Looking for an easy and affordable way to tour Australia, New Zealand, and a large number of Pacific islands in a single trip? Holland America has a new offering that allows for just that. The Seattle-based cruise line recently announced an epic month-long itinerary called “Islands of the South Pacific: Sydney to Auckland” that gives travelers the opportunity to visit these stunning destinations without having to take any inter-island flights.
The voyage will take place on Holland America’s Noordam, a 1,924-passenger ship, and will kick off on January 4, 2026, in Sydney. The sailing will begin with stops along the east coast of Australia, including Moreton Island, known for its sandy beaches and adventurous activities such as sand tobogganing and parasailing, and Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Additional stops up the Australian coast will include Townsville, a gateway to scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, and Cairns, a vibrant city with access to the reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
After a week of exploring along Australia’s east coast, the Noordam will head northeastward for a three-day visit to Papua New Guinea. The ship will make stops in Alotau, a bustling harbor with historical significance as the site of the Battle of Milne Bay during World War II, as well as the Conflict Islands and Kiriwina, the largest of the Trobriand Islands.
From Papua New Guinea, the Noordam will continue eastward towards Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, known for its natural beauty and World War II history. This will be the first of many stops in various Pacific island groups, including Vanuatu and Fiji. In Vanuatu, the ship will spend a full day each in Luganville, Port Vila, and Mystery Island. In Fiji, day visits are planned to Lautoka, Suva, and Dravuni Island. The trip will also include stops in Tonga, with visits to Vavau and Nukualofa.
After touring these island groups, the Noordam will turn southwestward across the Pacific to New Zealand, where the trip will end on February 1, 2026. Stops in New Zealand include Waitangi and Tauranga.
The new South Pacific itinerary is part of Holland America’s Legendary Voyages series, which offers extra-long sailings ranging from 25 to 59 nights. These voyages focus on a single region and feature special programming. The South Pacific itinerary is just one of many exciting options available, including trips to Japan, the Amazon and South America, the Arctic Circle, and more.
The fares for the South Pacific itinerary start at $3,669 per person for the 28-night voyage. This price does not include taxes, fees, and port charges. More information can be found on Holland America’s website.
Holland America’s Legendary Voyages are a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations in one trip, without the hassle of inter-island flights. Whether you’re interested in the stunning landscapes of Australia and New Zealand or the vibrant cultures of the Pacific islands, this cruise offers a convenient and affordable option for your next adventure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific in one unforgettable journey.