Pacific Panoramas

29 Aug 26
Departs: 10:00 PM

Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand's former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand's fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland.

Auckland served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.

30 Aug 26

31 Aug 26

1 Sep 26

2 Sep 26
Arrive: 06:00 AM
Depart: 06:45 PM

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.

Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.

3 Sep 26

4 Sep 26
Arrive: 07:00 AM
Depart: 04:00 PM

Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced "Bris-bin."

5 Sep 26

6 Sep 26

7 Sep 26

8 Sep 26
Arrive: 10:00 AM
Depart: 07:00 PM

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as "The Cannibal Isles," where mariners carefully avoided its fierce warriors and perfidious waters. Thankfully, Fiji's pagan days live only in the tales recalled by tour guides - in rituals such as firewalking, Kava Ceremonies and in renditions of tribal drumming, dance and song.

Fiji is an exotic destination, with 333 islands that provide an exciting adventure or peaceful repose. The northwest region, where the sun shines almost every day and a tropical shower ends as quickly as it began, is home to the majority of the resorts. Suva, the political, administrative, educational and commercial center, has a backdrop of lush rainforest maintained by the inevitable "tropical downpour." The people of Fiji are the most multiracial and multicultural of all South Pacific island countries - this being reflected in churches of all denominations, mosques, temples and shrines.

Built around a reef-protected natural harbor, Suva, with its colonial buildings nestled alongside modern commercial venues, shops and local markets, parks and residential sprawl, is home to nearly half of Fiji's urban population.

9 Sep 26

10 Sep 26
Arrive: 08:00 AM
Depart: 05:00 PM

The first Polynesians arrived in Western Samoa around 1000 B.C. Three millennia later, the islands formed one of the last bastions of traditional Polynesian culture. Apia, the capital of Western or Independent Samoa, is a city of 40,000 on the island of Upolu. Its picturesque waterfront is lined with public buildings, shops and trading companies. The town now comprises of modern  3-5 story buildings all along the waterfront.  Government has built some very modern buildings to house most of the government offices.  The village settings can only be seen in the outskirts of town within a radius of 15 miles.

Western Samoa has long lured Westerners to its islands. The most famous expatriate of all was Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived at Vailima, and was buried near the summit of Mt. Vaea.

Dress in light, comfortable clothing when visiting Apia. The dress code is quite casual. Shorts are appropriate for men. Dress for women is more conservative. The local women wear long skirts, dresses, lava lavas or muumuus.

11 Sep 26
Arrive: 12:00 PM
Depart: 01:00 PM

The International Date Line is an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the 180th meridian of longitude, and is used to designate the beginning of each calendar day.

As you know, each adjacent time zone on the map has an hour time difference. However, at the International Date Line, +12 hours and -12 hours meet, bringing about a 24-hour time change. When your ship crosses to the west it's one day later; if your ship crosses to the east, you've gone back a day.

Crossing the International Date Line has long been a rite of passage for sailors, who often must participate in a line-crossing ceremony to become part of the sacred "Order of the Golden Dragon", an honorary naval fraternity.

11 Sep 26

12 Sep 26

13 Sep 26

14 Sep 26

15 Sep 26
Arrive: 06:00 AM
Depart: 11:00 PM

Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii's state capital and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are two of the city's enduring symbols. Pearl Harbor, site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the "Punchbowl," are haunting reminders of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. Honolulu is also home to the historic Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's last royals. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches.

A draw card to visitors of all ages, from all corners of the globe, Honolulu's appeal ranges from it's magnificent beaches, countless well-stocked shops, tempting restaurants and a multitude of historic, cultural and scenic attractions.

16 Sep 26
Arrive: 08:00 AM
Depart: 05:00 PM

The fourth largest island in the Hawaiian group, Kauai is known as the "Garden Island." The terrain ranges from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Waialeale and the desert-like beauty of Waimea Canyon to the Wailua River's lush Fern Grotto. Ironically this once isolated island was the site of the first meeting between Europeans and Hawaiians. On January 19, 1778, Captain James Cook anchored his ships off the mouth of the Waimea River, becoming the first in a long line of enthusiastic visitors.

Kauai was never conquered by the great warrior King Kamehameha.

17 Sep 26
Arrive: 07:00 AM
Depart: 06:00 PM

Maui has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. The great warrior King Kamehameha, who united the islands under his rule, chose to make Lahaina his capital and Ka'anapali was once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty. And no wonder - Maui boasts stunning landscapes and superb beaches. Mt. Haleakala, a dormant volcano, rises 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Once hailed as "The Valley of the Kings," Maui's Iao Valley is a tropical paradise dominated by the Needle, a volcanic monolith towering over the valley floor. Then there is Lahaina, once home to a royal court and a raucous port-of-call enjoyed by 19th-century Yankee whalers.

Haleakala means "The House of the Sun." To the Hawaiians, it appeared that the sun both rose from and set in the depths of its massive crater. Today, the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, it is one of Maui's major attractions.

18 Sep 26
Arrive: 08:00 AM
Depart: 05:00 PM

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii - a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforest and volcanic mountains. Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on the planet, soars above the bleak lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In the heart of the Big Island's lush rainforest lies the remote and stunning Wai'po Valley (Valley of the Kings). Hawaii's history matches its incomparable landscape - it is a saga of mighty Polynesian kings, sugar barons, war and treachery.

The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin.

19 Sep 26
Arrive: 07:00 AM
Depart: 06:00 PM

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii and to Kona. The Kona Coast is a land of infinite variety, ranging from pristine beaches to rolling uplands that are home to coffee plantations, macadamia groves and the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States. To the southeast lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. And offshore lies a fisherman's paradise. Kona is hailed as "The Billfish Capital of the World," and the town hosts the annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Twice as large as the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawaii's terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the alpine crags and basalt heights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is the highest point in the Pacific Basin. On Hawaii, the temperature is always a result of elevation.

Note: Kona is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.

20 Sep 26

21 Sep 26

22 Sep 26

23 Sep 26

24 Sep 26

25 Sep 26
Arrive: 08:00 AM

Papeete, the beating heart of French Polynesia, dances to the rhythm of island life while embracing modernity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti's emerald mountains and azure waters, this bustling capital city captivates with its fusion of French flair and Polynesian culture.

Stroll through its vibrant markets, where the scent of exotic fruits mingles with the melodies of local musicians. Explore the historic sites, like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Presidential Palace, which reflect the city's colonial past.
Papeete's waterfront promenade beckons with its bustling marina, offering glimpses of luxurious yachts and traditional outrigger canoes bobbing in the harbor. Indulge in delectable French-Polynesian cuisine at waterfront cafes and fine dining establishments, where fresh seafood delights the palate.

Yet amid the urban buzz, Papeete maintains its connection to nature, with lush parks and gardens providing tranquil retreats. Whether you're soaking up the sun on black sand beaches or immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Papeete invites you to experience the enchantment of the South Pacific with a touch of French sophistication.

26 Sep 26
Depart: 04:00 AM

Papeete, the beating heart of French Polynesia, dances to the rhythm of island life while embracing modernity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti's emerald mountains and azure waters, this bustling capital city captivates with its fusion of French flair and Polynesian culture.

Stroll through its vibrant markets, where the scent of exotic fruits mingles with the melodies of local musicians. Explore the historic sites, like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Presidential Palace, which reflect the city's colonial past.
Papeete's waterfront promenade beckons with its bustling marina, offering glimpses of luxurious yachts and traditional outrigger canoes bobbing in the harbor. Indulge in delectable French-Polynesian cuisine at waterfront cafes and fine dining establishments, where fresh seafood delights the palate.

Yet amid the urban buzz, Papeete maintains its connection to nature, with lush parks and gardens providing tranquil retreats. Whether you're soaking up the sun on black sand beaches or immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Papeete invites you to experience the enchantment of the South Pacific with a touch of French sophistication.

26 Sep 26
Arrive: 07:00 AM
Depart: 05:00 PM

To discover the storied Polynesia of Melville, Gauguin and Michener, you have to travel to Tahiti's outer islands. Moorea, the former haunt of Tahitian royalty, is one such island where you still see fishermen paddling outrigger canoes, pareo-clad women strolling along the roads and children fishing from island bridges. Moorea is an island of vertiginous mountains - most of its 18,000 people live along the narrow coastal shelf. Behind tin-roofed wooden houses lie lush green mountains rushing up to fill the sky.

French Polynesia comprises some 130 islands, of which Tahiti is the best known. Just 12 miles across the lagoon from Tahiti lies Moorea.

Note: Moorea is a tender port. Transportation from ship to shore will be via the ship's tender service.

27 Sep 26

28 Sep 26

29 Sep 26
Arrive: 12:00 PM
Depart: 01:00 PM

The International Date Line is an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the 180th meridian of longitude, and is used to designate the beginning of each calendar day.

As you know, each adjacent time zone on the map has an hour time difference. However, at the International Date Line, +12 hours and -12 hours meet, bringing about a 24-hour time change. When your ship crosses to the west it's one day later; if your ship crosses to the east, you've gone back a day.

Crossing the International Date Line has long been a rite of passage for sailors, who often must participate in a line-crossing ceremony to become part of the sacred "Order of the Golden Dragon", an honorary naval fraternity.

1 Oct 26

2 Oct 26

3 Oct 26
Arrive: 07:00 AM

Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand's former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand's fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland.

Auckland served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.