ANTHEM ACROSS THE PACIFIC

Honolulu packs a diverse culture and a laid-back attitude into a setting rich with beauty. Visit Pearl Harbour and tour Iolani Palace – the only former residence of a royal family in the US – to delve deeper into the Hawaiian capital’s unique history. Snorkel Hanauma Bay or hike the iconic Diamond Head volcano to get up close and personal with the natural wonders that keep people coming back year after year. If time allows during your Honolulu cruise, head to nearby Waikiki for a surf; the calm waters are perfect for any experience level.

Papeete is the lively capital of Tahiti – a figure-eight-shaped island formed by the eruption of two volcanoes, it’s become a go-to spot for tropical adventure. A bustling urban centre, Papeete feels more French than anywhere else in Tahiti. Head to the centre of the city to see the vibrant Municipal Market, where you can pick up coffee and chocolate croissants, sample fresh produce or shop for hand-carved Tiki statues. See the waves crash against the volcanic black-sand beach at Plage du Taharuu. Cruise to Tahiti and hike through the verdant jungle at Fautaua Valley – don’t miss the dramatic waterfall that cascades about 300 metres down into a natural pool.

Moorea is the picture-perfect vision of an ideal island paradise. Formed by volcanic activity, this heart-shaped island hidden a few short miles off the Tahiti mainland holds beaches that look out to the brightest blue waters you can imagine, and the soaring green peaks of the mountains here are the stuff of legend. Head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance. Hike up to Belvedere Lookout for views of famous Cook’s Bay and volcanic Mount Tohivea. Go snorkelling in the lagoon at Opunohu Bay, or check out the Moorea Dolphin Center to get up-close-and-personal with nature’s cutest, most intelligent sea creatures.

Known as French Polynesia’s best-kept secret, this dreamy paradise has a warm and hospitable culture that is pristine and untouched by mass tourism. While its sister island, Tahaa, is internationally renowned for its vanilla, Raiatea is recognised as the region’s cultural and historical centre – local folklore describes it as the birthplace of the Polynesian gods. In the Tahitian language ‘ra’iatea’ means ‘bright sky’, but for you it will mean bright sky, neon blue seas, awe-inspiring coral reefs and the romantic sound of the French language.

The International Date Line is the meridian that separates two consecutive calendar days. Of course, since the line is mainly across open ocean, you cant see it. But without the IDL, if you cruised west around the planet youd discover that when you returned home, it would seem as though an extra day had passed. This situation actually happened to Magellans crew when they returned home after their circumnavigation of the earth. If your cruise should take you across this imaginary line, our staff will let you know the exact time one day turns into another – just in case you want to celebrate.

It’s hobbit enthusiast’s dream come true in Tauranga. This town on the Bay of Plenty, perched on New Zealand’s North Island, is just a short trek from the rolling hills of Waikato — this is where you’ll find Hobbiton, the location that served as the Shire in the uber-popular “Lord of the Rings” movies. But the fantastic findings of Tauranga don’t end there. Cruise to Tauranga and hike to the summit of nearby Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano that offers panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean below. Or take the one-hour drive to Rotorua, a geothermal fairyland where you can soak in the rejuvenating waters of the natural hot springs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.