There’s a reason cruising is becoming more popular by the day – it’s a fun and easy way to see some of the most incredible destinations on Earth. Some of the best cruising routes are found on either side of the Pacific Ocean – and some pretty spectacular islands in between. We’ve rounded up some of the best to consider for your next ocean adventure.

Australia to New Zealand

What better place to start than a port close to home? Some of NZ’s most beautiful scenery awaits when you cruise from Sydney to Auckland, starting with the Bay of Islands – 144 of them, to be exact. If your cruise anchors here, you’ll discover peaceful coves, clear waters and plenty of history and culture. Be sure your cruise also includes Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, where you can goggle at towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests as you navigate the dramatic fjord. Go in summer to take advantage of outdoor activities (snorkelling, hiking, biking), but this cruise itinerary is amazing any time of year. Bonus if you get to stop in at Wellington for its arts scene and Hawke’s Bay for its wineries.

Alaska to Vancouver

There’s more to Alaska than brown bears and the Northern Lights (although those two things alone are pretty appealing). A cruising route from Anchorage to Vancouver will take you through the breath-taking glaciers, fjords and mountains of the Inside Passage and there’s a chance you’ll see giant glaciers calving massive slabs of ice into the water below. Whether you’re relaxing up on deck or taking advantage of shore excursions, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – whales, sea otters (adorable), bears, moose and eagles. A cruise to this remote part of the world will also teach you about the traditions and history of Native Alaskan communities and you might even strike it rich (if a gold panning experience is on offer, go for it). When you get to Vancouver, ready your credit card for shopping and eating out. Go between May and September for longer daylight hours and more comfortable temperatures.

Australia to New Caledonia

Setting sail from Sydney or Brisbane, this South Pacific cruising route will take you to a French-speaking land without having to go all the way to France. Melanesian and French cultures collide in Nouméa, New Caledonia’s capital, in all the best ways. It’s the place to explore bustling markets, stroll along the waterfront, and feast on French-inspired food. From there, your cruise will likely take you to the island paradise known as the Isle of Pines where you can snorkel the crystal-clear waters and climb N’ga Peak for views worthy of a permanent place on your Instagram grid. As you cruise from island to island throughout New Caledonia, you’ll learn about the traditional customs of the local Kanak people and take swim after swim surrounded by natural beauty – Lifou and Mare are both must-visits. The dry season between May and September is the best time to go.

Hawaii to French Polynesia

What could be better than island hopping your way across the Pacific Ocean? Spend a few days in Honolulu before embarking on your voyage – take on the Diamond Head Crater hike and visit Pearl Harbor before kicking back on Waikiki Beach. Your cruise will likely take you from Oahu to some of the other Hawaiian Islands (Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Big Island have personalities all their own) before sailing across the ocean to the islands of French Polynesia. On the way, you can spend your days at sea enjoying all your ship has to offer – large cruise ships can have everything from cinemas and mini-golf to waterparks and ice rinks. When you reach the beautiful islands of Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea, fun of a different kind awaits. Whether you want to get your heart pumping with water sports and hardcore hikes as you explore the islands’ pristine white beaches, lagoons, forests and mountains or want to laze about on the sand and explore the area’s underwater wonders with a snorkel and fins, it’s entirely up to you. That’s the beauty of cruising – you can do it your way!

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Direct covers cruising as a standard inclusion, which means you won’t need to fork out for additional premiums and can keep the cash you’ve saved for land visits or the fun stuff on board.

Learn more about the cover available for things like:

• Overseas medical expenses (international plans only – Australian waters are not considered domestic waters).
• Medical evacuation and repatriation – if additional travel and accommodation is needed to get you to the nearest appropriate medical facility, we may be able to help.
• Cancellation or holiday deferment costs – if you are forced to cancel your trip due to illness or injury that is unexpected or out of your control (see the policy for details).
• Luggage and personal effects – Our standard travel insurance includes cover for these items if they’re accidentally lost, stolen or damaged, subject to terms and conditions (see the luggage section of the policy for details). Benefit limits and depreciation apply.
• Coronavirus travel costs – If you or someone travelling with you is diagnosed with the virus and you need to cancel your trip; or a close relative is hospitalised or dies due to coronavirus and it forces you to shorten your trip, travel insurance may be able to help – benefit limits apply as do exclusions if government warnings are not adhered to.
• Personal liability – TID may be able to help with damages and compensation if your negligence causes injury to a person or loss or damage to property. This excludes injury to yourself or your travelling party, or property owned by you or a member of your family or travelling party, or for which you are responsible. Travel insurance provides cover for the costs you may incur because of that negligence, but only if you get our consent before legal costs are incurred or take legal action.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.