Heritage Expeditions to Launch 11-Day South Pacific Cruise in 2027

Heritage Expeditions announced a new 11-day South Pacific expedition voyage, named 'Tropical Islands of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga', which will depart from the Port of Lautoka on March 14, 2027 and return to the same port on March 24. The round-trip voyage from Fiji also includes port calls in the French territory of Wallis and Futuna.

The itinerary combines visits to local villages and markets with sites linked to World War II history and wildlife-watching activities, both on land and underwater. Highlights include the limestone islands of Fulaga, Bouma National Heritage Park and Tafua Forest Reserve in Samoa, as well as snorkeling sessions at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and Swallows' Cave in Tonga. Passengers will also be able to take part in traditional ceremonies such as the Meke dance and the kava ceremony in Fiji, and the Taualuga dance in Samoa.

The program includes the search for endemic species such as the Samoa flying fox and the Fiji monkey-faced bat, as well as rare birds like the tooth-billed pigeon, considered Samoa's national bird and one of the closest living relatives of the extinct dodo.

According to Cruise Industry News, fares for the voyage start at $7,160, and the company is offering a 20% discount for bookings made by October 30, 2026. Heritage Expeditions' commercial director and expedition leader, Aaron Russ, noted that the voyage is designed for adventurers of all levels looking to explore off the beaten path, experience encounters with endemic wildlife and little-known cultures, and relax on white sand beaches while snorkeling in warm waters teeming with marine life.

Sources differ on which vessel will operate the voyage: while Seatrade Cruise and Cruise Industry News identify the 140-passenger Heritage Adventurer as the designated ship, Cruise Mapper indicates that the voyage will be carried out aboard the Heritage Discoverer.