The South Pacific is cruising at its most relaxed and soul-stirring. Imagine gliding into a turquoise lagoon at sunrise, with palm-fringed shores and the gentle warmth of ocean breezes welcoming you ashore. From the overwater bungalows of French Polynesia to the vibrant cultures of Fiji and Samoa, this region is a tapestry of beauty, tradition, and connection. Every island feels like a private paradise, where local customs, music, and cuisine enrich your journey.

New Zealand brings an entirely different kind of awe. Cruise past dramatic fjords, rolling vineyards, and geothermal wonders, while immersing yourself in the deep-rooted Māori culture that shapes the islands. By travelling by ship, you can explore these remote destinations without long flights, making it easy to move seamlessly from one incredible location to the next. Every day offers new landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences, all at a pace that lets you truly soak it in.

Top Picks

Below you will find three of my top picks in the following categories:

• 3–4★ Larger Ship Cruises: Comfortable ships with excellent amenities, ideal for exploring multiple islands in one journey.

• Family Cruises: Adventures designed for all ages, with engaging activities and excursions for kids and adults alike.

• 5★ Luxury Cruises: Indulgent voyages featuring gourmet dining, private shore experiences, and impeccable service.

4★ Larger Ships

🌊 Princess Cruises: 10-Day Coral Coast 🌊

Free Stateroom Location Upgrade^ + Bonus Onboard Spending Money

📅 2 – 12 January 2028

🚢 Sapphire Princess

📍 Roundtrip Perth (Fremantle)

Discover Western Australia’s spectacular Coral Coast, where turquoise waters, rugged landscapes and unforgettable marine life encounters await. This relaxed summer sailing combines iconic destinations with scenic cruising and plenty of time to unwind at sea.

💰 Cruise Fares

• Mini-Suite – from $4,489 pp

• Balcony – from $3,939 pp

• Oceanview – from $2,969 pp

✨ Includes free stateroom location upgrade^ and bonus onboard spending money

🗺 Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1: Perth (Fremantle), Australia – Depart 3:00pm

• Day 2: At Sea

• Day 3: Exmouth, Australia – 9:00am–6:00pm

• Day 4: At Sea

• Days 5–6: Broome, Australia – Overnight stay

• Day 7: Kimberley Coast – Scenic Cruising

• Days 8–10: At Sea

• Day 11: Perth (Fremantle), Australia – Arrive 6:00am

  
  

🐋 Featured Shore Excursion

Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim – Exmouth

Experience one of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters. After a scenic coastal drive, board a purpose-built whale shark vessel and snorkel alongside the gentle giants of the Ningaloo Reef — a true bucket-list adventure.

⏱ Approx. 6 hours | ⚠️ Strenuous activity

🚢 Sapphire Princess

Designed for relaxed, rewarding cruising, Sapphire Princess offers:

• Over 700 balcony staterooms

• World-class gourmet dining

• Dazzling live entertainment

• Multiple pools, lounges & relaxation spaces

• Warm, attentive service throughout

  
  

✨ Why You’ll Love This Cruise

✔️ Explore WA’s most iconic coastal destinations

✔️ Overnight in Broome

✔️ Scenic cruising along the Kimberley Coast

✔️ Exceptional value with upgrade & onboard credit offers

✔️ Perfect summer escape close to home

📞 Limited availability – enquire now to secure this Coral Coast sailing.

Family Cruises

🎄 8-Day Vanuatu & New Caledonia Family Cruise 🎄

The perfect Christmas escape for families

📅 19 – 27 December 2026

🚢 Carnival Encounter

📍 Roundtrip from Brisbane

Swap the stress of Christmas for sunshine, smiles and island adventures. This fun-filled family cruise is designed to keep kids entertained, parents relaxed, and everyone making memories, all during the school holidays.

💰 Family-Friendly Offer

Oceanview Cabin – based on a family of 4: $5,906 total

✨ CHOICE PLUS includes:

• 💳 AUD $400 onboard credit per cabin

• 💰 Reduced deposit of just $125 per person

Exceptional value for a peak Christmas sailing.

🗺 Itinerary

• Day 1: Brisbane – Depart 3:00 pm

• Days 2–3: Fun Days at Sea

• Day 4: Noumea, New Caledonia – 8:00 am–5:00 pm

• Day 5: Mystery Island, Vanuatu – 8:00 am–5:00 pm

• Day 6: Port Vila, Vanuatu – 8:00 am–5:00 pm

• Days 7–8: Fun Days at Sea

• Day 9: Brisbane – Arrive 7:00 am

A perfect balance of island exploration and relaxed sea days.

🚢 Why Carnival Encounter Is Perfect for Families

Carnival Encounter is built for fun, flexibility and family connection, making it one of the best ships for cruising with kids and teens.

• Dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs (separate age groups)

• Family-friendly dining with casual and flexible options

• Pools, water play areas & onboard activities all day long

• Live shows, movies and entertainment everyone can enjoy

• Relaxed atmosphere — no formal nights required

Parents can unwind while kids are safely entertained.

🌴 Why This Itinerary Works So Well at Christmas

✔️ Short flight-free departure from Brisbane

✔️ Warm-weather islands — perfect summer escape

✔️ Shallow lagoons, beaches & cultural experiences ideal for kids

✔️ Sea days packed with activities (no long bus tours required)

✔️ Everything organised — no cooking, cleaning or driving

Celebrate Christmas without the stress — just fun, sunshine and quality family time.

🎁 Why Families Love This Cruise

• One price covers accommodation, meals & entertainment

• Christmas week availability (rare & popular)

• Great value for families of four

• Easy island ports with minimal travel time

• A holiday your kids will talk about for years

  
  

📞 Family cabins are limited for Christmas sailings — enquire early to avoid missing out.

5★ Luxury

✨ Scenic Cruises: Treasures of French Polynesia & the Marquesas Islands ✨

📅 25 March – 13 April 2026

💰 From $16,115 per person

🌟 $6,500 Savings Included

🚢 19-Night Pacific Discovery Voyage aboard Scenic Eclipse II

📍 Papeete (Tahiti) → Panama City

Cross the vast Pacific in ultra-luxury, island hopping through some of the world’s most remote and beautiful destinations. This extraordinary Discovery Voyage blends tropical paradise, cultural immersion, and indulgent sea days — all delivered with Scenic’s signature all-inclusive excellence.

🌍 A Transpacific Journey Like No Other

Begin in Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia, exploring the idyllic Society Islands and the remote Marquesas Islands. Unwind during a serene Pacific crossing before a rare visit to World Heritage-listed Cocos Island, finishing in vibrant Panama City, gateway to the legendary Panama Canal.

🗺 Itinerary Highlights

• Papeete, Tahiti – Embarkation

• Opunohu Bay, Moorea – Lush valleys & turquoise lagoons

• Rangiroa (Tuamotu Archipelago) – One of the world’s largest atolls

• Nuku Hiva & Hiva Oa (Marquesas Islands) – Wild landscapes & rich Polynesian culture

• Pacific Ocean Crossing – Seven blissful days at sea

• Cocos Island, Costa Rica – UNESCO World Heritage natural wonder

• Panama City, Panama – Disembarkation

Carefully balanced with multiple sea days to fully relax and indulge.

🛳 Scenic Eclipse II – The World’s First Discovery Yacht

Designed for exploration without sacrificing comfort, Scenic Eclipse II offers an intimate and refined cruising experience.

• Only up to 228 guests

• Spacious all-verandah ultra-luxury suites

• Personalised butler service for every guest

• Nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio

  
  

🌟 The Scenic Difference – All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury

Your fare includes:

• Up to 10 dining experiences, from casual to fine dining

• Up to 8 bars & lounges, including over 130 whiskeys

• Premium beverages all day, every day

• 550sqm Senses Spa, gym, yoga & Pilates studio, Vitality Pools

• Daily entertainment, lectures & enrichment programs

• Expert Discovery Team (up to 10 specialists)

• Zodiac & guided paddling Discovery Excursions

• Scenic Freechoice experiences

• Return airport transfers

• All tipping, complimentary Wi-Fi & reusable water bottle

  
  

💎 Why This Voyage Is Exceptional

✔️ Rare itinerary from French Polynesia to Central America

✔️ Remote islands few travellers ever reach

✔️ True all-inclusive ultra-luxury

✔️ Exceptional $6,500 per person saving

📞 Limited availability – enquire now to secure this remarkable Pacific journey.

📧 Email: jwilliams@mtatravel.com.au

 📞 Call or text: 0413 571 735