Papeete is the center of the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. A wonderful lagoon of crisp, clear water begs to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax and settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life in this Polynesian paradise.

Simply saying the name Bora Bora is usually enough to induce gasps of jealousy, as images of milky blue water, sparkling white beaches and casually leaning palm trees immediately spring to mind. The imagination doesn't lie, either, and if you visit, you’ll soon realise this island is every bit as gorgeous as you ever imagined. Thatched wooden huts stand out over shallow, sparkling seawater, with vivid fish swirling just below. Soak up the sun and relax on Matira Beach. If blissful inactivity doesn't appeal, then get active, and hike the greenery of the sharp Mount Pahia, circle the island by “Le Truck” or go snorkeling with rays and sharks.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Life is laid back on Rarotonga, the most populous of the Cook Islands, but the residents are still an active bunch. Though there are plenty of white sandy beaches on which to laze—and people do, with plenty of napping— locals love to get out and move. Join them in snorkeling, diving, riding—bikes, horses, scooters—fishing, bush walking, and playing squash and tennis. Another popular, if odd, and favorite activity is lining up along the sea wall adjacent to the airport's runway to be jetblasted.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The high, volcanic islands of American Samoa sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire; their cone-shaped mountains rise with abrupt steepness. These islands are stunningly green, the windward hillsides carpeted thickly with coconut palms, breadfruit and mango, while the leeward side is punctuated by steep cliffs. Pago Pago (pronounced Pahngo Pahngo), on the island of Tutuila, boasts one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors that thrusts as a fjordlike arm deep into the land. The harbor was formed when the seaward wall of a volcano collapsed, allowing the sea to rush in. The bay and encircling mountain peaks present spectacular evidence of nature's force and astounding beauty. Introduced to the world in 1722 by a Dutchman, these islands were then visited by English missionaries in 1831; the islanders took to Christianity with enthusiasm. In 1900, in spite of the Germans who controlled Western Samoa, the United States took possession and the U.S. Navy ran American Samoa until 1951. Since then it has been administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior as an Incorporated Territory and thus is a unique part of the United States. Its 50,000 residents are U.S. citizens with equal rights, except for voting in national elections. Pago Pago, along with Fagatogo, is called the Bay Area. It is here where Somerset Maugham's story in his famous novel Rain was set. The story, which was made into a movie with Joan Crawford, was so popular that a hotel was named for the heroine, Sadie Thompson. Today, the former hotel houses a restaurant. The lookout over the harbor and out to sea is stunning, and you can hike up to Mount Alava on what is now National Park Trail. On a clear day, the Manu'a Group and Western Samoa are visible. Back in Pago Pago just below Solo Hill is Maugaoalii, the hill of chiefs, where Government House is located; you may walk around the beautiful grounds or visit the courthouse past the village green. There are a number of good things to do here in the combined town of Pago Pago-Fagatogo; as the island is compressed, it won't take long to accomplish them at a leisurely pace. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Pago Pago Harbor. The town center is within walking distance. Taxis are generally available at the pier. Shopping Shopping is not particularly exciting in American Samoa. There are small Korean, Samoan and American stores that carry items residents need on a daily basis. A limited selection of handicrafts and Samoan T-shirts are also available. The local currency is the U.S. dollar. Cuisine Stone hearth baked foods such as breadfruit, pork, chicken and bananas are available in most villages, while more international fare is available at restaurants in Pago Pago. Other Sites Fono Building Home of the territory's legislature, its architecture combines traditional "fale" construction with modern materials. Naval Guns Hill Located a short distance from the Rainmaker Hotel and requiring a short hike, two guns remain as relics from World War II.

Samoa is proud to be the first independent nation of Polynesia, and home to the largest concentration of full-blooded Polynesians. Some scholars consider Samoa to be the cradle of Polynesia, allowing visitors a look at a traditional Polynesian society that follows the Samoan way of life, or ‘fa’a Samoa’. Located on Upolu Island, Apia is shaded by palms and huge umbrella trees, and has the appearance of a typical South Seas town. Traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs on platforms of coral or concrete, also known as ‘fales’, can be seen everywhere. Nearly all of the population wears the typical local dress; skirts, or ‘lavalavas’ for men, and long, mumu-style dresses for women. The main road skirts the waterfront, and is lined with banks, shops, shipping offices and the typical public market. The focal points of Apia are the Town Clock and a World War II memorial. At the ‘roundabout’, you will most likely see a lavalava-clad policeman directing traffic. Inland, rainforests thrive in mountain areas where heavy rainfall nurtures huge tree ferns and slow-growing, moss-laden hardwoods. Some of the island’s loveliest scenery, including the Falefa Falls and Le Mafa Pass, can be found East of Apia.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

As the Kingdom of Tonga's largest island and capital, Nuku'alofa is the hub of city life, with Tonga's greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also the seat of Tonga's government and the island's historic center, where you'll find the royal palace, the government and business districts, as well as churches, the colorful Central Market, and ancient vestiges of the island's storied past. As Tonga's only deep-water port, Nuku'alofa is also its hub for boat rides and excursions to the many outer islands.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it is Fiji’s only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and the main harbor for woodchips, which can clearly be seen next to the harbor, and sugar. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.