Red cliffs, glacier-carved fjords, turquoise lagoons. Australasia and the Pacific cover one of the most varied regions to explore by small ship. Most cruises focus on one area at a time, letting you see how scale and scenery shift between Australia's wild coastlines, New Zealand's alpine drama and the island chains scattered across the world's largest ocean.
Australasia & Pacific Small Ship Cruises
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Our top picks
Ponant Explorations
Australia's Iconic Kimberley
From Broome to Darwin
22 Jul - 1 Aug 2026 (10 Nights)
From £10,310 per guest
Silversea Cruises
Broome to Darwin
From Broome to Darwin
24 Jul - 3 Aug 2026 (10 Nights)
From £8,370 per guest
Ponant Explorations
Australia’s West Coast Odyssey
From Broome to Fremantle (Perth)
26 Jul - 9 Aug 2026 (14 Nights)
From £10,020 per guest
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Society Islands & The Tuamotus
From Papeete to Papeete
29 Jul - 8 Aug 2026 (10 Nights)
From £7,400 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of an Australasia & Pacific cruise
Sydney's Opera House slipping behind you as Australia's east coast comes into view. A day with dolphins off the Whitsundays. Tasting semillon in a Hunter Valley vineyard, then heading south for wild beaches and the ancient rainforest at Daintree.
In the Kimberley, you take a Zodiac under King George Falls, see Wandjina rock art in caves older than the pyramids, and watch saltwater crocs sunning on red rock banks. Nights are for sunset drinks on deck and stars brighter than city dwellers ever see.
New Zealand's South Island is shaped by fjords and mountains. Clouds spill over Milford Sound, fur seals haul out on rocks, dolphins ride the wake. North Island means volcanic ridges, bubbling hot pools, and Māori heritage that is lived rather than staged.
The Pacific turns the journey outward. You leave continental land behind and sail between islands that barely rise above the water. The smell of frangipani and salt as you anchor off Moorea. Kava shared in a Fijian village while the sun drops. Snorkelling a reef where the fish outnumber the people a thousand to one.
The small ship difference in Australasia
Australasia's best ports are working harbours, remote anchorages or small towns rather than purpose-built cruise terminals. Small ships approach wild coastlines, sail deep into fjords and anchor close to coral islands or rainforest beaches.
You get more time in port, better access to unspoiled regions and a quieter onboard atmosphere that suits long days at sea. In Auckland, you tie up in the centre of town. In Vanuatu, you anchor a hundred metres from a coral beach. In the Kimberley, you find yourself alone in a cove with no lights on the horizon.
The geography does the work here. Small ships let each coast, island and waterway come into focus.
Luxury small ship Australasia & Pacific cruise itineraries
- 10-14 nights - Single-region itineraries focused on New Zealand, southern or western Australia or a specific Pacific island group. Enough time to see the highlights without rushing.
- Longer voyages - Routes that combine Australia and New Zealand, or New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. You see transitions in landscape and culture, with extended sailing days that suit the scale of the region.
- Repositioning journeys - Routes linking Australasia with Asia, Antarctica or the Americas. Real distance, slow travel across oceans and the pleasure of watching the map change over weeks rather than days.
Luxury cruise lines sailing Australasia & the Pacific
Several of our luxury cruise partners sail this region, each with a different approach to ship size, expedition depth and onboard style. Some focus on Australia and New Zealand's coastal routes, others on Pacific island-hopping or longer repositioning voyages. The best way to compare options is to explore our Australasia & Pacific cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
The best time to cruise Australasia & the Pacific
- Australia & New Zealand: November to March is peak season, with long days, warm weather and the best conditions for wildlife, city visits and scenic cruising. Southern coasts and fjords are especially vivid in late spring and early autumn, when the air is clear and landscapes are lush.
- Pacific Islands: May to October is dry season for most island groups. You'll get sunny days, calm seas and good snorkelling or diving. The South Pacific is warm year-round, but summer (November to April) brings more rain and the occasional cyclone.
- Red Centre: The Australian Outback, including Uluru and Alice Springs, is most comfortable from June to August. Days are cool, skies are blue and the desert is at its most accessible.
- Transoceanic & repositioning voyages: These are scheduled to follow the best regional seasons, so you travel with the weather and see the best of every stop.
Travel tips and FAQs
Is this region easy to explore by cruise?
Yes. Many ports sit right in the centre of city life or just minutes from iconic landscapes. In Sydney, Auckland or Wellington, you walk straight from the ship into buzzing markets, shops or galleries. In remote areas like the Kimberley or the South Pacific, the ship anchors close to wild beaches or small villages, making independent exploring easy and excursions truly off the beaten track.
How active are the itineraries?
Expect a mix, with something for everyone. Some days are about wandering historic towns, enjoying food tours or relaxing on a beach. Others are more adventurous with hiking rainforests, snorkelling coral reefs, or joining Zodiac landings in places where there are no roads. Small ship cruises cater to both relaxed and active travellers, with daily choices to match the mood and port.
Do you need to join excursions?
Excursions are the best way to get under the skin of a destination, especially for learning about Māori culture in New Zealand, Aboriginal history in Australia, or island traditions in Vanuatu and Fiji. Guides offer context and access you would miss solo. But in most ports, independent exploring is easy. Many guests combine both approaches, choosing excursions for harder-to-reach sites or cultural depth.
Are sea days long? What do you do?
Sea days are part of the experience in Australasia. Use the time for wildlife spotting with whales, dolphins and seabirds are common. Enjoy lectures from expert guides, relax with a book on deck, join a wine tasting, or watch the scenery shift hour by hour.
When is the best time to cruise?
See "Best time to cruise Australasia & the Pacific" for a full breakdown of each region's peak seasons and what to expect.
How do I choose the right itinerary shape?
Think about what excites you most, is it immersion in one region, seeing transitions between countries, or a real transoceanic adventure. Focused regional voyages are best for depth and atmosphere.
collections
Australasia & Pacific highlights
Australia
Australia is a destination that never fails to capture the imagination, blessed with spectacular beaches and iconic wildlife, as well as the inhospitable but fascinating desert of the Outback.
Learn more
New Zealand
New Zealand is a spectacularly beautiful country, a land of rugged mountain landscapes and breathtaking fjords, with a pleasant, temperate climate and an intriguing indigenous culture.
Hawaii
The volcanic islands of Hawaii constitute the USA’s most far-flung state, situated way out in the central Pacific, and enjoy a balmy tropical climate.
Pacific Islands
The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is dotted with idyllic island chains, from French Polynesia and the Cook Islands to the Fijian archipelago.
Papua New Guinea
Shrouded in jungle and home to a staggeringly diverse assortment of languages, cultures and wildlife species, Papua New Guinea is one of the world's most enigmatic and unexplored countries.
What our clients say
“We were very pleased. Our cabin, specially chosen by Mundy, was really well located and special. They know their stuff. Their experience shows. Service with a smile indeed. I doubt an online agent would have suggested this.”Mr Ingram
