Discount Tahiti, Bora Bora and South Pacific Cruises on CruiseCheap.com

Recommended South Pacific Cruises

7 - 11 Nt All-Inclusive Tahiti Cruises

The Paul Gauguin was designed specifically for sailing French Polynesia year-round. She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' interpretation of six-star service, comfort and luxury. Spacious staterooms, a watersports marina, a choice of three single seating dining venues and an extensive spa are among her six-star attributes.

from $2,195

10 - 34 Nt South Pacific Cruises

For a taste of the exotic South Pacific, sail farther south from Hawaii to island nations where life is much simpler and the customs and rituals of ancient cultures are still revered. Visit the ports of call in French Polynesia, the Cook Islands and the Marquesas, and go scenic cruising through the massive Tuamotu Archipelago of atolls and the undisturbed islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.

from $899

11 - 18 Nt South Pacific Small Ship Cruises

Join Cruise West to explore remote islands, motus, and atolls accessible only by small ship, pausing often to learn traditional skills from welcoming South Sea Islanders and discovering the stunning beauty of these tropical natural wonders. Cruise West's 112-passenger expedition-style Spirit of Oceanus visits remote ports of call that the big ships pass by.

from $4,549

Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji and French Polynesia - just the sounds of these exotic locations conjure up images of white sand beaches and tropical sunsets. A cruise to the islands of the South Pacific takes you to a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and coral atolls strewn lazily across the southern ocean. Here nature has created masterpieces of sheer cliffs, deep valleys, mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and crystalline lagoons filled with brilliant tropical fish.

Captain Cook and other Europeans explored the region in the late 1700's and found tiny islands and islets inhabited by just a few hundred people all sharing a common culture. Soon, artists like Paul Gauguin and Robert Louis Stevenson shared this paradise with the rest of the world through their paintings and books, and the love affair with all things Polynesian continues.

Today the islands have a few more people and certain modern conveniences such as banks, schools and hospitals, but the islander's native customs and the scenery remain spectacularly unchanged. Travelers to South Pacific islands will find a population of warm and happy people eager to welcome you and share their way of life.

What can I do on a South Pacific cruise?

A cruise to the South Pacific is the perfect combination for both leisure and adventure. Languish on the beaches and swim and snorkel in the clean clear water. Or take a more active approach and dive the reefs and lagoons looking for sharks. And between August and October humpback whales are often seen near shore. Sailing, parasailing, and deep sea fishing are also at their best.

On land the most popular adventures are hiking and four-wheel safaris. The lush tropical foliage is filled with amazing flowers and herbs, and you will be delighted by the heavenly fragrance of jasmine, hibiscus and vanilla. Among the exotic natural features, coconut and pineapple plantations cover the lower slopes of the mountains, and provide interesting stopping points.

Shopping is quite good on some of the islands. You can find hand-painted designs on clothing that is ideal for the tropical climate, as well as precious black pearls, curios and perfumes. In addition, many of the local crafts are skillfully created and true works of art. The islanders are anxious to share their culture with you directly. Historically there is no written language, so stories and traditions were passed through the generations through dance. You can take part in traditional welcoming ceremonies upon your arrival, and enjoy other performances throughout your cruise. There are also craft and cooking demonstrations, where there is sure to be something good to eat!

Where does a South Pacific cruise go?

The islands of the South Pacific are grouped into named chains, mostly based on their proximity to one another. These include The Marquesas, Polynesia, which is also knows as the Society Islands, The Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji and more.

The most regular departures are among the Society Islands and you can expect to visit the following ports of call:

Tahiti

Moorea

Bora Bora

Raiatea

Huahine

The Marquesas were made popular by the popular television show Survivor. They are near the Society Ilsands and are usually included on longer itineraries including:

Hiva Oa

Nuku Hiva

Ua Pou

Fatu Hiva

The longest itineraries may also include a selection of the following:

Apia, Western Samoa

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Fiji

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are also often included in South Pacific itineraries, although there are cruises that visit Hawaii exclusively. Not far from the Hawaiian chain is Christmas Island (Republic of Kiribati), which is visited on some Hawaii itineraries as well as being included in those sailing through the South Pacific.

When can I go on a South Pacific Cruise?

Cruises among the islands of the South Pacific, specifically Polynesia, are offered year-round. However, some cruise lines only visit the region between September and April.

How do I get there?

Radisson Seven Seas, Windstar and Princess Cruises offer year-round itineraries in Polynesia and The Marguesas. The ships usually sail round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti for 7, 10, 12 or 14 nights. At least one additional night before and after the cruise is also recommended just for travel time; however longer stays are encouraged. There are a host of resorts on the larger islands offering romantic settings and even over-the-water bungalows.

Luxury cruise lines on world cruise itineraries or lengthy repositioning cruises of 15 nights or longer also sail through the South Pacific once or twice each year. These itineraries will usually include one or more of the Hawaiian Islands, as well.