Scenic Polynesia, Hawaii & New Zealand

Along with Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, Manzanillo is one of the three most popular resorts on the Mexican Riviera, and for good reason too. Where land meets the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, beautiful golden sand beaches await those who visit simply to make the most of the region’s gloriously warm sunshine, while the surrounding jungle-smothered, mountainous landscapes beg for exploration by the more adventurous.

There’s more to Manzanillo than its beaches and natural beauty though. Divert away from the picturesque coast and into the city and you’re in for a very different, but no less rewarding experience. The downtown area of the city, while retaining a tranquil, laidback feel, is a busy commercial and cultural hub, buzzing with the energy of local life. Amongst the typically Mexican scenes of plazas, little streets and colonial-style architecture, you’ll find there are plenty of family-run restaurants, bars and shops offering an authentic taste of the Manzanillo.

Part of Mexico’s Revillagigedo archipelago, San Benedicto and Sorocco Island are two imposing volcanic lands of ash smothered valleys, dramatic peaks and craggy cliff faces, providing incredible views to take in from the comfort of your smaller-sized ship.

But while the lava-formed landscapes of San Benedicto and Sorocco are truly impressive, the islands are actually better known for the waters that surround them, as they’re a haven for various species of marine life. Divers and snorkelers flock to explore the fauna-rich capes and guyots to go in search of manta rays, sharks, dolphins, tropical fish and much more; be sure to keep your eyes on the waters as you sail by, you never know what you might spot!

For those whose thoughts of Hawaii invoke dreams of paradise beaches and laidback life, Honolulu – with it’s skyscrapers, office blocks and commercial districts – may come as a bit of a surprise. The state’s cosmopolitan capital, Honolulu is at the very heart of Hawaii’s industry and commerce, and in some ways is typical of many U.S cities.

That is not to say that visitors should be disappointed by Honolulu though, far from it. This is Hawaii after all, and so this bustling city is of course situated amongst some of the most spectacular scenery you could ever wish to discover. Where the Pacific Ocean laps the shore, mile-upon-mile of warm, inviting sands – encompassing the world-famous Waikiki Beach – provide an escape from the hustle and bustle, while views of surrounding volcanic peaks such as Diamond Head and lush forested landscapes entice you into exploring magical Oahu Island further.

Within the city itself, there are plenty of authentically Hawaiian experiences to be had; you can wander through the fascinating Chinatown, following in the footsteps of 19^th century whalers and immigrant traders, take in landmarks such as Aloha Tower and impressive Victorian-era buildings, and meet the locals at the world’s largest open-air shopping centre. You’ll find museums and galleries aplenty too, while the iconic Pearl Harbour Memorial is also within reach.

Quintessentially Hawaiian, gorgeous Lahaina blends a mix of history, beauty and modern-day delights, creating a wonderfully charming, and rewarding, destination for any visitor to breathtaking Maui Island. Situated on Maui’s picturesque west coast, the town was once Hawaii’s capital and an important part of the whaling boom in the 1800s. Now, while the days of whale trading are long gone, Lahaina remains a symbol of the past and features on the U.S Register of Historic Places.

With every turn, especially within ‘Old Lahina’, you really get a feel for the history here, as around 55 acres of the town are designated historic districts. It’s all easily explored on foot, with highlights aplenty to discover; take a stroll along lively Front Streets, one of America’s ‘Top Ten Greatest Streets’, and see sights such as the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Hale Paahao (Lahaina Prison), the Pioneer Inn on the historic trail.

Aside from its attractions from centuries past, Lahaina also offers a taste of authentic island culture and beauty – as you might expect from somewhere found in one of the world’s most spectacular archipelagos. You can immerse yourself in Maui’s way of life, tasting locally grown and sourced produce at Lahaina’ fine restaurants; catch performance of traditional dance and music at a seaside luau; head out for a volcanic hiking adventure; or simply indulge in pure relaxation at the dream-like beaches.  

Situated on the island’s northeastern shore, Hilo is the gateway to some of the most spectacular, dramatic and untouched scenery found anywhere on Hawaii. Visiting this vibrant town puts you within easy reach of the volcanic wonders of the Kohala Coast, blessed with an array of astonishing natural landmarks that astound you at every turn, from cascading waterfalls and towering peaks, to fertile rainforests and blooming, fragrant gardens.

There’s rich history to this particular part of Hawaii too; Hilo itself was once a busy farming and fishing hub, and museums such as the Lyman Museum tell fascinating tales of the town’s past. Speaking of museums, a must-visit attraction is the Pacific Tsunami Museum, which offers an emotive insight into the the terrifying tsunamis that nearly swallowed Hilo many years ago. Meanwhile, you can enjoy an authentic taste of local culture at the East Hawaii Cultural Centre, and amongst the hustle and bustle of the Farmer’s Market. To sample local food and drink, be sure to stop by the many bars and restaurants.

Raiatea, which translates to ‘faraway heaven’, certainly lives up to its name. The island boasts breathtaking scenes of lush jungle interiors, volcanic peaks – including 3337ft-high Mount Tafatua and Mount Olympus, where rare and scared Tiare Apetati flowers grow – and extensive coastal lagoons offering stunning seascapes of azure blue waters and coral reefs teeming with colourful flora and fauna.

Beyond the island’s abundant beauty, Raiatea is also rich with cultural and historical importance. It’s believed to be the original birthplace of Polynesia, and where the great Polynesian migration to Hawaii and New Zealand began many centuries ago. Today the island is a pilgrimage for those who wish to retrace the historic steps of their ancestors.

Amongst the awe-inspiring landscapes, many fascinating historical and archaeological treasures await discovery, including Marae Taputapuatea – the largest outdoor temple in French Polynesia – and Hauviri Marae, home of the famous Te-papa-tea-ia-ruea sacred stone.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Its very name conjures up images of Gauguin paintings, palm trees, golden beaches and blue seas, and this near-perfect Polynesian island does not disappoint.

The bustling city of Papeete is home to the world’s only Pearl Museum, which traces the history and mythology of pearls, and has many examples of black, white and pink pearls on view. The town’s fine buildings include a number of interesting religious buildings: the red spire-topped, 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral plays an important part in Tahitian society.

Beside the port, the busy Place Vai’ete fills with food carts (roulottes) in the evenings, while the large Le Marché de Papeete is a favourite daily market. Le Marché, at the heart of the city, is packed with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, oils and scented soaps, jams and pickles, clothing, hats, bags and shell necklaces. Spread out over two floors, the sumptuous displays of flowers – Tahitian homes are considered incomplete without flowers everywhere – simply have to be seen to be believed.

French Polynesia is comprised of over 100 islands and atolls, with Tahiti possibly being the most famous thanks to its soaring peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and stunning vistas. The array of natural treasures includes the Faarumai Waterfalls and spring garden of Vaipahi.

The small South Pacific island of Bora Bora to the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a special kind of paradise. This popular resort destination is surrounded by sand-fringed motu (islets) and a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef. With incredible sandy beaches that stretch on forever, grand palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and turquoise waters filled with turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish, many visitors find it hard to describe the magic that emanates from this island.

A haven for scuba divers, one of Bora Bora’s more unusual sites are the ‘bungalows’ perched over the water on stilts. Since water is a way of life here, popular lagoon excursions include snorkelling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing and jet skiing.  

At the island's centre the extinct volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu tower over the whole island, the latter rising to a height of 727m.

The International Date Line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and distinguishes the change of one calendar day to the next, passing through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, roughly following the 180° line of longitude, and is exactly halfway round the planet from Greenwich, London.

So, for guests sailing West on their World Cruise, it will result in a 'Lost Day', due to location of this imaginary line, and so it follows that for guests sailing East, it results in a day gained.

Founded in 1840 by British settlers on a Maori site, Auckland is a cosmopolitan city with a large Polynesian population. Situated within two large harbours, the City of Sails is a major city on New Zealand’s North Island. 

The iconic Sky Tower underlines the city’s prosperity and self-confidence, and offers fabulous views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of millionaire yachts and lined with cafes and bars. Indeed, Auckland boasts more boats per head than any other city in the world.

The port is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, which are perfect for wild adventures. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Winter gardens. Dense rainforests, beautiful black-sand beaches and pretty bays add to the natural beauty of the place, and Mission Bay Beach, near the downtown area, has a wonderful seaside promenade.

With its glittering high-rise developments and a delightful pier-side area brimming with tempting shops and restaurants, this modern metropolis is a joy to explore.

Situated at the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, Picton is an ideal gateway between the north and south islands. But this charming little coastal township is much more than a stop-off point for tourists and travellers, it’s a destination worth visiting, exploring and enjoying in its own right.

Nestled within Shakespeare Bay, peaceful Picton is surrounded by beautifully scenic landscapes of rolling forested hills and valleys, and turquoise waters that beg for exploration. There are spectacular walking trails, passing through coastal forests, sandy bays and peaks that present superb views of Picton and across glorious waterways nearby, while you could opt to take to the Marlborough Sounds by boat in search of native marine life. The sounds are alive with dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, penguins, various seabird species, and much more.

From Picton, the Marlborough wine region – famous for its delicious Sauvignon Blanc – is within reach too; on tour, you can visit one of the local vineyards to learn about the local tipples, how they’re produced, and of course sample some of the finest wines at source.

Located deep within New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Dusky Sound was discovered by Captain Cook in 1773 and is one of the country’s longest, most picturesque and – with no direct road access – one of the most remote fjords. Surrounded by huge mountains, tall sea cliffs and lush flora, Dusky Sound doesn’t just look incredible, but it also serves as an important breeding ground for a diverse range of birds, especially Fiordland Penguins, which are often spotted on the shore.

Within the mesmeric still waters, varied species of seal are often spotted too - as well as dolphins and whales – so be sure to have your binoculars and camera at the ready as you glide through one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.

Despite its name, Doubtful Sound isn’t actually a sound at all. It’s actually a very large, very beautiful fjord, one that offers incredible mountain scenery, glass-like crystal clear waters and several stunning waterfalls to gaze in awe at.

The most impressive of all the sights within the fjord are arguably Helena Falls – an incredible 600 metre waterfall that crashes down into the fjord below – and the imposing Secretary Island – the largest island of a beautiful archipelago at the ‘sea-end’ of the fjord.

Be sure to keep an eye out for native bottlenose dolphins as they swim and play in the glorious fjord waters surrounding the ship, as well as fur seals, penguins and if you’re lucky, several whale species.

This really is more than just a port of call, as the wonderful scenery has earned this region of New Zealand a reputation as a significant sightseeing destination for anyone travelling to this part of the world. James Hingston described it perfectly in 1883 - "For thousands of feet upwards the eye looks upon straight cut rocky frontages, not worn smooth by time, or by wind or water, but as sharply defined and as fresh looking in all respects as if riven asunder but yesterday by the stupendous wedges of Titanic Masons.“

Sydney, Australia is one of the world's most exciting, must-see modern cities. Home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House – two of the most iconic cityscapes on Earth – the capital of New South Wales has a visual wow factor that most other cities can only dream of.

Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline that surrounds it, Sydney is a timeless, cosmopolitan metropolis that is easy to fall in love with. The imposing Darling Harbour, plus the smaller Circular Quay Port are the hubs of waterside life, with the revered Royal Botanic Garden nearby. For the more adventurous, Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Compared with its Australian counterparts, Sydney is loud and brash. It has glamour and casualness in equal measure: there is a balance between the beach culture found on Bondi Beach and the fine dining and vibrant nightlife found in Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Museums and memorials abound and include The Australian Museum, which opened in 1857 with the purpose of displaying the natural wealth of the colony, and the modern Museum of Sydney, which details the city's development. The Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park is a public memorial dedicated to the achievement of Australia's armed forces in World War I.

The neoclassical Greek frontage of the NSW Art Gallery underlines the prominent and gregarious role art has in Sydney society. Major international exhibitions regularly arrive here and there's an outstanding permanent collection of indigenous art. And everything that’s best in contemporary Australian cuisine can be found at Circular Quay and The Rocks.

For those wanting to escape the city and go off the beaten path, the spectacular Blue Mountain or the Australian Bush offer spectacular sights and experiences. Sydney Harbour National Park protects large swathes of bushland, while Botany Bay’s history and connection to Britain is a big draw.