Meet The World’s Friendliest People

The South Pacific, home to people who have been largely unspoilt by the trappings of the outside world and who continue to live a traditional lifestyle which places kinship and kindness above the so called civilised values of material possessions and wealth. These are people who rely on the natural bounty of the sea and the land; who still live as their forebears, in harmony with nature and all the gifts she has bestowed on this vast expanse of oceans and islands. This is a place like nowhere else on earth. Culture and tradition live side by side, gently guiding the lives and customs of these friendly, caring people. Perhaps the words of a well known travel trade journalist who, when writing about the South Pacific, said it best:

“These are the lands before the wind.
Life is lived in the moment.
Tomorrow is only a concept. Today is a joy”

The islands of the South Pacific… Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji and French Polynesia – just the sounds of these exotic locations conjure up images of white sand beaches and tropical sunsets. South Pacific cruises to the islands of the South Pacific take you to a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and coral atolls strewn lazily across the southern ocean. Here nature has created masterpieces of sheer cliffs, deep valleys, mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and crystalline lagoons filled with brilliant tropical fish.

In the South Pacific time has stood still and tradition and custom remain intact. Shy native wildlife thrives in virgin rainforests. Neon-coloured reef fish dart among the coral gardens of the calm island lagoons… Village artisans create tribal artefacts in the slow, careful way their forbears taught them… Coffee workers sing as they walk in the flower-fragrant mornings to family plantations. Festivals and events are celebrated with wild enthusiasm, religious solemnity and the traditional cup of kava.

South Pacific holidays will charm and delight you. Rediscover ritual, peace, childlike enchantment and reawaken you senses to the warmth of the Islanders… South Pacific cruises take you on a journey of discovery into a land where minutes and hours pass by ever so peacefully.

The Pacific Ocean covers a third of the world’s surface – it is a massive 64,500,000 square miles which is more than the earths total land mass. Most of this is ocean – just 500,000 square miles is land… with over 90% of this land on the relatively large islands of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Hawaii… There are literally thousands more islands scattered through the South Pacific, many of which are mere coral atolls less than 5 metres above sea level… and with each Pacific island nation having a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, most of the nations are larger in size than European countries.

There are three types of islands in the South Pacific – volcanic islands, coral atolls and limestone islands.

Volcanic islands are the base of all islands and are created as a result of continental drift. Submarine volcanoes are common in the Pacific Plate and even as you read, some of these erupting volcanoes near the surface of the sea create new islands… as with the hot spot south-east of American Samoa and also south-east of the Big island of Hawaii. In many areas there are visible mountain chains of volcanic peaks. Samoa, Hawaii and New Zealand are stunning examples of this extreme volcanic landscape. Whilst the volcanic peaks are the visible lands, great chasms and massive marine mountains lie beneath the Pacific Ocean – the Mariana Trench in Micronesia is the deepest point in the world at just over 36,000 feet.

Over time coral reefs and lagoons form around these new volcanic islands like those in the Mamanuca Group in Fiji and the Ha’apai Group in Tonga. Coral forms only between 35 degrees north and 32 degrees south of the Equator and thrives in clear salty waters where the temperature never falls below 18C and the depth does not exceed 50 metres.

Eventually volcanic islands subside back into the sea, eroded over time by sea and wind. In the last stages of this erosion, a deep lagoon (being the crater) with a string of coral atolls (being the crater rim) remains. It is these lagoons – Bora Bora in Tahiti, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands – that have become the archetypal South Pacific Island.

In subsequent upheavals, the coral reefs die to form limestone islands which have craggy coastlines, rocky interiors, caves and spectacular cliffs like those found in the Cook Islands (Mangaia is believed to be the oldest island in the Pacific) and the Vava’u Group in Tonga.

Combine South Pacific cruises with on-shore South Pacific holidays

Cruises to the South Pacific combine perfectly with South Pacific resort holidays, giving you both leisure and adventure. Languish on the beaches and swim and snorkel in the clean, clear water. Or take a more active approach and dive the reefs and lagoons looking for sharks… and between August and October look for Humpback whales near shore. Sailing, parasailing, and deep sea fishing are also at their best.

On land the most popular South Pacific holidays include the adventures of hiking and four-wheel safaris. You will be delighted by the heavenly fragrance of jasmine, hibiscus and vanilla. Among the exotic natural features, coconut and pineapple plantations cover the lower slopes of the mountains, and provide interesting stopping points.

Shopping is good on some of the islands. You can find hand-painted designs on clothing that is ideal for the tropical climate, as well as precious black pearls, curios and perfumes. In addition, many of the local crafts are skilfully created and true works of art. The islanders are anxious to share their culture with you directly. Historically there is no written language, so stories and traditions were passed down the generations through dance… You can take part in traditional welcoming ceremonies upon your arrival, and enjoy other performances throughout all South Pacific cruises. There are also craft and cooking demonstrations, where there is always something good to eat!

Where do South Pacific cruises go?
The islands of the South Pacific are grouped according to their proximity to one another. These include The Marquesas, Polynesia, which is also known as the Society Islands, The Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji…The most regular departures are from the Society Islands and more recently from the Marquesas which were made popular by the television show Survivor. They are close to the Society Islands and are usually included on longer South Pacific itineraries.

The Hawaiian Islands are also often included in South Pacific cruises although there are cruises that visit Hawaii exclusively. Not far from the Hawaiian chain is Christmas Island (Republic of Kiribati), which is visited on some Hawaii cruise itineraries as well as being included in those sailing though the South Pacific.

When do South Pacific cruises operate?
Cruises among the islands of the South Pacific, specifically Polynesia, are offered year round. However, some cruise lines only visit the region between September and April.