The Pacific Islands are scattered across an ocean so vast that the distances between them are an important part of the experience. Small ships connect lagoons, volcanic peaks and coral atolls that have no airports and no regular ferry service. This is cruising at its most elemental: warm water, small communities and a rhythm that is shaped entirely by the sea.
Pacific Islands small ship cruises
Find a cruise
Our top picks
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Society Islands & The Tuamotus
From Papeete to Papeete
29 Jul - 8 Aug 2026 (10 Nights)
From £7,400 per guest
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Tahiti & the Society Islands
From Papeete to Papeete
8 Aug - 15 Aug 2026 (7 Nights)
From £7,260 per guest
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands
From Papeete to Papeete
15 Aug - 29 Aug 2026 (14 Nights)
From £13,200 per guest
Windstar Cruises
Mãori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures
From Papeete to Papeete
17 Aug - 27 Aug 2026 (10 Nights)
From £3,224 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury Pacific Islands cruise
Bora Bora's lagoon lives up to every image you have seen of it. Water flickers through every shade of blue and green depending on the light, with Mount Otemanu rising from the centre of the island. Moorea is greener and quieter, with pineapple plantations and small bays tucked between volcanic ridges. Raiatea feels older and wilder, earning its reputation as the spiritual centre of Polynesia.
The Marquesas are for travellers who want to explore unspoilt scenery over a polished resort. High volcanic islands with deep valleys, basalt cliffs and carved stone tikis standing in jungle clearings. In Fiji, the Yasawa and Lau island groups offer coral reefs, warm village welcomes and authentic community life. Tonga brings humpback whale encounters in season. Vanuatu has active volcanoes, kava ceremonies and a cultural depth that surprises first-time visitors.
The Tuamotus are a chain of low-lying coral atolls with world-class diving and snorkelling. Life on the atolls is simple: swim, snorkel and watch the light change on the water.
The small ship difference in the Pacific Islands
Most Pacific Islands have no deep-water port, no cruise terminal and no infrastructure beyond a village jetty or a coral passage into a lagoon. Small ships can enter lagoons that larger vessels have to admire from outside the reef. Some will even anchor in shallow water close to shore and land guests by Zodiac directly onto the beach.
You arrive at an island and the welcome is warm and genuine, the pace is slower, and the access is better. Larger ships miss the smaller atolls, the remote village stops and the lagoon anchorages that give the Pacific its character.
In a region defined by water, reef and distance, a small ship is the difference between seeing the Pacific Islands and actually being in them.
Luxury small ship Pacific Islands cruise itineraries
- 7 nights: The core French Polynesia itinerary from Papeete, taking in Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea. A complete introduction to the Society Islands with time to swim, snorkel and settle into island pace.
- 10-14 nights: Extended voyages reaching the Marquesas, Tuamotus or Cook Islands. More sea days, more remote stops and a stronger sense of crossing real distance.
- Longer voyages: Repositioning or seasonal sailings linking French Polynesia with Fiji, New Zealand, Australia or South America. Some cross from Easter Island and Pitcairn to the Society Islands, covering extraordinary distances and genuinely remote stops.
Luxury cruise lines sailing the Pacific Islands
The South Pacific is served by a smaller number of cruise lines than most regions, which reflects both the distances involved and the specialist nature of the destination. Ponant Explorations is the standout, with fleet such as Le Paul Gauguin which has sailed French Polynesia all year round.
Other luxury and expedition lines visit seasonally, including Ponant's wider fleet, Windstar, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Hapag-Lloyd. These bring different ship styles and itineraries, some linking the Pacific with New Zealand, Australia or South America.
You can explore our cruise line partners or give us a call to discuss your best options.
When is the best time to cruise the Pacific Islands?
May to October is the dry season across most island groups, with lower humidity, settled skies and comfortable temperatures. November to April is warmer and wetter, with occasional tropical downpours that tend to be short rather than persistent. Tonga's whale season runs July to October. Every month has something to offer, but May to October gives you the most reliable weather.
Travel tips and FAQs for Pacific Islands cruising
How do I get to the Pacific Islands from the UK?
Most French Polynesia itineraries depart from Papeete, reached via Los Angeles. The journey from the UK takes around 20-24 hours depending on connections. Fiji is accessed via Hong Kong, Singapore or Auckland. We recommend a night in the transit city to break the journey.
Is the Pacific Islands a good region for first-time cruisers?
A 7-night Society Islands cruise is an easy, relaxed introduction with warm water, beautiful scenery and a welcoming crew. Longer expedition voyages to the Marquesas or remote atolls suit travellers with some experience who are comfortable with more time at sea.
What should I pack for a Pacific Islands cruise?
Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, good sun protection and aqua shoes. The coral and volcanic rock underfoot can be sharp, and aqua shoes make a real difference if you need to wade ashore. A light rain layer is worth having, particularly in the wet season.
Do I need local currency in the Pacific Islands?
In French Polynesia, the local currency is the CFP franc, but US dollars and Australian Dollars are widely accepted. Fiji uses Fijian dollars. In practice, many island stops are cashless.
How does a Pacific Islands cruise compare to the Caribbean?
The Pacific is quieter, more remote and less commercialised. Fewer ports, fewer shops and fewer organised excursions. The beauty is natural rather than resort-built. You spend more time in the water, on beaches and in small communities.
What are sea days like on a Pacific Islands cruise?
Sea days are a feature of Pacific cruising, not a gap to fill. The distances between island groups mean you will have days at sea, and they tend to be some of the most enjoyable of the trip. The pace slows, the ocean views are vast and the sense of crossing real distance is part of the experience.
Can I combine the Pacific Islands with New Zealand or Australia?
Yes. Several cruise lines offer repositioning voyages linking the South Pacific with Auckland, Sydney or Melbourne. These longer sailings often include Fiji, Tonga or the Cook Islands. A combined itinerary gives you two very different experiences in one trip.
What our clients say
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