The New Zealand-based, family-owned company Heritage Expeditions has announced a new 11-day expedition itinerary through the South Pacific, combining calls in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with the less frequently visited islands and atolls of the French territory Wallis and Futuna.
Heritage Discoverer ship's "Tropical Islands of Fiji, Samoa & Tonga Cruise" combines established South Pacific islands with remote destinations that receive limited cruise shipping traffic. According to Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ, the voyage combines wildlife and cultural experiences with opportunities for beach activities and snorkelling.
The roundtrip from Lautoka (Fiji) visits the limestone islands of Fulaga Island (Fiji's Southern Lau Group), Bouma National Heritage Park (Fiji's Taveuni Island) and Tafua Rainforest Reserve (Samoa's Savai'i Island). The itinerary also features snorkelling at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve (Samoa's Upolu Island) and Swallows Cave (Kapa Island, in Tonga's Vava'u Archipelago), as well as visits to Wallis & Futuna, where passengers can explore Polynesian traditions, World War II history and reef-fringed lagoons. The programme includes a visit to Alofi (Niue), designated an Important Bird Area.
Wildlife activities will include searches for species such as the Samoan flying fox, Fijian monkey-faced bat, Taveuni silktail, Mao, Samoan island thrush and the tooth-billed pigeon. The latter is considered a national bird of Samoa and is among the closest living relatives of the extinct dodo.
The cultural programme will include village visits and traditional welcomes, including performances of the Samoan Taualuga dance. Passengers will also have opportunities to experience fa’a Samoa, or the Samoan way of life, along with Fiji’s Meke dance tradition, participate in a traditional kava ceremony, and visit local markets.
The Tropical Islands of Fiji, Samoa & Tonga Cruise is scheduled to operate from March 14th to 24th, 2027, departing from and returning to Fiji (Lautoka).
Heritage Expeditions is offering a 20% discount on bookings made by October 30th, 2026, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.