South Pacific

South Pacific

Luxury South Pacific Cruises: Explore Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu & More

Small Ship South Pacific Cruises: Access Remote Destinations Large Ships Can't Reach

Cruise the South Pacific by expedition ship, visiting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, New Caledonia and Indonesia.

Enjoy idyllic beaches, snorkeling and birdwatching. The South Pacific islands known as Melanesia lie to the north and east of Australia. Together the three independent nations and two dependant colonies form one of the most culturally complex regions in the world, with some 1,293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity with New Guinea having been settled for about 45,000 years, the Solomon Islands 35,000 and Vanuatu and New Caledonia for about 4,000 years.

Throughout Melanesia, people still live as they always have, in small scale societies often without strong leadership systems. Instead, communities are bound by family ties and that of complex trade and exchange networks. Trade routes link distant communities, and trading canoe voyages can cover extensive distances. The daily round of crop growing, hunting, and in coastal areas, of fishing, is enriched by many rituals. These often involve the production of intricate carvings and body decorations. Melanesians do not worship gods in a general sense, but acknowledge their ancestors, spirits and other beings that share their landscape.

Our expedition cruises throughout Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people and to be entertained by spectacular cultural performances.

As we travel through the warm waters of the South Pacific there will be ample time for snorkelling, swimming, exploring, birdwatching, village visits and zodiac cruising. Discover The Secrets of Melanesia explores the islands of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and uncovers the traditions, marine life and idyllic islands of the area. Discover paradise among Indonesia's lost islands on Indonesian Explorer where we will explore Raja Ampat and little known biodiverse-rich jungle-capped volcanic islands scattered across pristine pellucid waters well beyond traditional tourist routes including Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon.

Book both voyages back to back and save, contact us for details.

Plan a South Pacific adventure today. Questions or ready to book one of these exciting expeditions? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with an Expedition Specialist.

Luxury South Pacific Cruises: Explore Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu & More

Small Ship South Pacific Cruises: Access Remote Destinations Large Ships Can't Reach

Cruise the South Pacific by expedition ship, visiting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Philippines, New Caledonia and Indonesia.

Enjoy idyllic beaches, snorkeling and birdwatching. The South Pacific islands known as Melanesia lie to the north and east of Australia. Together the three independent nations and two dependant colonies form one of the most culturally complex regions in the world, with some 1,293 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and New Guinea. It is also a region of great antiquity with New Guinea having been settled for about 45,000 years, the Solomon Islands 35,000 and Vanuatu and New Caledonia for about 4,000 years.

Throughout Melanesia, people still live as they always have, in small scale societies often without strong leadership systems. Instead, communities are bound by family ties and that of complex trade and exchange networks. Trade routes link distant communities, and trading canoe voyages can cover extensive distances. The daily round of crop growing, hunting, and in coastal areas, of fishing, is enriched by many rituals. These often involve the production of intricate carvings and body decorations. Melanesians do not worship gods in a general sense, but acknowledge their ancestors, spirits and other beings that share their landscape.

Our expedition cruises throughout Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people and to be entertained by spectacular cultural performances.

As we travel through the warm waters of the South Pacific there will be ample time for snorkelling, swimming, exploring, birdwatching, village visits and zodiac cruising. Discover The Secrets of Melanesia explores the islands of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands and uncovers the traditions, marine life and idyllic islands of the area. Discover paradise among Indonesia's lost islands on Indonesian Explorer where we will explore Raja Ampat and little known biodiverse-rich jungle-capped volcanic islands scattered across pristine pellucid waters well beyond traditional tourist routes including Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon.

Book both voyages back to back and save, contact us for details.

Plan a South Pacific adventure today. Questions or ready to book one of these exciting expeditions? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with an Expedition Specialist.

READ LESS
VIEW OUR TRIPS

South Pacific Expeditions

Asian Island Odyssey: Remote Islands of the Philippines & Indonesia, Taipei to Darwin
15% off selected departures

Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic mall ship expedition cruising, invites you on the ultimate tropical island-hopping cruise from Taipei, Taiwan, through the Philippines and Indonesia to Darwin, Australia, as we sail well off the traditional tourist route aboard our luxurious 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer.

9 Jun 2025
25 Jun 2026

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Exploring Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
5% off selected departures

Sail into a world few ever experience as we explore the rich history, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 17-day authentic expedition cruise. Visit idyllic islands and isolated villages where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world. …

15 Oct 2025

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu
15% off selected departures

Sail into a world few ever experience where unique time-honoured traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome us into their world. Explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on this 18-day authentic expedition cruise which includes a flight from …

22 Oct 2026

Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea
5% off selected cabins

Discover paradise on an authentic expedition through Indonesia's remote and little known tropical islands. Swim with the Whale Sharks in Kwatisore Bay, visit Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo Dragon, discover Jacques Cousteau’s “underwater nirvana” Wakatobi National Park and explore the turquoise waters and rainbow corals of Raja …

29 Sep 2025

Indonesian Explorer: Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea
15% off selected departures

Discover paradise on an authentic expedition cruise through Indonesia’s remote and little known tropical islands as you swim with the Whale Sharks in Triton Bay, walk with Komodo Dragons, discover Jacques Cousteau’s “underwater nirvana” Wakatobi National Park and explore the turquoise waters and rainbow corals of Raja Ampat as we …

6 Oct 2026

Our ship: Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose-built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (…

VIEW SHIP PROFILE

17 Oct 2024
Expedition cruise pioneers Heritage Expeditions have just released their Authentic Small Ship Expedition Cruising 2025-2026 brochure feat…READ MORE
09 Aug 2023
Pioneering small-ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions is taking its citizen science programme to the next level giving guests the …READ MORE
23 Mar 2023
While most ships are known for passing in the night, pioneering expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions brought its sister vessels togethe…READ MORE
Send Message
Call Us
Receive e-News
Request Brochure