South Pacific cruises: Tips and tricks

Quick insights

• South Pacific cruises typically hop around the islands of Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti and Samoa.
• Cruises often embark from Australia and must travel for several days to reach the Pacific islands.
• Booking your cruise from May through October can help you avoid cyclone season.

From beautiful beaches to Indigenous Polynesian cultures and traditions, a cruise to the South Pacific offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Island hopping is a great way to explore this corner of the world, but inter-island travel may not be as easy as you expect. A cruise offers a way to get around the South Pacific with less hassle. Plus, you can enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling and kayaking along the way. 

We’ve gathered a few tips and tricks to help you book the right South Pacific cruise for you.

Things to know about South Pacific cruises

On a cruise to the South Pacific, you might visit Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Samoa and other islands in French Polynesia. Each island offers a unique culture, traditions and geography to explore.

You can immerse yourself in the rich Polynesian traditions around music, art and dance or learn about their oral traditions and mythology. You could also sample Polynesian cuisine like fish curry or enjoy tropical fruit from the region.

You could see tropical rainforests, mountains and one of the largest double barrier reefs in the world depending on your itinerary. Port stops on Pacific cruises are usually packed with outdoor activities like biking, sailing and more. Your cruise excursions could include fun activities like swimming with humpback whales in the waters off Tonga or snorkeling in the lagoons of Tahiti.

Cruises typically depart from Australia or New Zealand and must travel long distances before the first port of call. You’ll also find some cruises that depart from Tahiti or Hawaii. Popular stops include Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Several major cruise lines and a few smaller ones operate routes in this area.

Timing South Pacific cruises

From the seasonal weather changes to the cruise itinerary length to the best time to book, there’s a lot to consider when timing your South Pacific cruise. Below, we’ve outlined some factors to think about before you book your trip.

Cruising season

Cruising is possible all year long, but the peak season is from May through October—the dry season in French Polynesia. These months tend to be less humid and have cooler temperatures, s the islands may be packed with travelers.

Booking a cruise during October, November, February and April could potentially offer mild weather, better pricing and smaller crowds compared to the height of the peak season. 

November through April is the rainy season. This warm, humid season also coincides with the Pacific cyclone season. If you’re comfortable with cruising during these months despite the risk of bad weather, you may find lower prices and smaller crowds.

Ideal cruise length

The ideal cruise length could depend on how many days you want to spend visiting the islands. Cruises that depart from Australia must travel a long distance to reach the Pacific islands, so you’ll spend several days at the beginning and end of the cruise traveling at sea.

For example, a 9-day cruise may only spend 3 days on port visits with the remaining time dedicated to travel to and from Australia. If you want to travel more extensively in French Polynesia, you could opt for a longer cruise itinerary or one that departs from Tahiti.

When to book

Generally, booking at least 9 to 12 months in advance could mean more selection and better pricing. Early booking could help you get your preferred cabin and itinerary.

Ideal South Pacific cruise itinerary

The ideal itinerary may vary depending on what you value in a cruise to French Polynesia and beyond. The right itinerary for you could depend on a cruise’s port stops, fare, length, mix of sea and port days, cabin availability and more.

Here’s one itinerary that could work for travelers who want to travel more extensively within the South Pacific:

• Day 1: Depart from Sydney, Australia
• Days 2-3: At sea
• Day 4: Noumea, New Caledonia
• Day 5: At sea
• Day 6: Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Day 7: Mystery Island, Vanuatu
• Days 8-9: At sea
• Day 10: Suva, Fiji
• Day 11: Lautoka, Fiji
• Days 12-13: At sea
• Day 14: Return to Sydney, Australia

Tips for cruises to French Polynesia

There are a few things to keep in mind before embarking on a French Polynesian cruise. Consider the following tips to streamline your cruise experience:

• Respect Polynesian culture: The South Pacific is modernizing, but many traditional customs remain. Learning the greetings, dressing appropriately and asking before taking photos of locals are a few ways to be respectful. Tipping usually isn’t expected, but tourism is changing that in some locations. Your cruise line will typically inform you of any local customs to observe.
• Prepare for sea sickness: South Pacific cruises usually have several days at sea. You may want to bring medication for sea sickness, especially if you’re prone to it or if the water is choppy.
• Know what to pack: Packing for any cruise can be a challenge. For cruises in this region, you may want to bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and clothes for the beach and outdoor activities. Note that, outside of the beaches, people in French Polynesia tend to dress modestly, especially at religious sites or during cultural ceremonies. Ask the cruise staff if you’re unsure how to dress for a port day.
• Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to hydrate. Between the Polynesian sun and action-packed itineraries, you may become dehydrated more easily. 

In summary

A cruise to the South Pacific could stop in Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa and Bora Bora among other locations. Many cruises depart for the Pacific Islands from Australia, which means you’ll likely spend several days at sea at the beginning and end of the itinerary. Travelers embarking from Australia may wish to book a longer itinerary if they want more port days or to travel more extensively within the islands.

South Pacific cruises typically offer a mix of Indigenous Polynesian culture, encounters with wildlife and beach and outdoor activities. As travel between the islands can be difficult, cruises can be a convenient way to island hop and experience what the region has to offer. 

The peak cruising season—also the dry season—takes place from May through October, and travelers may wish to book cruises a year in advance to get their preferred cabin and itinerary.