Sailings
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Date Date Location Location Arrival Arrival Departure Departure
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Sun, Jan 04, 2026 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US (BOARDING TIME TO BE ASSIGNED) -- 4:00 pmMon, Jan 05, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Jan 06, 2026 AT SEA -- --Wed, Jan 07, 2026 AT SEA -- --Thu, Jan 08, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Jan 09, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sat, Jan 10, 2026 HONOLULU, HAWAII, US (OVERNIGHT) 7:00 am --Sun, Jan 11, 2026 HONOLULU, HAWAII, US -- 9:00 pmMon, Jan 12, 2026 KONA, HAWAII, US (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 6:00 pmTue, Jan 13, 2026 KAHULUI, MAUI, US 8:00 am 6:00 pmWed, Jan 14, 2026 AT SEA -- --Thu, Jan 15, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Jan 16, 2026 CROSSING THE EQUATOR (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Sat, Jan 17, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Jan 18, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Jan 19, 2026 PAGO PAGO, TUTUILA, AMERICAN SAMOA 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Jan 20, 2026 CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATELINE (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Wed, Jan 21, 2026 APIA, UPOLO, SAMOA 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Jan 22, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Jan 23, 2026 SAVUSAVU, VANUA LEVI, FIJI (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Jan 24, 2026 SUVA, VITI LEVU, FIJI ISLANDS 8:00 am 6:00 pmSun, Jan 25, 2026 LAUTOKA, FIJI 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Jan 26, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Jan 27, 2026 EASO, LIFOU, NEW CALEDONIA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED TIME SUBJECT TO DAYLIGHT HOURS) 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Jan 28, 2026 NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Jan 29, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Jan 30, 2026 PORT VILA, VANUATU 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Jan 31, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Feb 01, 2026 HONIARA, GUADALCANAL, SOLOMON ISLAN 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Feb 02, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Feb 03, 2026 RABAUL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQUIRED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Feb 04, 2026 AT SEA -- --Thu, Feb 05, 2026 ALOTAU, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQUIRED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmFri, Feb 06, 2026 KIRIWINA ISLAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQUIRED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Feb 07, 2026 CONFLICT ISLANDS (PANAWAL GROUP), P (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQUIRED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Feb 08, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Feb 09, 2026 CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA (TIMES SUBJECT TO TIDAL COND VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Feb 10, 2026 AT SEA (GREAT BARRIER REEF) (CRUISING ONLY ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE WEATHER,PERMISSIONS PERMITTING) -- --Tue, Feb 10, 2026 THE RIBBON REEF REGION (CRUISING ONLY ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE WEATHER,PERMISSIONS PERMITTING) -- --Wed, Feb 11, 2026 AT SEA (GREAT BARRIER REEF) (CRUISING ONLY ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE WEATHER,PERMISSIONS PERMITTING) -- --Wed, Feb 11, 2026 THE FAR NORTH REGION (CRUISING ONLY ROUTE SUBJECT TO WEATHER/ICE WEATHER,PERMISSIONS PERMITTING) -- --Thu, Feb 12, 2026 SCENIC CRUISING TORRES STRAIT (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Fri, Feb 13, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sat, Feb 14, 2026 DARWIN, AUSTRALIA (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Feb 15, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Feb 16, 2026 BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALI (TIMES SUBJECT TO TIDAL COND VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Feb 17, 2026 AT SEA -- --Wed, Feb 18, 2026 EXMOUTH, AUSTRALIA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Feb 19, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Feb 20, 2026 FREMANTLE (PERTH), AUSTRALIA (OVERNIGHT VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am --Sat, Feb 21, 2026 FREMANTLE (PERTH), AUSTRALIA (VISA REQ FOR SOME) -- 5:00 pmSun, Feb 22, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Feb 23, 2026 ALBANY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALI (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmTue, Feb 24, 2026 AT SEA -- --Wed, Feb 25, 2026 AT SEA -- --Thu, Feb 26, 2026 ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALI (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 11:00 pmFri, Feb 27, 2026 PENNESHAW, KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRAL (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 6:00 pmSat, Feb 28, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Mar 01, 2026 MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Mar 02, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Mar 03, 2026 HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA (OVERNIGHT VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am --Wed, Mar 04, 2026 HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA (VISA REQ FOR SOME) -- 5:00 amWed, Mar 04, 2026 PORT ARTHUR, AUSTRALIA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED VISA REQ FOR SOME) 9:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Mar 05, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Mar 06, 2026 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (OVERNIGHT TIMES SUBJECT TO TIDAL COND VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am --Sat, Mar 07, 2026 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (TIMES SUBJECT TO TIDAL COND VISA REQ FOR SOME) -- 5:00 pmSun, Mar 08, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Mar 09, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Mar 10, 2026 MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND (CRUISING ONLY SHORE EXCURSION GUESTS ONLY) 7:00 am 8:00 amTue, Mar 10, 2026 CRUISING FIORDLAND NATL PARK (CRUISING ONLY TIMES SUBJECT TO WEATHER COND) -- --Wed, Mar 11, 2026 PORT CHALMERS (DUNEDIN), NEW ZEALAN (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 7:00 am 6:00 pmThu, Mar 12, 2026 TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 7:00 am 3:00 pmFri, Mar 13, 2026 WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am 5:00 pmSat, Mar 14, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Mar 15, 2026 TAURANGA (ROTORUA), NEW ZEALAND (TIMES SUBJECT TO TIDAL COND VISA REQ FOR SOME) 7:00 am 7:00 pmMon, Mar 16, 2026 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (OVERNIGHT VISA REQ FOR SOME) 8:00 am --Tue, Mar 17, 2026 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (VISA REQ FOR SOME) -- 5:00 pmWed, Mar 18, 2026 WAITANGI (BAY OF ISLANDS), NEW ZEAL (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmThu, Mar 19, 2026 AT SEA -- --Fri, Mar 20, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sat, Mar 21, 2026 NUKU ALOFA, TONGA 8:00 am 5:00 pmSun, Mar 22, 2026 CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATELINE (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Sun, Mar 22, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Mar 23, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Mar 24, 2026 PAPEETE, FRENCH POLYNESIA (OVERNIGHT) 8:00 am --Wed, Mar 25, 2026 PAPEETE, FRENCH POLYNESIA -- 4:00 amWed, Mar 25, 2026 BAHIA D OPUNOHA, MOOREA, FRENCH POL (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 9:00 am 10:00 pmThu, Mar 26, 2026 RAIATEA, SOCIETY ISLANDS, FRENCH PO 8:00 am 11:00 pmFri, Mar 27, 2026 HUAHINE, FRENCH POLYNESIA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 11:00 pmSat, Mar 28, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Mar 29, 2026 FAKARAVA, TUAMOTU, FRENCH POLYNESIA (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmMon, Mar 30, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Mar 31, 2026 TAIOHAE, NUKU HIVA, FRENCH POLYNESI (TENDER REQUIRED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED) 8:00 am 5:00 pmWed, Apr 01, 2026 AT SEA -- --Thu, Apr 02, 2026 CROSSING THE EQUATOR (CRUISING ONLY) -- --Fri, Apr 03, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sat, Apr 04, 2026 AT SEA -- --Sun, Apr 05, 2026 AT SEA -- --Mon, Apr 06, 2026 AT SEA -- --Tue, Apr 07, 2026 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US 7:00 am --
Port
Arrival Port
Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her decor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy cooking shows and hands-on workshops with America's Test Kitchen. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of our fine dining venues.
Crow's Nest
Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.
Explorer's Lounge
The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.
Mix
Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. Explore Mix for Champagne, Martinis, and Spirits and Ales.
Ocean Bar
Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.
BBC Earth In Concert
We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.
Casino Action
Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.
World Stage
Showcasing music, song, dance, comedy and more, the World Stage presents a myriad of performances and presentations to entertain and inform throughout your voyage.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate
During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.
Club HAL
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
Fitness
Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.
Onboard Shopping
Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Sophia Fiori.
Movies On Board
Screening nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships) are recent-release films and perennially popular classics. You can also watch movies any time in your stateroom or suite. And aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, watch your favorite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
Onboard Shopping
Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Mirabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Sophia Fiori.
Fitness
Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.
Club HAL
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Club HAL is offered on board all ships except for ms Maasdam.
Casino
Your Holland America Line ship's Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction - and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.
BBC Earth Experiences
We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
Pinnacle Grill
Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day’s adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America’s Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared—from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world.
*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.
Canaletto
In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!
Dive-in
Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.
Explorations Cafe
At Explorations Café, presented by The New York Times, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. In-Room Dining is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.
The Dining Room
For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council, an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.
Lido Market
Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.
Pinnacle Grill
Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day's adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America's Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared-from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State's Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. *Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids' menu.
Canaletto
In Italy, there's nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisu, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Buon appetito! Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!
Dive-In
Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan's Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.
Explorations Cafe
At Explorations Cafe, presented by The New York Times, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entree any time. In-Room Dining is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.
- Entered Service: 2004
- Ship's Registry: The Netherlands
- Passengers capacity: 1,432
- Gross Tonnage: 61,396 grt.
- Length: 781 feet
- Beam: 105.8 feet
- Maximum speed: 24 knots
Please note: Stateroom images and features are samples only. Actual furniture, fixtures, colors, configurations and window/porthole views may vary.
Sports Deck
Blessed with a sunny climate and a fine natural harbor, San Diego has grown from a Spanish mission into a thriving town. With two universities, a world-class zoo and safari park, the famous Hotel Del Coronado and the museums and attractions of Balboa Park, it's well worth exploring.
Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor - these names evoke feeling of magic, mystery, drama and history, and they are all located in Honolulu. The capital of Hawaii, this city not only offers some of the best beaches along side big-city skyscrapers, there are also parks, fabulous shopping, the only royal palace in America, the Arizona Memorial in the harbor at Pearl City, the Polynesian Cultural Center and more.
Located on the leeward side of the Big Island and best known for its coffee, Kona was once the playground of Hawaii's royalty. You can visit both coffee and macadamia nut plantations, Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cook first landed (and was later murdered) in 1779, and The Sacred City of Refuge, a haven for ancient lawbreakers. Or Parker Ranch, the largest cattle ranch in the world, with over a quarter of a million acres.
Located on the north side of Maui, known as the Valley Island, Kahului is the principal seaport and the best "jumping off point" for this island's attractions. You may visit the old provincial town of Wailuka and its museum; or the Valley of the Kings, with its towering rock monolith, Iao Needle -- dramatic, beautiful and isolated. You'll also find fabulous beaches and resorts, and Lahaina, an old whaling town and the first capital of the islands. Maui also boasts the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a verdant chain of seven South Pacific isles 2600 miles south of Hawaii. Populated for over 2,500 years, many experts believe this is the birthplace of Polynesian culture. The people of American Samoa are gracious and hospitable and value their traditional ways. You'll witness village life first-hand as you tour this lush, mountainous island.
After years of wandering the south seas, Robert Louis Stevenson chose this paradise as his home. If you like, visit his house and Aggie Grey's hotel. After touring the island, you'll come to understand why the Reverend John Williams, the first European to visit Apia, dubbed Samoa the "Friendly Islands."
Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.
...Lautoka has countless natural treasures and unmolested habitats that are simply glorious... Sugar is the official crop of Lautoka, and September is the best time of the year to visit, as the entire town celebrates the enchanting Sugar Festival...
A French owned country.
Right on the south coast of the Efate Island is the capital city of Vanuatu. Port Vila holds the status of being the nation's center for economic and commercial wise. This town possesses this country's vital harbor and airport. The Bauerfield International Airport is located in Port Vila. This airport assists as the center for Air Vanuatu, Vanuatu's international airline.
Port Vila takes pride in their Cultural Centre that consists of collections of the most comprising artifacts in the South Pacific. This beautiful city also contains European-style restaurants and cafes, which is also a hot shot for visitors as well as locals. Port Villa is also the core for the upcoming diving scene, sparkling beaches, and resorts situated around the city, all less than 1 hr away.
Our visitors are known to spend their afternoons relaxing swim, snorkeling, and scuba diving or finishing in our well known sparkling waters. The activities that this city includes are virtually endless. One of the nightly activities consist of the most courageous adventures of our visitors gather for a shell of kava, South Pacific drink, variety of mind blowing forms of alcohol, and the natives all time favorites.
The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.
Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.
Tiny Broome sits in the windswept "Far Corner" of western Australia, on the scenic, arid shores of the Indian Ocean. It became famous early in the century for its pearls and mother of pearl, some of Australia's finest. Pearls are still important here, but tourist attractions -- including the dramatic pearl fishermen's cemetery, and superb ten-mile-long Cable Beach - are Broome's greatest wealth.
Exmouth is a popular tourist destination because of it's year round fishing and beach weather, not to mention the great diving conditions. Some of the world's finest and most accessible coral reef exploration can be done here. This is because Exmouth is situated alongside the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. While there, you may have the opportunity to see a whale shark.
Fremantle is a busy commercial cargo port on the southwestern shore of Western Australia. This sheltered, all weather port has two active harbors in operation. The Inner Harbor was opened on May 4 1897 and is located at the mouth of the Swan River adjacent to the historic City of Fremantle. The Outer Harbor, opened on January 11, 1955, is a deepwater bulk port located 20 kilometers south of the inner harbor on the Cockburn Sound. It was specifically developed to service the Kwinana industrial area that expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 70s.
Albany, Australia is home to the first deepwater port in Western Australia, Princess Royal Harbor, which happens to be the largest natural harbor on the entire south coast of the Australia mainland outside of Melbourne. Albany has become popular with retirees, with inhabitants enjoying the fresh air, clean beaches, and fine views over the Southern Ocean, while still proving a thriving regional center. Albany's many industries consist of tourism, fishing and agriculture. In addition to the quality of life the residence enjoy, Albany is a clean power society. The Western Power Wind Farm provides 75% of the town's electricity usage with its 12 turbines driven by the strong southerly winds.
The city of Adelaide is sophisticated and cosmopolitan with a population in the millions. Pride in its heritage and traditional values are prevalent here. There is also a comfort and convenience about Adelaide that is rarely found in cities of its size. The streets contain many lively cafes and restaurants that reflect the huge diversity of its ethnic communities. Visitors of all nations can feel at home here.
Australia's "Garden City" rejoices in its greenery, from the Fitzroy Gardens to the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens. Hiding behind the sky-scrapers along the Yarra River are the graceful 19th-century mansions of the city's Gold Rush years. Sample one of the sixty different international cuisines, which make Melbourne the food capital of Australia.
Located on the island of Tasmania and Australia's second-oldest city, Hobart is famous for its Georgian buildings, picturesque harbor, and fine galleries and gardens. Nearby are the ghostly ruins of Port Arthur, the infamous penal colony, with its Isle of the Dead cemetery. Or, visit one of the perfectly preserved colonial villages nearby.
Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.
Milford Sound is simply stunning. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze and uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture. Whatever the fiord's mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
Dunedin is a little sliver of Scotland, set on the tropical shores of New Zealand's South Island. Founded by Scottish emigrants in 1848, Dunedin (the Gaelic name for Edinburgh) has fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture, including the Olveston stately home and majestic Larnach Castle--as well as New Zealand's only scotch distillery and kilt shop!
...exquisite architecture, great museums, and fabulous dining establishments.The accommodations and amenities in Wellington are superb, and during the summer there are many hot beach spots...
...It is no wonder why the region has become so popular, as it is safe, exciting, diverse, and warm.From touring in a four-wheel drive vehicle through the hills to swimming with the dolphins, Tauranga has it all.The hot springs are glorious, and you could spend an entire day and night lounging in the bubbling saltwater pools.They are truly magnificent, as are the restaurants and accommodations in Tauranga...
New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.
The Kingdom of Tonga is the oldest, and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. See the place where Captain Cook landed in 1777, along with the now huge tree that was planted on that occasion. Visit the ancient tombs of Tongan kings. Then view local crafts at the Tongan National Centre.
The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.
Part of the Society Islands of Polynesia, North West of Tahiti.
Port of the Society Islands of Polynesia.
Less visited than the other Society Islands, Huahine maintains more of the traditional pace of life. There are ancient fares (temples) to explore, vanilla plantations to view or drives into the hinterlands in 4-wheel-drive-vans. The coral reefs offshore are excellent for snorkeling.