South Pacific Crossing

Easygoing San Diego embodies the Southern California surfer town fantasy, with its more than 300 days of sun, mild year-round temperatures and accessible, sporty pastimes and tourist attractions. Cruise to San Diego and hike the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to get a glimpse of whale migrations, go sailing in the bay and, of course, surf the famous swells of Del Mar, Oceanside and La Jolla (among many other superb spots). Cruise from San Diego and explore the sixth-largest city in the United States. Discover San Diego’s distinctive neighborhoods on a San Diego shore excursion. Visit Old Town, North Park, Point Loma and Coronado are all within a few miles of the port, while the bustling Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy are within walking distance.

And while there are lots of things to do for everyone on a San Diego Cruise—from visiting the country’s largest urban park to taking in the famous horse-racing season in Del Mar to riding the charming Old Town Trolley—definitely don’t pass up the chance to investigate San Diego’s quickly growing reputation as a culinary destination. Its inventive new restaurants and huge craft-brewing industry are something to be explored.

Water and fire reign here: This is a land of verdant rain forests bisected by sparkling falls. But the fiery element flares along the volcanic coast of Kohala and the roaring furnace of the Kilauea volcano: Lava has continued to seep from the crater since its last eruption in 1983.

Nature is Hilo’s blessing, as well as its challenge. The beautiful crescent bay served as a funnel to two major tsunamis that battered the city—tragedies that are never forgotten and hopefully never repeated. (Hilo’s Pacific Tsunami Museum remains a leader in safety education.)

Once a busy fishing and farming area, Hilo blossomed into a commercial center for the sugarcane industry in the 1800s. Today’s town—its waterfront rebuilt since the last destructive wall of water in 1960—flourishes as a hub of galleries, independent shops, farmers markets and homegrown destination restaurants. A world-class astronomy center has joined this mix, underlining the awe unfolding through the telescopes atop Mauna Kea (the world’s tallest peak from base to summit, outstripping Everest by 1,363 meters, or 4,472 feet!). Meanwhile, leafy Banyan Drive celebrates more earthbound stars with its arboreal Walk of Fame. Look up, look down: Wherever you glance, Hilo looks good.

Glamorous resorts, stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, historic Lahaina Town: This enchanting island has it all, plus a magnificent volcano and the annual migration of the humpback whales. Sample shore excursions: Haleakala Crater & Iao Valley; Adventure to Hana; Lana’i Wild Dolphin & Snorkel Adventure.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.

Once the playground of Hawaii’s royalty, Kona is synonymous with the famous coffee that grows on the slopes of dormant Hualalai. Here, too, is Parker Ranch, the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S. Sample shore excursions: Kona Outrigger Canoe Adventure; Parker Ranch; Big Island Helicopter Spectacular.

Christmas Island is one of the Line Islands, and part of Kiritimati – the largest atoll in the world. With its miles of sand beaches, peaceful lagoons and swaying coconut palms, all resting atop an ancient reef, it is a tropical oasis awaiting your exploration. The entire island is a sanctuary for the widest variety of tropical seabirds anywhere in the world – a stunning population of between four to six million birds.

When you arrive to Tahiti on your Bora Bora cruise you first see it from the ship as it navigates Teavanui Pass, you’ll be astonished. Brilliant blue water in far too many shades to count and palm-dotted white-sand motus (islets) encircle a lush island topped by craggy Mount Otemanu. Close your eyes and open them again. Yes, you are on a beautiful French Polynesia cruise and it’s all real! This South Pacific isle with its exotic Tahitian-French allure has been captivating honeymooners and vacationers from the time the first overwater bungalows were built here nearly 50 years ago.

For years, Bora-Bora has also drawn a multitude of divers eager to scope out its array of reef fish, rays and sharks. It’s hard to compete with the sheer drama of the water, or with shape-shifting Mount Otemanu, which looks completely different from every angle. In fact, Vaitape, the island’s largest city with a population of about 5,000 people, doesn’t even try to compete. Not much changes in this sleepy port, where a few black-pearl shops, boutiques and galleries join a weathered church and several small cafés. Yes, you might want to buy a pearl and you should definitely sample the poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice). But to be honest, the best spot you can visit on your Bora-Bora cruise anywhere out on the lagoon.

When you arrive to Tahiti on your Bora Bora cruise you first see it from the ship as it navigates Teavanui Pass, you’ll be astonished. Brilliant blue water in far too many shades to count and palm-dotted white-sand motus (islets) encircle a lush island topped by craggy Mount Otemanu. Close your eyes and open them again. Yes, you are on a beautiful French Polynesia cruise and it’s all real! This South Pacific isle with its exotic Tahitian-French allure has been captivating honeymooners and vacationers from the time the first overwater bungalows were built here nearly 50 years ago.

For years, Bora-Bora has also drawn a multitude of divers eager to scope out its array of reef fish, rays and sharks. It’s hard to compete with the sheer drama of the water, or with shape-shifting Mount Otemanu, which looks completely different from every angle. In fact, Vaitape, the island’s largest city with a population of about 5,000 people, doesn’t even try to compete. Not much changes in this sleepy port, where a few black-pearl shops, boutiques and galleries join a weathered church and several small cafés. Yes, you might want to buy a pearl and you should definitely sample the poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice). But to be honest, the best spot you can visit on your Bora-Bora cruise anywhere out on the lagoon.

Jagged needle-shaped mountains define the skyline. Below, fields of pineapple, vanilla and coffee carpet the land, while crystal-clear lagoons teem with parrot fish, purple anemone and lacy pink coral. Sample shore excursions: Motu Beach Picnic & Ray Feeding; Circle Island Tour & Belvedere; Auto Safari Adventure.

When Captain James Cook first sailed to Tahiti in 1769, he and his crew all thought they’d found paradise. Cook hinted at it in his journals, in coy language that would have been acceptable in his day; his men felt considerably less reserve, and returned home sporting tattoos and stories of a people who ate what fell from trees, and lived lives of freedom unknown in Europe. All without much need for clothes.

Although all of French Polynesia is sometimes referred to as Tahiti, Tahiti proper is only one island, ringed by a reef that turns the water shades of blue even sapphires can’t come near. Rivers flow down from its high peaks, and every night, the sun goes down behind the neighboring island of Moorea, outlining the mountains like a laser show.

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is a bustling business and government center, with black-pearl shops on almost every corner. As you move into the countryside, time starts to slip, and it’s just the changeless ocean and the almost unchanged forests—and much the same sensation that made Cook think he’d found heaven on earth.

When Captain James Cook first sailed to Tahiti in 1769, he and his crew all thought they’d found paradise. Cook hinted at it in his journals, in coy language that would have been acceptable in his day; his men felt considerably less reserve, and returned home sporting tattoos and stories of a people who ate what fell from trees, and lived lives of freedom unknown in Europe. All without much need for clothes.

Although all of French Polynesia is sometimes referred to as Tahiti, Tahiti proper is only one island, ringed by a reef that turns the water shades of blue even sapphires can’t come near. Rivers flow down from its high peaks, and every night, the sun goes down behind the neighboring island of Moorea, outlining the mountains like a laser show.

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is a bustling business and government center, with black-pearl shops on almost every corner. As you move into the countryside, time starts to slip, and it’s just the changeless ocean and the almost unchanged forests—and much the same sensation that made Cook think he’d found heaven on earth.

This dramatic South Pacific island is complete with miles of white sand beaches, glittering lagoons, small villages, and volcanic peaks covered in lush vegetation. Visit the Cook Island Cultural Village and experience the lifestyle of the Maori people; walk the Cross Island Trek amid fragrant frangipani and be rewarded with beautiful views and waterfalls; and of course spend time luxuriating on a peaceful beach as the trade winds maintain a perfect temperature.

The Vava’u (va-vuh-OO) island group is part of the Kingdom of Tonga—an even larger collection of tropical Pacific Ocean islands. With an ideal year-round climate that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing, the islands—which are mostly uninhabited—boast a varied set of attractions for visitors that only begin with their famed white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters (with visibility down to 30 meters, or 100 feet) and enchanting coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life like tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles. In addition to these simple but highly memorable watery pleasures, the Vava’u islands offer tropical forests, limestone cliffs and caves to explore, traditional villages to check out and a wealth of activities ranging from sea kayaking and gamefishing to yachting. Not only can you spot humpback whales (between July and October) and take in the unique atmosphere of historic cemeteries, you can also enjoy a hike up Mount Talau. The island’s tourism infrastructure extends to boutique resorts and ecolodges, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants, particularly in the main city of Neiafu.
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Unique in many ways, Tonga is the only country in the South Pacific that has never been colonized. The secret to this tiny kingdom’s lasting autonomy lies with its monarchy – rich in culture and tradition; unafraid to modernize and move forward. You’ll find Nuku’alofa on the isle of Tongatapu – the largest of the 171 island jewels in the Tongan crown. Hopefully the Tongan people, cheerful and welcoming, will treat you to a version of the lakalaka – their compelling art of storytelling manifested in a breathtaking dance.

Queensland’s capital, tucked between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, is often overlooked in favor of its stylish sister, Sydney, and its cultured cousin, Melbourne. But Brisbane, or “Brissy” for short, has recently come out of the shadows to show off its own variety of sun-drenched cool. Brisbane may be a contender for Australia’s hippest city, thanks to its clutch of crafty bars, eclectic restaurants and homegrown fashion. The city’s subtropical climate brings joggers and cyclists to the banks of the Brisbane River year round; jacarandas and frangipani bloom in the spring. This is one of the country’s fastest-expanding areas in terms of population and employment: People flock here for the affordable lifestyle, the booming economy and the laid-back attitude. When newcomers arrive, creativity follows, as evidenced by the museums and theaters of South Bank and the revived districts such as Fortitude Valley. Fortitude is a good word for Brisbane—a hardworking city on its way to fame and fortune.

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If you want a snapshot of Australia’s appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers’ wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.

The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city’s best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.

Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you’ll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia’s cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.