Papeete, Tahiti to Melbourne

Cruise overview

Say goodbye to Papeete, capital of French Polynesia, as we head to the romantic shores of Moorea, a cluster of peaks wrapped in a blue lagoon; Raiatea, a magical place steeped in local mythology, and the honeymooners’ favorite, lush Bora Bora. Two leisurely days at sea, enjoying all our ship has to offer, bring us to Pago Pago, capital of American Samoa, which shelters in the lee of mountains draped in rainforest. Crossing the international date line, we arrive in the dreamy island nation of Fiji to call at the little capital of Suva and Lautoka, known for its sugarcane plantations. On we go to Port Vila in Vanuatu, to walk in the rainforest, before reaching the tropical paradise of New Caledonia, where we visit Lifou, with its gorgeous powder sands, the capital Nouméa, blending French bistros and chic shopping, and L’Île des Pins, home to a grotto created for a local queen. After two sea days, the delightful Bay of Islands in New Zealand beckons, followed by cosmopolitan Auckland. From here, we head along the east coast to Napier to see its Art Deco treasures, then Wellington, the bustling modern capital. Finally, three relaxing days at sea bring us to Melbourne, Australia, our journey’s end.