South Pacific & the Land Down Under

Arrive in Los Angeles today, scenically set below the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains and near the Pacific Ocean. Settle in to your stateroom and take time to explore your ship and enjoy a meal on the al fresco Aquavit Terrace.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Spend seven days at sea as you sail toward the islands of French Polynesia. Enjoy a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from casual café fare at the World Café, poolside cuisine cooked fresh to order at the Pool Grill, or fine dining and regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Known as 'Mystic Island,' Nuku Hiva is famous for its eight picturesque harbors, deep-cut bays, remote sand beaches and towering waterfalls. You can take a self-guided tour of Taiohae, the island's capital, or discover beautiful viewpoints of the island's coast, bays and valleys in a 4x4.

As you cruise today, you may enjoy learning about the Vikings' rich history and inspiring legacy at our special onboard exhibit. Browse replicas of tools and clothing from the Viking Age.

Tahiti is the largest of the islands of French Polynesia and Papeete is its principal city. It breathes the same easygoing atmosphere as the rest of the archipelago, an earthly paradise with its turquoise waters, tranquil beaches and stunning underwater world. The island's French and Polynesian cultures can be seen in the town's covered market, whose colorful displays are a delight for the senses. Admire the Catholic cathedral and the grand colonial design of the Papeete Town Hall, or Mairie de Papeete.

Enjoy a second day to explore Tahiti, originally settled by Polynesians between 300 and 800 AD. The blending of Polynesian, European and Chinese cultures is reflected in the island's cuisine. Sample some of Polynesia's traditional fare as you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Or, set sail on a catamaran for a tour of Tahiti's western coast and snorkeling.

Arrive in Vaitape on the island of Bora Bora today, whose landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano in the shape of two moss-green peaks surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon. Bora Bora is the quintessential Polynesian paradise, as is exhibited by its lovely beaches and clear blue seas, through its cuisine or during its crimson sunsets. Embark by open air bus on a scenic tour of the natural and historic sites, including Faanui Bay and Bora Bora's biggest Polynesian temple. Or, explore the waters off Bora Bora and swim among colorful tropical fish, stingrays and sharks.

As you sail the South Pacific Ocean today, relax in the Explorers' Lounge and enjoy the spectacular vistas from the ship. As you cruise, mingle with newfound friends in The Living Room, and attend a port talk about your upcoming destinations.

Call today on Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. You can experience Māori culture and history during a visit to a local village, or set out into the South Pacific in a glass-bottomed boat to explore marine life in the many lagoons that surround the islands. You can also venture off the beaten path in a 4x4 to find scenic vistas of the island's lush rainforest and rugged terrain.

Start your day with a walk around our quarter-mile Promenade Deck. Or join one of our yoga classes and find your inner calm. Tonight, enjoy an elegant meal in The Restaurant.

As you cross the International Date Line today, you will 'cruise into the future,' effectively skipping a day. Crossing this meridian is a time-honored travel milestone long marked by ceremony. You can raise a glass to the event, whether you are celebrating in the Explorers' Lounge or on the Aquavit Terrace.

Arrive today in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga. You can explore this relaxed town on a guided walking tour that includes views of the Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs. Or, head out on the clear waters off Tonga to seek out the many humpback whales that travel from Antarctica to breed and bear their young here.

During a day at sea, peruse the replicas of Viking artifacts at our onboard Viking Heritage exhibit. Attend an enrichment lecture or visit The Library to learn more about your upcoming or past destinations. Find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, toast to your sailing over an elegant meal at our main dining venue, The Restaurant.

Arrive today in Suva, located on a hilly peninsula between two bays. Your included tour will take you to see the sights of Fiji's capital, including the US Embassy, Great Council of Chiefs and the colonial-style President's Palace. Or, go underwater to discover the beautiful coral reefs that surround Fiji during a memorable snorkeling experience.

Perhaps renew your body and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while we are at sea. Indulge in a soothing massage, facial or body treatment.

Perhaps renew your body and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while we are at sea. Indulge in a soothing massage, facial or body treatment.

Today, call into Waitangi, located in the far north of New Zealand's North Island. Its name means 'weeping waters' in Māori and it was here, at this stunning seaside location, that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840. Captain William Hobson and 52 Māori chiefs signed the treaty, an act that was considered the founding of New Zealand as a nation. Today, it is celebrated annually with a public holiday and spirited bicultural ceremony on the grounds of Treaty House.

Arrive in Auckland today, the cultural capital of New Zealand's North Island. Cross the harbor bridge to enjoy sweeping views from Bastion Point and pass through Parnell Village, lined with upscale shops and cafés. See the neoclassical Auckland War Memorial Museum, and if you wish, visit the region's wine country this afternoon to sample some of its world-acclaimed vintages.

Enjoy a second day in Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails' and set between two harbors. This seafaring city has hosted two America's Cup challenges, and its marinas are brimming with world-class yachts. You may choose to glide through the waters of Auckland Harbor and the Hauraki Gulf in an America's Cup yacht. Or, head out to beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for an up-close encounter with whales and dolphins.

Sail into the turquoise waters of the Bay of Plenty to visit the port of Tauranga, watched over by the dramatic Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano that helped shape this spectacular region of white-sand beaches and azure waters. Discover the highlights of one of New Zealand's main centers for business and culture. Or, you can explore the thermal region of Rotorua, sacred to the Māori for its bubbling mudpots, spewing geysers, silica terraces and fumaroles.

Cruise into Hawke's Bay today, New Zealand's second largest wine-growing region. Disembark to explore Napier's art deco architecture, built after much of the city was destroyed during a 1931 earthquake. Its eclectic mix of 'Main Street' design and art deco flair combine to create a city unlike any other in the world. Take it all in during a city tour, or venture farther afield to sample some of the region's beloved wines at its vineyards or to seek out some of the bay area's abundant birdlife, including the iconic gannet on nearby Cape Kidnappers.

Visit Wellington today, hailed by many as 'the coolest little capital in the world,' brimming with cultural institutions such as the Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery. The political capital of New Zealand enjoys a splendid setting among mountains and the sea. Enjoy a tour of its main sites, including the summit of Mt. Victoria, the Wellington Cathedral and the New Zealand Parliament's four buildings—including Parliament House, a dramatic neoclassical wonder, and the Executive Wing, known as the 'Beehive' for its shape. You will also see the renowned Wellington Botanic Garden, home to the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Perhaps join our Privileged Access visit to the Museum of New Zealand, or join a city tour fashioned for fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Explore the English-flavored city of Christchurch, spread at the feet of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. Today it is a stunning blend of British charm and natural beauty, with so many green parks that it has been nicknamed the 'Garden City.' See firsthand how the city is creatively preserving its iconic heritage. Visit the Container Mall, a series of stores set up in giant shipping containers, and the Cardboard Cathedral, welcoming worshippers until the Christchurch Cathedral is repaired. You will also visit the lush Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of the world's most important of its kind. If you wish, explore the International Antarctic Center, where you can experience life in the continent's harsh climate and meet some resident penguins.

Call on scenic Port Chalmers today, whose harbor is faced by the hills of the Otago Peninsula. You will visit the region's cultural capital of Dunedin, founded in 1848 by Scottish settlers who gave it the Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Nestled among rolling green hills that drop sharply into the sea, it is one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the world and home to a wealth of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, including the stunning Dunedin Railway Station. You might alternately join an excursion to view one of the world's most accessible albatross rookeries, where you can observe these magnificent birds in their rich natural habitat.

Spend your day cruising through the tranquility of the Doubtful Sound. The deepest and second-longest of the South Island fjords was originally named Doubtful Harbor by explorer Captain James Cook, then later renamed by whalers and sealers. The fjord's imposing peaks rise up to more than 5,000 feet, transitioning from verdant forest to rugged rock along the way. The area's mixture of both freshwater and saltwater makes it home to a diverse ecosystem, including one of the southernmost pods of bottlenose dolphins. Keep watch for fur seals and penguins sunning themselves near the entrance to the fjord.

Cruise the the Tasman Sea. Just as many refer to an Atlantic journey as 'hopping the Pond,' Kiwis and Aussies refer to this voyage as 'crossing the Ditch.' Your two days at sea provide the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in the Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure or shave.

Cruise the the Tasman Sea. Just as many refer to an Atlantic journey as 'hopping the Pond,' Kiwis and Aussies refer to this voyage as 'crossing the Ditch.' Your two days at sea provide the ideal opportunity to read about your upcoming ports in the Library and to perhaps make an appointment at The Salon for a hair treatment, manicure or shave.

Explore the fabled island of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state, named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The capital, Hobart, was founded as a penal colony for some 300 inmates. Today, it is a charming city with a mild climate and a picturesque natural setting on the banks of the Derwent River. Its historic neighborhoods and traditional pubs are best explored on foot. You might wish to tour the former penal colony of Port Arthur, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum chronicling the relocation of convicts here by the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sail across the Bass Strait today. Named after its discoverer George Bass, the shallow stretch of water separates Tasmania from the Australian continent. Enjoy the Sun Deck or scan the horizon from the Explorers' Lounge for one of the 60 islands that dot the strait. Tonight, try a regional specialty in The Restaurant, or take in a recent movie in one of our three theaters—two indoor and one under the stars on the Main Pool Deck.

Discover Melbourne, capital of the Australian state of Victoria. During its heyday, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. Today, you can uncover the cultural and historic treasures of, by some accounts, the most livable city in the world during a tour of its highlights. View the city's stately Victorian-era buildings and visit Fitzroy Gardens, where Cook's Cottage graces the landscape. Constructed in England by the parents of famed explorer Captain Cook, it was deconstructed brick by brick and reassembled here to celebrate the centenary of the city's founding. If you wish, join a visit to see some of Australia's iconic wildlife, such as the koala, wombat, kangaroo and wallaby.

Cruise the waters off the Australian coast of Gippsland today. This area was once plied by boats piloted by Aboriginal Australians. Today, it is one of the continent's most scenic regions of stunning beaches, old-growth forest and fertile farms. During your relaxing day at sea, you can learn more about Australia during informative lectures, attend a port talk to familiarize yourself with upcoming destinations and enjoy the many amenities on board. Relax in The Spa, browse the onboard art throughout the ship, or settle in the Living Room with a book from your ship's Library.

Disembark in Sydney today, home to the famed Sydney Opera House and countless other cultural institutions beloved by Aussies. You may transfer to the airport for your flight home or explore more of this spectacular city.