Papeete, Tahiti to Melbourne

Tahiti's diverse beauty spans from the serene shores of Matavai Bay to the verdant Papenoo Valley. In Papeete, experience the lively atmosphere of the waterfront promenade and indulge in traditional dishes at the roulottes, food trucks serving Polynesian cuisine. Head inland to Faarumai Waterfalls, a trio of cascades nestled in lush greenery. The island is also a hub for pearl farms, where you can discover the intricate process of cultivating Tahitian black pearls, renowned for their unique luster.

The Papeete Cruise Port is located right in the city center so attractions such as the vibrant Papeete Market are just a short walk away. To visit more distant attractions like the stunning Fautaua Waterfall, consider a taxi or a guided excursion. Don’t miss out on trying local Tahitian cuisine or visiting the Black Pearl Museum.

Tahiti offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Begin your day in Papeete, visiting the bustling Marché de Papeete for souvenirs and local treats. Journey to the island's interior to hike the scenic trails of Mount Aorai, providing panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and islands. Relax at Tahiti's famous black-sand beaches or take a boat trip to explore the turquoise lagoons. A visit to the Paul Gauguin Museum gives insight into the artist’s life and works inspired by Tahiti's beauty.

The Papeete Cruise Port is located right in the city center so attractions such as the vibrant Papeete Market are just a short walk away. To visit more distant attractions like the stunning Fautaua Waterfall, consider a taxi or a guided excursion. Don’t miss out on trying local Tahitian cuisine or visiting the Black Pearl Museum.

The South Pacific island of Moorea is a place rich in untouched nature and enchanting landscapes, where jagged volcanic peaks, lush emerald valleys, and crystal-clear lagoons create the perfect setting for an island escape. Known for its unique heart shape, the island is surrounded by white-sand beaches to enjoy as you take part in Shore Excursions and other outdoor activities.

This halcyon island is as spiritual as it is beautiful. The second-largest of the Society Islands after Tahiti, Raiatea is the ancient ancestral home of the Polynesian people and, legend has it, the birthplace of gods. While neighboring Bora Bora is a magnet for visitors, Raiatea has a serenity that’s unmatched, thanks in no small part to its sacred place in Polynesian history and culture. Learn more at Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which would have been used as a ceremonial and social space, and a point where the human and spiritual worlds met. Elsewhere, while Raiatea doesn’t have the impressive beaches found on other islands, its mountainous interior offers calf-stretching hikes with glorious views, while its impossible clear waters reward divers with shipwrecks and a colorful array of marine life.

Snorkel and dive in the stunning turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora, known for its white sand beaches and luxurious overwater bungalows. Escape into the marvels of this island paradise. Bora Bora has been called the most beautiful island in the world with its tranquil lagoons, sugar-white beaches and exotic flora and fauna.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

It’s all about the welcome in the beautiful port of Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango), on the shores of a deep natural harbor in the shadow of jungle-cloaked Mount Pioa – more lyrically known as Rainmaker Mountain. This is a place that has long-established, valued customs and traditions, passed down the generations over many centuries, where the offer of a drink made from the kava root has been turned into a ritual, Sunday is still a day of rest, and myths, legends and a turbulent history are shared through storytelling, dance, crafts and, of course, tattoos. But the capital of American Samoa is also a modern urban center with shops and sights including the Jean P. Haydon Museum, with its displays of war canoes, jewelry made from coconut shells and seeds, and a curious exhibition about the island chain’s role in the U.S. Apollo Space Missions

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The international date line, established in 1884, passes through the mid-Pacific Ocean and roughly follows a 180 degrees longitude north to south line on the Earth. It does zigzag around political borders such as eastern Russia and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.

Crossing the date line eastbound decreases the date by one day, while crossing the date line westbound increases the date. So when you cross east to west you always lose a day and crossing from west to east you get the same day twice (or gain a day).

Explore Suva, Fiji's enchanting capital, where a kaleidoscope of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and a fusion of Fijian, Indian, and Pacific cultures merge to create a uniquely vibrant urban experience. Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire-walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

Lautoka, known as the "Sugar City," is a bustling port town located on the beautiful island of Viti Levu in Fiji. As you step foot in Lautoka, you are greeted by warm tropical breezes and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the bustling markets, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. Indulge in the rich flavors of Fijian cuisine, savoring local delicacies such as kokoda (marinated fish) and lovo (traditional underground oven-cooked feast). Discover the pristine white sandy beaches nearby, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply basking in the sun. Lautoka invites you to embrace the beauty of Fiji and experience the warm hospitality of its people.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Port Vila, the vibrant capital city of Vanuatu, is a tropical paradise that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled along the shores of Efate Island, Port Vila offers a unique blend of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Explore the bustling local markets, where you can immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of fresh produce and local handicrafts. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs and hidden underwater caves. With its warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting adventures, Port Vila is a haven for travelers seeking a tropical escape like no other.

The French overseas territory of New Caledonia lies in the south-western Pacific about 750 miles off the east coast of Australia. Lifou is east of the little nation’s mainland and is the largest of New Caledonia’s four Loyalty Islands. Around its coast are high cliffs, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. The rich vegetation of the interior supports a wealth of vivid birds, from red and black New Caledonian myzomelas to yellow and grey fantailed gerygones. In addition, the island is dotted with vanilla plantations. Cruise ships call in at Easo in the north-west, anchoring just off land, with tenders taking passengers ashore; beaches stretch either side of the dock. An old missionary chapel, Notre Dame de Lourdes, is strikingly set on cliffs above the bay and can be reached on foot. Other activities include snorkeling in the marine reserve of Jinek Bay, just west of Easo; swimming at secluded Kiki beach a couple of miles south; and visiting the island’s main settlement, the village of We, on the east coast, about half an hour’s drive across the island.

The vibrant capital of New Caledonia, where French elegance meets South Pacific charm in a stunning blend of soft sand beaches, diverse marine life, and a rich fusion of cultures. Having served as the South Pacific headquarters for the U.S. military during World War II, the main island of New Caledonia, called Grande Terre, has played a prominent role on the world stage. These days, the island's sunny weather and natural beauty have taken the spotlight. Noumea has a distinctly French flair with fine restaurants and designer boutiques. Off shore are the vast barrier reefs and the largest lagoon complex in the world.

Are we in paradise? You might think so from the look of this self-described forest of araucaria pines lassoed by soft sand and clear seas. In fact, L'Île des Pins is the name of the main island, next to which sits another, Kômoto, and a cluster of islets. Along with Walpole island, 150 miles east, this is part of New Caledonia, and while it may be the furthest flung of France's territories, they bake a tasty baguette at the boulangerie in the main town, Vao, and the local delicacy is a giant snail.

There is a natural pool for swimming and snorkeling, the cave grotto of a local queen to investigate, and a beachfront statue of St Maurice encircled by totem poles serves as a reminder of both indigenous and colonial influences. There also a darker side of the island to uncover at the ruins of the prison that once held hundreds of revolutionaries from the defeated Paris Commune and, later, Algerian rebels, and the graveyard where many were buried.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Set on New Zealand’s North Island astride a narrow isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Auckland – or Tamaki Makaurau in Maori – is an urban oasis ringed by natural beauty. The CBD (Central Business District) is brimming with artisanal coffee shops, fine-dining restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, but venture just beyond the skyscrapers to discover ancient mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, black-sand beaches, and lush rainforests.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Arrive in Wellington and its ambitious spirit is clear to see in the skyline of shiny towers. Yet New Zealand’s capital is a friendly place with an independent air, where just wandering around the streets is a pleasure, stopping for a great coffee or a glass of locally brewed craft beer. You can delve a little deeper into New Zealand’s culture and history at the national museum, Te Papa Tongeriwa, on the waterfront, with stories and objects from pre-colonial days. In fact, at Zealandia, you can travel even further back in time – this urban eco-sanctuary is attempting to restore nature to its pre-human state. Movie fans won’t want to miss a tour of the Weta Workshop, the film effects company that worked on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit among other blockbusters. But find time, too, for a ride on the cable car to the Kelburn Lookout for a spectacular overview.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The capital of Victoria is a dynamic melting pot, shaped by influences from every corner of the world. A thriving café culture, world-class wine bars, and a city-wide croissant obsession (a visit to Lune Croissanterie is a must) will transport you to the boulevards of Paris, but the city is also famed for its old-school Italian delis, traditional Greek tavernas, and authentic bánh mì joints. To sample the myriad flavors of Melbourne in one place, visit the historic Queen Victoria Market and stock up on supplies, before enjoying your delicious bounty in one of the many urban parks – from the historic Fitzroy Gardens to the sculpture-dotted Gasworks Arts Park.