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Tour Name : Pearls of Polynesia
Days/Nights : 15 Days / 11 Nights
Region : South Pacific (Australia/New Zealand/Islands)
Ship : MS SPIRIT OF OCEANUS
US Gateway Cruise Only
Arrival Airport Nadi, Fiji
Departure Airport Tahiti
BONUS OFFERING $600

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Day Activity/Description
Day 1
DEPART THE US
Depart the US on your overnight flight to Fiji.
 
Day 2
CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
You’ll lose a day en route as you cross the International Date Line.
 
Day 3
ARRIVE NADI, FIJI * VITI LEVU/BEQA * EMBARK SHIP
A day room awaits you at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Take part in a traditional Kava ceremony and tour the beautiful orchids of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant before boarding the Spirit of Oceanus. BLD
 
Day 4
BEQA, FIJI
Watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a firewalking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters. BLD
 
Day 5
DAY AT SEA
As we cruise between islands, your Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit. BLD
 
Day 6
NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA/CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. If you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. BLD
 
Day 7
SAVAI'I, WESTERN SAMOA
Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rainforests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes. An excursion to the Falealupo Preserve lets you view the most biodiverse part of the rainforest as you stroll along a walkway through the forest canopy. BLD
 
Day 8
APIA
In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years. See the Botanical Garden Reserve and take tea at Aggie Grey’s Hotel, which catered to American soldiers during World War II. BLD
 
Day 9
DAY AT SEA
Enjoy what the ship has to offer in today day at sea. BLD
 
Day 10
PALMERSTON, COOK ISLANDS
This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. Visit with island residents enjoying a barbeque, weather permitting. BLD
 
Day 11
ATIU, COOK ISLANDS
Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why.  Participate in a birding excursion.  You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck; you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished.  Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites. BLD
 
Day 12
DAY AT SEA
Enjoy what the ship has to offer in today day at sea. BLD
 
Day 13
HUAHINE, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll disembark for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where rituals were once performed. BLD
 
Day 14
TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Disembark and enjoy a tour of Tahiti. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in individual dayrooms at your luxury hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. B
 
Day 15
ARRIVE HOME
Your overnight flights arrive today.