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South Pacific Cruises
Perhaps the most beautiful places on the Earth, the South Pacific conjures up tranquility, beauty, peaceful co-existance with the sea and other relaxing thoughts. Some of the exotic destinations that immediately come to mind are Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji and our very own Hawaiian Islands. The South Pacific is a huge area comprised of over 11 million square miles stretching from the top of Australia to the Hawaiian Islands. Search for South Pacific cruises here.
The tourism infracstructure varies by destination, some with five-star resorts boasting a plethora of water-based activities, while others feature rustic accommodations and cultures which are a bit more unfamiliar with western ways. Divers and snorkelers flock to this reagion of the globe, not only for the abundance of fish species but, also for the pristine coral reefs to dive.
The South Pacific is kind of divided up into three main regions: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia and further divided mainly around a group of islands within its chain. For example, Polynesia, the easternmost region of the South Pacific counts Hawaii, Easter Island and Tahiti, which is also part of French Polynesia. French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands, the most notables being Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea; all with ties to France, hence... French Polynesia. Here you will find exquisit resorts with the famous over-the-water-bungalows. View some videos of Tahiti here.
The tourism infracstructure varies by destination, some with five-star resorts boasting a plethora of water-based activities, while others feature rustic accommodations and cultures which are a bit more unfamiliar with western ways. Divers and snorkelers flock to this reagion of the globe, not only for the abundance of fish species but, also for the pristine coral reefs to dive.
The South Pacific is kind of divided up into three main regions: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia and further divided mainly around a group of islands within its chain. For example, Polynesia, the easternmost region of the South Pacific counts Hawaii, Easter Island and Tahiti, which is also part of French Polynesia. French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands, the most notables being Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea; all with ties to France, hence... French Polynesia. Here you will find exquisit resorts with the famous over-the-water-bungalows. View some videos of Tahiti here.
The lesser-known island chain neighboring Tahiti are the Cook Islands. These 15 islands, named for English explorer Captain James Cook, run as a self-governing nation with ties to New Zealand. It is home to 19,000 people renowned for their drumming and dancing skills. Tourists generally visit the main island of Rarotonga and small lagoon-caressed Aitutaki.
Then we have Samoa and American Samoa located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean and part of Polynesia. Samoa's group of nine islands was the first in the Pacific to gain independence from western occupation. Samoa's main island and tourism hub, Upolu, is still governed by what is known as Fa'a Samoa (The Samoan Way), where the family and its elders are respected and where its 362 villages are still presided over by 18,000 matai (chiefs).
American Samoa remains a U.S. territory whose capital is Pago Pago on the main island of Tutuila and consists of five volcanic islands with a population of 65,000 and totaling only 76 square miles in the vast Pacific Ocean. It is marketed as "Where America's sun sets" with lush tropical rainforests and superb marine sactuaries.
The island kingdom of Tonga consists of 176 islands of which only 52 are inhabited. The present-day king, (yes, we did say island kingdom) His Majesty King George Tupou V, has ruled his nation of 102,000 people since 2006, residing in the capital, Nuku'alofa, on the main island Tongatapu. One significant feature of Tonga is its location, straddling the western side of the International Date Line making the Tongans the first to greet the new day. Below is an aerial view of the Tongatapu Group, the southernmost island cluster of Tonga.
Then we have Samoa and American Samoa located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean and part of Polynesia. Samoa's group of nine islands was the first in the Pacific to gain independence from western occupation. Samoa's main island and tourism hub, Upolu, is still governed by what is known as Fa'a Samoa (The Samoan Way), where the family and its elders are respected and where its 362 villages are still presided over by 18,000 matai (chiefs).
American Samoa remains a U.S. territory whose capital is Pago Pago on the main island of Tutuila and consists of five volcanic islands with a population of 65,000 and totaling only 76 square miles in the vast Pacific Ocean. It is marketed as "Where America's sun sets" with lush tropical rainforests and superb marine sactuaries.
The island kingdom of Tonga consists of 176 islands of which only 52 are inhabited. The present-day king, (yes, we did say island kingdom) His Majesty King George Tupou V, has ruled his nation of 102,000 people since 2006, residing in the capital, Nuku'alofa, on the main island Tongatapu. One significant feature of Tonga is its location, straddling the western side of the International Date Line making the Tongans the first to greet the new day. Below is an aerial view of the Tongatapu Group, the southernmost island cluster of Tonga.
Discovered by the Dutch in 1722 on Easter Sunday, hence its name of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and now owned by Chile was settled by the Polynesians about 1,500 years ago. This remote Polynesian island is 63 squre miles in size and home to about 5,000 people and 800 moai, the giant stone statues that is unknown how these ancient stone statutues are positioned where they are. The island offers rugged beauty and a blend of Polynesian cultures.
The islands of Melanesia are located west of Polynesia and south of Micronesia. Among them are Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and are known for their many ceremonial rituals, customs and delights as well as the elaborate body tattoos their people sport and their wood-carved products they create.
Fiji consists of 333 islands of which about 100 are inhabited with about 85,000 friendly people; all of whom love to greet you with their exuberant greeting, "Bula!" every chance get when meeting new visitors. The main island of Viti Levu is home to an international airport as well as its cruise port in its capital city of Suva from which travelers fan out to other islands within the chain, chief among them, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, known as the Garden Island. Fiji is filled with lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, secluded waterfalls and abundant wildlife making it an eco-tourist's dream. See the Fiji Marriot Momi Resort below.
The republic of Vanuatu has 83 islands that are mostly mountainous and has several active volcanoes among them. The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge. Harborside Port Vila, the nation’s capital and economic center, is on the island of Efate. The city is home to the Vanuatu National Museum, which explores the nation’s Melanesian culture. Although cruise ships can not dock here, you will be tendered ashore to the center of town to enjoy everything the culture has to offer. Vanuatans speak 113 different languages and all celebrate life equally through their specific rituals and events making it a facinating spot to visit.
Papua occupies the eastern halh of the New Guinea Island and some 600 other islands covering 187,700 square miles. Wedged between Australia and Southeast Asia, this nation is home to 5.5 million people and the world's largest gold mine which employs over 20,000 individuals. The people speak nearly 800 different languages although English is the official language of the land. Papua's jungles are considered to be the most remote in the world and new species of flora and fauna are constantly being discovered. Additionally, of the estimated 107 worldwide uncontacted tribes, Papua is estimated to be home to 44 of these tribes.
The islands of Melanesia are located west of Polynesia and south of Micronesia. Among them are Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and are known for their many ceremonial rituals, customs and delights as well as the elaborate body tattoos their people sport and their wood-carved products they create.
Fiji consists of 333 islands of which about 100 are inhabited with about 85,000 friendly people; all of whom love to greet you with their exuberant greeting, "Bula!" every chance get when meeting new visitors. The main island of Viti Levu is home to an international airport as well as its cruise port in its capital city of Suva from which travelers fan out to other islands within the chain, chief among them, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, known as the Garden Island. Fiji is filled with lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, secluded waterfalls and abundant wildlife making it an eco-tourist's dream. See the Fiji Marriot Momi Resort below.
The republic of Vanuatu has 83 islands that are mostly mountainous and has several active volcanoes among them. The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge. Harborside Port Vila, the nation’s capital and economic center, is on the island of Efate. The city is home to the Vanuatu National Museum, which explores the nation’s Melanesian culture. Although cruise ships can not dock here, you will be tendered ashore to the center of town to enjoy everything the culture has to offer. Vanuatans speak 113 different languages and all celebrate life equally through their specific rituals and events making it a facinating spot to visit.
Papua occupies the eastern halh of the New Guinea Island and some 600 other islands covering 187,700 square miles. Wedged between Australia and Southeast Asia, this nation is home to 5.5 million people and the world's largest gold mine which employs over 20,000 individuals. The people speak nearly 800 different languages although English is the official language of the land. Papua's jungles are considered to be the most remote in the world and new species of flora and fauna are constantly being discovered. Additionally, of the estimated 107 worldwide uncontacted tribes, Papua is estimated to be home to 44 of these tribes.
The northern most region of the South Pacific is know as Micronesia because of its thousands of small islands, hence the term, Micronesia. The best known island is another territory of the U.S., that being Guam however, there are other islands such as Palau and Yap that have hidden treasures as well, such as incredible dive sites and eccentric oddities used by some in the reagion such as large stones for currency.
As stated above, Guam is the largest and best known island of Micronesia being 212 square miles in size with about 175,000 people. Although it is now an American territory, Guam is a blend of 300 years of Spanish, Micronesian, Asian and western influences as part of its Chamorro culture. Guam's port is located in Apra Harbor, 2 miles west of the capital city of Hagatna where it is a natural deep water port. Many Japanese visit Guam for its designer boutiques in Tumon Bay. Another interesting town is Umatac which celebrates Magellan’s 1521 landing on the island. Here you can see a church originally built in the 1600's and in the bay is a submerged Japanese fighter plane – a great attraction for divers. Guam also hosts the Guam Pacific War Museum which documents the events that took place in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Palau is well known to divers the worldover who claim its waters are some of the planet's best. The republic is made up of some 340 islands over 190 square miles in which only nine of them are inhabited. Palau has been independent since 1994 and is home to a little over 20,000 people with over 60% of them living in and around the former capital city of Koror. Palau has stunning rainforesta, waterfalls and some of the most amazing beaches in the South Pacific.
Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean. It’s ringed by coral reefs that are home to manta rays and sharks. The people of Yap, known as Yapese, have used intriguing stone money for centuries. It is found nowhere else in the world. The first stone money quarrying in the Palau Islands may have begun as far back as 125 A.D. The sparkling rock is a form of crystalline calcite that is found primarily in the colorful glistening walls of limestone caverns. Stone money is by no means the only Yapese valuable. The most highly valued money on island is called "Gaw" a necklace formed of shells and whale teeth. This valuable is reserved for chiefs. Today, Yap is where the traditional meets with the 21st Century as visitors can experience an ancient culture and thousand-year-old construction across the street from WiFi and luxury accommodations. Like all of the islands of the South Pacific, its beaches and water activities are equally nice and exciting. Yap is famous for its birds and bird-watching. Yap is truly something to see.
As stated above, Guam is the largest and best known island of Micronesia being 212 square miles in size with about 175,000 people. Although it is now an American territory, Guam is a blend of 300 years of Spanish, Micronesian, Asian and western influences as part of its Chamorro culture. Guam's port is located in Apra Harbor, 2 miles west of the capital city of Hagatna where it is a natural deep water port. Many Japanese visit Guam for its designer boutiques in Tumon Bay. Another interesting town is Umatac which celebrates Magellan’s 1521 landing on the island. Here you can see a church originally built in the 1600's and in the bay is a submerged Japanese fighter plane – a great attraction for divers. Guam also hosts the Guam Pacific War Museum which documents the events that took place in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Palau is well known to divers the worldover who claim its waters are some of the planet's best. The republic is made up of some 340 islands over 190 square miles in which only nine of them are inhabited. Palau has been independent since 1994 and is home to a little over 20,000 people with over 60% of them living in and around the former capital city of Koror. Palau has stunning rainforesta, waterfalls and some of the most amazing beaches in the South Pacific.
Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean. It’s ringed by coral reefs that are home to manta rays and sharks. The people of Yap, known as Yapese, have used intriguing stone money for centuries. It is found nowhere else in the world. The first stone money quarrying in the Palau Islands may have begun as far back as 125 A.D. The sparkling rock is a form of crystalline calcite that is found primarily in the colorful glistening walls of limestone caverns. Stone money is by no means the only Yapese valuable. The most highly valued money on island is called "Gaw" a necklace formed of shells and whale teeth. This valuable is reserved for chiefs. Today, Yap is where the traditional meets with the 21st Century as visitors can experience an ancient culture and thousand-year-old construction across the street from WiFi and luxury accommodations. Like all of the islands of the South Pacific, its beaches and water activities are equally nice and exciting. Yap is famous for its birds and bird-watching. Yap is truly something to see.
From among the many thousands of islands of the South Pacific emerges the continent of Australia and the island nation of New Zealand. Between the both of them, there are eight major ports from which to cruise to or from and they include Perth, Melbourne, Cairnes, Bisbane and Sydney in Australia alone. New Zealand boasts ports in Aukland, Tauranga and Christchurch. Search for Australian cruises here. Search New Zealand cruises here.
Out of all of them, Sydney, Australia needs no introduction as it is one of the most recognized cities in the world with the Sydney Opera House, a multi-venue performing arts centre as the centerpiece of the Sydney Harbour.
Australia is home to the world's largest reef, the Great Barrier reef which is so large it can be seen from space. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef supports a vast diversity of marine life, with 600 types of soft and hard corals, 1,625 types of fish, and 30 species of whales and dolphins. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 133,000 square miles, including 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands. The snorkeling and diving here are unmatched. The coral reef is the largest living thing on the planet made from billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps.
Out of all of them, Sydney, Australia needs no introduction as it is one of the most recognized cities in the world with the Sydney Opera House, a multi-venue performing arts centre as the centerpiece of the Sydney Harbour.
Australia is home to the world's largest reef, the Great Barrier reef which is so large it can be seen from space. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef supports a vast diversity of marine life, with 600 types of soft and hard corals, 1,625 types of fish, and 30 species of whales and dolphins. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 133,000 square miles, including 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands. The snorkeling and diving here are unmatched. The coral reef is the largest living thing on the planet made from billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps.
This part of the South Pacific is full of beautiful beaches, majestic fjords, fine wine, friendly people, and exotic wildlife. Plus, with it being located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those living in the Northern Hemisphere, making it the perfect place for those from the Northern Hemisphere to escape the winter season.
Australia and New Zealand cruise ports are brimming with fascinating culture, history, and breathtaking terrain. There are many itineraries available from all of the cruise lines to help you get ready to explore "Down Under" like never before from the various ports about Australia and New Zealand; all the while enjoying unparalleled accommodations, incredible service, and dine in fine restaurants aboard as you journey to some of the most idyllic destinations "Down Under".
There are literally hundreds of shore excursions including golf oriented excursions, dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, taking in the Australian Zoo in Brisbane, witnessing conservation efforts of the crocodiles initiated by the original "Crocodile Dundee" and television personality, Steve Irwin, surfing the Pacific pipeline at Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia, explore the history of Australia's Aboriginal culture at the South Australia Museum, go wine tasting at McLaren Vale, the birthplace of wine in South Australia, check out the koala bears and kangaroos on safari and so mucu more to list here. You'll just have to take a cruise to find out how many there are.
Stop off in Adelaide which is world famous for opals, the national gemstone of Australia. They range from clear to green, blue, magenta, even black, the rarest color. Travelers on Adelaide cruises often shop for these locally mined stones in the area’s fine shops.
There is much to do and see while cruising Australia that we can't do it justice here so plan a trip to Australia and discover the world "Down Under" as part of your bucket list.
They say that the sheep outnumber the humans on New Zealand by at least 10 times. That's a lot of wool which New Zealand exports to the world. New Zealand and its ports welcom approximately 2 million visitors a year. Travelers come for the diverse landscape of alpine mountains, rugged cliffs, crystal-clear lakes and black- and white-sand beaches.
With coastline in every direction (and no more than 80 miles away from any point in the country), natives and visitors alike enjoy the beaches in New Zealand. Adventure-seekers will find some of the best thrills in skydiving, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing and paragliding. Not all activities are for extreme athletes -- biking, hiking and golfing are also popular. And anyone looking for laid-back exploration can enjoy winery tours, museums, art galleries and gardens.
Cruises are offered year-round, although this region’s peak cruise season begins in October and runs through March. Located in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so if it’s winter in the U.S., it’s summer in New Zealand.
New Zealand cruises typically depart from Auckland, although it’s not uncommon for these cruises to depart from Australian cities like Sydney or Brisbane, or even from ports along the West Coast of the United States. Ports visited will include a variety of cities throughout New Zealand, such as Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, as well as the scenic destinations of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Some New Zealand cruises will also visit popular Australian cities. Search New Zealand cruises here.
Australia and New Zealand cruise ports are brimming with fascinating culture, history, and breathtaking terrain. There are many itineraries available from all of the cruise lines to help you get ready to explore "Down Under" like never before from the various ports about Australia and New Zealand; all the while enjoying unparalleled accommodations, incredible service, and dine in fine restaurants aboard as you journey to some of the most idyllic destinations "Down Under".
There are literally hundreds of shore excursions including golf oriented excursions, dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, taking in the Australian Zoo in Brisbane, witnessing conservation efforts of the crocodiles initiated by the original "Crocodile Dundee" and television personality, Steve Irwin, surfing the Pacific pipeline at Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia, explore the history of Australia's Aboriginal culture at the South Australia Museum, go wine tasting at McLaren Vale, the birthplace of wine in South Australia, check out the koala bears and kangaroos on safari and so mucu more to list here. You'll just have to take a cruise to find out how many there are.
Stop off in Adelaide which is world famous for opals, the national gemstone of Australia. They range from clear to green, blue, magenta, even black, the rarest color. Travelers on Adelaide cruises often shop for these locally mined stones in the area’s fine shops.
There is much to do and see while cruising Australia that we can't do it justice here so plan a trip to Australia and discover the world "Down Under" as part of your bucket list.
They say that the sheep outnumber the humans on New Zealand by at least 10 times. That's a lot of wool which New Zealand exports to the world. New Zealand and its ports welcom approximately 2 million visitors a year. Travelers come for the diverse landscape of alpine mountains, rugged cliffs, crystal-clear lakes and black- and white-sand beaches.
With coastline in every direction (and no more than 80 miles away from any point in the country), natives and visitors alike enjoy the beaches in New Zealand. Adventure-seekers will find some of the best thrills in skydiving, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing and paragliding. Not all activities are for extreme athletes -- biking, hiking and golfing are also popular. And anyone looking for laid-back exploration can enjoy winery tours, museums, art galleries and gardens.
Cruises are offered year-round, although this region’s peak cruise season begins in October and runs through March. Located in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so if it’s winter in the U.S., it’s summer in New Zealand.
New Zealand cruises typically depart from Auckland, although it’s not uncommon for these cruises to depart from Australian cities like Sydney or Brisbane, or even from ports along the West Coast of the United States. Ports visited will include a variety of cities throughout New Zealand, such as Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, as well as the scenic destinations of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Some New Zealand cruises will also visit popular Australian cities. Search New Zealand cruises here.
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(866) 466-6655
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