Who hasn't dreamt of escaping to a lush tropical island, where life is in perfect harmony with nature? If you have longed for a cruise to paradise, you must have had visions of sailing to the South Pacific.

While most will think of Tahiti, the largest of the romantic Society Islands, when considering a vacation to the South Pacific, there are literally thousands of islands in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia. And each offers a host of different adventures and memorable locales. For those who like to dive and snorkel, you're in for a treat, as the South Pacific has some of the richest coral reefs in the world. History buffs will be mesmerized by the retelling of stories of the many great explorers, scientists, and writers who traveled to the islands before them. But whatever you choose to do, be sure to carve out time to feel the sand between your toes, smell the magnificent flowers, and taste the exquisite tropical fruits. After all, isn't that what paradise is all about?

Bon Voyage!

Editor — Luxury Cruise News

With a variety of different itineraries offered throughout the year — from three- to four-night sailings to cruises of more than two weeks — there are a variety of options for cruising to the South Pacific. Cruises to paradise can depart from Honolulu, as well as ports along the West Coast — and as far north as Vancouver, B.C., with ships being repositioned before and after the Alaska cruise season.

To help you find a South Pacific cruise that offers your version of paradise, a little research on the different ports of call will serve you well. A good place to start is the South Pacific Tourism Organization, which represents 13 countries in the region, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Papau New Guinea.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises sails year-round in Tahiti and the South Pacific with the six-star Paul Gauguin, which carries no more than 330 passengers and has repeatedly won honors as one of the best small ships. With all ocean-view accommodations, you can enjoy the dramatic panoramas that the ship's namesake artist captured on canvas more than a century ago. For those with only a week's vacation time, the line offers convenient seven-night roundtrip sailings that depart Papeete on Saturdays and visit Raiatea (the cultural heart of Polynesia), Taha'a (for a call at the ship's private islet of Motu Mahana), Bora Bora (the island James Michener used as the model of his idyllic "Bali Hai"), and Moorea (the inspiration for Herman Melville's novel Omoo). Per person fares start at $1,995 to $2,795, depending on the sailing date.

Princess Cruises — "Hawaii & Tahiti"
Sailing Dates: June 5, 17; July 19, 31; Sept. 1, 19
Number of Nights: 12

This summer, Princess' Tahitian Princess will sail through the warm waters of the Pacific and provide cruisers with the opportunity to experience Tahiti and Hawaii — two of the better-known jewels of the South Pacific. The 12-night journey between Papeete and Honolulu will provide quality "Island Time" for rest and relaxation, as the ship and her 670 passengers visit the legendary beauty of French Polynesia's Bora Bora, as well as the lush Hawaiian landscape of Kauai and the pristine beaches of Tahiti. Also on the itinerary are calls in Moorea, Raiatea, Christmas Island, Hilo, and Maui. Per person fares start at $1,895 to $2,095, depending on the sailing date.

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