Polynesia & Melanesia: Island Cultures & Coral Coasts

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is located on the island of Tahiti and has a population of over 136,000. French is the primary language, followed by Tahitian. The city includes markets, parks, shops, and cafes, and has a waterfront promenade with food vendors and music. Its name, meaning “water basket,” refers to its historical use as a freshwater collection site. Museums and cultural centers highlight Polynesian culture, local art, and events such as French nuclear testing and the HMS Bounty mutiny. Most residents live along the coast, while the island’s interior is mountainous and densely vegetated.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE

Raiatea is the second-largest island in the Society Islands and shares a lagoon and reef system with neighboring Taha’a. The two islands may have once been a single landmass. Most of Raiatea’s population lives in the main town of Uturoa. The island’s name means “bright sky,” and it is considered one of the earliest settlement sites in Polynesia. Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important archaeological area believed to be a center for early Polynesian migration across the Pacific. Tourism is less developed than on Tahiti, though visitor services are increasing. Agriculture focuses on coconuts, pineapples, and vanilla; vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated due to the absence of natural pollinators. The surrounding lagoon supports pearl farming, producing South Seas pearls in various colors. Popular activities include hiking to the island’s waterfalls or to Mt. Tapioi, which offers views of the lagoon and nearby islands. Mt. Temehani is known as the only place where the rare Tiare Apetahi flower grows. The lagoon also contains small motus, or islets, used for swimming and snorkeling.

Relax and spend 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.

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE

Relax and spend the days at sea.

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.

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.

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE

Relax and spend the day at sea.

Neiafu, in Vava'u, Tonga, is a rustic town, with friendly people and a beautiful and wild botanic garden. It is the second largest town in Tonga with a population just under 4,000 people. The islands of Vava’u are an unspoiled tropical paradise. Spectacular snorkeling and diving in the smaller islands in this chain. Clear water with abundant sea life, coral reefs, white sandy beaches, abundant seabirds, and scenic beauty add to the allure of this place. The Polynesian culture tells the story of the god Maui, who created these islands by reaching into the bottom of the sea with his magic hook and pulling these islands out and up to the surface. Besides tourism and fishing, the main industries here also include agriculture where vanilla beans, pineapple and other tropical fruits are grown. Pearls are cultured, and giant clams are farmed.
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INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE

Nuku Island INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
-Snorkeling

Today you cross from the cultures of Polynesia into the cultures of Melanesia.​ ​Situated in the Northern Lau group of islands in Eastern Fiji, Vanua Balavu is a mountainous volcanic island, surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing reef. The island is quite minimally populated but has both naturally-occurring spring water and thermal water for hot springs. ​The interior lagoon boasts diverse and healthy coral and is a lovely place to spend time in the water. ​​Sitting at Fiji's eastern edge, it also has a mix of both Fijian and Tongan culture and was once coveted and partially occupied by the Tongan people. There are still remnants of the Tongan culture today.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
​Lomaloma Island​
East of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu lies Vanua Balavu, the third largest of the Lau islands is part of Fiji’s Eastern Division. The island is protected by a barrier reef of some 130 kilometers in length. The enclosed lagoon area promises excellent snorkeling while the reefs keep larger ships at bay. Vanua Balavu has a special geological set; it has a volcanic part in the south and uplifting coral in the north and even hot springs with limestone caves. Vanuabalavu means ‘Long Island’. The population of roughly around 1200 people living on the island consists of 17 villages located along the shoreside. Lomaloma is the main village with schools, a post office, a police station, and a small hospital. According to the historical event that evolved on the island, it was under the rulership of a Tongan chief named Ma’afu who resides in Lomaloma. The folkloric presentations feature Fijian and Tongan music and dance formed a special union. The generation of the Tongans still occupied a section of the island from Sawana in the southern part of Lomaloma. The ship located near Lomaloma for Traditional Welcome ceremonies, school visit and village tour concluding with refreshment & entertainment before farewelled with the traditional fijian song called “Isa Lei” before boarding the vessel.

Fiji's islands are often grouped into different regions, based on both geographical isolation from other groups, but also cultural similarities between islands. The Yasawa Islands are on Fiji's far western edge and are an excellent location for adventure, both on land and underwater. The Yasawa group is quite unusual, even by Fijian standards. The islands were actually closed to tourism until 1987 because the local king did not want visitors. 

The saltwater caves of Sawa I Lau are turquoise pools made famous from the movie 'Blue Lagoon.' The entrance to the second cave is through a hidden underwater entrance carved by the sea into the limestone. The caves are steeped in myths and legends.

The small village of Nabukeru sits near the beach on an isolated and beautiful spot. Climate change and its impacts are being felt here, with coastal inundation and tropical cyclones bringing waves over the sea walls that once kept villagers safe.

INCLUDED EXPEDITION:
Yasawa Island
Venture into the majestic Sawa-I-Lau Caves to experience Fiji’s  ancient limestone formations on this private tour aided by local guides to explore the secrets within. The limestone formations, carved by constant wave action are hidden within an attractive little island. The sacred Caves are also known as the resting place of the 10-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini. The first of the caverns is simply magnificent. Sun light filters through a hole in the ceiling, allowing a glamorous beauty of the underwater world reflects upon the surface of the water. If you are up for more excitement you can choose to enter a second cave which is more secretive, cavern via an underwater tunnel. Included as well is a visit to a nearby village of Tamusua - the traditional owners of the famous Sawa I Lau cave. Explorer and take advantage of the wonderful moment spent with the friendly villagers. Please bring underwater camera, reef friendly sunscreen, snorkel gear and reef shoes.

A major seaport, Fiji's second-largest city, Lautoka is the main center of the sugar and timber industries. Towering royal palms march in a long, orderly row from the main street to the harbor and into the heart of the city. Although Lautoka grew up around the Fijan village of Namoli, it is a very Indian town today.