Valparaiso to Lautoka

Once the most important merchant port on the Pacific trading routes of South America, Valparaiso is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its bright, colourful buildings, incredible European-inspired architecture, and unique urban hillside design, Valparaiso offers a vibrant artistic culture in a laid-back environment. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Valparaiso:

• sandboard the Dunes of Concón
• explore Cerro Concepcion
• visit the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso
• admire the street art on a walking tour

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Robinson Crusoe Island, part of Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago, is a hidden gem with a fascinating history and pristine natural beauty. Named after the literary character, the island offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity. Start the day with a visit to the town of San Juan Bautista, where you can explore the island's history and enjoy local seafood delicacies.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking up to El Mirador de Selkirk, providing stunning views of the island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The island's unique flora and fauna, including the endemic Juan Fernández fur seal, are a delight for nature lovers. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the clear waters and discover vibrant marine life in this remote paradise.

Alejandro Selkirk Island, also known as Isla Robinson Crusoe, is part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago off the coast of Chile.

Renowned as the site where mariner Alexander Selkirk was marooned in the early 18th century, inspiring Daniel Defoe's famous novel, this remote island offers rugged terrain and endemic flora and fauna not found anywhere else on Earth. Its steep, verdant hillsides and secluded beaches provide a dramatic landscape for hiking and wildlife watching.

Access to the island typically involves anchoring offshore and using tenders to land, given the island's small size and limited infrastructure. Visitors to Alexander Selkirk Island find themselves stepping back in time, immersed in the solitude and unspoiled nature that once inspired tales of survival and adventure.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Although a Polynesian island in southeastern Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is an overseas territory of Chile. The island received its name from a Dutch explorer who encountered the island on Easter Sunday in 1722.

The island is famous for its mysterious, monumental statues, called moai, created by the Rapanui people. A total of 887 monolithic stone statues have been inventoried. The native islanders who carved them used only stone hand chisels, mainly basalt toki, which still lay in place throughout the island. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

With around 50 residents on the island, Adamstown is the capital of the Pitcairn Islands and the only populated settlement, as all of the other Pitcairn Islands are uninhabited.

Here you can get a firsthand insight into the living history and culture of the people of Pitcairn Island - the direct descendants of Pitcairn's first European settlers, the HMS Bounty mutineers.

On shore visit the local museum that houses the HMS Bounty Bible, the historic Adamstown Church, view Fletcher Christian’s cave, or keep an eye out for the Pitcairn Reed Warbler.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The largest of the Marquesas Islands, Nuku Hiva is a stunning volcanic island with mountains topping 3,700 feet and jagged walls that suddenly plunge into the immense ocean below. This untouched island will enchant you with its wild and beautiful landscape. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Nuku Hiva:

• explore the lush and remote Taipivai Valley
• view Vaipo Falls
• take a boat or hike to Anaho Bay
• see the giant tiki at Piki Vehini

Atuona is the port of call for Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands. The island’s rugged landscapes blend sharp ridges, peaks and valleys scattered with archaeological sites and ruins. Hiva Oa is lined with black sand beaches and sharp cliffs diving into the Pacific Ocean.

This is also the place where two famous artists chose to live their lives: the french painter Paul Gaugin and the french singer-poet Jacques Brel. Their graves and a cultural centre devoted to the famous french painter are highlights of any visit to Hiva Oa. Ships will anchor in Taaoa Bay and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island in the Marquesas archipelago of French Polynesia, is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and rich cultural heritage. This tranquil island, accessible primarily by boat from nearby Hiva Oa, offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches, lush valleys, and vibrant marine life.

The village of Vaitahu, the island’s main settlement, holds historical significance as the site where European explorers first made contact with the Marquesan people. Visitors can explore the village’s church, adorned with beautiful Marquesan carvings, and learn about the island's history at local cultural sites. Tahuata is also famous for its skilled artisans, who produce intricate wood carvings and exquisite tapa cloth, reflecting the island's deep-rooted artistic traditions.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The world’s second largest atoll, Rangiroa is a place where land and sea form an unexpected truce. 240 islets string together for more than 177km, completely encircling a deep lagoon, which is known for its breathtaking underwater scenery. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to shore.

Top Things to Do on Rangiroa:

• visit a black pearl farm
• take a glass-bottom boat over the Tiputa Channel
• snorkel the lagoon
• sample some Polynesian wine and rum

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, enchants with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. Explore the bustling capital, Papeete, where the colorful market offers local crafts and exotic produce. Relax at the stunning black-sand beaches of Pointe Venus or dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Don’t miss the Arahoho Blowhole, where ocean waves force air and water through a natural rock formation, creating spectacular sprays. For a touch of history, visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands to learn about the island's rich heritage.

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.

Meaning 'Faraway Heaven,' Raiatea is an island of astounding beauty, ancient myths and home to French Polynesia's largest outdoor temple (marae). Many believe it is the centre from which the great Polynesian migration started and is considered the most sacred island in the South Pacific. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do on Raiatea:

• cross the lagoon to Raiatea's sister island, Taha’a
• visit a black pearl farm
• visit the Marae Taputapuatea (temple)
• kayak the Fa'aroa River

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

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands but with a circumference of 32km it remains one of the South Pacific’s most charming, friendly, and easy-to-explore destinations. Volcanic peaks, ridges and rainforest dominate its interior, while white beaches and coral reef encircle the island. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Rarotonga:

• cruise and snorkel Muri Lagoon
• explore the island in a Jeep
• take a scenic flight over rarotonga
• visit the Takitumu Conservation Reserve

Aitutaki, a jewel in the Cook Islands, is home to lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Surrounded by coral reefs, Aitutaki’s 15 islets are teeming with vibrant and untouched marine life.

Swim in the clear waters of Aitutaki Lagoon, a snorkeller's paradise, or pay a visit to the iconic One Foot Island, known for its unique sandbar and stunning turquoise vistas. You can even have your passport stamped at one of the world’s smallest post offices.

Aitutaki’s remote and tropical shores have also been the setting for the filming of 'Survivor'.

Your ship will anchor offshore, as you take a tender to the island. Arutanga, the island's main port and town, is where you can begin to explore this island oasis.

Palmerston Island, a remote atoll in the Cook Islands, offers a unique and secluded getaway in the Pacific. Accessible mainly by sea, the island boasts crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Snorkeling and diving reveal a rich underwater world teeming with marine life, including colourful fish and sea turtles.

The small, close-knit community of around 60 residents welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Explore the island's charming settlement, learn about its unique history, and enjoy traditional Polynesian cuisine. Palmerston Island’s untouched natural beauty and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the modern world.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Alofi, the capital of Niue, is a quaint town that offers a serene getaway with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and scenic ocean views. As one of the smallest national capitals in the world, Alofi presents a unique charm with its easy accessibility and slow pace of life.

Key attractions include the Niue National Museum, which provides insights into the island's history and culture, and the Alofi Market where visitors can sample local produce and crafts.

Ships dock at the Sir Robert’s Wharf, just a short walk from the town centre, making it convenient for passengers to explore on foot. The tranquil waters and coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling, providing a peaceful yet engaging day on this isolated island paradise.

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).

Neiafu is the capital of the Vava’u Group, an azure tropical paradise of 61 different islands dotted with coral gardens, deserted beaches and shimmering clear lagoons. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Vava'u:

• go on a whale watching boat tour
• charter a boat for game fishing
• snorkel the stunning coral reefs
• visit the Ene'Io Botanical Garden
• hike to the summit of Mount Talau
• visit a vanilla plantation

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Leleuvia is a small low-lying island southeast of Ovalau with a length of barely 500 metres. Situated between the chiefly island of Bau, Moturiki and Ovalau, almost equidistant from Ovalau and the Central Eastern coast of Viti Levu, this lush, green island hosts a small resort. An easily accessible reef with many colorful reef fish 10 metres off of Leleuvia’s western beach invites to be explored.

Resident sea kraits are often seen resting ashore north of the small pier. Despite its small size and the resort on its southern side, the island still has quite an extensive forest of tamanu (Alexandrian laurel), lantern trees, fish-poison trees and beach gardenia. There are also local clusters of beach hibiscus, beach heliotrope and Pacific rosewood where Sacred Kingfishers, Orange-breasted Honeyeaters, and Pacific Swallows have been recorded.

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

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Jutting sharply from blissful turquoise waters, almost 400 miles north of Fiji, beautiful Rotuma rises like a verdant green fin from the sea. This remote island group is a true tropical paradise, resplendent with chalky blue waters, dense jungle, and romantic arcs of heavenly white sands. Experiencing minimal tourism, visiting these islands is a rare privilege and a chance to explore 20 square miles of wild, tropical landscapes, where beaches beg to be strolled and trees bend under the weight of juicy mangos and pineapples. Feast on local dishes made from taro root and refresh with swigs from sweet coconuts on this island, which brims with natural resources.

Embark on mountain hikes or seek out snorkelling above thriving coral reefs. In this protected bird area, you might also see plenty of fluttering in the leaves and hear the lilt of protected birds like the Polynesian triller. The hospitable locals, known as the Rotumans, are descended from settlers from Tahiti, and their traditions bear more similarities to Polynesian culture than to typical Fijian culture. Approximately 2,000 continue to live here in Rotuma, while 10,000 descendants have found their home on Fiji's main island.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Barely registering on the map, only the committed travel far enough to seek out Nukufetau's far-flung drop of loveliness, which is as refreshing and rejuvenating a place as you will ever find. This tranquil, bell-shaped atoll - where gentle waves unfold and rustling palm trees are the only distractions - invites you into a real-life desert island daydream in full technicolour. With only around 500 people inhabiting this attractive atoll, it is one of the least populated in the distant nation of Tuvalu, and this unspoiled island receives just a handful of annual visitors.

Visit to be immersed in turquoise waters, deserted beaches, and shallow lagoons, forming seascapes of astonishing natural beauty. Remnants from World War II, including runways now reclaimed by the thick grasp of nature, linger among the coconut plantations. As you might expect, exceptional snorkelling opportunities await this far out into the remote waters of the South Pacific. You might experience colourful encounters with tropical fish, turtles, and even octopuses dancing below as you swim through the beautiful waters.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Mata’utu, known for its stunning coral reefs, is a protectorate of France and lies between beautiful Tahiti and Noumea. It is the largest urban center of Wallis Island, also locally called Uvea. The downtown area is recognised for its Cathedral, a French national monument next to the very modest “Palace of the King of Uvea." In former times the different groups on Uvea built several forts to defend themselves against aggressors from the island or from abroad. The largest of these, the Kolonui Fort, has been partially excavated and restored.

Asau, located on the northwest coast of Savai'i, Samoa's largest island, is a picturesque village renowned for its natural beauty and cultural richness. The calm waters of Asau Bay are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, providing clear views of vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The village is also close to the impressive Alofaaga Blowholes, where seawater shoots spectacularly through natural rock formations.

Asau offers a glimpse into traditional Samoan life with its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore nearby rainforest trails, visit local markets, and experience traditional Samoan dance and music. Asau’s blend of natural attractions and cultural experiences makes it a captivating port of call in Samoa.

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

Niuatoputapu, one of Tonga’s northernmost islands, offers an unspoilt and tranquil escape. Known for its lush landscapes and traditional Tongan culture, the island is a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Explore picturesque villages, where locals maintain age-old customs and hospitality.

The island's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Offshore, vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life, making it an excellent spot for underwater exploration. Hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints, providing panoramic vistas of the island and its surroundings. Niuatoputapu’s serene environment and cultural richness make it a unique destination in the South Pacific.

Neiafu is the capital of the Vava’u Group, an azure tropical paradise of 61 different islands dotted with coral gardens, deserted beaches and shimmering clear lagoons. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Vava'u:

• go on a whale watching boat tour
• charter a boat for game fishing
• snorkel the stunning coral reefs
• visit the Ene'Io Botanical Garden
• hike to the summit of Mount Talau
• visit a vanilla plantation

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Leleuvia is a small low-lying island southeast of Ovalau with a length of barely 500 metres. Situated between the chiefly island of Bau, Moturiki and Ovalau, almost equidistant from Ovalau and the Central Eastern coast of Viti Levu, this lush, green island hosts a small resort. An easily accessible reef with many colorful reef fish 10 metres off of Leleuvia’s western beach invites to be explored.

Resident sea kraits are often seen resting ashore north of the small pier. Despite its small size and the resort on its southern side, the island still has quite an extensive forest of tamanu (Alexandrian laurel), lantern trees, fish-poison trees and beach gardenia. There are also local clusters of beach hibiscus, beach heliotrope and Pacific rosewood where Sacred Kingfishers, Orange-breasted Honeyeaters, and Pacific Swallows have been recorded.

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