Polynesia, Melanesia & Indonesia Explorer Cruise

Day 1 - Papeete

Arrive: Tue 21 April 2026 / Depart: Tue 21 April 2026 at 17:00

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 2 - Raiatea

Arrive: Wed 22 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 22 April 2026 at 20:00

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 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Aitutaki

Arrive: Fri 24 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 24 April 2026 at 17:00

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Cross International Dateline

Day 8 - Apia

Arrive: Tue 28 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 28 April 2026 at 17:00

A total of sixteen islands comprise the Samoas, considered to be the heart of Polynesia. It was from these islands that early Polynesians sailed to populate other Pacific Islands. Today this chain of islands is divided into two political units - the U.S. Territory of American Samoa and the independent country of Western Samoa. Much of the charm of the Samoas lies in the simple village life and the friendly people, combined with a striking landscape of soaring mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and tropical rainforests rich in flowering plants. Western Samoa consists of a total of nine islands with the two main ones, Savi'i and Upolo, separated by a narrow strait. The country's capital Apia, resembling an old South Seas port during the early trading days, perches on the north coast of Upolo. Colonial-style wooden buildings and churches line the tree-shaded main street that curves around the harbor. The primary attractions include Parliament House, the village green, Independence Monument and the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson, now the residence of Western Samoa's head of state. A trip around the island passes mile after mile of stunning landscape, interspersed with tumbling waterfalls, breathtaking views, tiny villages, and coconut and cocoa plantations.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Vavau, Tonga Islands

Arrive: Thu 30 April 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 30 April 2026 at 12:00

Vava?u is the island group of one large island and 40 smaller ones in Tonga. It is part of Vava?u District which includes several other individual islands. According to tradition the Maui god finished up both Tongatapu and Vava?u, but put a little more effort into the former.

Day 10 - Nuku Island

Arrive: Thu 30 April 2026 at 13:00 / Depart: Thu 30 April 2026 at 20:00

Day 11 - Vanua Balavu, Fidschi

Arrive: Fri 01 May 2026 at 13:00 / Depart: Fri 01 May 2026 at 17:00

Day 12 - Yasawa, Fidschi-Inseln

Arrive: Sat 02 May 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 02 May 2026 at 17:00

Day 13 - Lautoka

Arrive: Sun 03 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 03 May 2026 at 19:30

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.

Day 14 - Ystad, Schweden

Arrive: Mon 04 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 04 May 2026 at 13:00

Ystad is a town in Skåne county on Sweden's southern coast. Its medieval town center features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. It’s also home to Klostret i Ystad, a centuries-old Franciscan monastery and museum. Close by, St. Mary’s Church has a silver collection and is known for its night watchman's horn signal. The town is the setting of author Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander crime series.

Day 15 - At Sea

Day 16 - Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Arrive: Wed 06 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 06 May 2026 at 13:00

Day 16 - Pentecost Island, Vanuatu

Arrive: Wed 06 May 2026 / Depart: Wed 06 May 2026

Day 17 - Luganville

Arrive: Thu 07 May 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 07 May 2026 at 17:00

The second-largest city in the Vanuatu archipelago, Luganville is on the large northern island of Espiritu Santo, and has an unusually broad main street, the result of its occupation by some 40,000 Allied troops in World War II. The commander insisted that the road accommodate four trucks abreast. Its protected harbor makes the town one of the island nation’s most important ports, a center for trans-shipping of copra and cacao. The rusting relics of its WWII heritage are everywhere on the island. But today most visitors are drawn to the natural features both on shore and in the surrounding seas. Blue Lagoon is a popular attraction, where a freshwater spring fills a clear, aqua-blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Others opt for exploring the island on horseback, a visit to a coconut oil factory or simply relaxing at one of the resorts along the beaches. One unusual alternative is a visit to a village of immigrants from the more remote Banks and Torres Islands, who perform traditional music and dances including an enchanting Water Music dance.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrive: Mon 11 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 11 May 2026 at 17:00

Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay province of Papua New Guinea, located on a peninsula in Milne Bay in the Coral Sea. The town and water comprise the site of the 1942 battle of Milne Bay, in which the invading Japanese army suffered its first decisive defeat in the Pacific Theater of World War II at the hands of Allied, mostly Australian forces. A War Memorial commemorates the battle. Today the area is largely given over the palm oil plantations. The local people keep their Tawala cultural traditions alive, with the exception of the long-past ritual cannibalism. In Bibiko Village, they will be pleased to show them off in displays of prowess with Kundu drum ceremonies and exhibitions of their impressive war canoes. At the Ahioma village of Dodobana, the many specialized skills of daily Melanesian life are demonstrated in a family-style setting, such as basket weaving, grass skirt making and gardening.

Day 22 - Conflict Islands, PNG

Arrive: Tue 12 May 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 May 2026 at 13:00

Don’t let the name scare you. This idyllic archipelago of 21 coral atolls off the coast of New Guinea was named after the British ship HMS Conflict by its discoverer, a most patriotic captain. You could hardly ask for a more conflict-free paradise. The island group is privately owned by a passionate conservationist, who insists on sustainable methods for any activity within his tropical domain. Activities are therefore tailored for enjoying the exceptionally beautiful beaches, the supremely biodiverse coral reefs and the clear, warm waters. Kayaking, snorkeling and paddle-boarding are the more strenuous varieties. Simply relaxing mindfully on the sugary fringes of the lagoon are also acceptable. The area is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - At Sea

Day 25 - Agats, Asmat

Arrive: Fri 15 May 2026 at 10:00

Day 26 - Agats, Asmat

Depart: Sat 16 May 2026 at 16:00

Day 27 - At Sea

Day 28 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Mon 18 May 2026 at 07:00

Despite its small size, Darwin is a modern, multi-cultural city, and its proximity to Asia makes it ideal for travel. Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, the area was originally settled by the Larrakia Aboriginals. The Dutch arrived and mapped the land in the 1600s, followed by the British in 1939, when the town was given its English name. Darwin has a beautiful coastline, as well as numerous parks and gardens, making the city a top spot for outdoor activities.

Day 29 - Darwin, Australia

Depart: Tue 19 May 2026

Despite its small size, Darwin is a modern, multi-cultural city, and its proximity to Asia makes it ideal for travel. Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, the area was originally settled by the Larrakia Aboriginals. The Dutch arrived and mapped the land in the 1600s, followed by the British in 1939, when the town was given its English name. Darwin has a beautiful coastline, as well as numerous parks and gardens, making the city a top spot for outdoor activities.