Uncovering the Wonders of a 32-Day South Pacific Cruise: Ports and Ship Insights

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My husband and I recently returned from a 32-day cruise in the South Pacific. We were on the Sapphire Princess from April 5 – May 7, 2024. In this post I’ll share what we loved about it, the details from some of the most inspiring places we visited, the people we encountered along the way, and our particular ship experience. If you’ve ever wondered if a long cruise would work for you or if you’ve entertained visiting the beautiful South Pacific, keep reading.

Sea Days

If you don’t enjoy sea days, this cruise is not for you as there were twenty-two of them on this voyage. I love the structure of the sea days and find that most people quickly fall into a routine. For others, seven or eight days without any land in sight might cause some anxiety. I’m often asked if I worry about the ship going down. The thought does cross my mind occasionally, but I see plenty of lifeboats onboard and am assured the crew is well-trained to get us into them if needed. Frankly, I’m more concerned with flying over water in a plane. What if the plane needs to land for some mechanical reason and there’s no place to land other than water? That scares me!

However, I find that praying for God’s protection always brings a sense of peace whether I’m on a ship, in a plane or traveling by car. Traveling will always get you out of your comfort zone and that’s part of the beauty of it.

Sea day schedule

We were pleased to learn a retired army Champlin on board was hosting a Bible study each morning. We love starting our day with inspiration from the Word of God, so we quickly jumped at that opportunity. Most days, we’d get up early enough to go upstairs, grab a cup of coffee, and sit outside to watch the sunrise before heading down to the study. The most peaceful days at sea are the sunrise and the sunset. One cool thing I learned is that when you are near the equator there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness equally each day. The sun rose around 6:00 each morning and set around 6:00 each evening. That makes perfect sense but is something I’d just never thought about.

Keep moving

Next, we worked out. There are plenty of ways to get exercise on cruise ships. Zumba, line dancing, Hula, and other dance classes were offered throughout the day. There was open pickleball play each day and the fitness rooms provided exercise machines, weights, and a place for yoga mats, Pilates, etc. You can always join several other guests in a walk around the track outside the Promenade deck at any time of the day.

Most of us eat more when on a cruise. Let’s face it. When you’re presented with an unlimited amount of delicious food throughout the day, that you’ve already paid for, it’s a struggle not to overeat. Working out helps just a little to keep the weight off.

Speaking of Scrumptious Meals

We usually skipped breakfast unless we were in port and would be getting off the ship. We finished our workouts around 11:30 and then would get cleaned up for lunch.

We enjoyed eating lunch in the dining room most days. The food is a little better quality and it’s not as hectic as the buffet lines. However, lunch in the dining room does take longer, so if you have an event or activity you want to attend, the buffet or grills might be a better option. The food is fabulous at all the venues. The buffet has the best selection of salads, and if you’re craving a burger, head up to the grill for the best on the ship.

Rest and Relaxation

After lunch, it’s time to relax and do whatever we want. Most days were bright and sunny, so we’d take a book and head to the back of the boat. This vessel had two pools in the back with plenty of chairs on the three decks, so it was easy to find a perfect spot. I prefer the back as it’s quieter and more peaceful, yet many people like the outdoor pool in the middle of the ship where there’s a lot more action. This ship also had a covered pool area that was very popular.

For those who aren’t sun lovers, there are plenty of inside activities provided each day including, arts and crafts, games, ping pong and pickleball tournaments, enrichment lectures, culinary demonstrations, the casino, boutique sales, art auctions, ukulele lessons, movies, fitness classes, music performances and much more.

Some folks prefer to sit inside at tables along the decks and play cards or games with other passengers. No person can participate in everything offered, yet there is something for everyone any time of the day.

Enchanted Evenings

We’d go in around 4:00 or 5:00 to dress for the evening. Our dinner wasn’t until 8:20, so we usually attended a 7:30 show in the theatre and also listen to some of the musical performers before heading to dinner.

Typically, we were quite tired and eager to sleep immediately after dinner. Although not ideal, our late cruise booking meant we couldn’t secure an earlier dining reservation. Despite the drawback of retiring for the night with a full stomach, this arrangement suited our schedule well.

Cruising Vs. Land Vacations

There is so much to do on a cruise. On sea days, there are classes, shows, games, and themed dinners, while on port days, it’s common to disembark from the ship to discover the local destinations. Some days we wore ourselves out. The last few days, we relaxed a little more and didn’t even go to the shows but chose instead to sit around and chat with some new friends we’d made. While cruising is most enjoyable, it’s not nearly as relaxing as staying at the beach for a week, so pace yourself and don’t try to participate in too many of the offered activities.

From our experience, cruising the most economical way to travel. To get the best deals, book right after the cruise is published or wait for a last-minute deal like we did on this one. Of course, many times there are no last-minute deals, because the cruise sells out, so booking early is your best option if there is a cruise you are really want. Cruiseplum.com is a great site where you can easily compare all the different cruise options.

Ports of Call

We go on cruises to visit exotic places we’ve never experienced before, and this one was no different. Even though there were only eight ports on this cruise, they were all fabulous and six were places we’d never been.

Honolulu

Unfortunately, it was overcast both days in Hawaii, which I hated especially for the first-time passengers because the islands are much more beautiful when the sun is out. We had been there before and had taken a tour to view the magnificent coastline. For this trip, we elected to take a taxi to Waikiki Beach. While the island boasts many beautiful beaches, Waikiki is the most renowned and was conveniently close to the ship. After enjoying the beach for a while, we visited shops at the nearby mall. The most interesting was a store where you could pay $38 per half hour to come in and pet their cats! What’s amazing is that there were people in there doing just that! I immediately thought of my cat back home. Am I missing out? Could I rent him out? Apart from that, it was a fairly typical mall situated in the stunning setting of Honolulu.

One of the top recommended places to visit in Honolulu is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. If I’m ever in Honolulu again I definitely will do that. While cruising is a great way to see the world, the downside is that you usually don’t have time to visit multiple places while in port and you have to pick one or two.

Maui

Having booked a weeklong trip to Maui for an upcoming month, we sought to experience something unique that we might not do on a subsequent visit. The ocean center had come highly recommended, so we decided to take a taxi there.

If you’re fascinated by beautiful and exotic fish, the Ocean Center will be a delight. It features vibrantly colored fish indigenous to the region and some peculiar ones that blend seamlessly with the rocks until they stir. The exhibits range from large sea turtles to an impressive shark tank, encompassing a wide variety of marine life.

Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, and we visited one of those on our last trip and are looking forward to enjoying more of them during our upcoming week-long stay.

The Road to Hana appears to be an incredible journey, and we will have the opportunity to experience it during our week-long stay. The cruise offered an excursion to the Road to Hana; however, it was prohibitively expensive, and I felt there wasn’t sufficient time to fully appreciate it.

Samoa

Samoa may have been the least affluent of the countries we visited, but what they lacked in material wealth, they compensated for with exceptional hospitality and natural splendor. Upon our arrival and departure, they graced us with a stunning Samoan performance on the dock.

We didn’t choose an island tour as we often do when visiting for the first time, but many people did, and I heard it was “so-so.” The tour buses were open trucks with bench seats and no air conditioning. We opted instead to check out the port town. The tourist office graciously offered free Wi-Fi to the cruise passengers. Since I had not spoken to my family in a week, we took them up on the offer.

We also attended a free cultural show on one of the islands which was interesting but got a little long. Like all natives, they were proud of their culture and were excited to share it with us. We walked down to a beautiful beach, but we didn’t get into the water because there was a sign that said bacteria had been found in it and swimming was not recommended. Adjacent to us was a resort where, for a fee, the water was reportedly clean. My husband and I debated, “How is that possible? It’s the same water!” Ultimately, we chose to relax on the shore, take in the scenery, and observe others frolicking in the water.

One thing I wish I had done more of in Samoa is shopping. They are noted for having some of the cheapest prices in the world on their handmade articles. I bought a few things and decided to wait until the other ports to do more shopping, but Figi and the French Polynesian were more expensive. If you take this cruise, except for the black pearls you’ll find in Tahiti, I recommend you make most of your purchases in Samoa if you want great prices.

The most beautiful thing in American Samoa was the harbor. We were asleep when we pulled in that morning, but pulling out that afternoon we stood on the top deck and soaked in the beauty of the lush green mountains surrounding the crystal-clear deep blue waters. Don’t miss this if you go, as this view is better than any excursion you could ever take.

Figi

When I think of Fiji, I think of beautiful beaches. It did not disappoint. We got together with another couple and hired a taxi driver from the cruise dock for $50 per person to drive us 45 minutes to a beach resort. There was no charge for the resort but there was a restaurant and bar there where we could purchase food and drinks. A Coke was $5, so I assume that’s how they generate their revenue. The driver waited for us until we were ready to go a few hours later and he drove us back to the ship.

We were docked in Suva. The port city didn’t look that great, and after spending a few hours at the beach and enduring the long ride there and back, we elected to hang out on the ship the rest of the afternoon and visit with other passengers while overlooking the port.

Dravuni Island

Dravuni Island, a tiny island about 2 miles long and inhibited by less than 200 people. It is one island in the South Pacific that is virtually unspoiled. There are no cars, no stores, no cell service or TV’s.

The island boasted houses painted in vibrant colors, nestled behind pristine white sand beaches leading to lush, green lawns. It was a day of relaxation, lounging in the waves, visiting with friends, and absorbing the surrounding beauty.

French Polynesian

This was by far the best destination on this cruise. We docked in Papeete, Tahiti, and visited Moorea Island. We toured the first island in Tahiti by taxi along a 70-mile trip around the coastline.
We were immersed in beautiful tropical plants and flowers all along the coastal highway and took in beautiful waterfalls and botanical gardens along the way.

The next day we went to Moorea – one of the most beautiful islands on Earth. At the suggestion of a friend, we booked this excursion from the ship. Our ship had to tender at this port and once we were on the island we entered another boat which took us further out into the clear water of the ocean to view dolphins, sea turtles, and multiple schools of fish.

We were taken to a motu where we had the opportunity to swim with stingrays and sharks, which were said to be harmless. I’m not sure about that but am happy to report that no one in our group got stung and everyone left the island in one piece.

Touching the soft belly of a stingray was a first for me. Upon returning, we shopped at a local market. Tahiti is famous for its black pearls, and there were numerous jewelry stores offering them. I managed to find a lovely pearl necklace for $15, although there are exquisite pieces available for several hundred dollars for those who are interested.

People

The essence of an engaging vacation is often the people you encounter. This encompasses your fellow travelers, the crew, and the locals you meet at each port.

I previously noted the warmth and hospitality of the locals during our stay. The taxi drivers were generous in sharing details about their landmarks, culture, and more. For instance, our driver in Tahiti was a fountain of information, speaking non-stop for four hours while giving us a tour of the sights.

On a short cruise, you don’t normally meet many of your shipmates. That’s very different on a 32-day cruise. A simple question of “How are you enjoying the cruise?” would usually start a conversation about how many they had been on and where else in the world they had visited. Most people who choose a 32-day cruise have a few under their belt already.

Ship Experience

The crew of the Sapphire Princess has been the recipient of their company’s service award for the last three years. It was clear to see why. The staff was exceptionally kind and helpful. Each evening in the dining room, our waiters not only provided excellent service but also engaged in wonderful conversations with us. The restaurant manager and host also made it a point to visit our table every night for a chat. Their warm interactions made us feel genuinely welcomed each night.

The Sapphire is an older and slightly smaller vessel compared to ships like the Ruby or Caribbean Princess. I find smaller ships more navigable, and the Sapphire remains beautifully maintained. Unlike Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships, for example, most Princess vessels, including this one, lack amenities such as water slides, zip lines, and rock climbing, because they cater to an older crowd and there are normally not a lot of children onboard.

As mentioned before, the food was exceptional. The fish dishes were particularly outstanding. I long to replicate that level of flavor in my own fish cooking. For the initial three weeks, I had fish at almost every meal until I grew weary of it and switched to the equally remarkable steak, chicken, and beef dishes. Truthfully, by the end, my body was signaling that it was overwhelmed by the constant indulgence in such rich food.

The bad with the good

My husband and I encountered an unpleasant stomach virus during this cruise. Despite having been on approximately twenty cruises before, this was the first instance where I had ever got sick. The cruise line excelled in containing the outbreak by enforcing a 24-hour isolation for those affected, implementing rigorous sterilization procedures, and having staff serve at the buffet. Fewer than 100 of the 2700 passengers fell ill, and by the cruise’s conclusion, virtually no one remained in isolation.

Captain

This captain was my all-time favorite. Amidst the stomach bug outbreak, he provided daily updates on the number of people ill, the new cases identified, and the individuals in isolation.

Regrettably, an elderly man nearly drowned at Dravuni Island. The captain kept us updated during the evacuation, commended the crew and guests who assisted in the rescue, and continued to inform us of his condition after he was taken off the ship. Unlike other cruises I’ve experienced, where details of evacuations or illnesses were usually withheld from guests, this transparency was appreciated by everyone and helped prevent the spread of rumors.

Tips for a great cruise

Although thirty-two days may seem lengthy, time can pass more quickly than anticipated, so it’s important to cherish each day. Establish a routine during sea days that includes activities you love but avoid overexerting yourself with an excessive number of activities. Keep in mind, the goal is to relax. and enjoy.

How to pack

When people ask how to pack for a 32-day cruise, I suggest packing for one week and adding extra underwear. Casual outfits, worn briefly, can be reused multiple times. For this cruise, I went with basically five workout outfits, five sets of shorts and tops, five pairs of pants and tops, five dinner dresses, two formal dresses, and five swimsuits with cover-ups. The more you can mix and match, the less you have to bring. Pack sweatpants or something warm for chilly mornings that you can throw on anytime to run get coffee, etc. Don’t forget a light rain jacket, sweaters for cool evenings, and the different types of footwear you’ll need. I bring a minimal selection of jewelry, opting for versatile pieces that complement everything.

There is a laundry on board, and we washed a couple of loads during our stay. You can also have your laundry sent out to be washed.

Get travel insurance

Certain health insurance providers may not offer coverage when you are abroad. I filed our medical bill claims from our illness immediately upon returning home, and they were approved by the end of the same day, with the full amount refunded to my account within a few days. For those who travel more than twice a year, an annual plan is more cost-effective than buying separate coverage for each trip. I strongly endorse Allynz Travel; they were truly there for us.

Make the most of your ports

Maximize your port days by researching the destination before your trip. Fortunately, you can find numerous articles and videos online about almost any location you’re visiting. Accept that you’ll likely have only one day at each port and won’t see everything. If you fall in love with a place, perhaps you can plan a return trip for a longer visit on land.

Don’t get lazy

While it may be tempting to forgo exercise during a cruise, you’ll feel much better if you commit to daily walks or workouts. Considering you’ll likely be indulging in more and varied foods than usual, regular physical activity will be greatly beneficial.

Unplug

Unless you need to work or maintain constant contact with someone, I advise against buying the Wi-Fi on a cruise. It’s quite costly, and there’s little need or time for it. A cruise offers much more to explore and enjoy than just screen time. Moreover, you have the option to buy daily Wi-Fi access for occasional check-ins. On my recent trip, I opted for this twice to connect with my children and grandchildren. Remember, in case of an emergency, your family can contact you through the cruise line.

Let’s go!

If cruising is your passion, and you have the time to indulge in visiting stunning tropical ports, then this is an experience you will relish. For us, the blend of numerous sea days, picturesque ports, fine dining, and the attentive and friendly crew culminated in a remarkable journey for which I’m very grateful.

Bon Voyage!

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths. – Psalm 148:7