Indulgent South Pacific

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.

Huahine, part of French Polynesia's Society Islands, is often regarded as one of the most picturesque and culturally rich islands in the region. Known as the "Garden Island" due to its lush forests and untamed landscape, Huahine maintains a low-key, less commercial vibe compared to its more famous neighbors like Tahiti or Bora Bora. This tranquil island is encircled by a crystal-clear lagoon teeming with marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Visitors can explore ancient marae (sacred temples) and archaeological sites that reflect the island's deep Polynesian roots, providing a glimpse into its rich history and traditions. The laid-back atmosphere extends to the local villages, where crafts like vanilla farming and fishing are still part of daily life.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be proved to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Bora Bora:

• sail Bora Bora by catamaran
• take a scenic flight over the island in a helicopter
• snorkel the reef ringed lagoon
• watch sharks and rays in a glass-bottomed boat
• relax on a privately owned island known as a motu

Located on Tutuila, the largest of the Samoan islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa. Whether you gravitate to the sea or the mountains, you'll encounter memorable vistas at every curve of the landscape surrounding this pristine island. Ships will dock in Pago Pago Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Pago Pago:

• visit to a traditional Samoan village
• play a round of golf at Lavalava Golf course
• swim and snorkel at Fagatele Bay
• visit the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

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).

Located on Upolu Island, Apia is home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. This charming colonial-style town is the hub of business, government and shopping within Samoa. Ships will dock in Apia Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Apia:

• admire the Falefa Waterfall and Estuary
  
• visit Maketi Fou, a 24 hour market
• drive the scenic Le Mafa Pass
• learn about Apia's rich traditions at the Samoa Cultural Village
• relax at a beach side resort

Fiji's capital city is a modern multicultural centre dotted with colonial-era buildings, and numerous parks and gardens tucked among the hilly peninsula. Cultural activities, delicious cuisine and abundant shopping offer something for everyone. Ships will dock at King's Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Suva:

• explore the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
• visit the eco-friendly Pure Fiji beauty care factory
• take a longboat along the Navua River
• learn about the Fijian way of life at a local village
• relax at a beachfront resort

Known as Sugar City, Lautoka is framed by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides. In the city you'll find wide-open streets lined with swaying palm trees and colonial-style houses. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Lautoka:

• snorkel at Savala or Bounty Island
• bathe in a natural geothermal mud pond
• visit a traditional village
• explore the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
• visit the nearby town of Nadi

In Port Vila, Vanuatu's energetic capital, you'll be greeted by friendly Bislama-speaking locals and street-side markets. The city is perfectly located around a beautiful harbour and still holds a touch of French influence in the form of bistros and murals. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Port Vila:

• Sail to Dream cove for a snorkel adventure
• visit the Cascade Waterfalls
• take a buggy on an off-road adventure
• join a thrilling jet boat ride in Port Vila's bay waters
• zip-line through the jungle

Lifou is the largest island in the archipelago of coral atolls known as the Loyalty Islands. Long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, grottos and imposing cliffs give the island one of the most dramatic landscapes in the pacific. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Lifou:

• relax on Luecila or Luengoni Beach
• visit the fossilised coral Cliffs of Jokin
• snorkel at Jinek Bay Marine Reserve
• visit a vanilla plantation
• visit Hnathalo & learn about Melanesian culture

The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea is a little piece of France in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It has all the flavour and ambience of a bustling, sophisticated provincial french town with the friendly charms, adventure and heavenly climate of the pacific islands. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do on Noumea:

• tour Noumea on the Tchou Tchou Train
• sail to and snorkel the New Caledonia Lagoon
• visit Amedee Island
• explore Parc Forestier

Whangarei is a modern city on the edge of a subtropical forest that is vibrant, verdant, and home to a thriving art community. The town centre is welcoming and charming, with colonial architecture and central streets filled with excellent art galleries, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Top Things to Do in Whangarei:

• hike or drive to the summit of Mount Parihaka
• visit Claphams Clock Museum
• admire the Whangarei Falls
• visit the Quarry Gardens

Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach.

In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.

Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach.

In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.