Looking to get away this winter and not sure where to go? Why not take a cruise to the exotic locales in the South Pacific? With ports of call like Tahiti, Fiji, and Bora Bora, who can resist? Here are some helpful tips and ideas for escaping the winter with a South Pacific cruise.
Popular Ports of Call
Each cruise line offers a variety of itineraries and cruise durations. Let’s take a look at the main areas of the South Pacific so you can narrow down your choices.
# Polynesia
Many of the major cruise lines have itineraries that start and end in Polynesia. This grouping of islands consists of:
* Tahiti
* Moorea
* Raiatea
* Tahaa
* Huahine
* Rangiroa
* Marquesas Islands
* Bora Bora
This grouping of islands offers something for everyone. The populated and well-traveled Tahiti is accustomed to tourists and offers a variety of amenities, not the least of which are immaculate sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Some of the smaller islands are uninhabited but offer adventures like hiking, coral diving, and many other waters and sports activities.
# Melanesia
Many of the smaller, more specialized cruise lines will take you into the area of Melanesia which consists of Fiji and the Yasawas, a 20-island archipelago noted for white sandy beaches and stunning blue waters. This grouping of islands is far less touristy and appeals to adventure seekers who want to get out and explore.
# Micronesia
Finally, the least served grouping of islands are the islands of Micronesia, which are serviced by smaller cruise ships and consist of the following islands:
* Banaba
* Gilbert Islands
* Mariana Islands
* Marshall Islands
* Caroline Islands
* Nauru
* Wake Island
* Guam
* Palau
* Yap
Cruise Options
Almost all of the major cruise lines – Holland, Carnival, Princess, and so on, offer trips to the South Pacific. Trips range from a few days to several months. Choosing your cruise itinerary will depend largely on what you like to do while in the South Pacific.
If you want to hop on a four-wheeler and cruise through the jungle, then make sure Bora Bora is on your list of visited islands. If you’re simply looking for sandy beaches, peace, and solitude, you may want to choose the smaller, less inhabited islands of Melanesia. While prices do vary, if you’re not choosy, you can often book a last-minute cruise deal to the South Pacific for a tremendous discount.