South Pacific

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The mysteries and romance associated with the words Bora Bora bring an almost mystical presence to the island; it is arguably the most famous island in the world. Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty. Read more about Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Rarotonga is the emerald jewel of the South Pacific. It lies midway between French Polynesia to the east, and Samoa and Tonga to the west. One of 15 Cook Islands, it is a popular tourist destination. Read more about Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Pago Pago Bay (pronounced "Pango Pango") on the island of Tutuila is the capital of American Samoa, a chain of seven South Pacific isles about 4,000 km south of Hawaii. Due to a massive seaward wall of a volcano collapsing aeons ago and opening to the sea, the harbor is hemmed in by towering mountains. Mt. Read more about Pago Pago, American Samoa

Apia (pop. 37,000), city and capital of Samoa, is located on the northern shore of Upolu Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Samoa (Western Samoa to 1997) consists of two main islands and four smaller islands. Read more about Apia, Samoa

Vava'u, and the other 40 odd islands that make up this stunningly beautiful group, is situated in the north of the Kingdom of the Tongan archipelago in the South Pacific. Despite now being easily accessible, it still remains off the beaten track of mass tourism. Neiafu, the tiny capital on Vava'u, is perched above the Port of Refuge Harbour, a delightful natural harbour regarded by many as one of the most beautiful in the world. Read more about Vava'u, Tonga

Lautoka is situated on the western side of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, and just 20 km north of Nadi. The Fiji archipelago lies just to the western side of the International Date Line. Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city. Read more about Lautoka, Fiji

Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia is located just a couple of hours flight away from Australia’s east coast and is the gateway to the South Pacific archipelago. Noumea is a seaside town known for its beautiful bays, stunning islets and relaxed Melanesian and European culture. The locals closest to the cruise port speak a little english however for the most of Noumea, French is spoken with very little English. Read more about Noumea, New Caledonia

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is also known as the cultural, culinary, and sporting capital of Australia. Set on the Yarra River, the city is home to world-class sporting facilities, museums, galleries and theatres and many revered restaurants. The Central Business District (CBD) has become renowned for its tiny laneways, boutique shopping, street art, and impeccable barista-made coffee. Read more about Melbourne, Australia