Day 1 – Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia

Departs 11:00 pm.

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.

Day 2 – Bahia d Opunoha, Moorea, French Polynesia

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 3 – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Arrives 08:00 am.

Day 4 – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Departs 04:00 pm.

Day 5 – At Sea

Day 6 – Cross International Date Line

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.

Day 7 – At Sea

Day 8 – Nuku Alofa, Tonga

Arrives 10:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.

Day 9 – At Sea

Day 10 – Savusavu, Vanua Levi, Fiji

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

Day 11 – At Sea

Day 12 – Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Arrives 10:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 13 – Lifou, New Caledonia

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

The largest of the Loyalty Islands, Lifou lies some 118 miles to the northwest of New Caledonia. The island is an ancient makatea – a fossilized coral atoll raised high above sea level. Whalers were the first Westerners to visit this Melanesian paradise – though greedy traders lured by the island’s aromatic sandalwood trees soon followed. Today’s visitors are drawn attracted to the island’s spectacular scenery, which ranges from dense tropical forest to dramatic cliffs towering above the crashing waves. Lifou’s white-sand beaches are some of the finest to be found in the entire Pacific.Lifou and the other Loyalty Islands are part of New Caledonia, which, like Tahiti, is an overseas province of France. The island is a center of traditional Melanesian culture. Easo is an anchorage port. Guests transfer to shore via ship’s tender.

Day 14 – At Sea

Day 15 – At Sea

Day 16 – Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.

The Bay of Islands offers more than broad vistas of sea and sky, more than beaches, boating, and fabulous water sports. The Bay is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Here the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing British rule and granting the native inhabitants equal status. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries and New Zealand’s early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists and missionaries. Note: Bay of Islands is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender.

Day 17 – Auckland, New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 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.

Day 18 – Tauranga, New Zealand

Arrives 07:30 am, departs 06:15 pm.

New Zealand’s natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand’s primary tourist attraction.Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.

Day 19 – Gisborne, New Zealand

Arrives 10:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 20 – Napier, New Zealand

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.

Napier and Hawke’s Bay have become New Zealand’s premier lifestyle getaways. Located on the North Island’s eastern coast, New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region boasts a superb Mediterranean climate and golden sand beaches. In recent years, Hawke’s Bay has become a leading producer of fine olive oils and artisanal cheeses. Wildlife lovers and birders will flock to Cape Kidnappers in Southern Hawke Bay: the Cape is home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. In 1931, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled Napier. The town rebuilt itself, and today Napier is hailed as the “Art Deco City” for its superb collection of Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical Revival buildings.

Day 21 – At Sea

Day 22 – Picton, New Zealand

Arrives 07:00 am, departs 04:00 pm.

Day 23 – Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand

Arrives 09:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 24 – Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.

Day 25 – Cruising Fiordland Natl Park

Day 26 – At Sea

Day 27 – At Sea

Day 28 – At Sea

Day 29 – Sydney, Australia

Arrives 07:00 am.

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.