South Pacific Odyssey

Sydney, Australia

Departs: 06:00 PM

If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.

The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.

Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 06:00 PM

In 1770, Captain James Cook first arrived on Moreton Island, traditional home of the Ngugi tribe for 2,000 years. Today’s visitors enjoy sand tobogganing, diving, bird watching, parasailing and more.  

Brisbane, Australia

Arrive: 08:00 AM

Departs: 04:00 PM

Queensland’s capital, tucked between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, is often overlooked in favor of its stylish sister, Sydney, and its cultured cousin, Melbourne. But Brisbane, or "Brissy" for short, has recently come out of the shadows to show off its own variety of sun-drenched cool. Brisbane may be a contender for Australia’s hippest city, thanks to its clutch of crafty bars, eclectic restaurants and homegrown fashion. The city's subtropical climate brings joggers and cyclists to the banks of the Brisbane River year round; jacarandas and frangipani bloom in the spring. This is one of the country's fastest-expanding areas in terms of population and employment: People flock here for the affordable lifestyle, the booming economy and the laid-back attitude. When newcomers arrive, creativity follows, as evidenced by the museums and theaters of South Bank and the revived districts such as Fortitude Valley. Fortitude is a good word for Brisbane—a hardworking city on its way to fame and fortune.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 PM

Arrives: 10:00 AM

Departs: 07:00 PM

The Townsville region in North Queensland, Australia is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting diversity in landscape, lifestyle and experiences. Experience barra fishing in the Burdekin or Hinchinbrook, snorkeling fringing reefs around Magnetic Island, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, bird watching at the surrounding wetlands, skydiving The Strand in Townsville, or taking a wagon ride in Charters Towers. With reef, rainforest, outback and wetlands all within easy traveling distance of Townsville, Australia’s spectacular natural wonders await your exploration.  

Cairns, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 06:00 PM

The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm.

Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

The sprawling town of Alotau, spectacularly located on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern tip, is an ideal introduction to the relaxed charms of the region. The capital of Milne Bay Province, Alotau is also the main port for the 600 islands that encompass the area.

The buzzing harbor, just a short walk from town, is a hive of activity, with ships, boats and canoes transporting passengers and plying their trades.The town was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, resulting in Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Milne Bay was a major Allied base, and some of the war’s fiercest fighting took place in Papua New Guinea. Although there’s not much to see now, a fascinating Battle of Milne Bay tour combines historic war stories with locals’ tales of how modern warfare changed their world.

More broadly, Alotau is an excellent place to gain insight into Papua New Guinea's cultures and traditions; don’t miss the Cultural Festival excursion in which you’ll see everything from warrior dances to gospel choirs to traditional drumming. For even more local flavor, wander through Alotau Market with its mounds of betel nuts, which many islanders chew.

Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Papua New Guinea is quickly becoming a favorite destination for cruise passengers, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Conflict Islands. Although the name might not sound inviting (don’t worry, they're named after a British naval ship, not a war), these 21 islands are like paradise on earth: Tropical islets encircle an enormous turquoise lagoon formed by the rim of a sunken volcano, with vibrant coral reefs and rainbow schools of fish below the water. Located about 160 kilometers (97 miles) east of Papua New Guinea in the Coral Sea, the island group is owned by Australian businessman and conservationist Ian Gowrie-Smith, who is dedicated to protecting the ecosystem of the islands (he has an eco-resort on one island; the rest are uninhabited).Just as Papua New Guinea is one of the wildest and most diverse places on the planet, the seas here offer some of the world’s most extensive biodiversity and coral reefs, making for unparalleled kayaking, diving and snorkeling. There are hundreds of coral species and thousands of species of fish and invertebrates such as the sea cucumber. If you ever get bored with watching manta rays float past, lie back on the white sand, look up at the palm trees blowing in warm trade winds or watch the sun set over the lagoon, and dream of owning your own chain of tropical islands.

Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Located in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands and home to the majority of their 12,000-strong indigenous population. The picturesque island is steeped in history and is famous to many as a site of U.S. occupation during World War II. In fact, various relics of the war, including the remains of an American plane, can still be seen on the island. But Kiriwina is home to far more than history. Here, you’ll find an idyllic traditional lifestyle, incredibly friendly locals and a fascinating social structure that’s based on matrilineal clans, with unique marriage and courtship rituals. Many aspects of life revolve around the cultivation and exchange of yams.There’s also mesmerizing scenery, from crystal-clear waters to jungle-covered cliffs. Hire a dugout canoe, hike to the burial caves, peruse exquisite carvings and explore the coral-filled offshore islands. Be sure to stop and watch a game of Trobriand cricket, an innovative spin on the game. Whatever you choose to do, it’s bound to be an eye-opening experience.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

The unspoiled beauty of the Solomon Islands is a sight to behold. Mountain spires, rugged rocky coastlines, dense rainforest and spectacular waterfalls are only a few the natural jewels adorning this necklace of islands in the South Pacific. Honiara is the capital of the most populous island, Guadalcanal.

If you are unable to visit one of the island's traditional villages, drop into a local market to sample fresh produce and admire local goods and crafts from betel nuts to woven baskets. Don't miss the stunning Mataniko Falls or the petroglyphs of the Vauluma Posori Cave dating from 1000 BC. The Vilu War Museum contains US and Japanese war relics, and you can view memorials for each country in different areas of the island. The Japanese Peace Memorial in particular offers panoramic views.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Luganville, Vanuatu

Arrives: 08:00 Am

Departs: 05:00 PM

Champagne Bay, named so because the water bubbles up at low tide, is on the northeast coast of Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu. The island's fascinating blend of Pacific island culture and World War II history explains its allure for some visitors; the immaculate white-sand beaches and azure seas attract divers and snorkelers; and the tropical rain forests bring hikers and bird-watchers.Many physical traces of the American forces that arrived here in 1942 have become compelling attractions, too, such as the distinctive Quonset huts dotted around the town; the 200-meter (654-foot) shipwreck of the ss President Coolidge, which sank when it hit two mines in 1942; and Million Dollar Point, where the U.S. Army deliberately dumped a million dollars' worth of military machinery and goods into the sea, and which divers can still explore today. The town's port and adjacent markets are busy and vibrant, as is the bustling high street, and the diverse population includes many indigenous Ni-Vanuatu as well as residents of Chinese and European descent.

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Arrive: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Located on the scenic island of Efate—population around 45,000—Port-Vila is the capital of Vanuatu. A vibrant and multicultural city, it’s set around a charming bay with views of Iririki and Ifira islands, as well as just the right amount of bustle along its main streets and a pleasant waterfront. Host to Vanuatu's largest harbor and airport, the city is popular with cruise-ship visitors and serves as a great base for all kinds of activities and tours across Efate. In addition to enjoying the many pristine beaches, sandy bays and clear waters that lie along the rugged coastline, it's possible to hike through rain forest jungle and verdant countryside plus admire the island’s many cascading waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers. The port also offers opportunities to learn about the local culture and customs at institutions like the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, the Ekasup Cultural Village and the island’s many markets and restaurants, which offer everything from local to Australian and American cuisine.

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Offering an alluring blend of nature and tranquility, the small island of Anatom (aka Aneityum) is one of the South Pacific's lesser-known but dependable tropical hotspots. The southernmost island of Vanuatu, its diminutive size (159 square kilometers, or 61 square miles) and lack of modern amenities—there's no Internet nor even running water or electricity—lends the place something of a Robinson Crusoe-esque atmosphere. Although it's possible to walk around the entire island in less than an hour, there is much to explore in a day trip. As well as taking advantage of the many soft, sandy beaches and the sparkling azure waters and coral reefs, it's possible to hike the many trails that crisscross the island's sandalwood-studded and mountainous interior. In addition, you can visit the village of Anelghowhat (or Anelcauhat) on the south side of the island, which has discarded whaling-industry equipment, former irrigation channels and the ruins of missionary John Geddie's church. It's also possible to visit picturesque Port Patrick, climb to the top of the extinct volcano Inrerow Atahein, or Inrerow Atamein (853 meters, or 2,800 feet), and admire various waterfalls dotted around the island, such as the impressive Inwan Leleghei. Off the shore of Anatom is the unpopulated Mystery Island, where cruise ship tenders moor and passengers get to spend some quality beach time on a deserted island paradise. Islanders from Anatom paddle out to meet the visitors and set up temporary shops near the dock, where they grill fish and sell a few snacks and souvenirs.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

 Lautoka, Fiji

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Lautoka is not in a logical position to be one of Fiji’s busiest ports. Ports are usually found in bays or harbors; here it's just the open Bligh Water (yes, that Bligh, who, after his crew mutinied in Tahiti, proceeded to pull off one of the greatest sailing feats in history, which included not letting his remaining men get turned into the Fijian daily special).

Lautoka has a nice, fading colonial vibe with a 100-year-old sugar mill still in operation. The juxtaposition of Muslim mosques and Hindu temples in town, though, captures recent Fiji history in a nutshell. Indo-Fijians, many of whose ancestors had been brought over from India by the British in the 19th century as indentured laborers, eventually amassed enough power to begin buying up local stores and land. When the native Fijians noticed the imbalance, it led to a coup, a countercoup and, in 2006, a counter-countercoup. (Don’t fret: Visitors will not notice a thing. Democratic elections have resumed and all’s well.)

Only 15 kilometers (nine miles) from Lautoka’s hustle and bustle is the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. In an almost magical exception to what usually goes on in the South Pacific, this park contains a fully protected, unlogged cloud forest. Hike to the mountaintop and enjoy endless blue-green views of all those Fijian islands the great European explorers missed from fear of headhunters and cannibals.

Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 11:00 PM

In the time before time, the people who would become the Fijians were shaped of wet earth, pulled from the sea on a giant fishhook and given more than 300 islands to live on. Or if you want to be a little more prosaic, the people of Fiji were part of the great Lapita migration, which began somewhere around Taiwan and headed east. The first boats to arrive stopped migrating when they found this maze of islands formed by the earth turning itself inside out with volcanoes.

The new Fijians spent a couple centuries involved in internecine war and developed the bad habit of using clubs to bop all strangers. But strangers kept showing up for the simple reason that Fiji, especially the southeast coast of Viti Levu, was geographically wonderful: the kind of spot that made mariners chuck their anchors and start trying to make a living as a settler. And who knows, maybe the Fijians just had tired arms, but by the time missionaries came, powers had shifted and the bopping had stopped.

Today that southeast corner of the largest island in Fiji, the city of Suva, holds three-quarters of the nation’s population. It’s also shielded by shimmering green mountains opening to a calm sea, a land lush with afternoon rains.

Dravuni Island, Fiji

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Step onto Dravuni Island, where the turquoise waters and powdery white sands welcome you to an untouched tropical paradise. Located in the heart of the South Pacific, this small, unspoiled island offers a tranquil escape with stunning coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving, lush green hills for scenic hikes, and warm Fijian hospitality that makes you feel at home. Ideal for cruise visitors looking to bask in natural beauty, Dravuni Island promises a serene retreat filled with sun, sea, and unforgettable memories. Experience authentic Fiji— your slice of paradise awaits!

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Vava u, Tonga

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

The Vava’u (va-vuh-OO) island group is part of the Kingdom of Tonga—an even larger collection of tropical Pacific Ocean islands. With an ideal year-round climate that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing, the islands—which are mostly uninhabited—boast a varied set of attractions for visitors that only begin with their famed white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters (with visibility down to 30 meters, or 100 feet) and enchanting coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life like tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles. In addition to these simple but highly memorable watery pleasures, the Vava’u islands offer tropical forests, limestone cliffs and caves to explore, traditional villages to check out and a wealth of activities ranging from sea kayaking and gamefishing to yachting. Not only can you spot humpback whales (between July and October) and take in the unique atmosphere of historic cemeteries, you can also enjoy a hike up Mount Talau. The island’s tourism infrastructure extends to boutique resorts and ecolodges, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants, particularly in the main city of Neiafu.

Nuku alofa, Tonga

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 05:00 PM

Nuku'alofa, the financial and commercial hub of Tonga, is usually visitors’ first taste of the kingdom. Located on the northern coast of Tonga’s largest island, Tongatapu, it’s a charming, idiosyncratic city with a lively infrastructure that combines a slew of pleasant cafés and restaurants with historic churches and long, stunning beaches. It’s an easy city to navigate on foot, and the surrounding island can be explored equally easily with a car or motorbike, both of which can be rented locally. Head to the water and take advantage of some of the world’s finest snorkeling, or venture out to sea on a whale-watching charter between June and November (or watch for free from several local viewpoints). Land options can include a round of golf or a cultural experience such as the Tongan ancient village. On Sundays, when the city shuts down, it’s possible to take a day trip to nearby islands. Visit the upscale eco-resort Fafa or the lower-key Makaha‘a Island; you can reach both by local ferry or even by kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM

Departs: 11:59 AM

Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand

Arrives: 08:00 AM

Departs: 04:00 PM

Historic sites—including the place where the most important treaty in New Zealand's history was signed—winemaking, golfing, sailing and scenic beauty all combine to make the Bay of Islands one of this South Pacific nation's most compelling regions. Located at the top of the North Island, the area has a subtropical microclimate that gives it an abundance of flora and fauna and a lengthy beach season. Comprising 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, the Bay of Islands requires a few days to fully explore. Visitors with just a day here will have to make a tough choice: cultural immersion, nature appreciation or wining-dining-shopping. Waitangi, home to both the cruise port and the region's historic treaty grounds, is one of three main towns with celebrated sights. The others are Kerikeri, with its historic buildings and vineyards, and Russell, where a notorious seafaring past has mellowed into tidy, day-trip-worthy charm. Those who'd rather experience the Bay of Islands' breathtaking nature can walk amid majestic kauri trees, descend into glowworm caves or spy on whales and dolphins (or even swim with the latter) in one of New Zealand's sunniest and most picturesque playgrounds.

Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrive: 07:00 AM

Departs: 06:00 PM

The curved shoreline of the Bay of Plenty—known in Maori as Te Moana-a-Toi—is home to incredible surfing, white-sand beaches and New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Tauranga, with 130,000 residents, is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty and fifth largest in New Zealand. The city offers visitors a number of water-focused activities, like sailing and kayaking, as well as drier alternatives such as shopping and people-watching at a café in the Historic Village.

Tauranga is also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby beaches and Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world, as well as a wealth of Maori cultural sites. The world-famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, nicknamed Sulfur City, has been a major Polynesian spa resort town since visitors first arrived in the late 1800s. In Maori, roto means lake and rua means two, but Rotorua actually comprises 18 lakes—plus an incredible redwood forest.

For the best views, take the gondola up to Skyline Rotorua, a recreation complex atop Mount Ngongotaha. Other day trips you should consider are a boat ride through the incomparable glowworm caves of Waitomo or an unforgettable tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata—a must for all Tolkien fans.

Arrives: 7:00am