Destination
South Pacific Islands
The South Pacific Islands evoke a timeless sense of wonder—turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and deeply rooted island cultures. From the enchanting shores of French Polynesia to the remote isles of Melanesia and Micronesia, a small ship cruise offers access to places that feel untouched by time, where natural beauty and cultural heritage thrive in harmony. At Small Ship Travel, we curate intimate South Pacific voyages aboard small ships — some with under 200 passengers. These small ship and expedition-style cruises allow you to reach places that large ships can’t, with deeper cultural interaction, pristine snorkel sites, and personalized service that reflects the warmth of the islands themselves.
We have carefully selected cruise lines that offer exceptional access to the South Pacific, combining authentic regional discovery with luxurious onboard experiences. Paul Gauguin Cruises Specializing in French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin offers sailings to Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, the Tuamotus, and beyond aboard a purpose-built ship with just 330 guests. With Polynesian crew, cultural performances, and a private beach day, this line delivers a deeply immersive South Pacific experience in comfort and style. Ponant Ponant offers luxury expedition cruises through the remote islands of Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, often paired with scientific and cultural enrichment. Their French-flagged ships blend elegant design, sustainable practices, and small-group exploration in hard-to-reach locales. Scenic Ocean Cruises Scenic Eclipse sails through the South Pacific, Australia, and Indonesia, offering expedition-style voyages with access to remote reefs, volcanic archipelagos, and uninhabited islands. With onboard helicopters and a submarine, guests can explore from sea, sky, and below the surface. Silversea Cruises Silversea’s South Pacific voyages include French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea, with ultra-luxury service, all-suite accommodations, and expert-led cultural and marine-focused excursions. Itineraries often combine the South Pacific with Australia or Asia for extended exploration. Windstar Cruises Windstar Cruises sails to Tahiti and the Tuamotu Islands aboard elegant yachts that accommodate just 312 guests. Their voyages highlight slow travel, island authenticity, and ocean immersion, with overnights in places like Bora Bora and opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and explore local villages—all in a relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere.
The South Pacific’s remote geography and ecological sensitivity make it a perfect region for small ship cruising. With fewer passengers, your ship can access tiny coral atolls, volcanic bays, and traditional villages far beyond the reach of mass tourism.
These cruises often include:
Small ship cruises allow for a slower, more intentional pace, with more time to appreciate the region’s deep spirituality, biodiversity, and relaxed rhythms.
Sample Experiences Include:
The South Pacific is a year-round destination, though the best cruising conditions vary slightly by region.
At Small Ship Travel, we hand-select cruises that combine authentic discovery, meaningful cultural connection, and the kind of comfort that makes each journey unforgettable. The South Pacific is one of our most cherished regions, and we work closely with our cruise line partners to match you with the right itinerary, ship, and season.
As a Virtuoso affiliate through Travel Experts, a member agency, we offer:
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
