You may also like
Dismiss

Compare: 12 Cruise Ships in the South Pacific

Contributor
Tiana Templeman

Last updated
Apr 25, 2024

Read time
4 min read

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.

On This Page

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge made its debut in New Zealand on December 12 2023 the first time an Edge-series ship has been NZ-based
Celebrity Edge arrives in Auckland New Zealand for the first time (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)

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 in Sydney Harbour in front of the Sydney Opera House
Holland America's Noordam will sail from Sydney for the 2025-2026 Australia and New Zealand season (Photo: HAL)

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 at Athol Buoy in Sydney Harbour (Photo: Louise Goldsbury)
Ovation of the Seas at Athol Buoy (Photo: Louise Goldsbury)

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

Browse Upcoming Carnival Spirit Cruises

Star Breeze

Star Breeze sits anchored in French Polynesia. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)
Star Breeze sits anchored in French Polynesia. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)

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 anchored in Huahine (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)
Paul Gauguin anchored in Huahine (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)

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.

Browse Upcoming Pacific Aria Cruises

Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow in Shimizu, Japan (Photo: Silverseas)
Silver Shadow in Shimizu, Japan (Photo: Silverseas)

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

Browse Upcoming Seven Seas Navigator Cruises

Regatta

Oceania Regatta in smoky Sydney (Photo: Tim Faircloth)
Oceania Regatta in smoky Sydney (Photo: Tim Faircloth)

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

Norwegian Spirit bow
Norwegian Spirit bow (Photo: Adam Coulter)

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.


Publish date October 10, 2019
How was this article?

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.