5 amazing reasons to cruise the South Pacific
Want an overseas holiday without the stress of planning flights, itineraries, food, entertainment or accommodation? A cruise could be just what the doctor ordered.
If you’re planning to hit the open seas in the near future, the South Pacific currently offers some of the very best bang for your buck. It’s a chance to travel close to home without ever setting foot on a plane — or even unpacking more than once.
Carnival Cruise Line has a huge range of Sydney and Brisbane roundtrips lined up for 2025 and beyond. Here are just a few of the beautiful spots you could soon be enjoying…
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is, hands down, the most popular South Pacific destination among our community of over-60 travellers.
Its jagged cliffs, serene lagoons and iconic pine trees are an absolute dream for nature lovers, but it’s the history, worn proudly heart-on-sleeve, that makes this little paradise truly unique.
Once an infamous 18th-century penal colony, the island eventually became home to nearby Pitcairn Islanders and descendants of sailors involved in the infamous 1789 ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’. To this day, nearly half of the population are descended from the original Bounty mutineers.
Cruises visiting this remote Australian territory are relatively rare and tend to sell out more than a year in advance. Carnival currently has three such offerings scheduled from Brisbane, which also covers Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and a scenic cruise of historic “Mutiny on the Bounty” locations.
Click here for cruise itineraries including Norfolk Island.
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
If your vision of paradise includes warm tropical waters, powdery white sand beaches lined with swaying palms, and a complete escape from modern distractions, look no further.
Mystery Island is located within a protected marine park, where you’ll find exceptional snorkelling opportunities just a short swim from shore. You’ll encounter vibrant coral reefs, thriving marine life, and if you’re lucky, perhaps even one of the area’s famous sea turtles.
When cruise ships arrive, locals from nearby islands set up stalls with handmade crafts and freshly prepared local dishes. This is a great chance to experience the local culture and take home a meaningful piece of Vanuatu’s heritage.
The island can be explored in just 30 minutes, so your time spent there will just be mainly about enjoying the sunshine, snorkeling, making sand angels, relaxing, and soaking in some truly gorgeous scenery.
Browse upcoming cruises including Mystery island.
Santo, Vanuatu
Espiritu Santo, better known as just Santo, offers all the charms of the Vanuatu archipelago in one easy spot.
Among the natural beauty of the pearly-white beaches and deep blue lagoons, you’ll find poignant reminders of the island’s World War II history, which is said to have inspired the South Pacific musical.
We highly recommend one of the expert-led tours that uncover the powerful wartime stories of the 1940s. You’ll even have the opportunity to dive among the wrecks of the dumped American naval and military craft at Million Dollar Point.
And for the nature lovers, you can relax in the clear waters of Champagne Beach or explore the Blue Holes — some truly phenomenal freshwater swimming spots surrounded by dense greenery.
Browse cruise dates to Santo here.
Lifou, New Caledonia
One of the highlights of New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, Lifou offers a perfect mix of cultural richness and scenic beauty.
This sparsely-populated island has a lovely large town atmosphere, with charming country roads and unspoiled beaches to explore.
For the marine buffs, Lifou’s reefs are among the best in the South Pacific, highly rated by dive experts for their colorful marine biodiversity and dramatic underwater topography.
This is among the most frequently visited destinations among South Pacific cruises, so if you’re looking for a good deal, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Browse upcoming cruises including Lifou.
Port Denarau, Fiji
Port Denarau is your perfect home base for broader Fijian explorations. Your only problem will be choosing from the many amazing experiences and shore excursions on offer!
From here, you can go on tours to nearby islands and hotspots such as the Fiji Natural Thermal Mud Pool, Kula Eco Park Tour, and many more. And for those who prefer to stay closer to port, you’ll have no shortage of bustling markets, beachfront bars and classic Fijian hospitality.
Browse cruise departures to Port Denarau here.
Don’t forget: the journey is as fun as the destination!
Every day at sea on a Carnival Cruise will have something new to offer. Unwind with a “dive-in” movie in or by the pool, experience a lavish lineup of musical and theatre productions, enjoy some world-class comedy, sing along to old favourites at the piano bar, step back in time with an ‘80s themed night, treat yourself to free 24/7 pizza and ice cream, or simply sit back with a good book and watch the world go by. The choice is yours!
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