Fiji and Tahiti: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Arrive in Papeete and visit the hospitality suite at the meetup hotel this afternoon. Embark the ship in the early evening.

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.

The sparkling turquoise waters of Taha’a are a haven for exploration and relaxation. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming or kayaking—or simply relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Beneath the surface, vibrant marine life awaits, from playful clownfish and colorful parrotfish to the graceful glide of black-tipped reef sharks. For those who prefer to explore ashore, there is the option to visit a family-run vanilla farm.

Taha’a Island is a tranquil and lush island located in French Polynesia, near the more famous Bora Bora and sharing the same lagoon as Raiatea. Often called the “Vanilla Island,” Taha’a is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest vanilla.

The island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and small islets (motus), making it an ideal destination for snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxation. Unlike more commercialized islands, Taha’a remains peaceful and less developed, offering an authentic Polynesian experience.

Visitors can explore vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and traditional villages, gaining insight into local culture and craftsmanship. The surrounding lagoon is rich in marine life, and popular spots like coral gardens provide vibrant underwater scenery.

With its fragrant plantations, serene environment, and natural beauty, Taha’a Island is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet, intimate escape in the South Pacific.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the centuries-old complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand.

In the afternoon, the ship heads towards the Cook Islands. Take advantage of onboard amenities as you spend the next day at sea. Head up to the Bridge to watch for wildlife and learn about navigation from the captain and crew, schedule a massage in the wellness center or enjoy insightful talks from your naturalists.

Known as the ‘Sacred Island,’ Raiatea is a fascinating haunt for archaeologists and historians as it's one of the islands in the Pacific where Polynesian culture can trace its roots. Visitors will find many of the older Polynesian structures still in place and are fascinating places to explore. In the 16th century, Raiatea developed a powerful cult dedicated to Oro the God of War, and built a large meeting ground, the Taputaputea Marae, which is still intact. Human sacrifice was practiced until around the middle of the 18th century and visitors should look for the sacrificial stone. Several tour operators run visits to the marae (ancient temples) along with some degree of informed commentary - although in fairness Polynesian storytelling can embellish things a little. The Faaroa River is the only navigable waterway in French Polynesia, and it can be traveled by powerboat or outrigger canoe. Running through the Faaroa Gorge it passes some spectacular scenery with steep-walled jungle foliage holding dozens of bird species and wild hibiscus. Trekking up Mount Temehani, a well-known landmark that's said to be Oro's birthplace, is relatively demanding. Keep a lookout for the rare, five-petal tiare apetahi. Said to be impossible to grow anywhere else, this white, indigenous flower can only be found above 1,300 feet (396 meters). Look, but don't touch. It's against the law to pick them.

In the afternoon, the ship heads towards the Cook Islands. Take advantage of onboard amenities as you spend the next day at sea. Head up to the Bridge to watch for wildlife and learn about navigation from the captain and crew, schedule a massage in the wellness center or enjoy insightful talks from your naturalists.

With its white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and welcoming community, Rarotonga—the largest of the Cook Islands—offers a perfect introduction to the archipelago. Spend the next two days discovering the islands: set out on a leisurely bike ride, go for a guided mountain hike or enjoy a scenic panoramic tour. A visit to the Te Ara Museum and gift shop offers insight into the islands’ rich history and a chance to bring home locally crafted treasures.

Life is laid back on Rarotonga, the most populous of the Cook Islands, but the residents are still an active bunch. Though there are plenty of white sandy beaches on which to laze—and people do, with plenty of napping— locals love to get out and move. Join them in snorkeling, diving, riding—bikes, horses, scooters—fishing, bush walking, and playing squash and tennis. Another popular, if odd, and favorite activity is lining up along the sea wall adjacent to the airport's runway to be jetblasted.

With its white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and welcoming community, Rarotonga—the largest of the Cook Islands—offers a perfect introduction to the archipelago. Spend the next two days discovering the islands: set out on a leisurely bike ride, go for a guided mountain hike or enjoy a scenic panoramic tour. A visit to the Te Ara Museum and gift shop offers insight into the islands’ rich history and a chance to bring home locally crafted treasures.

Enjoy two relaxing days at sea as you sail across the South Pacific en route to Niue Island. Take in ocean views from the lounge, cozy up with a book on Polynesian culture in the library or edit your favorite images at the photo kiosk with help from your certified photo instructor.

Set out for a day of adventure in Niue, a remote island nation tucked away in one of the most inaccessible corners of the world. The terrestrial and marine habitats of this elevated coral atoll teem with life, from spinner dolphins and humpback whales to colorful birds such as the crimson-crowned fruit dove. The island is also home to an array of geological wonders, including sheer limestone cliffs, hidden caves and striking exposed coral formations.

At sea between Niue and Tonga, you’ll experience one of travel’s rarest moments—crossing the International Date Line, where an entire day slips from the calendar. Enjoy the steady rhythm of the open ocean, watch for seabirds and dolphins from the observation deck or join your expedition team for engaging presentations.

Start your day with a sunrise photography session, capturing the luminescent Tongan sun on the horizon with guidance from your certified photo instructor. In the Vava’u islands, visit Mt. Talau National Park, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and the chance to spot native birds such as the Pacific kingfisher and Polynesian starling. Snorkel among swirling schools of fish in the crystalline waters of 'Ana Pekapeka, or Swallows Cave, accessible only by boat. End your day with a sunset photography session, practicing your new skills under the glow of golden hour.

The following day, enjoy time at sea as the ship makes its way toward Fiji, your final destination.

Nuku is a small tropical island to the west of the larger Kapa Island in the Tongan group. The vivid green vegetation of the low lying island is fringed by white sand beaches that were likely formed by centuries of bright white coral skeletons being eroded into sand grains by waves and time. Living coral reefs surround the tear-drop shaped island of Nuku with a kaleidoscope of color and diverse marine life.

The following day, enjoy time at sea as the ship makes its way toward Fiji, your final destination.

Over the next three days, discover the remarkable diversity of Fiji and gain a deeper understanding of this remote island nation. On Taveuni, the “Garden Island,” explore lush vegetation and rare flora such as the Tagimoucia flower, a national emblem of good luck featured on the 50-dollar bill. In the village of Waitabu, you’ll be welcomed by a close-knit community and introduced to their traditions, while nearby Bouma National Heritage Park reveals rainforest trails and cascading waterfalls. Beqa Island offers the chance to snorkel in the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, the country’s first protected marine park, where up to eight species of sharks may be found. On Kadavu, the southernmost island, encounter pristine tropical landscapes and striking natural beauty that embody the essence of Fiji.

Disembark in Lautoka and transfer to the airport for flights home.

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.