Your likeliest port of call in Fiji is Suva, the republic’s beautiful capital and principal cruise port. The sheer natural beauty of Fiji draws visitors in from across the world, with its lush rainforest surrounded by soft sandy beaches and an idyllic sapphire sea. Visit Mariamma Temple for insight into local cultural rituals like the fire-walking festival, go hiking in the verdant rainforests, explore Fiji history, or simply enjoy the beach.

Of the French Polynesian islands, Tahiti is the most well known, and it’s here in the capital city Papeete you might choose to make port. The waterfront promenade hosts a great deal of the city’s festivals and activity, including a ‘roulotte’ Tahitian dinner and show that visitors are sure to enjoy. Watersports and beautiful beaches are aplenty here, with great surfing and diving opportunities alike.

With 10 main ports of call and so many wonders across its waterways, Papua New Guinea is a fantastic addition to any South Pacific itinerary. Discover the incredible customs of the local cultures, attending rituals, dances and celebrations where locals in their traditional dress and costuming invite you to learn about their lives. Explore the lush rainforests and mountains inland, or go diving to enjoy the underwater world.

Renowned as one of the most dreamlike and romantic islands of the Pacific, Bora Bora is a particularly good place for couples to call at, but a good choice for anyone who prizes the quintessential beauty of a true island paradise. A ring of verdant tropical greenery around a jewel-bright lagoon, this island enjoys fantastic views and underwater ‘gardens’ of coral that make it just as beautiful below the surface as above.

With its capital of Noumea and its fantastic blend of French culture and Pacific island beauty, New Caledonia is an excellent choice for your itinerary. Boasting the second largest barrier reef in the world as well as a variety of guided tours, botanical gardens and zoos, cathedrals and other must-see landmarks… you can be sure that every minute here will be spent in wonder.

A region comprising thousands of beautiful little islands, Micronesia could warrant a dedicated cruise all on its own. Popular places to call at include Guam, the largest of the Micronesian islands, Chuuk Island, a paradise for divers, and Palau, a group of islands with incredible wildlife to spot. The marvels to discover in Micronesia could fill a library, so your itinerary will have plenty to choose from.

The island kingdom of Tonga sprawls across an archipelago of 169 South Pacific islands, and is the only remaining monarchy in this region of the globe. Make port in Nukualofa to marvel at the Royal Palace and Royal Tombs, or at Vavau for the chance to see humpback whales or enjoy watersports in the sailing months.

Most famous for its great stone statues – moai – Easter Island’s coastline is dotted with monoliths. All quarried from the volcanic crater of the island itself, you can take a taxi tour of the island or rent mountain bikes to see the statues and myriad other sights of Easter Island for yourself. Nearby smaller islands make excellent snorkelling or diving sites; a fantastic day trip.

Make port in Apia to explore the beauty of Samoa, home to tropical rainforests and stunningly-gorgeous waterfalls, surrounded by soft white sand beaches and the turquoise waters that meet them. Tours into the rainforest are a popular shore excursion here, along with explorations of the water via snorkelling or diving, with plenty of colourful coral reef and marine life to see.