South Pacific Bucket List Cruise

A Bucket List Come True

Ever since I can remember, Bora Bora has been at the very top of my bucket list, and I was determined to get there one day. This year, to celebrate a milestone birthday, I finally made that dream come true.

What had stopped me in the past was the cost—over £1000 a night for any decent hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis—as well as the long journey. Going all that way for just a few days never felt worthwhile.

Then the perfect opportunity came along: a cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, their smallest ship.

The itinerary, in March, sailed from Tahiti to Auckland, taking in not only Bora Bora but several other stunning Pacific islands. These included destinations across French Polynesia, as well as the two Samoan islands—American Samoa and Samoa—and Fiji.

The cruise concluded in New Zealand, with a two-day stay. While there was an option to extend our time, we instead chose to break up the long journey home with three nights in Singapore—another destination I had always wanted to visit.

Our journey began at Heathrow Airport, flying to Tahiti via Los Angeles, as there are no direct flights. Some of our fellow cruisers had even longer routes, travelling via London, Paris, Los Angeles, and then Tahiti.

It’s certainly a long journey, so if you have the time, a stopover is well worth considering. Our flight to Los Angeles took 11 hours, followed by another 8 hours to Tahiti. We had a three-hour layover in Los Angeles, which gave us plenty of time to make the connection.

All flights were booked as part of a package through Regent Seven Seas, arranged 18 months in advance.

A Night in Tahiti

After such a long journey, we were very grateful to have a pre-cruise overnight stay at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts (often simply called “The Pearl”).

Set on the edge of a black sand beach, the hotel had a relaxed, tropical feel and was the perfect place to unwind after nearly 24 hours of travelling. The views across the ocean were stunning, especially as the light changed in the early evening.

Our room was spacious and comfortable, with a balcony overlooking the water—exactly what you hope for on arrival in French Polynesia. We didn’t do much exploring due to jet lag, but enjoyed a quiet dinner at the hotel and an early night.

It was just a short stay, but it gave us a chance to recharge before the real adventure began.

🚢 Life On Board

The next day, we boarded the Seven Seas Navigator, which would be our home for the next couple of weeks.

As Regent’s smallest ship, it felt intimate and uncrowded, which suited this kind of itinerary perfectly. With fewer passengers than the larger cruise liners, there was a more relaxed atmosphere, and it was easy to settle in quickly.

The ship is all-suite, all-inclusive, which made the experience feel very indulgent. Dining, drinks, excursions, gratuities. Wi-fi and even laundry were all included, meaning once on board, you could simply enjoy the journey without constantly reaching for your wallet.

There were several dining options, from more formal restaurants to casual poolside meals, and the standard of food throughout the trip was excellent. Even on sea days, there was always something to do—whether it was relaxing on deck, enjoying a show in the evening, or just watching the endless Pacific Ocean drift by.

But of course, the real highlight was yet to come… Bora Bora

First Stop: Moorea

Our first port of call was Moorea, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction to the South Pacific.

Just a short distance from Tahiti, Moorea is everything you imagine when you think of a tropical paradise—lush green mountains rising dramatically from the sea, crystal-clear lagoons, and a laid-back island atmosphere.

We chose to take an island excursion by coach, which turned out to be a great way to see the highlights in a short amount of time. The drive itself was beautiful, winding through small villages, past pineapple plantations, and along the coastline with stunning views at every turn.

The real highlight, though, was reaching one of the island’s viewpoints high up in the hills. From the peak, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views across the island’s twin bays, with the vivid blues of the lagoon contrasting against the deep green of the mountains.

It was one of those moments where you just stop and take it all in—it didn’t quite feel real.

This was our very first taste of French Polynesia beyond Tahiti, and it set the tone perfectly for what was to come.

Our next stop was Raiatea, often referred to as the “Sacred Island” of Polynesia and rich in history and culture.

For this port, we chose something a little different—a catamaran tour around the island’s coastline. It turned out to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable excursions of the trip.

Setting sail on the calm, turquoise waters, we were able to appreciate the island from a completely different perspective. The coastline was fringed with lush greenery, coves, and the occasional glimpse of traditional Polynesian life along the shore.

There’s something very special about being out on the water in this part of the world—the colours are almost impossible to describe, with every shade of blue imaginable stretching out around you.

The pace was unhurried, with plenty of time to sit back, enjoy the warm breeze, and simply take in the scenery. It felt like a real escape from everyday life.

At points, we stopped to swim and cool off in the crystal-clear lagoon, which was incredibly refreshing under the tropical sun.

Raiatea had a quieter, more authentic feel compared to some of the other islands, and the catamaran trip was the perfect way to experience its natural beauty.

And then, finally, we arrived at Bora Bora—the destination I had dreamed about for so many years.

It truly was everything I had imagined, and more.

Day One was all about soaking it in, so we kept things simple with a relaxing day at the beach. Getting there was part of the experience itself, as we travelled by boat across the lagoon. Along the way, we were surrounded by the most incredible shades of blue I have ever seen—turquoise, deep sapphire, and every colour in between. It almost didn’t look real.

The beach was picture-perfect, with soft white sand and crystal-clear, warm water. It was the kind of place where you can completely switch off, just listening to the gentle lapping of the sea and taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

It felt surreal to finally be there.

Day Two brought a bit more adventure, with a glass-bottom boat trip out on the lagoon. This gave us the chance to explore the underwater world without even getting wet—although it was very tempting!

We were lucky enough to see graceful manta rays gliding beneath us, along with stingrays and even a few small sharks. Watching them move so effortlessly through the water was fascinating and slightly surreal at the same time.

The clarity of the water made everything easy to see, adding to the whole experience. It felt like looking into a natural aquarium, but on a much more magical scale.

A Special Farewell to Bora Bora

Before we left Bora Bora, we were treated to a truly memorable experience on board the Seven Seas Navigator.

Local Polynesian dancers came aboard and performed in the ship’s theatre, and it was spectacular. The show was full of energy, colour, and rhythm, with traditional music and dancing that gave us a real insight into the local culture.

The costumes were beautiful, and the dancers’ skill and storytelling through movement were captivating. It felt like a genuine connection to the island, rather than just a stop on an itinerary.

It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Bora Bora—an unforgettable send-off from an already unforgettable destination.

Two Relaxing Days at Sea

After the excitement of Bora Bora, the next two days were spent at sea—an opportunity to slow the pace and simply enjoy life on board the Seven Seas Navigator.

These sea days were exactly what I love most about cruising. While there was plenty to do on board—from entertainment to activities throughout the day—I was more than happy embracing the joy of doing very little. For me, it was all about relaxing on the pool deck, soaking up the sunshine, and watching the endless Pacific Ocean stretch out ahead.

Dining was, as always, a big part of the experience. The ship has two speciality restaurants that require reservations—an Italian and a steakhouse. The steak restaurant quickly became my favourite, and we found ourselves returning there a few times during the cruise.

That said, the main restaurant was equally impressive. The menu changed daily, offering a wide variety of dishes, and the quality was consistently excellent.

There was also a casino on board, which we couldn’t resist trying out one evening. We didn’t win anything, but it was all part of the fun and added to the overall experience.

These quieter days provided the perfect balance to the busy port stops—time to recharge, reflect, and simply enjoy being in such a beautiful part of the world.

A Warm Welcome in Pago Pago

Our next stop was Pago Pago in American Samoa—and it turned out to be one of the most memorable ports of the trip.

As we pulled into the harbour, we were greeted by local dancers on the quay, their music and movement creating such a warm and vibrant welcome. It was a wonderful first impression and immediately gave a sense of the island’s strong cultural traditions.

For our excursion, we climbed aboard a rather rickety old bus—which, if anything, only added to the charm of the experience! It felt authentic and perfectly in keeping with the laid-back island atmosphere.

We travelled to a small seaside village where we were invited to take part in a traditional Kava ceremony. Kava is a drink made from the root of the kava plant, mixed with water, and it plays an important role in Polynesian culture. The ceremony itself is a sign of respect and hospitality, often used to welcome guests and mark special occasions.

There is a real sense of ritual to it—the preparation, the presentation, and the way it is shared among those present. It was fascinating to witness and be included in something so culturally significant.

To make the experience even more special, we were introduced to a Samoan Princess, which felt quite surreal.

Crossing the Dateline to Samoa

Leaving American Samoa was quite special, as it is one of the last places on Earth before crossing the International Date Line.

We then enjoyed a day at sea as we crossed this invisible line in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—one of those moments that feels quite surreal when you think about it. To mark the occasion, we were each given certificates signed by the captain, a lovely keepsake to remember such a unique experience.

On the other side, we arrived in Samoa—often referred to as Western Samoa—the first country on the other side of the dateline.

Here, we experienced another traditional Kava ceremony, giving us a deeper appreciation of its cultural importance across the Pacific islands. Having seen it twice, it really highlighted how central these traditions are to community life and hospitality.

But this visit also brought something a little more dramatic. We were treated to a performance by local warriors, which included an incredible fire display. Watching them handle and twirl flames with such skill and confidence was both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking at times!

It was a spectacular show and a powerful glimpse into the strength and pride of Samoan culture—another unforgettable stop on an already incredible journey.

Another Peaceful Day at Sea

After the excitement of Samoa, we enjoyed another day at sea—something that was very much appreciated by this point in the journey.

Once again, there was never a dull moment on board the Seven Seas Navigator. There was always plenty going on if you wanted to join in, but equally, it was just as easy to do absolutely nothing and simply relax.

We quickly fell into a little routine. Each day, we would pick up the Sudoku and crossword sheets from the library—something we both enjoy—and spend time unwinding with those.

The library itself was a hidden gem on the ship, with a great collection of books and a მშვიდ, comfortable atmosphere. It was the perfect place to escape for a while and enjoy a bit of peace away from the busier areas.

One of our favourite daily rituals, though, was stopping by the coffee bar each morning before breakfast. We’d grab our espressos and find a seat by the window, quietly gazing out at the endless ocean.

It was such a simple moment, but one we really came to treasure.

Poolside Bliss and Dining Delights

Relaxing by the pool quickly became my favourite part of life on board the Seven Seas Navigator. It was pure indulgence—waiters would bring drinks straight to your sunbed, so you didn’t have to move, and even cleaned your sunglasses for you.

The pool bar was a lovely spot to sit, enjoy a drink, and chat with fellow guests. Right next to it was the ice cream bar, which offered a tempting variety of flavours—my personal favourite was salted caramel and cream.

Breakfast offered a delightful choice each morning:

The coffee bar serves pastries and biscuits.

The pool deck, opening at 6:30, will offer lighter and healthier options.

The Verandah, the main buffet, featured a special cooked fresh dish each day and delivered to your table. You could also order eggs any way you liked.

When the weather wasn’t too hot, we loved sitting on the Verandah at the back of the ship, enjoying the endless sea views. Room service was available for those who preferred it, but personally, we never really enjoyed having breakfast in our cabin—it just didn’t feel the same as the beautiful dining spaces on board.

Every day, these small routines—coffee, sea views, ice cream, and sunbathing—became little highlights that made life on the ship feel wonderfully carefree.

Golden Sands in Fiji

Our next stop was Fiji, back, took in the sun, and celebrated with a cold Fiji Gold Beer—another dream destination ticked off the list. It was a simple pleasure, but one that perfectly captured the joy of being in this incredible part of the world.

Sitting there, feeling the warm sun on our skin and the sand beneath our toes, it was one of those moments where you just want to pause and soak it all in. Fiji had delivered exactly what we hoped for: beauty, relaxation, and a little tropical indulgence.

Our last day in the South Pacific continued in Fiji, this time in Lautoka. Here we were taken to a typical village steeped in tradition and then continued on a sightseeing trip to the botanical gardens of the sleeping giant, where 2000 different species of orchids can be found. This was an amazing experience as orchids are my favourites.

Since we had been out for most of the day, we missed lunch—but we took full advantage of the afternoon teas served daily on board. It was the perfect way to relax, enjoy pastries and tea, and reflect on our incredible experiences in Fiji and the South Pacific.

Sailing to New Zealand – Bay of Islands

After leaving Fiji, we enjoyed two relaxing days at sea, giving us time to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences we’d already had in the South Pacific. Life on board continued in its familiar, indulgent rhythm—sunbathing, reading, sipping espresso, and enjoying the small pleasures of cruising.

Our arrival in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand was truly a highlight of the journey. We started the day with a luxurious treat—champagne and caviar—before boarding the tender to make our way ashore.

The Bay of Islands itself is breathtaking. Dotted with over 140 islands, the turquoise waters, lush green hills, and hidden coves create a scene of unmatched beauty. The coastline is peaceful yet dramatic, with rocky cliffs rising above the water and beaches tucked into quiet inlets. Wildlife is abundant, with seabirds gliding overhead and, if you’re lucky, dolphins playing near the boats.

It’s a destination that perfectly balances natural beauty and tranquillity, making it easy to see why it’s considered one of New Zealand’s most stunning regions. Experiencing it from the water gave a sense of adventure while also allowing us to truly soak in the incredible scenery.

Final Stop – Auckland, New Zealand

Our cruise was coming to its conclusion with our last day in Auckland, a vibrant city nestled between two harbours.

We spent the day exploring some of the city highlights and visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which offered fascinating insights into New Zealand’s history, Māori culture, and natural heritage. Walking through the museum was both educational and moving, giving a deeper understanding of the region we had just sailed through.

In addition to the museum, we took in the sights of the city itself—the bustling waterfront, charming streets, and iconic skyline. It was a fitting end to our South Pacific adventure, blending cultural discovery with a chance to enjoy a modern city before our journey home.

In Summary

If you’re thinking of exploring the South Pacific, I can highly recommend a cruise. Beyond the obvious cost savings—often about half of what flights and hotels would have cost—the beauty of unpacking just once and exploring multiple islands is unbeatable.

On this particular cruise, everything was included: all meals, drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry, and excursions. You truly don’t have to keep an eye on your wallet, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy every moment of the journey.

A cruise like this combines luxury, convenience, and adventure in a way that simply can’t be matched—and it’s an incredible way to tick off multiple bucket-list destinations in one unforgettable trip.