Papeete (French Polynesia) to Darwin (Australia) Cruise on Seabourn Pursuit from Papeete (French Polynesia)

Papeete (French Polynesia)

Papeete is the capital of the French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The commune of Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti. Admire the Point Venus view where Captain Cook settled in Tahiti. Visit the busy port of Papeete before venturing to the waterfalls and black sand shores. Don't forget your camera to take back special memories of the helicopter ride.

Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia

Aitutaki Cook Islands (New Zealand)

Aitutaki, also traditionally known as Araura, Ararau and Utataki, is one of the Cook Islands, north of Rarotonga.. Aitutaki is the second most visited island of the Cook Two of Aitutakis 15 islets (motus) are also volcanic. The rest are made of coral. Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. Noteworthy also are an old church (the oldest in the Cook Islands) and some gigantic Banyan trees (Ficus prolixa). Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), a small islet in the south-east of the lagoon, is often said to be the most important attraction. It is regarded as providing the visitor with the best views of the Aitutaki lagoon and, depending on the tide, one is able to walk on a sandbank a decent distance away from Tapuaetai. The trip to this island is the most frequented trip available on Aitutaki.

Apia (Westsamoa)

Samoa is located south of the equator, about halfway between Hawai‘i and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. The Samoan islands have been produced by vulcanism, the source of which is the Samoa hotspot which is probably the result of a mantle plume. The fa'a Samoa, or traditional Samoan way, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social and political systems, and language. Cultural customs such as the Samoa 'ava ceremony are significant and solemn rituals at important occasions including the bestowal of matai chiefly titles. Items of great cultural value include the finely woven 'ie toga. The Samoan word for dance is siva with unique gentle movements of the body in time to music and which tells a story, although the Samoan male dances can be more physical and snapp. The form and construction of traditional architecture of Samoa was a specialised skill by Tufuga fai fale that was also linked to other cultural artforms.

Vavaú (Tonga)

Nuku Island

Vanua Balavu, Lau Islands

YASAWA ISLAND (Fiji)

The Yasawa Group is an archipelago of about 20 volcanic islands in the Western Division of Fiji.The Yasawa volcanic group consists of six main islands and numerous smaller islets. The archipelago, which stretches in a north-easterly direction for more than 80 kilometers from a point 40 kilometers north-west of Lautoka, is volcanic in origin and very mountainous. Since the Fijian government lifted the restrictions on land-based tourism in the Yasawa Group, a number of resorts have been established there.Areas of the Yasawas were the locales for the 1980 filming of the romance adventure film The Blue Lagoon. Tourism is growing in importance. Permission is required to visit all islands in the group except Tavewa. The home of the Tui Yasawa, the Paramount Chief of the Yasawa Islands, is at Yasawa-i-Rara, on Yasawa Island, but the largest village is Nabukeru.

Lautoka

YSTAD

Pentecost Island (Vanuatu)

Ambrym Island (Vanuatu)

Ambrym is a volcanic island in Malampa Province in the archipelago of Vanuatu. Volcanic activity on the island includes lava lakes in two craters. Most tourists are attracted by Ambrym's unique features: the active volcanoes, the tropical vegetation, and the customs of the local villagers. To stay in the island as there are no hotels, overnight stays have to be in bungalows.

Luganville, Vanuatu

Known as Santo to the locals and located on the island of Espiritu Santo, lunganville is the second largest town of Vanuatu. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of watersport activities and visit its quaint traditional villages. The main street is the commercial center which stretches through the length of the town with the port at one end and the markets at the other.

Alotau (Papua New Guinea)

Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay Province, in the south east of Papua New Guinea. It is a very scenic town on the north shore of Milne Bay. It is a quiet, friendly provincial town, and operates successfully as a scuba diving base. Ecotourism is being developed here focusing on the rainforest, trekking, bird watching, bat caving, fishing, diving, snorkelling, war sites, surfing and cultural sites of interest. The province has the richest marine biodiversity in the world, which is why so many divers come to the area. There are orchids, marsupials, birds of paradise, mountains, islands, rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs and skull caves as well as a fascinating local history.

Conflict Islands

Agats (Indonesia)

Agats located in Papua, Indonesia betwwen a coastal cavity between two capes , a bit larger than a cove but still smaller than a gulf. People who live in the region of Papua Province are called Asmat people.. Also known as West Papua . The first colonial post was established in the Asmat area in Agats in 1938. The natural environment has been a major factor affecting the Asmat, as their culture and way of life are heavily dependent on the rich natural resources found in their forests, rivers, and seas.Asmat art, most noticeably elaborate, stylized wood carving, is designed to honour ancestors. Many Asmat artifacts have been collected by the worlds museums, among the most notable of which are those found in the Michael C. Rockefeller Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam.

Agats (Indonesia)

Agats located in Papua, Indonesia betwwen a coastal cavity between two capes , a bit larger than a cove but still smaller than a gulf. People who live in the region of Papua Province are called Asmat people.. Also known as West Papua . The first colonial post was established in the Asmat area in Agats in 1938. The natural environment has been a major factor affecting the Asmat, as their culture and way of life are heavily dependent on the rich natural resources found in their forests, rivers, and seas.Asmat art, most noticeably elaborate, stylized wood carving, is designed to honour ancestors. Many Asmat artifacts have been collected by the worlds museums, among the most notable of which are those found in the Michael C. Rockefeller Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam.

Darwin (Australia)

Darwin is the most populated city in the northern territory of Australia. Over the time Darwin has grown from a pioneering enclave and small port into one of Australia´s most modern and multicultural cities. The proximity with Asia make the city an important gate from countries like Indonesia and East Timor. The city has many miles of amplitude, inmaculate beaches, including the Casuarina Beach, where you can find the markets of Mandil beach. Darwin has extense parks and gardens. Between them the Botanical gardens of George Brown Darwin. Also there are different types of fauna, like marine crocodiles.

Darwin (Australia)

Darwin is the most populated city in the northern territory of Australia. Over the time Darwin has grown from a pioneering enclave and small port into one of Australia´s most modern and multicultural cities. The proximity with Asia make the city an important gate from countries like Indonesia and East Timor. The city has many miles of amplitude, inmaculate beaches, including the Casuarina Beach, where you can find the markets of Mandil beach. Darwin has extense parks and gardens. Between them the Botanical gardens of George Brown Darwin. Also there are different types of fauna, like marine crocodiles.