A cruise through the Solomon Islands feels like one of the last true discoveries in the South Pacific. Spread across more than 900 islands and still refreshingly under the radar, the destination suits cruise travel particularly well because so much of its appeal lies beyond the reach of a standard land itinerary.
By ship, travellers can move easily between volcanic islands, reef-ringed lagoons, WWII sites, village communities and remote snorkelling spots, waking each day to a different side of the country.
Tourism Solomons also positions the islands as a “wild and unspoiled” destination just a short flight from Brisbane, with Honiara acting as the main gateway.
Why the Solomon Islands are made for cruising
The Solomon Islands reward slow, immersive travel. That is why expedition and small-ship cruising is such a natural fit. Rather than rushing between big-name ports, cruises here can reach secluded anchorages, culturally rich communities and marine environments that are difficult to stitch together independently. The result is a style of travel that combines comfort with genuine access.
The destination’s appeal is broad. There is pristine diving and snorkelling in the Coral Triangle, lagoons and reefs in the Western Province, poignant WWII history around Guadalcanal, and deeply rooted cultural traditions across the archipelago. Tourism data also shows visitors are drawn by the Solomon Islands’ scenery, marine experiences, historical and cultural interest, and even cruise itineraries themselves.
For Australian travellers in particular, there is a strong sense of proximity without predictability. The Solomon Islands may sit only about three hours from Brisbane by air, but they deliver a far more adventurous and less crowded Pacific experience than many better-known island destinations.
The cruises that visit the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are increasingly appearing on premium, luxury and expedition itineraries, which is exactly where the destination shines.
Ponant is actively selling Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands voyages in 2026 and 2027, including sailings aboard Le Jacques Cartier and Le Soléal.
Heritage Expeditions also has Solomon Islands departures aboard Heritage Adventurer, while Seabourn has included the South Pacific in its 2026–2027 expedition deployment for Seabourn Pursuit.
Silversea is promoting South Pacific expedition voyages aboard Silver Cloud that include the Solomon Islands, and Swan Hellenic is operating a 13-night Honiara–Sorong expedition aboard SH Minerva in 2026.
The destination is not limited to expedition brands. Holland America promotes calls to Honiara, and Oceania Cruises has Honiara featured on Riviera’s 2026 “Mesmerizing Melanesia” sailing.
That mix of operators shows the Solomon Islands can work both as a deeper expedition play and as a distinctive South Pacific port on broader regional itineraries.
Momentum is clearly building. Government and tourism messaging in the Solomon Islands has increasingly focused on cruise as a growth sector, supported by new infrastructure and stronger international engagement.
Ports of call to watch
Honiara is the country’s best-known cruise gateway and the logical starting point for most itineraries. Located on Guadalcanal, it gives cruise guests easy access to markets, museums, battlefields and day touring. The broader Guadalcanal experience is one of the destination’s strongest hooks, especially for travellers interested in wartime history and soft adventure.
Beyond the capital, the Western Province is where many of the Solomon Islands’ most compelling cruise experiences unfold. Gizo is one of the country’s best-known tourism centres, while Munda is a recognised gateway to reef systems, diving sites and wartime heritage. Marovo Lagoon remains a standout headline attraction, promoted as the world’s biggest saltwater lagoon and one of the country’s most visually arresting natural assets.
Other cruise calls and excursion areas that have featured in Solomon Islands programming include Roderick Bay in the Sandfly Passage, Fanalei Island in Malaita, and Tavanipupu Island Resort in Marau Sound. Together, these calls highlight the country’s variety, from village welcomes and handicrafts to lagoon cruising, reef snorkelling and heritage touring.
Point Cruz gives Honiara a stronger cruise edge
A major piece of the destination’s new cruise story is the upgraded terminal infrastructure at Point Cruz in Honiara. Solomon Islands Ports Authority commissioned the Millennium Terminal in December 2024, describing it as the largest domestic seaport terminal in the South Pacific.
The facility sits within Honiara’s domestic port precinct, strengthening the capital’s ability to manage rising passenger volumes and improving the arrival experience.
That matters because first impressions count in cruise. Better passenger handling, smoother transfers and easier access to local operators can lift the quality of a port call and increase the likelihood of stronger onshore spend.
It also helps position Honiara as a more credible turnaround or marquee call for future expedition and small-ship deployments. That sits neatly alongside the Solomon Islands’ broader tourism push, which is centred on sustainable growth, community involvement and higher-value visitation rather than sheer volume.
A destination entering its next cruise chapter
What makes the Solomon Islands so compelling is that cruising does not dilute the destination, it unlocks it. The geography, the cultural depth, the marine life and the sense of remoteness all work in favour of voyage-led discovery.
Add the growing list of operators, the renewed focus on cruise development and the improved port infrastructure in Honiara, and the country looks increasingly well placed for a new phase of cruise growth.
For travel advisors, that creates a strong sell: a South Pacific cruise destination that still feels genuinely fresh, where expedition-style access brings travellers closer to the people, landscapes and stories that make the Solomon Islands unlike anywhere else in the region.
