Melanesia & Polynesia: Island Cultures & Coral Coasts

Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city and a major seaport, serves as the main center for the sugar and timber industries. Tall royal palms line the main street, stretching in a neat row from the harbor into the heart of the city. Originally developed around the Fijian village of Namoli, Lautoka today has a strong Indian cultural influence.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Kadavu Island and its surrounding Great Astrolabe Reef sit due south of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. Kadavu is a paradise that seems to have a bit of everything that Fiji has to offer: Incredible reefs, dense and thriving rainforest, and a population of friendly and welcoming locals who gladly greet you with a hearty "Bula!".​

Kadavu is also known for several endemic species of birds, such as the Kadavu crimson shining parrot, the Kadavu honeyeater, the Kadavu fantail, and the Kadavu whistling dove. Its healthy forest ecosystem can support myriads of birds, and it is often nicknamed "Bird Island". ​

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
​-Snorkeling
​-Visit to the local village and cultural exchange

Vulaga Island, (sometimes spelled "Fulaga" is on Fiji's far southeastern edge and is a part of the Southern Lau Group of islands.​
Vulaga is known for its traditional handicrafts such as woodcarving, weaving, and decorative woven ropes. The people here are also highly skilled in the production of outrigger canoes and are specifically known for their carved, wooden bowls which are used in kava (known in Fiji as Yaqona) ceremonies.​
​The island and its lagoon area also famous for crystal clear water and healthy coral. Mushroom-shaped rocks rise out of the water and dot the lagoon in many places.
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​Life is peaceful here and the islanders are known for their hospitality and friendliness. ​

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
​-Snorkeling​
-Visit to local village and cultural exchange

Indulge in the island lifestyle while surrounded by Pangai's palm-fringed beaches, lush coconut groves, and volcanic formations. This serene island paradise has historically served as a hub for Polynesian voyagers and European explorers. It is a popular destination for snorkeling or diving thanks to its pristine waters and underwater caves.

The secluded Nukupule Island features pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant coral reefs - an introduction to the traditional Tongan island life. Volcanic formations and crystal-clear lagoons paint a colorful landscape both on land sea. It is a favorite for snorkeling or diving adventures, with its colorful marine life and underwater caves.

Tender by Zodiac.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Apia, the largest city on the island of Upolu in Samoa has rich cultural heritage. The largest town and capital of Samoa, Apia is also the nation’s only city. With a population of over 35,000 people, and home to a busy port, the city is situated in a natural harbor at the mouth of the Vaisigano River. It shows an eclectic and fascinating mixture of traditional Samoan houses and 19th century churches and buildings. Shops, markets and bars with a thriving nightlife can be found amidst the colonial vibe. Samoan culture is abundant everywhere, and outrigger canoes can be seen in the harbor. Interesting fish and unusual fruits fill the markets.  The city’s most famous resident was the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who moved here due to poor health and bronchial issues. He died in 1894 and is buried on the island and his house now operates as a museum. ​

The International Date Line is an imaginary line of navigation on the surface of the earth running between the North Pole and the South Pole to demarcate a change from one calendar day to another. It passes across the middle of the Pacific Ocean approximately along the 180th degree of longitude, but deviating at various points to include overlapping areas governed by some island groups and territories to maintain internal uniformity. It is located halfway around the globe from the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian at 0 degrees longitude. Traveling from east to west, the local time gains one hour (clock set back one hour) for each 15 degrees of longitude traveled. This would amount to 24 hours gained for one circumnavigation, unless the calendar date was changed one day forward upon crossing the halfway point. Likewise, when traveling west to east, the calendar date is changed one day backward when crossing the date line. Seabourn voyage itineraries are based upon days actually spent on board, and the dates are noted for convenience, including days lost or gained in crossing the International Date Line. Departure days and disembarkation days are always quoted in local time and date.

Spend the rest of the day at sea.

Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands and in free association with New Zealand, uses both English and Cook Islands Māori as official languages. This beautiful island is often regarded as having one of the most stunning lagoons in the Pacific. Featuring one main island and a nearly intact fringing reef, Aitutaki is a highly sought-after destination.

Relax and spend the day at sea.

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

Huahine weaves its magic from the very moment you set foot on its shores. This picturesque island, with its lush forests, untamed landscapes, and charming villages, remains one of French Polynesia's best-kept secrets. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life. Encircled by a pristine, crystal-clear lagoon, Huahine consists of two islands, each adorned with magnificent bays and pristine white-sand beaches that enhance the overall experience. Unfazed by the modern world, Huahine preserves the slower, more tranquil pace of old Polynesia. Its eight quaint villages are welcoming havens where the friendly residents greet visitors with genuine kindness. Huahine's magic is but one thread in the stunning fabric of the enchanting tapestry of French Polynesia.

Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia and is the largest island in this chain. With a population of over 136,000 inhabitants, French is the main language used in the city, followed by Tahitian.  A bustling, lively city with colorful market, parks, shops and cafes, you can buy fresh fish, sarongs, vanilla beans or pearls among other delights. A waterfront promenade with music and food, and a multicultural population add to the city’s allure. Papeete, meaning “water basket” was once the place where Tahitians came to collect fresh water. Polynesian culture, its art, and the history of the island that includes French nuclear weapons testing and the mutiny on the HMS Bounty, can be explored in various museums and cultural centers. With the capital situated on the coast, this means most of the island’s inhabitants are also residing near the shore. The interior of Tahiti is mountainous and rugged with cascading waterfalls, caves and lush foliage.