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Tahiti, French Polynesia & South Pacific Cruises

Enchanting isles cast a magical, mesmerizing spell.

There’s more than one paradise to be found on a South Pacific cruise. It’s where hidden jewels like “Mystery Island” and the Tuamotu Archipelago invite exploration. Take a Tahiti cruise, and other South Pacific cruises and you’ll not only discover the pearls of the South Pacific, you’ll also be introduced to its wonderful color, culture and flavors through unique programs on board and ashore that will change you forever.

Cruise Tahiti & French Polynesia

Enjoy the welcoming spirit and the idyllic islands of French Polynesia, sailing from Tahiti. You’ll discover sparkling lagoons and pristine beaches with overnight stays in Bora Bora, Papeete and a late-night stay in Raiatea.

Cruise The South Pacific

The South Pacific is full of treasures including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, & Vanuatu. Each island shares stunning natural beauty, colorful cultures and rich histories making cruising the best way to experience these enchanting locales.

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Why Cruise Tahiti & French Polynesia?

Tahiti & French Polynesia cruise highlights

Simply paradise

Rimmed by coral reefs, aquamarine lagoons and pristine beaches, the French Polynesian islands have lured those seeking paradise for centuries. Tahiti is the largest of the chain, and its capital, Papeete, is a great base from which it explore its treasures. Gorgeous Moorea, with awe-inspiring vistas from the top of its mounts, to the less frequented yet stunning destinations of Rangiroa and Raiatea; Bora Bora, the cradle of Polynesian culture, and Huahine, two pristine islands connected by a graceful bridge.

Ultimate water playground

The waters of French Polynesia have been called the richest aquarium on Earth, teeming with stunning snorkeling and diving experiences with reef sharks, rays and more. Its crystal-clear waters are home to the most exquisitely colored pearls in the world. Enjoy the island’s wonders on a catamaran to Moorea’s top snorkel spots. Spy Bora Bora’s under-the-sea wonders on a glass-bottom boat, and visit the freshwater eels of Huahine – where you can feed them by hand.

More time to discover these jewels

With our More Ashore program, guests enjoy more time to explore these tropical playgrounds. Enjoy a late-night departure from Raiatea and overnight experiences in beautiful Bora Bora and Tahiti. Indulge in the regional cuisine, sip vanilla-infused cocktails, and dance to Polynesian music under stars that shine more brightly than any place on Earth.

Why Cruise the South Pacific?

South Pacific cruise highlights

History & culture

Explore the life, culture, history and tradition the South Pacific as, a traditional village as it comes to life with tribal chants, see fire walking in Port Vila, and discover the Māori world of myths and legends while enjoying a delectable feast in Tauranga .

Natural wonders

Witness the amazing diversity of colored reef fish while snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystalline waters of the Isles of Pines, enjoy the sparkling beaches of Champagne Bay, and be in awe of the atoll of the Conflict Islands in Papua New Guinea.

Taste the local flavors

Savor authentic regional tastes created by our chefs and influenced by the destinations you are visiting, such as an exotic papaya & banana soufflé, Polynesian chicken pupu, grilled Wahoo fillet with mango salsa or even a traditional Hangi dinner.

Award-Winning shore excursions

See more of the South Pacific ashore with our award-winning shore excursions. Take a scenic drive and visit the renowned “Aquarium des Lagons” in Noumea, or go on a fishing expedition in Port Denarau.

2024 - 2025 Tahiti, French Polynesia & South Pacific New Cruise Itineraries. Learn more

Tahiti, French Polynesia & South Pacific Cruise Travel Articles

Sail from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne to the Isles of the South Pacific. Experience what it’s like to be pampered in paradise.

Finding "Bula" in Fiji

Like the Hawaiian "aloha," “bula” in Fiji is a welcoming sign of love, friendship and good health.

South Pacific Cruises: 4 Bora Bora Facts That You Didn't Know

Bora Bora, tucked in the shadow of Mount Otemanu is Bora Bora, is a popular cruise destination for people who truly want to surround themselves with natural beauty.

3 Unique Moorea Excursions to Embark On

The beautiful island of Moorea is your gateway to the wonderful and varied South Pacific shore excursions that you'll be able to experience in Polynesia.

Insider's Travel Guide to Tahiti: 5 Tips for Traveling in Tahiti

Use this Tahiti travel guide from Princess to plan your trip today. Get five tips to enhance your travels in Tahiti and make it an unforgettable experience.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand Cruises

South pacific.

From the world-famous waves and luminous shores of Australia to the stunning natural wonders of its New Zealand neighbors, these limited-time, one-way voyages between Melbourne and Auckland — and three ultra exclusive round-trips out of Melbourne — feature brand new destinations in the Tasman Sea.

Ports to write home about

Our home ports of Melbourne and Sydney offer Sailors easy access to this glamorous region.

A magnetic mix of historic cathedrals and new skyscrapers, Melbourne is an all-around awe-inspiring city boasting vibrant experiences. With our homeport amidst the city's buzz, you can experience the local coffee culture, explore Queen Victoria Market, stroll along the Yarra River, and more.

With sun-soaked elegance and an effortlessly cool vibe, our Sydney homeport is steps away from iconic sites like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. So, if your inner wanderlust starts itching for pics, just grab your camera and capture that stunning skyline even before our scenic sail-off begins.

Book Now. Pay Monthly.

A flexible, pay-over-time solution, up to $375 in value, add a splash for your bash, limited-time cruise deals.

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

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South Pacific Cruises

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Exciting Cruises to the South Pacific

On a South Pacific cruise with Celebrity, you'll venture to remote ports with thousands of years of history and culture layered into a natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Travel to pristine beaches with turquoise lagoons, warm white sand, and natural splendor found in very few other places on Earth.

Explore Papeete and its iconic landscape made famous by artists such as Paul Gauguin. In Lautoka, Fiji, take a catamaran to an exquisite South Sea island for a day of snorkeling and exploring pristine beaches. During your stop in Raiatea, explore one of the most sacred sites in Polynesia, Taputapuatea Marae, an ancient temple and one-time site of religious ceremonies. Uncover a world of rich history and natural wonder on a captivating cruise to the South Pacific.

South Pacific Cruise Highlights

It's no secret that the islands of the South Pacific are home to some of the world’s best beaches. On the island of Papeete in Tahiti, you'll find Matavai Bay, where white sand and aquamarine waters make for the perfect place to relax. In Fiji, head to Lautoka's Vunabaka Bay for an unforgettable experience snorkeling over brilliant coral reefs. Raiatea boasts the immaculate, unspoiled beaches of nearby Taha'a, a secluded island just a short boat ride from the port.

Polynesian Culture

One of the most valuable experiences you can have while traveling the South Pacific is to learn about Polynesia’s rich cultures. The isolated position of the islands has given rise to traditions of music, storytelling, dance, and art. In Fiji, visit a typical village, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional ceremony and kava juice. For a taste of local culture in Noumea, head to the vibrant municipal market, filled with exotic fruit, fragrant flowers, artisanal crafts, and snack bars. 

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of animal encounters during a South Pacific cruise, both ashore and in the water. Snorkel from the beaches of Tahiti and you could be swimming among rays, dolphins, black-tipped reef sharks, and sea turtles. While in Fiji, take a nature tour through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Stroll past rushing streams and tranquil pools, one with a rope swing, and be on the lookout for dazzling birds like robins, fantails, and the colorful musk parrot.

Featured South Pacific Cruise Ports

Pape'ete, tahiti.

There’s plenty to see in and around Papeete—if you can tear yourself away from Tahiti’s glorious beaches and coral reefs, that is. Visit the house where James Norman Hall lived and shop for juicy tropical fruits at the Papeete Market. Take a 4x4 safari into the lush backcountry, a world of jagged peaks, waterfalls, and dense rainforest. See the bay where Captain James Cook made landfall. Learn more about island crafts, including pareo tying and palm weaving.

Lautoka, Fiji

Lautoka is a laid-back city at the heart of Fiji’s sugar cane industry and is home to the largest sugar mill in the South Pacific. In town, chat with locals at the vibrant Lautoka Market and stroll the pretty botanical garden. Admire the Krishna Kaliya Hindu Temple, brilliant with sculptures and murals. And don’t miss those dazzling beaches; a catamaran will whisk you to a remote atoll of swaying palms, white sands, and sparkling seas for the ultimate South Pacific beach day.

Noumea, New Caledonia

Capital of the French territory of New Caledonia, Nouméa has both French and Polynesian influences. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the City of Nouméa Museum to learn about the history of the island. Head for the bustling market to sample bougna, chicken or fish slow-cooked in banana leaves with yam, sweet potato, and banana. Relax on exquisite coral sand beaches and snorkel over vibrant reefs in the sapphire Pacific.

South Pacific Cruise Itineraries

Journey through the lush South Pacific on adventurous itineraries ranging from 12 to 18 nights. You’ll depart from Sydney, Auckland, or Honolulu and visit multiple islands during your cruise.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the south pacific with celebrity cruises.

Cruises to the South Pacific with Celebrity offer you the chance to explore some of the most breathtaking archipelagos in the world. With a focus on service from the moment you board, you'll experience fabulous restaurants, Broadway-style shows, state-of-the-art fitness options, and refreshing body treatments at The Spa. Choose The Retreat® , a unique vacation experience that gives you access to fine dining, an exclusive lounge, and a stunning suite.

Embark on a voyage of discovery to some of the world's most extravagantly lush tropical islands, where you'll find pristine beaches, limpid lagoons, jagged volcanic peaks, and fascinating cultures. From the moment you arrive in the South Pacific, you'll feel a sense of adventure as you explore these one-of-a-kind destinations.

View All Cruises to the South Pacific

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Cheap South Pacific Cruises - Cruises to South Pacific

Featured south pacific cruise deals, cruising guide, why cruise to the south pacific.

The South Pacific -- home to the famous islands of Fiji, Tahiti and Bora Bora -- is typically one of the first places that come to mind when someone envisions "paradise." Crystal-clear waters, unspoiled white-sand beaches and coral reefs are just the beginning of what this network of islands scattered between Australia and Hawaii has to offer.

The South Pacific is a popular honeymoon destination, and rightfully so. Cruises provide a romantic atmosphere as guests sail to various islands; some even offer the opportunity to stay for a night in one of the popular overwater bungalows.

Lucky for cruisers, island-hopping is easy thanks to the short distances between them. This allows you to experience the diverse scenery and cultures throughout each of the island chain's three main regions: Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

What are Popular Activities in the South Pacific?

Beaches across the South Pacific are not only breathtaking, but also ubiquitous -- from miles of open sand, to smaller secluded coves and grottos.

You'll also be tempted to snorkel off the beaches, as well as in the many lagoons that dot the islands. More active adventure-seekers can partake in activities such as hiking, kayaking and scuba diving. Some ports also offer sightseeing tours of ancient temples and villages.

For a closer look at the islands' culture, passengers can tour museums and even attend theatrical shows. The Museum of Tahiti, for example, offers an in-depth look at Polynesian history while showcasing ancient artifacts. In Moorea, the Tiki Village Theatre hosts Polynesian dance performances and other cultural demos revolving around artisan crafts and farming.

When is a Good Time to Cruise to the South Pacific?

Regardless of what region you visit, the South Pacific enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The dry season -- May to October -- sees little-to-no rain and plenty of sunshine.

What are Popular Ports in the South Pacific?

French Polynesia is the most popular region and consists of five archipelagos: The Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine), Austral, Tuamotu, Gambier and the Marquesas Islands (a filming location for reality TV show "Survivor").

In the mountainous region of Melanesia, you'll find the popular islands of New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.

Micronesia, as the name implies, is the smallest region and includes four islands: Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap. Most Micronesia itineraries also include stops in Melanesia.

Where do South Pacific cruises depart from?

Most French Polynesia itineraries begin and end in Tahiti's capital city of Papeete. Cruises to Melanesia generally run between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Papua New Guinea also serves as a starting point for most Micronesia itineraries.

What are Popular Regions in the South Pacific?

French Polynesia has earned itself the title of most popular South Pacific cruise region, offering the most variety of cruising styles for different tastes and budgets.

The smaller regions of Melanesia and Micronesia remain less trafficked, with fewer options available. Select cruises between Australia and Hawaii or elsewhere in North America also afford the opportunity to explore more than one region in the South Pacific.

What are Tips to Find Cruise deals to the South Pacific?

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to the South Pacific. If you book a “guaranteed cabin” (they select for you), a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to the South Pacific. Last minute cruises deals to the South Pacific appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to the South Pacific in the shoulder season (before or after the peak season) can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.

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Witness the remote South Pacific paradise islands with Norwegian Cruise Line

Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life of the South Pacific's untouched islands. Nuku Hiva will feel like journeying back in time. On the second largest island in French Polynesia, it’s not uncommon to see locals pass through town on horseback. --> From paddle boarding and skydiving to off-road tours, you can view paradise from most every angle in Mo'orea . Ready for romance? Step ashore in Bora Bora and discover for yourself why it’s a world-famous romantic destination. Whether you gravitate to the sea or the mountains, you’ll encounter memorable vistas at every curve on a South Pacific cruise.

SAMPLE --> Hawaii and French Polynesia Cruises

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world's most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia , in one holiday. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Paddle board in Maui, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea . Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Leaving, on the other hand, takes a lot of convincing.

SAMPLE --> South Pacific and Australia Cruises

Spend more time in these distant islands and take the opportunity to go where few travellers have gone before, departing from Sydney. Explore secret beaches in Noumea, New Caledonia , where electric blue water enclosed by natural rock formations meet in a “Natural Pool”, which has been designated a World Heritage site. Some of these itineraries also include overnight stays in Bora Bora and Tahiti , giving you plenty of time to explore and indulge in some of the world’s most romantic destinations.

South Pacific Cruise Image Gallery

• Rangiroa, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia
• Noumea, New Caledonia
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Lautoka, Fiji
• Dravuni, Fiji
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Apia, Samoa Islands
• Tropical Fruits & Vegetables in French Polynesia

Explore South Pacific Cruise Ports

Best South Pacific EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Aito Off-Road Safari

Experience the exquisite beauty and flavors of Moorea during a picturesque, off-road excursion through this idyllic island....

Tahiti's Natural Treasures

The natural treasures of Tahiti are yours to discover during this scenic, half-day orientation tour of the island's east coast. ...

Motu Beach Escapade

Enjoy a wonderful ride in the clear lagoon of Moorea with great views of the island's sharp mountain peaks, lush green valleys and picturesque coastal shoreline, then enjoy a typic...

Lagoon Cruise & Beach Break

This wonderful combination tour allows you to explore Bora Bora’s magical lagoon on board a covered boat, snorkel and relax on a pristine beach. ...

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT South Pacific Cruises

Explore the South Pacific Islands

On a Norwegian South Pacific sailing, you can experience some of the world's most exotic paradises and swim in crystal clear turquoise waters.

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Bask in true luxury from port to ship and back again. Get the scoop on what it's like to cruise in The Haven, from port to stateroom.

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EMBRACE THE ISLAND LIFE

South pacific cruises.

Find an island oasis that's wild, beautiful and brimming with life in the South Pacific.

The South Pacific islands are the definition of paradise, and the abundance of wildlife is sure to capture your lust for adventure. Beaches of warm, powdery white sand and aqua waters are surrounded by tropical rainforests and soaring mountains. The world's second-largest double barrier reef surrounds the islands of New Caledonia, where a lagoon teems with a kaleidoscope of fish and sea-life. Majestic humpback whales glide between the islands of Tonga, the only South Pacific area to escape colonisation. The Loyalty Islands have a wild beauty that will spark your imagination, while the friendly locals will make you feel right at home. Cruise to the South Pacific to settle into island time and relax into the simple life.

Spread Your Fins in the South Pacific

Find an island oasis that is wild, beautiful and brimming with life in the South Pacific

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A WHALE OF A TIME

Whether you dive, snorkel or swim, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sparkling warm waters and colourful coral gardens. See marine life and shipwrecks off Vanuatu's remote Espiritu Santo Island, or spot humpback whales in the waters near Tonga and Moorea .  

NEW ZEALAND

STEP OUT OF YOUR SHELL

Celebrate your visit by shaking your hips to lively, traditional music. Let locals show you around hidden beaches and guide you through rainforests teeming with tropical wildlife. Check out the traditional village on Tanna Island near Vanuatu or Taga Village in Samoa. 

MYSTERY ISLAND

ALL THE WAYS TO EXPLORE ISLAND HOP THROUGH THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Let the gentle trade winds take you from the lagoons of Tahiti to the white sands of Fiji . No island is the same, and each beach is more beautiful than the next with an extensive things to do selection.

AUSTRALIA SYDNEY & MELBOURNE

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VANUATU & FIJI ISLAND

ASIA THAILAND

Off the beach, make sure you cover your shoulders and wear knee-length shorts to respect local customs.

The South Pacific islands are a dream year-round, though the dry season from May to October tends to have more rain-free days.

Car hire is easy to come by and recommended if you want to explore the islands at your own pace.

Related Ports

A new adventure awaits in Tahiti and French Polynesia, where everything has a subtle hint of French style. Go for impressive hikes that end in waterfalls in Vanuatu. Or dive into the sparkling aqua waters of the island-sized lagoon in New Caledonia.

Brisbane, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

Adelaide, Australia

Airlie Beach, Queensland

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Lautoka, Fiji Islands

Moorea, French Polynesia

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia

Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Lifou, Loyalty Islands

Mare, New Caledonia

Akaroa, New Zealand

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Darwin, Australia

Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Esperance, Australia

Geraldton, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Melbourne, Australia

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Noumea, New Caledonia

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Papeete, Tahiti

Champagne Bay, Vanuatu

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Vavau (Neiafu), Tonga

Wellington, New Zealand

Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Newcastle, Australia

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Picton, New Zealand

Port Douglas, Australia

Port Hedland, Australia

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Suva, Fiji Islands

Sydney (White Bay), Australia

Sydney, Australia

Willis Island (Cruising), Australia

Wollongong (Port Kembla), Australia

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Eden, Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cairns, Australia

Penneshaw, Australia

Gladstone, Australia

Exmouth, Australia

Raiatea, French Polynesia

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SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES

The South Pacific is home to some of the least-travelled islands and atolls in the world, making it the perfect destination for Seabourn’s extraordinary explorers to discover new and hidden gems. With each itinerary offering something different from the one before, these are uniquely personal voyages with no two experiences alike. Guests can explore unspoiled coral reefs with diverse fish populations, marvel at relics of World War II action in the Pacific Theater, and visit incredible local communities that are open to sharing their traditions and homes amid life in the most remote region on Earth.

Announcing  2025 Seabourn Pursuit New Kimberley and South Pacific Voyages

Rounding out Seabourn Pursuit’s 2025 season, we are pleased to announce the addition of 13 more expedition voyages to over 40 destinations departing between August and September, curated to bring you closer and deeper to wildlife, history, and new cultures that few will ever see.

Featured South Pacific Itineraries

Easter & Pitcairn Islands: Marooned, Moai, and Mutineers

Travel to the most coveted, bucket-list destinations in the world and indulge in your spirit of adventure as you are captivated by one of seafaring’s greatest tales.  You’ll have the opportunity to explore the legacy of the indigenous Rapa Nui on one island and commune with the intrepid descendants of a famed group of Mutineers who abandoned The Bounty and made Pitcairn their home in the late 18th Century.

Remote Shores of New Guinea & Indonesia

For the snorkelers and birders, this itinerary allows guests to access the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat, where reefs hide amongst dramatic limestone karsts, and includes a visit to the rarely-visited Asmat region of West Papua, Indonesia for an immersive cultural rendezvous.

Polynesia to Melanesia: Island Cultures & Coral Gardens

Perfect for the budding anthropologist, this itinerary gives you the opportunity to experience a number of Polynesian cultures, highlighting the impacts of isolation and globalization. Guests will enjoy encounters with local communities and learn about how they explored and settled the Pacific Ocean via ingenious navigation techniques.

Expedition Experience: Baining Fire Dance

South pacific port highlights, easter island, chile, pentecost, vanuatu.

One of the largest volcanic islands in the Vanuatu archipelago, Pentecost is known for its land divers.  Watch as these brave men leap from a high platform with vines tied to their ankles in a ritual thought to be the inspiration for bungee jumping.

Agats, West Papua, Indonesia

Cruise into the small rivers of the Asmat region for the real highlight—an encounter with the mysterious people who have lived here for generations.  The clans of the Asmat have remained relatively isolated until recent years but are adherents to a rich series of vivid rites and traditions which guests will experience firsthand.

This diving mecca is known for its crystalline waters and abundant reef life. Plunge into the waters for an inclusive scuba or snorkel journey and search for parrotfish, sea turtles, angelfish, and an incredible array of soft corals

Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

The seabourn all-inclusive difference.

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design 

Intuitive, personalized service provided by team passionate about exceeding guests expectations 

Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning authentic experiences  

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed, most with a private veranda 

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times  

Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences  

Tipping is neither required, nor expected  

World-class dining and culinary experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere  

Complimentary caviar, an extra indulgence offered throughout your voyage 

All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish  

Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts  

Ventures by Seabourn®, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations*^  

Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program* 

Complimentary entertainment experiences, offering a variety of shows and live music 

Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability  

Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink 

Complimentary Signature Events: Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf®, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Pular Plunge, and more 

*Optional programs, for additional charge  

^Available on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation 

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Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world's most livable cities—and for good reason. This is Australia’s cosmopolitan heart with cutting-edge art and architecture, historic galleries, attractions and museums, plus a dizzying range of restaurants, bistros, markets and bars. It's renowned for its sporting culture, home to the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian rules football teams.   The famous laneways of Melbourne bustle with hidden bars and eateries, while myriad beaches and parks allow for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle and active things to do. It’s a melting pot of cultures and a city of gourmands who demand excellent food and find it everywhere—from modern Australian cuisine and delicious Asian fusion fare to low-key cafés serving the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.

If you want to leave the city, Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria's world-class wineries and spectacular coastline sights. Visit the famous penguins at nearby Phillip Island or feast on local produce in the picture-perfect Yarra Valley. Wherever you go in and around Melbourne, you’ll be sure to understand why so many choose to call this beautiful corner of the world home. 

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South Pacific Cruises Departing From Melbourne

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For anyone living in Melbourne, using one of our various South Pacific cruises departing Melbourne might make perfect sense. Not only are these cruises aimed at those who wish to enjoy a rich and satisfying trip across the South Pacific, but it allows you to start from a truly tremendous starting point.

The city of Melbourne is among the most beautiful on the planet. A bustling city with so much to do and see, taking off with our cruise options for this fine city allows you to easily enjoy the richness, scale and harmony that the entire city provides you with. Not only does this provide you with a meaningful and impressive way to engage with the city, but it vastly improves the way in which you get to see not just Australia but the surrounding locations in the South Pacific.

For this reason, then, we recommend that you take a look at our various South Pacific cruises departing Melbourne. Each option should give you the perfect starting point for making sure that you can enjoy a much more harmonious and happy experience overall. Take the time to make a good call today, and you can begin to make the most of the time that you have as soon as is possible.

South Pacific Cruises Departing Melbourne

A trip to a city as stunning as Melbourne is one that you should find very easy to find satisfying and enjoyable to live in. Not only is this the kind of city that vastly improves how you work and how you tend to look after people, it’s also a city that should make it easy for you to go and see other parts of the world from. With the help of our expert cruise team, you can enjoy a range of different cruises in the South Pacific which depart from Melbourne. With great deals and offers taking to the seas seeing it all for yourself just became a whole lot easier to organize!

There’s something special about being able to leave rom Melbourne. Taking in those rich waters as you depart from the city is a fine view, as is being able to really appreciate the richness, scale and heart of the general quality of a trip to the city. You should be able to fully appreciate your time here, giving you all the help that you need to really feel at home.

So, if you are serious about making sure that you enjoy a luxurious trip across the South Pacific, start here. Our various South Pacific cruises will make it nice and simple for you to see various parts of the world, some of which are among the most popular destinations in the world of their kind.

So, hop onboard a cruise with us today and we’ll make sure that you can enjoy the most satisfying trip across the South Pacific. With so much to do and see among our trips, what kind of experiences will you look to make the most of?

Holland America's latest epic cruise is an Aussie lover's dream

Looking for an easy and affordable way to see large swaths of Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific in a single trip?

Holland America is out with an epic new itinerary that will allow for just that.

The only catch: You'll need to set aside three months to do it.

The "Grand Australia and New Zealand" voyage, as Holland America is calling it, will kick off Jan. 4, 2026, in San Diego and bring calls at 44 destinations across the Pacific. It'll end back in San Diego on April 7, 2026 — 93 days after it began.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Announced on Tuesday, the sailing will take place on Holland America's 1,432-passenger Zaandam, one of the Seattle-based line's smaller vessels capable of accessing the smaller ports that are common across the Pacific.

As it begins, the sailing will resemble a classic transpacific cruise from America to Australia, with five days at sea on the way to the Hawaiian Islands. But it'll be a far longer transpacific crossing than is typical.

Upon arriving in Hawaii, Zaandam will spend an extended four days at three of Hawaii's main islands: Oahu, Hawaii and Maui. It'll then continue westward for three weeks of island hopping toward Australia with 13 stops across the islands of American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Among the stops in Papua New Guinea will be Alotau, a busy harbor that was the site of the Battle of Milne Bay — often billed as Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Zaandam will also visit Papua New Guinea's Conflict Islands and Kiriwina, the largest of the country's Trobriand Islands.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

In the Solomon Islands, Zaandam will call at Guadalcanal — the site of another well-known World War II battle. Nowadays, it's known for its unspoiled beauty, including mountain spires, rocky coastlines, dense rainforest and spectacular waterfalls.

The Australia portion of the trip will be particularly epic, with a nearly complete circumnavigation of the continent over four weeks.

The stops in Australia will include the city of Cairns, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The ship will also spend two full days sailing along the Great Barrier Reef in what Holland America calls the "Great Barrier Reef Experience."

Other port stops during the Australia leg of the trip will include Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Fremantle (the port for Perth), Albany, Adelaide, Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Sydney.

Visits to Hobart and Port Arthur on the Australian island state of Tasmania are also on tap as part of a five-night diversion as Zaandam travels from Melbourne to Sydney.

From Australia, Zaandam will begin the long return journey eastward across the Pacific with a series of stops in New Zealand. Multiple island visits across Tonga and French Polynesia will follow.

The French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine, plus the Tuamotu Archipelago, are among the destinations during this part of the trip.

Related: Holland America is out with another truly epic cruise

The newly announced voyage has similarities to a 94-day sailing to Australia and New Zealand that Holland America operated this year but features a number of new destinations, including stops in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It also has more port stops in Hawaii, Fiji, French Polynesia and Vanuatu than this year's trip.

Holland America has built in a lot of overnight calls into the sailing, as it often does with its longer trips. The ship will stay overnight in Honolulu in Hawaii; Fremantle, Sydney and Hobart in Australia; Auckland in New Zealand; and Papeete, Tahiti, in French Polynesia.

The overnight visit to Sydney will be particularly notable, as it'll include a meetup between Zaandam and its sister ship, the 1,432-passenger Volendam. The latter vessel will be on an around-the-world cruise . Zaandam will arrive in Sydney on March 6, 2026, for an overnight stay. Volendam will arrive the next day for an overnight stay, with the two ships' visits overlapping March 7, 2026.

Holland America has long been known for longer sailings from U.S. ports that brought people to far-flung places around the globe.

Fares for the new Grand Australia and New Zealand itinerary start at $17,699 per person, not including taxes, fees and port charges.

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• Travel Updates

Dad-of-three who went overboard cruise ship is identified - as his brother reveals his sad final act

A man who went overboard on a cruise ship last week has been identified, as his brother revealed what happened before the tragedy.

Killer whale gang sink another yacht

Parents of slain surfer make desperate plea

Tragic discovery at front of cruise ship

A father-of-three who was pulled from the water after going overboard a cruise ship last week has been identified, with his brother claiming he had racked up a $4000 casino debt on board.

P&O’s Pacific Adventure was due to dock in Sydney Harbour at 6am on Monday, May 6 at the end of a three-day Elvis-themed cruise, but Shane Dixon, 50, went overboard in the early hours.

The ship remained in the waters just off the city’s eastern suburbs while a huge search was underway and a man’s body was retrieved from the water at 10.30am, 10 nautical miles off Sydney Heads.

His brother spoke to Daily Mail Australia saying their mother was “devastated” and “broken”.

“She has already buried one son and now she has to bury another one,” Scott Dixon said.

Scott said his brother was going through a rough time and had spent $5000 at the cruise’s casino on the Friday, and then after borrowing money from the family to repay the debt, spent another $4000 the following night.

“His brain was probably going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, ‘s***, I’ve done it again. I can’t afford it and I can’t ask mum for more money,’’ Scott said.

A spokeswoman for P&O Australia said they won’t be commenting on the claims due to the coroner’s investigation that is underway.

P&O’s Pacific Adventure had been hosting an Elvis-themed voyage called ‘Tribute to The King’, promising a long weekend of “themed parties, karaoke, trivia and much more”.

One passenger on board the ship, Kel, said that when the alarm sounded on board she lept out of bed.

“We jumped out of bed so fast,” she wrote.

“Was hectic! Been circling in the same spot for over 5hrs now.”

P&O’s Pacific Adventure was cleared by NSW Police to return to port shortly before midday.

In a statement P&O Australia said: “We thank guests for their care, understanding and patience on what’s been a distressing day for guests and crew.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time.”

The Carnival Cruise ship Carnival Splendor was also at sea during the search despite being due in port that morning.

It is understood that Splendor had been on standby to assist in the search.

A passenger, who asked not to named, told news.com.au that the situation at sea was “scary”.

“We’re docked out at sea and aren’t allowed in yet due to the search and rescue,” he said before 8am on Monday, May 6.

“An announcement came out for us at 7am saying that an emergency rescue operation was being conducted and we weren’t allowed to enter the channel into the harbour.

“We are maybe 20km out from land and will stay here until we get permission to head back in.”

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Another passenger on board Splendor, who goes by @auscruisecouple on TikTok, shared a selfie of the conditions.

“We have been offshore since about 4 o’clock this morning unable to dock due to an emergency situation,” she said.

“We are witnessing the helicopter searching and search and rescue boats as well … it is as you can see, quite choppy.”

There’s growing concerns around an increase in orca ‘gang attacks’ on yachts and boats — with a recent vessel sinking baffling experts.

The parents of a young surfer who was tragically killed in Coffs harbour have issued a desperate plea to their son’s alleged killer.

A grim discovery at the bow of a cruise ship was made after it docked at a port in the US. Investigators are now trying to determine what caused the tragedy.

A New Pacific Arsenal to Counter China

With missiles, submarines and alliances, the Biden administration has built a presence in the region to rein in Beijing’s expansionist goals.

By John Ismay ,  Edward Wong and Pablo Robles April 26, 2024

U.S. officials have long seen their country as a Pacific power, with troops and arsenals at a handful of bases in the region since just after World War II.

U.S. military or partner bases

But the Biden administration says that is no longer good enough to foil what it sees as the greatest threat to the democratic island of Taiwan — a Chinese invasion that could succeed within days.

The United States is sending the most advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan and has established a new kind of Marine Corps regiment on Okinawa that is designed to fight from small islands and destroy ships at sea.

The Pentagon has gained access to multiple airfields and naval bases in the Philippines , lessening the need for aircraft carriers that could be targeted by China’s long-range missiles and submarines in a time of war.

The Australian government hosts U.S. Marines in the north of the country, and one of three sites in the east will soon be the new home for advanced American-made attack submarines. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Potential submarine bases

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, and other officials in Beijing have watched the U.S. moves with alarm. They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival.

Since the start of his administration, President Biden has undertaken a strategy to expand American military access to bases in allied nations across the Asia-Pacific region and to deploy a range of new weapons systems there. He has also said the U.S. military would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95 billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. And Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing this week for meetings with Mr. Xi and other officials in which he raised China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, calling it “destabilizing.”

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken on Friday that the United States should not play a “zero-sum game” or “create small blocs.” He said that “while each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other,” according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting.

Earlier in April, the leaders of the Philippines and Japan met with Mr. Biden at the White House for the first such summit among the three countries. They announced enhanced defense cooperation, including naval training and exercises, planned jointly and with other partners. Last year, the Biden administration forged a new three-way defense pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Biden held a trilateral meeting earlier this month with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House.

Yuri Gripas for The New York Times

“In 2023, we drove the most transformative year for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region in a generation,” Ely S. Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said in a statement following an interview.

The main change, he said, is having American forces distributed in smaller, more mobile units across a wide arc of the region rather than being concentrated at large bases in northeast Asia. That is largely intended to counter China’s efforts to build up forces that can target aircraft carriers or U.S. military outposts on Okinawa or Guam.

These land forces, including a retrained and refitted U.S. Marine littoral regiment in Okinawa, will now have the ability to attack warships at sea.

For the first time, Japan’s military will receive up to 400 of their own Tomahawk cruise missiles — the newest versions of which can attack ships at sea as well as targets on land from over 1,150 miles away.

The Pentagon has also gained access rights for its troops at four additional bases in the Philippines that could eventually host U.S. warplanes and advanced mobile missile launchers, if Washington and Manila agree that offensive weaponry can be placed there.

The United States has bilateral mutual defense agreements with several allied nations in the region so that an attack on the assets of one nation could trigger a response from the other. Bolstering the U.S. troop presence on the soil of allied countries strengthens that notion of mutual defense.

In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. Mr. Xi has said his nation must eventually take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary.

“We’ve deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” Kurt Campbell, the new deputy secretary of state, told reporters last year, when he was the top Asia policy official in the White House.

What Deters China?

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said in an interview in Taipei that the strengthened alliances and evolving military force postures were critical to deterring China.

“We are very happy to see that many countries in this region are coming to the realization that they also have to be prepared for further expansions of the P.R.C.,” he said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

To some Chinese military strategists, the U.S. efforts are aimed at keeping China’s naval forces behind the “first island chain” — islands close to mainland Asia that run from Okinawa in Japan to Taiwan to the Philippines.

U.S. military assets along these islands could prevent Chinese warships from getting into the open Pacific waters farther east if conflict were to break out.

Leaders in China’s People’s Liberation Army also talk of establishing military dominance of the “second island chain” — which is farther out in the Pacific and includes Guam, Palau and West Papua.

First Island Chain

Second Island Chain

philippines

But several conservative critics of the administration’s policies argue that the United States should be keeping major arms for its own use and that it is not producing new ships and weapons systems quickly enough to deter China, which is rapidly growing its military .

Some American commanders acknowledge the United States needs to speed up ship production but say the Pentagon’s warfighting abilities in the region still outmatch China’s — and can improve quickly with the right political and budget commitments in Washington.

“We have actually grown our combat capability here in the Pacific over the last years,” Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. said in an interview before becoming the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on May 3. “But our trajectory is still not a trajectory that matches our adversary. Our adversaries are building more capability and they’re building more warships — per year — than we are.”

Mr. Paparo said new American warships were still more capable than the ones China is building, and the U.S. military’s “total weight of fires” continued to outmatch that of the People’s Liberation Army, for now.

Warplanes on the flight deck of U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier, during a joint U.S. and Japanese military exercise in the Philippine Sea in January.

Richard A. Brooks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a Cold War-era arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 311 miles and 3,420 miles. But after the Trump administration withdrew from the pact, the United States was able to develop and field a large number of small, mobile launchers for previously banned missiles around Asia.

Even with the deployment of new systems, the United States would still rely on its legacy assets in the region in the event of war: its bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea, and the troops and arms there.

All of the senior U.S. officials interviewed for this story say war with China is neither desirable nor inevitable — a view expressed publicly by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. But they also insist that a military buildup and bolstering alliances, along with diplomatic talks with China, are important elements of deterring potential future aggression by Beijing.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, told Mr. Blinken on Friday in Beijing that “the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” He warned the United States “not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines and on China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

U.S. military or

partner bases

The new deterrent effort is twofold for American forces: increasing patrolling activities at sea and the capabilities of its troop levels ashore.

To the former, the Pentagon has announced that U.S. Navy warships will participate in more drills with their Japanese counterparts in the western Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan and with Filipino ships in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard has harassed ships and installations controlled by the Philippines .

A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

To the latter, Marine Corps and Army units already in the Pacific have recently fielded medium- and long-range missiles mated to small, mobile trucks that would have been prohibited under the former treaty.

These trucks can be quickly lifted by Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or larger cargo planes to new locations, or they can simply drive away to evade a Chinese counterattack. A new flotilla of U.S. Army watercraft being sent to the region could also be used to reposition troops and launchers from island to island.

In an interview last year with The New York Times, Gen. David H. Berger, then the Marine Corps’ top general, said the service had begun analyzing strategic choke points between islands where Chinese forces were likely to transit throughout the Pacific. He said the service had identified sites where Marine assault forces like the new Okinawa-based littoral regiment could launch attacks on Beijing’s warships using these new weapons.

Philippines

Partner bases

The Pentagon announced in February last year a new military base-sharing agreement with Manila, giving U.S. forces access to four sites in the Philippines for use in humanitarian missions, adding to the five sites previously opened to the Pentagon in 2014. Most of them are air bases with runways long enough to host heavy cargo planes.

Plotting their locations on a map shows the sites’ strategic value should the United States be called upon to defend their oldest treaty ally in the region , if the Philippines eventually agrees to allow the U.S. military to put combat troops and mobile missile systems there.

One, on the northern tip of Luzon Island, would give missile-launching trucks the ability to attack Chinese ships across the strait separating Philippines from Taiwan, while another site about 700 miles to the southwest would allow the U.S. to strike bases that China has built in the Spratly Islands nearby.

In 2023, the United States committed $100 million for “infrastructure investments” at the nine bases, with more funds expected this year.

The Pentagon has forged closer military ties with Australia and Papua New Guinea , extending America’s bulwark against potential attempts by the Chinese military at establishing dominance along the “second island chain.”

The Obama administration moved a number of littoral combat ships to Singapore and deployed a rotating force of Marines to Darwin, on Australia’s north coast, giving the Pentagon more assets that could respond as needed in the region.

Last year, the Biden administration greatly elevated its commitment to Australia, which is one of America’s most important non-NATO allies.

The U.S.S. North Carolina, a Virginia-class submarine, docking in Perth, Australia, last year.

Tony Mcdonough/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A new multibillion dollar agreement called AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — will permanently transfer some of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack subs to Canberra . The location of the new bases for those subs has not been announced, but the first group of Australian sailors who will crew them graduated from nuclear power training in America in January.

These stealthy submarines, which can fire torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, will potentially add to the number of threats Beijing faces in case of a regional war.

Just north of Australia, an agreement in August gave U.S. forces more access to Papua New Guinea for humanitarian missions and committed American tax dollars to update military facilities there.

To Admiral Paparo, this growing network of partnerships and security agreements across thousands of miles of the Pacific is a direct result of what he calls China’s “revanchist, revisionist and expansionist agenda” in the region that has directly threatened its neighbors.

“I do believe that the U.S. and our allies and partners are playing a stronger hand and that we would prevail in any fight that arose in the Western Pacific,” the admiral said.

“It’s a hand that I would not trade with our would-be adversaries, and yet we’re also never satisfied with the strength of that hand and always looking to improve it.”

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