Small and close to home, these islands are easy to explore, easy to get to and easy to love.

There’s no need to stray far from home to find a tropical island paradise, as these cruise-friendly destinations reveal. From adventure playgrounds to easy-going islands of culture and fine food, the only thing left to decide is whether to see them all in one island-hopping cruise or choose just one and head directly there. Enjoy the journey!

Vanuatu

As one of the South Pacific’s hidden treasures, Vanuatu offers an authentic island experience where the smiles are still genuine. Whether you’ve come for the adventure or just want to unwind in pristine tropical surrounds, you can do so on one of 83 stunning islands. A cruise will likely take you to the island of Efate. Ziplining, horse riding and scuba diving await, and be sure to take a refreshing dip at Mele Cascades just outside Port Vila, the capital. Jump on a quad bike to explore the secluded beaches beyond Port Vila, or slow down the pace and hang out with the locals on island time. Seek out a cruise that takes you to more than one island in Vanuatu if you can. The archipelago is home to 110 distinct cultures and languages, and each island offers visitors an experience all its own.

New Caledonia

Why go all the way to France when you can immerse yourself in French culture just a few hours from home? French is the national language in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory, but a melting pot of people (French, Kanak, Caledonians) makes this an island getaway like no other. Foodies can indulge in French cuisine one day, a Kanak cooking class the next, and a smorgasbord of freshly caught seafood the day after that. New Caledonia is protected by the world’s largest lagoon, making it an amazing place to don a snorkel and fins. You’ll explore a colourful array of fish, coral and turtles in the lagoon, and the average temperature of 24°C makes it a year-round fabulous place to be. Noumea is the modern capital, but a cruise itinerary that includes a stop at the Isle of Pines will be extra special.

Cook Islands

A laidback smattering of 15 islands dotted in the great blue yonder half way between NZ and Hawaii is a fine place to drop anchor. The Cook Islands are far enough away to feel like another world, without the hassle and time of travelling half a world away. You’ll find resorts and hotels here, but none are taller than a coconut tree and everyone from families to adventure seekers are welcomed with open arms. Guided hikes, fishing expeditions and underwater excursions are all on offer, whether you stay on the main island of Rarotonga or head to the island of Aitutaki, known for having what some call the world’s most beautiful lagoon. Rarotonga may be the main island, but you can drive around it in just 45 minutes. Soak up the relaxed vibe, kick back in a beachside restaurant and take it easy – isn’t that what island holidays are for?

Fiji

Who doesn’t love Fiji? With locals greeting you with a warm ‘bula!’ at every turn and islands offering cultural feasts, activities and plenty of fun in the sun, Fiji is a wonder-filled place to find yourself when you walk down the ship’s gangway and plant your feet on solid ground. There are no less than 333 islands in Fiji, ranging from the uninhabited Modriki (where Castaway, starring Tom Hanks, was filmed) to the picturesque, action-packed Mamanuca islands. Here, you can get your adrenalin pumping on a jet ski, go surfing or dive beneath the surface to explore a shipwreck. This is also the place to treat yourself to an indulgent massage, sip a cocktail on the beach, or visit a Fijian village. Parents will find no shortage of friendly helpers when it’s time for a little me-time – Fijians love kids!

Tahiti

This Polynesian paradise isn’t just the birthplace of surfing, it can also lay claim to having the world’s first overwater bungalows. Water-enthusiasts can say yes to both if their ship is docking here for more than a day or two. Giant waves lure pro surfers here from afar, but there are suitable spots for beginner and intermediate surfers too. Not into surfing? There are 118 islands in Tahiti catering to visitors of all kinds. Bora Bora sets an idyllic scene for a romantic getaway, Moorea tantalises the senses (taste the tang of a freshly plucked pineapple at a plantation, breathe in the scent of hibiscus flowers and coconut during a relaxing spa treatment, cool off with a dip in the ocean…), and when it’s time to break out the credit card and do a little shopping at a market or boutique, the main island of Tahiti has got it going on.

Travel Insurance

If you’re visiting any of the above island then, chances are you’re going to get wet. A TID policy can offer cover for the following activities for all the water lovers:

• Banana boat riding
• Black water rafting or river tubing
• Dragon boating
• Fishing, angling, deep sea fishing
• Jet boating
• Jet skiing
• Kayaking, canoeing (including sea and white water kayaking/canoeing)
• Kite surfing and kite wing on water
• Outrigger canoeing
• Parasailing over water
• River boarding, hydrospeeding (grades 1-5)
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Scuba diving#
• Shark cage diving#
• Snorkelling
• Spearfishing
• Speed boating
• Stand up paddle surfing/paddle boarding
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Swimming with whales or whale sharks
• Wakeboarding
• Water polo
• Water skiing
• White water rafting (grades 1-5)
• Windsurfing or sailboarding
• Zorbing over water

We recommend that for your safety you participate in sports and activities whilst under a licensed operator and wear any safety gear where provided. You may also require a licence to participate in some activities, according to the laws of the country you’re in.

# Must hold an open water diving licence or dive under licenced instruction.

What’s covered?

• Overseas medical expenses
• Loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal effects
• Surfboards and body boards are covered for loss, theft and damage up to the applicable limit. If it’s worth more and/or you want to avoid depreciation you can list it on your policy and pay an additional premium.
• Accidental Death benefit
• Personal Liability

Conditions

Our 24 hour emergency assistance team must be contacted if you are hospitalised.

What’s not covered?

We will not pay for any claims arising from or related to:

• racing (except on foot);
• professional sports, ie, you are receiving a wage, salary or appearance fee for training for or participating in the activity;
• scuba diving unless you hold an open water diving licence or are under licenced instruction;
• you, a member of your travelling party or a close relative intentionally exposing themselves to a needless risk or not taking reasonable care, except in an attempt to save a human life;
• loss, theft or damage to watercraft of any type (excluding surfboards);
• damage to sports and leisure equipment (including surfboards) while in use ;
• damage to sports and leisure equipment due to normal wear and tear, including dents and scratches; and
• medical expenses in Australia
• damage you cause to someone’s property or if you injure someone due to your ownership, possession or use (including as a passenger) of a mechanically propelled vehicle, or any aircraft or watercraft.

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