A cruise through the South Pacific is one of the most exotic cruises available in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located all the way on the other side of the world from the United States, the Pacific island nations of French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia are often overlooked as a cruise destination because the flight to the port of call is usually very long. However, anyone who has been on a cruise through the South Pacific will tell you that the vacation is well worth the long flight. A cruise is the best way to get the most out of your South Pacific vacation because it allows you to visit so many of the islands.
You’ll have a number of options for planning a cruise vacation through the South Pacific. The size of the ship you choose and the amount of time you want to spend on your vacation will determine the variety and number of ports you will be able to visit. There are two different types of itineraries available; loop cruises begin and end at the same point and usually call on ports in close proximity. South Pacific cruises to Tahiti are usually round-trip loop cruises. One-way cruises start at one port and end at another, normally spanning a greater distances. These include cruises between Australia and New Zealand.
If you are limited in vacation time but want to take a cruise through the South Pacific, a one week cruise to Tahiti is the right option for you. A typical one-week Tahiti cruise begins in Papeete, Tahiti, where the major airport is located. On the first day the cruise ship stays docked so cruisers have time for sightseeing and shopping. Then the cruise ship will make a loop through the islands with day-long stops at Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. Some ports might include an overnight stay. Longer South Pacific cruises around Tahiti of ten or eleven days are also occasionally available and include additional ports such as Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus Islands.
If you have plenty of time to spend on your cruise vacation in the South Pacific, choose a trip down under for voyages of twelve to sixteen days. Most cruises begin in Sydney, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand for these one-way sailings. In addition to the major cities of both countries, itineraries may include Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, or Christchurch in New Zealand, as well as Hobart or Burnie, Tasmania, in Australia. There will also be plenty of time for you to enjoy the amenities and entertainment on the cruise ship as you travel through the South Pacific because these types of cruises typically include five to six days at sea. Sometimes cruises between Sydney and Perth, Australia are available, which call on ports such as Adelaide on the south coast and bypass New Zealand altogether.
It is best to book your South Pacific cruise on the Internet in order to get the best deals. You may also want to contact a travel agent to be sure you are aware of all your South Pacific cruise vacation options before you make your final decision. No matter what itinerary or destination you choose, you will surely have the time of your life.
