Day 0 (APR 21): Papeete, French Polynesia

Depart @ 5:00pm

Day 1 (APR 22): Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

Day 2 (APR 23): Day at Sea

Day 3 (APR 24): Aitutaki, Cook Islands

​Beautiful Aitutaki is often considered to have one of the most stunning lagoons in the Pacific. With one large island and a nearly-intact fringing reef on its other sides, it's a coveted spot to visit.​

Days 4-6 (APR 25-27): Days at Sea

Day 7 (APR 28): Apia, Upolo, Samoa

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 harbour 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 harbour. 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. ​

Day 8 (APR 29): Day at Sea

Day 9 (APR 30): Vava u, Tonga

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.

Day 10 (MAY 1): Vanua Balavu, Fiji

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. 

Day 11 (MAY 2): Yasawa, Fiji

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.

Day 12 (MAY 3): Lautoka, Fiji

Arrive @ 7:00am

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.