$8999—Save $4749 on 40-nt South Pacific cruise via Fiji & NZ

Beyond Australia lies a different Pacific, and this 40-night Westerdam sailing explores it in depth. Across 23 ports and seven countries, it has grand-voyage scale without world-cruise commitment. Queensland opens the journey before Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands take over. Fiji and Tonga follow, taking the journey outside the standard South Pacific loop. New Zealand’s long summer days then open a full second act, not a token stop. Fiordland, Hobart and Melbourne close the journey with a striking change of scenery. It feels like three substantial holidays rolled into one, yet never overstuffed. The harder-to-reach ports are the real prize. Kiriwina, Rabaul and Honiara are difficult to visit independently. Together, they add volcanic landscapes, island cultures and layers of Pacific wartime history. Overnight calls in Cairns and Lautoka remove the usual rushed-port compromise. Westerdam’s mid-sized scale makes nearly six weeks aboard feel comfortable, not exhausting. Morimoto by Sea brings Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s acclaimed Japanese cuisine onboard. Live music and enrichment give sea days further variety. The ship provides exactly the right rhythm for a journey of this scale.

Cruise-only deals rarely cross our desk. This one comes with an exclusive Travelzoo member discount. Cruise1st’s $8999 fare saves up to 35%—an impressive $4749 per person.

What's included

• 40-night cruise, round-trip from Sydney, onboard HAL's Westerdam
• Ports of call: Moreton Island, Townsville, Cairns, Alotau, Kiriwina Island, Rabaul, Conflict Islands, Honiara, Champagne Bay, Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva, Dravuni Island, Nuku'alofa, Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton, Port Chalmers (Dunedin), Fiordland National Park, Hobart and Melbourne
  • All onboard meals (specialty dining excluded)
  • Onboard entertainment, including stage shows and live music
  • 24-hour room service
  • Daily housekeeping
  • All port fees and government taxes

When

This cruise sails out of Sydney on 4 January 2028.

Book by 27 July 2026.

Cabin upgrades

Featured prices are based on an Inside cabin while cruising. We've also found savings on cabin upgrades. Upgrades start at $1340 per person:

• +$1340 for an Oceanview cabin
• +$5300 for a Balcony
• +$10,200 for a Suite

To find out more, see our partner's website. 

Holiday snapshot

Sydney - Moreton Island - Townsville - Cairns - Alotau - Kiriwina Island - Rabaul - Conflict Islands - Honiara - Champagne Bay - Port Vila - Lautoka - Suva - Dravuni Island - Nuku'alofa - Bay of Islands - Auckland - Tauranga - Napier - Wellington - Lyttelton - Port Chalmers (Dunedin) - Fiordland National Park - Hobart - Melbourne - Sydney

Itinerary highlights

In Sydney, the voyage begins beneath the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before setting sail towards the tropical islands of the South Pacific.

At Moreton Island, towering sand dunes, crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life create a laid-back island escape just off the Queensland coast.

Through Townsville, palm-lined waterfronts and tropical scenery provide the gateway to Magnetic Island and the wonders of North Queensland.

In Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest combine to showcase two of Australia's greatest natural treasures.

At Alotau, colourful villages, rainforest-covered hills and rich cultural traditions introduce the welcoming communities of Papua New Guinea.

On Kiriwina Island, untouched beaches, traditional village life and vibrant island culture offer an authentic glimpse into the remote Trobriand Islands.

Through Rabaul, dramatic volcanic landscapes surround a harbour shaped by powerful eruptions, with wartime history woven throughout the town.

At the Conflict Islands, powder-white beaches, turquoise lagoons and thriving coral reefs create one of the South Pacific's most pristine island paradises.

In Honiara, fascinating World War II history, bustling local markets and lush tropical landscapes reveal the heart of the Solomon Islands.

At Champagne Bay, brilliant white sands and crystal-clear water create one of Vanuatu's most spectacular beaches.

Through Port Vila, colourful markets, waterfront cafés and warm Melanesian hospitality capture the relaxed charm of Vanuatu's capital.

In Lautoka, sugarcane fields, tropical gardens and vibrant Fijian culture provide a welcoming introduction to Fiji.

At Suva, colonial architecture, lively markets and botanical gardens reveal the country's bustling capital and cultural heart.

On Dravuni Island, swaying coconut palms, secluded beaches and clear lagoon waters deliver a quintessential South Pacific island experience.

In Nuku'alofa, royal heritage, limestone coastlines and traditional Tongan culture create a memorable stop in the Kingdom of Tonga.

At the Bay of Islands, secluded coves, historic settlements and emerald waters showcase one of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal regions.

In Auckland, sparkling harbours, volcanic cones and a vibrant waterfront introduce New Zealand's largest city.

Through Tauranga, golden beaches, fertile orchards and nearby geothermal attractions reveal the beauty of the Bay of Plenty.

At Napier, beautifully restored Art Deco architecture and renowned wine regions create one of New Zealand's most distinctive destinations.

In Wellington, colourful hillside homes, creative culture and a spectacular harbour surround New Zealand's lively capital.

Through Lyttelton, the dramatic Banks Peninsula provides access to Christchurch's elegant gardens, heritage buildings and revitalised city centre.

At Port Chalmers, the gateway to Dunedin, Scottish heritage, dramatic coastline and remarkable wildlife define New Zealand's southern reaches.

Scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park reveals soaring granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and mist-covered fjords among the country's most breathtaking landscapes.

In Hobart, historic sandstone warehouses, Salamanca Place and the backdrop of kunanyi / Mount Wellington showcase Tasmania's unique character.

At Melbourne, laneway cafés, world-class dining and Victorian architecture provide a stylish finale before returning to Sydney, where this extraordinary South Pacific and New Zealand voyage comes to an end.