess
S M L XL
Brisbane Noumea Lifou Port-Vila Luganville Mystery Island Brisbane
$1,170
$106 per day
Suite
9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
May 16, 2026
9 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.11/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Airlie Beach Cairns Moreton Sydney
$1,105
$123 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
August 19, 2026
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Mystery Island Port-Vila Lifou Noumea Sydney
$1,206
$121 per day
Suite

Last Minute South Pacific Cruises

9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 10, 2025
9 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.11/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Moreton Cairns Airlie Beach Sydney
$1,046
$116 per day
Suite
9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 1, 2025
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Noumea Mystery Island Port-Vila Sydney
$707
$79 per day
Outside
14 Night Sydney to Lautoka cruise
August 20, 2025
14 Night South Pacific Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.19/5)
Norwegian Sun
S M L XL
Sydney Airlie Beach Townsville Cairns Mystery Island Dravuni Island Savusavu Port Denarau Lautoka
$1,104
$79 per day
Inside
9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 30, 2025
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Noumea Mystery Island Port-Vila Sydney
$1,324
$147 per day
Suite
4 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 22, 2025
4 Night Moreton Island Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.11/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Moreton Sydney
$351
$88 per day
Outside
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 17, 2025
10 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.21/5)
Carnival Splendor
S M L XL
Sydney Airlie Beach Cairns Port Douglas Moreton Sydney
$790
$79 per day
Inside
14 Night Lautoka to Sydney cruise
August 6, 2025
14 Night South Pacific Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.19/5)
Norwegian Sun
S M L XL
Lautoka Port Denarau Savusavu Dravuni Island Mystery Island Cairns Townsville Airlie Beach Sydney
$1,187
$85 per day
Inside
4 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
August 25, 2025
4 Night Moreton Island Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.11/5)
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Moreton Sydney
$611
$153 per day
Suite
10 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
August 3, 2025
Carnival Adventure
S M L XL
Sydney Mystery Island Port-Vila Lifou Noumea Sydney
$1,082
$108 per day
Balcony
9 Night Sydney to Sydney cruise
September 8, 2025
9 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
CruiseScore™ (4.10/5)
Carnival Splendor
S M L XL
Sydney Airlie Beach Cairns Moreton Sydney
$727
$81 per day
Inside

Monthly South Pacific Cruise Prices

On average South Pacific Cruises are rather affordable compared to other types. The graph below shows the monthly average cost per day for South Pacific Cruises. South Pacific Cruises departing during the the peak season of winter are much more expensive than the the low season of summer.

Jan
$201
Feb
$224
Mar
$152
Apr
$126
May
$90
Jun
$92
Jul
$86
Aug
$86
Sep
$90
Oct
$143
Nov
$157
Dec
$192

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