Fiji Cruise

Day 1 - Brisbane

Arrive: Mon 03 January 2022 / Depart: Mon 03 January 2022 at 16:00

Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced "Bris-bin."

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Noumea

Arrive: Thu 06 January 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 06 January 2022 at 18:00

The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea is a little piece of France in the middle of the Coral Sea. Before World War II, New Caledonia was a little known and seldom-visited French possession known for its penal colony and its natural resources. (Nickel smelting still plays a major role in the island economy.) Today, travelers are drawn to New Caledonia for its scenic beauty. The island is famed for its white-sand beaches while its west coast is the site of the world's second longest barrier reef. The offshore waters also offer superb diving and snorkeling. In 1774, James Cook thought the island's rugged hills resembled those of his native Scotland. Hence he christened the island New Caledonia. The island and its outlying groups became a French colony in 1854 and an overseas department of France in 1956.

Day 5 - Mystery Island

Arrive: Fri 07 January 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 07 January 2022 at 18:00

This small, uninhabited island just off volcanic Tanna is one of the most southernmost of the Vanuatu group. Used as a World War II landing strip for the allied forces, it is completely undeveloped. Amble around the island, or, if you’re handy with a snorkel and fins, explore the surrounding reefs.

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Suva

Arrive: Sun 09 January 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 09 January 2022 at 18:00

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as "The Cannibal Isles," where mariners carefully avoided its fierce warriors and perfidious waters. Thankfully, Fiji's pagan days live only in the tales recalled by tour guides - in rituals such as firewalking, Kava Ceremonies and in renditions of tribal drumming, dance and song. Fiji is an exotic destination, with 333 islands that provide an exciting adventure or peaceful repose. The northwest region, where the sun shines almost every day and a tropical shower ends as quickly as it began, is home to the majority of the resorts. Suva, the political, administrative, educational and commercial center, has a backdrop of lush rainforest maintained by the inevitable "tropical downpour." The people of Fiji are the most multiracial and multicultural of all South Pacific island countries - this being reflected in churches of all denominations, mosques, temples and shrines. Built around a reef-protected natural harbor, Suva, with its colonial buildings nestled alongside modern commercial venues, shops and local markets, parks and residential sprawl, is home to nearly half of Fiji's urban population.

Day 8 - Dravuni, Fiji Islands

Arrive: Mon 10 January 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 10 January 2022 at 18:00

Less than two miles in length from north to south, Dravuni Island lies in the Kadavu Island group of Fiji. Its volcanic peaks give way to a remote village of just 200 or so friendly villagers who live amongst the island's shady palms. These welcoming locals and their children often sing to arriving visitors. Well-worn trails scattered with coconuts snake around the unspoiled beaches, the soft sands beckoning underwater adventurers towards the crystal-clear waters. Many visitors come to snorkel in the Great Astrolabe Reef, or to hike Dravuni Island's highest peak for magnificent once-in-a-lifetime views of the surrounding islands.

Day 9 - Sanusavu

Arrive: Tue 11 January 2022 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 11 January 2022 at 17:00

Savusavu boasts one of the most spectacular harbors in the South Pacific. Its serene waters are dotted with islands. Rugged volcanic ridges, their slopes covered in rainforest, tower above the coastal plains. Coconut palms and old copra plantations line the southern shore. Strolling through the streets of Savusavu town, the visitor feels as if he or she has stepped back in time to the Fiji of old. Life here seems to move at a more serene pace. No wonder the international yachting set has made Savusavu one of the Pacific's top destinations. Protected by mountains, Savusavu Bay is one of the finest sheltered anchorages in the South Pacific. The US Navy chose it as a "hurricane hole" during World War II - a place of refuge during the Pacific typhoon season.

Day 10 - Lautoka

Arrive: Wed 12 January 2022 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 12 January 2022 at 18:00

The second-largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located in the west, on the island of Viti Levu. It is nicknamed The Sugar City due to its expansive sugarcane plantations producing the island's most important crop. Its soft-sand beaches are fringed with swaying palm and coconut trees reflected in the crystalline turquoise waters. A drive through the city center allows glimpses of tree-lined streets, colonial houses, colorful markets and a vibrant local culture.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Isle of Pines

Arrive: Fri 14 January 2022 / Depart: Fri 14 January 2022

With radiant turquoise waters hiding a wealth of colorful corals and fish below, Isle of Pines is a wonderful place to dive and explore. Although this breathtaking island has been nicknamed "the closest island to Paradise," it once served as a penal colony to thousands of French deportees. Pottery found on the island dates back to 1500 B.C., although the discovery of the island is most often attributed to Captain James Cook, who sailed by during a voyage to New Zealand in the 18th century. Cook named the island after its towering native pines, but he never set foot on land, presumably threatened by the sight of smoke rising above the trees. The great explorer missed out on some of the most fascinating treasures ashore. From the tiniest endemic creatures to the far-reaching views offered by its highest peak, Isle of Pines is a unique island destination with plenty to discover.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Brisbane

Arrive: Mon 17 January 2022 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 17 January 2022

Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced "Bris-bin."