When you think of the South Pacific, what most often comes to mind are honeymoons, lifestyles of the rich and famous in Tahiti and Bora Bora, and classic Hollywood films.  While these images are accurate, this region has so much more to offer, no matter where your interests lie. The South Pacific encompasses many diverse areas -- Australia & New Zealand, Fiji, The Cook Islands, French Polynesia, to name a few. The sophisticated cities of Sydney and Melbourne are energetic, exciting and offer renowned culture. The enchanting and warm culture of the Polynesian people is like nowhere else in the world.  And, one can be transported instantly while relaxing on a pristine beach in this remote part of the globe.

Crystal Cruises
Aboard the Crystal Symphony
March-April 2010 Departures

Choose from two 12-day voyages to discover the wonders between Sydney and Auckland.  Explore both Milford Sound, a World Heritage Site, with its spectacular fjords and natural beauty, as well as Christchurch, New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ with its fine Victorian architecture and well-tended gardens.  In addition, on ‘Kangaroos & Kiwis’, you’ll travel to Melbourne, historical and picturesque Tasmania, and Tauranga, New Zealand’s most important port for the export of kiwi.  On ‘Vineyards & Fjords’, you will view New Zealand in more depth and visit Wellington, Picton and Napier, renowned for its winemaking.

Lindblad Expeditions
Aboard the Hanse Explorer
June 2009 Departures

For the ultimate experience in exploring the alluring islands and lagoons of French Polynesia, sail aboard this private, 12-guest expedition yacht. On a 13-day voyage from Papeete, Tahiti to Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world, you will discover the Society & Tuamotu islands in the most intimate of ways. Explore lush, mountainous islands and spectacular lagoons in Tahaa, Bora Bora and Moorea. Visit a pearl farm and vanilla plantation, two significant exports in this region. The Tuamotus are a diving and snorkeling paradise with vivid coral reefs amidst the turquoise Pacific. This journey will truly take you away from the rest of the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Aboard Paul Gaugin
April - December 2009 Departures

Named after the famous painter who lived here and whose art evoked the warmth and colors of this region, this ship was designed specifically for sailing French Polynesia.  It is the most luxurious one to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis. With only 332 guests and all ocean view accommodations, you’ll enjoy six-star service in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Explore the ‘many islands’ of Polynesia: Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and uncover their spectacular beauty. Some of the longer voyages include explorations of the Marquesas, the Cook Islands and the 300-island archipelago of Fiji.

Royal Caribbean
Aboard Rhapsody of the Seas
April 2010 Departures

On this 16-night voyage, you’ll travel from Sydney, Australia, cross the International Dateline and spend days discovering the exotic beauty of some of the French Polynesian islands: Bora Bora, Raiatea, Papeete, Tahiti and Moorea.  Your sailing will conclude in the tropical paradise of Hawaii.  While cruising the dramatic waters of the Pacific Ocean, you may relax in the ship’s day spa, go rock-climbing, swim in a pool with a sliding roof, stroll in an open atrium shopping area, or try your hand in the casino.