If you’re looking for an island-focused cruise outside the Caribbean, look toward the South Pacific. This vast area of ocean is dotted with beautiful islands, calm blue lagoons, and coral reefs teeming with sea life.
Several cruise
lines sail there, sometimes as a segment of a world cruise or during a
repositioning cruise. At least two cruise lines – Paul Gauguin Cruises and
Windstar Cruises – sail the South Pacific year-round. Others include Celebrity
Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal
Caribbean, and Seabourn.
Given the time it
takes to get there, South Pacific cruises tend to be at least seven to 14 days.
If your cruise departs from a North American port, it’s likely to be an
adventure of a month or more. With a cruise of any length, you could consider
extending your vacation with a stay at a South Pacific resort (just think of
relaxing in one of the charming bungalows perched over the water of Bora Bora’s
lagoon).
The three main
regions within the South Pacific are Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Of
the three, Polynesia may be the best-known cruise destination; it includes French
Polynesia (where you’ll find Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora), the Cook Islands,
Tonga, Samoa, and Tuvalu.
Melanesia includes
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. Many of
the islands are mountainous, with some active volcanoes. Fiji, a cultural
treasure, is also the gateway to the Yasawas, an archipelago that’s a haven for
lovers of unspoiled nature.
Micronesia is a
collection of small islands scattered across the northwestern South Pacific. It
includes the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati.
Most ships that cruise there are smaller expedition ships, and most cruises of
Micronesia also include stops in Melanesia.
Wherever you sail
in the South Pacific, you’ll find opportunities for active adventures like
kayaking, snorkeling, and diving; hiking and swimming; and four-wheeling through
lush tropical settings. You’ll also be able to learn about local food and
culture and shop for locally-made crafts.
The tropical
climate of the South Pacific is balmy all year, but there are seasonal
differences. Some cruise lines sail there only during the dry season, from May
through October; November through April sees more rain showers and humidity,
which often enhances the beauty of the islands.
To learn more
about cruising the South Pacific and the variety of available itineraries, talk
with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
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