day 1 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices.
9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
Bora Bora
day 2 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.
7:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
Avatiu
day 5 Avatiu, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
The natural playground of Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers palm-studded white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters of Muri Lagoon and lush jungle forests. Just 20 miles (32 km) around, this popular island is becoming a foodie location with its numerous cafes and artisan and organic food scene. Other sights to see include Te Rua Manga peak (“The Needle”) and Takitumu Conservation Area.
11:00 AM TO 6:00 PM
Alofi
Charming Niue is one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. Step back in time and enjoy the laidback pace of relaxed clear waters and pristine beaches, the coral reefs everywhere and the vibrant, friendly locals who delight to meet you. Spend time on the beach or find the Taoga Niue Museum, the Ekalesia Church, Palaha Cave, and Hikulagi Sculpture Park.
12:01 AM TO 11:59 PM
Crossing International Date Line
day 9 Crossing International Date Line
Cross the International Date Line, the imaginary line of navigation that runs down the middle of the Pacific Ocean from the North Pole to the South Pole roughly following the 180⁰ Longitude north-south line. The IDL was established in 1852 in Greenwich, England.
8:00 AM TO 10:00 PM
Taveuni
Known as the “Garden Island of Fiji” cigar-shaped Taveuni’s most famous tourist attraction is Lake Tagimaucia, the habitat of the rare tagimaucia flower. It is also the home of three major diving areas, with Rainbow Reef recognized as one of the world’s best soft coral dives. Two sanctuaries, Ravilevu Nature Reserve and Taveuni Forest Reserve have been created to protect Fiji’s wildlife.
7:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Savusavu
Known as “the hidden paradise of Fiji,” beautiful Savusavu with its abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, rainforests and black pearls, has recently been realized to be a tourist hotspot. The shabby-chic main street is a hodgepodge of eclectic watering holes, a bustling market, and a variety of shops and cosmopolitan restaurants. Find a black pearl farm, see the Vuadomo and Nakawaga Waterfalls or kayak, snorkel, sail, fish or take an easy hike. Bula!
Welcome to the capital of Fiji with its broad streets, majestic British colonial buildings, lively farmer’s market and lush, green parks. Considered the most multiracial, multicultural country in the South Pacific, find a variety of excellent cuisine here including Indo-Fijian, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Highlights here include the Fiji museum, Thurston Gardens, Colo-I-Suva Forest Park and Albert Park.
Nicknamed the “Sugar City” due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka’s biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.
*Rates shown are per person, based on double occupancy, reflect all discounts and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional.