Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia     November 17, 2010
Arrive in Papeete and check into your included hotel.

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia     November 18, 2010
Morning at leisure. Prior to embarkation, enjoy a highlight tour of Papeete en route to the ship.

Maupiti     November 20, 2010
Explore the small, isolated island of Maupiti, which mirrors the beauty of Bora Bora. Similar in geography with a barrier reef, lagoon and high central peak, Maupiti occupies just seven square miles. Take a Zodiac through the narrow coral reef pass to visit the small, friendly village of 1,171 islanders. Continue on a three-hour walk to circle the island and see endemic bird species, pristine beaches, a turtle petroglyph and Royal Marae Vaiahu, an ancient Polynesian altar for worship. Or go snorkeling along the interior fringes of the barrier reef. Marvel at brilliant corals and schools of fish. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Palmerston     November 25, 2010
Arrive this afternoon to a welcome ceremony and entertainment by local children. Take a walking tour of this true atoll and hear the intriguing story of its settlement by William Marsters and his three Polynesian wives in 1862. Then go snorkeling in the lagoon rich in fish, shellfish and birds. Enjoy a festive traditional dinner on board this Thanksgiving evening. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Niue Island     November 27, 2010
This morning explore Niue, one of the world’s largest raised coral islands. It has unusual geological features including steep limestone coastal cliffs, a netherworld of caves and fringing coral reef. Start from the town of Alofi and visit several other villages, the Avaiki Cave used for canoe-storage, Matapa Chasm where Niuean kings swam, Anaana Lookout and ancestral burial caves. Go swimming in a coral pool, learn about taro at a plantation and visit Alofi’s Museum and Cultural Center. Cruise onward in the afternoon. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Cross International Dateline     November 28, 2010
In the blink of an eye, lose a calendar day!

Vava'u, Tonga     November 29, 2010
Explore the idyllic Vava’u Group of Tonga with over 50 small islands famed for their white sand beaches, underwater caves, coral reefs and blue lagoons. Start with a 3-hour walking tour of the small capital of Neiafu to see its colorful open-air market, historic Pouono Park and demonstrations of intricate basket-weaving, tapa cloth-making and other handicrafts. Watch a performance of Puataukanave – the Tongan traditional dance. This afternoon take a Zodiac to go snorkeling and swimming off gem-like islets. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Fulaga, Lau Group, Fiji     November 30, 2010

The remote, crescent-shaped island of Fulaga is known for its fine woodcarvers and large outrigger canoes. Go ashore in a Zodiac to visit the village and experience a kava ceremony, where this traditional welcome drink is served in carved wooden bowls. Mingle with villagers and their children, see a “lakalaka” dance and watch demonstrations of traditional activities including Fijian women’s fishing, bure (traditional hut) building, outrigger canoe building and coconut climbing and husking. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Matuku, Laus     December 1, 2010
Enjoy yet another tropical paradise day in Matuku, noted for its lush rainforests and traditional life. Visit a small village and enjoy the local hospitality, surrounded by clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Beqa Island / Suva     December 2, 2010
This morning visit the small Fijian Island of Beqa, known for its famed firewalkers. Watch in amazement as Sawau tribesmen walk over hot stones reaching 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit! Then cruise to the big island of Viti Levu and Suva, Fiji’s capital and largest city. Take an afternoon driving tour of this multi-cultural city, which melds the heritage of Fijian, Indian, Chinese and Pacific islanders. See Suva's bustling marketplace, Albert Park (where Kingsford Smith landed his small aircraft on his epic flight from USA to Australia in 1928), Thurston Botanical gardens, the President's residence and other highlights. Visit the National Fiji Museum and shop at the handcraft center. (Zodiac landing or touring)