Compare: 12 Cruise Ships in the South Pacific
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 Papua New Guinea, 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 P&O Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, as well as lesser-known lines such as 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 Star Breeze.
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.
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Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge, the first of Celebrity Cruises' Edge class ships, offers cutting-edge design features and a stylish and modern cruise experience. There are four main dining rooms plus impressive for-a-fee dining options such as the interactive Le Petit Chef, and Eden Restaurant which overlooks the ship’s wake. Celebrity Edge also features the Magic Carpet, an innovative moving deck on the side of the ship that changes from a bar to a restaurant, and also a shore excursion dock for tenders.
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.
Wild dolphin spotting with a marine biologist.
-Explore ancient ruins on Raiatea.
Ship Wows
Cutting edge spa with specialised therapy areas for a unique DIY spa experience.
Eden has multiple spaces for live shows, dining and more.
The Magic Carpet moving deck is perfect for a drink or romantic dining
Grand Princess
Grand Princess is packed 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 2,594-passenger Grand 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, Auckland
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
Five different pools to cool down in.
Educational kids program in newly refurbished spaces.
Above average food and service.
Noordam
Noordam caters to the 50+ set with fine dining, live music and a more subdued vibe — no whizbang attractions here, but partnerships with Lincoln Centre and Billboard raise the bar on entertainment with outstanding performers and acts. Enjoy a high quality of service and food in the main dining room, or plan a date night in specialty restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.
Itineraries
Home Port: Sydney, Auckland
Ports: Mare, Lifou, Lautoka, Suva, Apia, Dravuni Island, Pago Pago, Kitava, Kiriwina Island, Conflict Islands, Alotau, Luganville, Mystery Island, Isle of Pines, Noumea, Huahine, Fakarava, Moorea, Raiatea, Taiohae, Aitutaki.
Exclusives
Enjoy an overnight stay in Papeete.
Learn about the local cuisine at America’s Test Kitchen demonstrations.
Take a traditional Fijian longboat ride to a waterfall.
One of the few mainstream lines visiting Komodo Island.
Ship Wows
Dance the night away at the Crows Nest.
Lincoln Center classical music performances are a must.
Main pool has a retractable roof for poor weather.
Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas is a 4,180-passenger ship with restaurants, activities and entertainment to appeal to every age group. Featuring a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall and an iFly skydiving simulator, 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.
Go horse riding through the rainforest in Vanuatu.
Watch a traditional hunting demonstration in Lifou.
Ship Wows
Surf simulator is the ideal spot to cool down.
Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course.
Wonderland offers an immersive dining experience.
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 Carnival "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.
Spot turtles at the Amedee Island Marine Reserve.
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
Star Breeze
Star Breeze, a 312-passenger ship that's fresh from a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, sails French Polynesia year-round and offers a convivial onboard atmosphere and water sports off the back deck. Dining options combine casual attire with delicious food and service for and intimate cruise experience appeals to well-travelled couples who appreciate the finer things and relaxing on holiday.
Itineraries
Home Port: Papeete.
Ports: Fakarava, Omoa, Atuona, Motu Mahaea, Taiohae, Aiohae, Rangiroa, Bora, Moorea, Papeete, Huahine.
Exclusives
Local fish features on the menu.
Fire show and sunset BBQ dinner in Bora Bora.
Itineraries feature lesser- known ports such as Taiohae.
Ship Wows
All-suite accommodation.
Small enough to dock at less-visited ports.
Relaxed yet chic ambiance.
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin is a luxury ship designed to cruise the shallow waters of the South Pacific. With a capacity of 330 and 217 crew, this all-inclusive cruise with French-themed dining and beverages showcases the region’s stunning scenery. The rear water sports deck is ideal for making the most of the South Pacific’s tropical weather, with scuba, snorkelling and kayaking available.
Itineraries
Home Port: Papeete.
Ports: Aitutaki, Huahine, Hapatoni, Atuona, Omoa, Hakahetau, Tahuata, Hiva Ora, Fatu Hiva, Nuku Hiva, Ua Poa Island, Tuamotu Islands, Taiohae, Hatiheu, Fakarava, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Vava’u, Savusavu, Suva, Beqa Island, Lautoka.
Exclusives
Explore Fakarava's UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve.
Soak up the sun on the line’s private island.
Ship Wows
High staff-to-passenger ratio.
Onboard lectures from expert guides.
All-inclusive cruise experience.
Pacific Adventure
Pacific Adventure caters to 3,100 passengers and offers a lively South Pacific cruise experience. Plenty of fun can be found at the P&O Edge Adventure Park and at the ship's bars. Free dining options abound and the specialty restaurants by chefs such as Luke Mangan are worth paying for. Pacific Adventure is a hit with cruisers of all ages who appreciate a larger ship and a low-key, casual vibe.
Itineraries
Homeports: Sydney
Ports: Norfolk Island, Nuku'alofa, Dravuni Island, Lautoka, Noumea, Mystery Island, Port Vila, Lifou, Santo, Port Vila.
Exclusives
Mainstream cruise line offering destinations such as Norfolk Island and Nuku’alofa.
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.
Silver Shadow
The 382-passenger Silver Shadow is an intimate, all-suite, all-inclusive vessel that offers a lavish South Pacific cruise experience. Entertainment options include enrichment lecturers with specialist knowledge of the ports on each itinerary. The ship features high-quality dining, large suites, butler and included extras like wine, beer and spirits served in upmarket surrounds.
Itineraries
Home Ports: Papeete.
Ports: Papeete, Fakarava, Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Atuona, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea.
Exclusives
Tour Raiatea on ‘Le Truck’.
Some itineraries travel via Hawaii in the North Pacific.
Includes lesser-known destinations such as Atuona.
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.
Seven Seas Navigator
The intimate 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator 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, Auckland.
Ports: Rangiroa, Pago Pago, Apia, Nuka Hiva, Lautoka, Suva, Bora Bora, Pepeete, Fakarava, Raiatea.
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
Regatta
Regatta is a small ship with a big ship feel and carries less than 700 passengers, so it’s easy to find somewhere to relax or curl up with a book. Dining is a highlight and there is no more to pay, as fares cover shore excursions, port shuttles, activities, food and beverages, specialty dining, entertainment and Wi-Fi. Onboard service that is polished yet relaxed is the perfect fit for a South Pacific itinerary.
Itineraries
Home Port: Papeete
Ports: Papeete, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava.
Exclusives
Overnight stay in Bora Bora.
Culinary experiences with chefs onboard and on shore.
Boutique size makes it easy to access small ports.
Ship Wows
Outstanding dining from breakfast until bedtime.
Bulgari toiletries for all room categories.
Elegant High Tea is served each afternoon.
Norwegian Spirit
If you would prefer a laidback cruise experience without loads of families and young kids onboard, the newly refurbished Norwegian Spirit delivers as the kids club was removed during the ship’s recent refurbishment. The waters of the South Pacific provide ample time to try out pools and spas, and the stylish and extensively upgraded wellness centre is worth a visit. With 14 restaurants featuring an appealing mix of complimentary and for-a-fee options, dining is a highlight.
Itineraries
Homeports: Sydney.
Ports: Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Dravuni Island, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete.
Exclusives
Overnight stay in Papeete.
Le Bistro Veuve Clicquot Champagne wine matching dinner
Cabins have been completely refurbished.
Ship Wows
Compact ship with an intimate feel.
Dining choices to suit every taste and budget.
New Thermal Suite offers next-level relaxation.