Nearly anywhere you cruise in the South Pacific, you can expect expanses of water in gorgeous hues of blue and turquoise, lush tropical forests, palm-lined white sand beaches, reefs, colorful sea life, lots of sunshine, and friendly people.
Regions of the South Pacific:
- Polynesia – a large triangle with Hawaii as the northern point, Easter Island in the east and New Zealand in the west. Encompasses Samoa and American Samoa, the Cook Islands, and some of the most popular South Pacific destinations such as Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
- Micronesia, which lies just north of the equator, includes Guam and the Marshall Islands.
- Melanesia includes the mountainous islands of the western South Pacific, including New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.
South Pacific Highlights:
- French Polynesia is served by several cruise lines. Cruises here often begin in Papeete, Tahiti, and visit:
- Bora Bora and its famous lagoon
- Mountainous Moorea
- Tahaa, where the scent of vanilla-producing flowers fills the air
- Rangiroa, a favorite of divers
- Marquesas Islands, rugged and beautiful
- Fiji is a starting point for cruises of Melanesia, which typically sail to:
- The Yasawas, an archipelago of islands that have stunning white sand beaches, deep blue water and coral reefs
- Some cruises of Melanesia begin on the island of Guam and visit other islands of Micronesia, too
Keep in mind:
Remember the time you’ll need to fly there and back, which can add a day or two to your itinerary.
Discuss the options with Cruise Holidays of Charleston, who will help you plan all the details of a memorable South Pacific cruise.