French Polynesia, US Cruise on Royal Princess from Auckland (New Zealand)

Auckland (New Zealand)

Auckland is a major cruise ship stopover point, with the ships usually tying up at Princes Wharf. Auckland CBD is connected to coastal suburbs, to the North Shore and to outlying islands by ferry. Auckland is home to many cultures. The majority of inhabitants claim European - predominantly British and/or Irish - descent, but substantial Maori, Pacific Islander and Asian communities exist as well. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world and a higher proportion of people of Asian origin than the rest of New Zealand. Ethnic groups from all corners of the world have a presence in Auckland, making it by far the country's most cosmopolitan city.

Crossing International Date Line

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.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Found only a few kilometers northwest of Tahiti, Moorea is located in the French Polynesian Society Islands. Boasting breathtaking volcanic scenery, its mountain slopes are draped with rain forests and pineapple plantations while its pristine white sand beaches border sapphire blue lagoons. There are a wealth of watersport activities on offer from Deep sea fishing to sailing and of course scuba diving and snorkelling are a must around the islands reefs. The Tiki Village, Opunohu Valley and island tours are also popular attractions with visitors.

Kona, Hawaii

Situated on the western coast of the Hualalai Volcano, Kailua-Kona, or "kona" to the locals, is the principal city of western Hawaii. Boasting a spectacular volcanic coastline from otherworldly lava formations to lush greenery with calm and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling, diving and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Kailua-Kona itself is a bustling, social hub, home to shops, restaurants and nightlife.Visitors can also explore the islands rich history by visiting Kealakekua Bay, where Captain James Cook first landed on the island in 1778, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park or the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, a 1160-acre park that lets you explore early "Heiau" or "temples"

Honolulu (Hawaii)

The isle of Hawaii is named Grnad Island, and we explain why. It is more than double the size than all the rest of Hawaiian isles together, and is completely full of luxuriant nature, from the rugged volcanoes to the cascades and the rainy forrests. It is the home of smokey volcano craters and rivers of dry lava in the National Park of the Volcanoes.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second-largest urban area in the nation. It is located in the southern part of the state on the Pacific Ocean. It is a favorite vacation destination and attracts millions of tourists to the area each year from all over the world. Apart from the movie studios, points of interest include the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits (famous for Ice Age fossils), Disneyland (Anaheim), and the Santa Anita and Hollywood racetracks. Today, Hollywood is a part of Los Angeles.