SHORE EXCURSIONS

Visit the Melanesian village of Hnathalo, where ancient customs are still practiced religiously and traditional island values are held in high esteem. Hnathalo is also the name of the tribe living there. Following a welcoming coconut drink, you will walk among the village’s thatched huts, hand-carved totems and open expanses shaded by swaying palms and towering Royal Poinciana trees. It will be like traveling back in time, as little has changed over the years because traditional Melanesian ways are still fervently practiced in Hnathalo. That is especially true in the preparation of dishes such as bougna, a concoction that you will sample after seeing how it’s cooked over red-hot stones in a cleverly designed ground oven. You will also be invited to enter the circular Chief’s Hut, one of the largest of its kind in New Caledonia, and view a church that French Catholic missionaries constructed in 1883. It is decorated with period furnishings that enhance the authenticity.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the traditional Melanesian way of life in the rural village Hnathalo.
• Sample the Melanesian dish bougna, which is cooked in banana leaves in an earthen oven.
• See the interior of the revered Chief’s Hut and a missionary-built, 19th-century church.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Delve into traditional Tahitian culture by cruising to nearby Tahaa to discover how vanilla is grown and black pearls are produced before an island lunch and relaxing on the island’s gorgeous beach.

After departing from the pier in a motorized catamaran, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic cruise across a turquoise-blue lagoon to the island of Tahaa, which lies due north. Your first destination ashore is a vanilla farm. You will probably be greeted by the scent of the spice before arriving as 70% of the vanilla grown in French Polynesia is from Tahaa.

Expect to see and smell fragrant vanilla pods curing in the sun. You may also stroll among the rows of climbing orchids that produce the pods and learn how they are pollinated. There will be some time for shopping before continuing on with a short drive to Motu Pearl Village. Established in 1991, the village cultivates black pearls in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the surrounding lagoon. After hearing the fascinating story of how the pearls are produced, you may shop for jewelry and other items adorned with these prized treasures. Like vanilla, black pearls are synonymous with Tahaa, and both are mainstays of the economy.

After the visit, enjoy a cocktail or a fresh local beer before a traditional Polynesian buffet lunch is served while a live Polynesian group entertains you. It makes for an excellent introduction to the pareo show that follows. A pareo is a wraparound skirt that is essential to Tahitian dance. Finally, you will head for the beach of Motu Mahea to relax, sunbathe or get in the water before returning to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the pristine natural beauty of Upolu during this scenic, tour of the island's northeast coast.

Depart the pier for a scenic drive along the northeast coast of Upolu. Along the way, you will pass through local villages that still observe a traditional lifestyle. Stop for photos at the Falefa Waterfall and Estuary, a former trading post for locals and whalers in the early 1800s. Fagaloa Bay offers you another opportunity for breathtaking views overlooking the coast.

Stop to visit Gina's Tropical Gardens, which features an abundance of native and tropical plants, flowers and fruits. Included are specimens found in the bird of paradise family, along with ginger, axoria, heliconia, ylang ylang, papaya, guava, star fruit, pineapple, and mango. During your visit, you will be treated with refreshments and seasonal fruits. Enjoy a demonstration of coconut tree climbing, husking, grating and preparing fresh coconut cream.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the Fijian culture and the natural world that flourishes on Dravuni Island. You will begin your immersion into the local lifestyle by sitting in on a kava ceremony. The national drink of Fiji, kava is made with pulverized pepper root and its preparation can be a complex process. Although drinking this intoxicating, mouth-numbing concoction was once reserved solely for chieftains and priests, you will be invited to sample the kava, which is typically ladled from a communal wooden bowl. As the guide leads you on a nature walk, you will see crops such as yams and cassava and a variety of medicinal plants that the villagers use to ease pain, reduce inflammation and stanch bleeding. While exploring the island’s wooded interior, you can expect to see birds such as the Kadavu musk parrot, an endemic species that is easy to identify by its bright red, blue and green feathers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a kava ceremony that honors Fiji’s national drink and sample it.
• See traditional crops grown on the island and plants used for medicinal purposes.
• Look for colorful tropical birds while following the guide on a nature walk.
• Shop for local handicrafts at stalls along the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes and come away with a deep appreciation of its volcanic formation. After pausing at America’s southernmost bake shop, where you might try a mango malasada treat, you will travel to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. The jet-black sand is made of volcanic materials and lava fragments and is quite the sight, especially if you spot a green sea turtle basking on the beach. Symbols of wisdom and good luck, they are the only sea turtles known to sunbathe. The wonders of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be even more extraordinary. The terrain and natural diversity there are so unique that UNESCO deemed the park both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will see volcanic craters, the active volcano Kilauea and hot water vapor rising from countless steam vents.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the volcanically formed black sand beach at Punalu’u and perhaps see a green sea turtle.
• Drive through stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Combine all the highlights of West Maui on this comprehensive excursion: Iao Valley, Maui Tropical Plantation and the Maui Ocean Center. You'll start with a visit to the most well-known and beautiful gorge on the ‘Valley Isle,’ the Iao Valley. Here, you'll visit one of Maui's most striking sights, the Iao Needle, a 2,250-foot cinder cone pinnacle that pierces through the clouds and dominates its lush surroundings. Next, stop at Maui Tropical Plantation, where you'll enjoy a fully narrated 40-minute tram tour through macadamia nut orchards, agricultural villages, sugar cane fields and flower gardens. Then at the Maui Ocean Center, experience the underwater journey that gives you an up-close look at some of the beautiful creatures only found in Hawaii's waters.

The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll have the option to gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

OVERVIEW

See the highlights of Fiji’s capital on a panoramic drive that presents the most meaningful historical landmarks and shows how the city has changed over time. One of your first impressions will be from a lookout that offers a sweeping view of the urban landscape and your cruise ship as a reference point. You will also drive through the town of Tamavua on Suva’s outskirts and for contrast pass the Laucala campus of the University of the South Pacific. The stately Presidential Palace that serves as the residence of the president of Fiji reflects Suva’s colonial past as its architecture is Georgian. For an even deeper dive into the past, you will browse the Fiji Museum, whose collection ranges from artifacts dating back 3,700 years to cultural objects from more recent times. Free time follows, during which you can shop by the waterfront for fashions, handicrafts and other fine Fijian merchandise.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory drive through Suva that passes the capital’s key landmarks.
• Delve into Suva’s history by browsing the highly informative Fiji Museum.
• Shop in the collection of stores near the waterfront during free time.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience local life in the tiny village of Keamu on the neighboring island of Aneytium.

On the short boat ride over, you can take in the beautiful tropical setting and prepare for the experience that lies ahead. As an introduction to the island, a group of warriors decorated with body paint will greet you somewhat ominously to demonstrate what the first meeting between the Europeans and islanders might have been like in 1793.

It’s all in fun, as the warriors will then lead you into Keamu to meet the chief and show you how the villagers live. You will learn about their way of life, how they prepare and store food, and weave mats and baskets from palm fronds. You will also see how they live off the land by hunting and fishing. The villagers in Keamu are extraordinarily resourceful and still practice many of the traditional ways of their ancestors.

Discover the island paradise of Bora Bora during this scenic orientation tour via Le Truck, a casual, open-air vehicle resembling a windowless bus. Let your guide share with you the daily life of the people of Bora Bora.

Drive through the district of Fa'anui. Along the way, you will pass by small villages and fields that offer a glimpse into the everyday life of the people of Bora Bora. Witness how the popular pareo is made, learn about tupa crabs, taste locally grown fruits and see relics left behind by the U.S. military during WWII.

Admire the ever-changing colors of Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon, and discover tropical flowers and trees among the dense green vegetation on the mountainside. Central Mount Otemanu rock, standing at more than 2,400 feet high, dominates the island and overlooks the turquoise lagoon and her crown of coral islands. Your drive around the island will allow you to enjoy the view of this impressive mountain. Driving by the East Coast you’ll pass some of the famous resorts before reaching Matira point, with the prettiest sand beach of the main island.

Discover Moorea's visual splendor, art and local Polynesian lifestyle during this scenic orientation drive around the island.

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive around Moorea. The distance around this idyllic island is approximately 38 miles and offers many spectacular sites and photo opportunities. Pass the sacred temples (Marae) and get an insight on Polynesian culture.

Down the East Coast reach Ia ora View Point for a unique view on the island of Tahiti only located about 10 nautical miles from Moorea, from there the view on the clear blue lagoon of Temae Beach is breathtaking. Driving down to the West Coast you’ll reach the Tiki Village for a short walk through the property, and free time. During your free time, you might browse the small boutique or discover the island's artistic beauty at an art gallery. Here, you will have an opportunity to see a replica of Gauguin's Maison du Jouir and view a large selection of the most beautiful reproductions of his artwork. You could also visit a black-and-white picture gallery showcasing the works of famous photographer A. Sylvain. Located by the ocean, the village is home to a lovely white-sand beach that offers wonderful photo opportunities.

OVERVIEW

Explore Rarotonga's culture, history and traditions during this scenic and informative island tour. Depart the pier for an orientation drive around the island; an excellent way to see Rarotonga and gain insight to its culture. Along the way, you will visit such sites as Ngatangiia Harbour, the departure point of the Polynesian Migration to New Zealand in 1350 AD, and a historical back road built in 1050 AD called the Road of Toi, or Ara Metua. You will also pass by ceremonial sites that include Arai Te Tonga, along with old church buildings, the theological college, the library, the museum, and fruit and vegetable plantations. Stops will be made at the Cook Island's Library and Museum to view the artifacts. Following your tour, you will be returned to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Rarotonga signature sights and landmarks on an informative island introduction tour.
• Travel a road that dates back to 1050 AD and pass the most significant ceremonial site on the island.
• Visit the harbor where a great migration from Polynesia to New Zealand departed in 1350 AD.
• Visit inside Cook Islands Library and Museum to browse their extensive collections of cultural artifacts.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.