A Pacific cruise holiday is much more than simply cruising the world’s largest ocean. The variety of lands that border its vast area is unequalled, from the icy waters near the poles to the tropical warmth of its wide, deep centre, lie the long coastlines of North and South America, East Asia as well as the diverse landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia and the countless tiny islands that make up Polynesia and the Hawaiian archipelago.
These exotic lands beneath the southern cross and within the volcanic ring of fire - the romantic islands of the South Pacific, the tropical forests of Fiji, Papua and Java and the diverse landscapes ‘down under’ - make perfect cruise destinations for the discerning cruise traveller.
Australia brings some of the world's most unique and beautiful scenery and adventures. Sydney is a bright metropolis, revelling in its increasing reputation as a relaxed and playful city as well as a gateway to the rest that Australia can offer: great wineries, beach resorts and the vast outback with its rich indigenous culture and unique wildlife (think koala, kangaroo and emu!) The Great Barrier Reef is famous for its superb snorkeling and diving.
It doesn’t take an expert to have a chance to experience manta rays, sea turtles, sharks and scores of brilliant tropical fish up close here. Don’t forget the outdoor adventure paradises of Cairns and Darwin, too.
New Zealand provides some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the world. The variety is breathtaking. New Zealand has its aboriginal history too, with distinctive Maori culture making a welcome recovery, keeping its original language, art and rituals very much alive.
The more recent settlers have built handsome cities here including Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. Spectacular scenic cruising along the fjords and lakes of southwest New Zealand's breathtaking World Heritage coast, the home of the Fjordland crested penguin, is a must.
The exotic islands of the South Pacific are the true sparkling gems of the ocean. Whether it’s the natural beauty of the turquoise lagoons, the colourful ribbons of reef, the golden beaches or extravagantly jagged mountains that attract you, there’s no better escape from it all than cruising to the beautiful islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora or Rangiroa. The warmth of the people of the South Pacific is also one of its greatest treasures.
Surfacing from the heart of the ocean, the islands of Hawaii offer much adventure amidst their volcanic peaks and their big-wave washed beaches. A visit to Pearl Harbour, a helicopter excursion from Honolulu or Maui, a trek up the lush slopes of a volcano or a simple cocktail on the beach will bring lasting memories of this tropical paradise. Hawaii has some of the best surfing in the world as well as many sheltered waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.
View our live Pacific cruise webcams to see which ships are in port
Take a virtual tour of the Pacific and Australasia using our Google Earth cruise and see the ports often visited
If you do not have Google Earth on your computer go to our Google Earth info pages for a step by step guide |
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