35-day legendary South Pacific crossing: Tahiti & Honolulu

Your voyage begins in Sydney, Australia. As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Westerdam with a leisurely day at sea.

The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea is a little piece of France in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Before World War II, New Caledonia was a little known and seldom-visited French possession known for its penal colony and its natural resources. (Nickel smelting still plays a major role in the island economy.) Today, travelers are drawn to New Caledonia for its scenic beauty. The island is famed for its white-sand beaches while its barrier reef is the world's second longest. The offshore waters also offer superb diving and snorkeling.In 1774, James Cook thought the island's rugged hills resembled those of his native Scotland. Hence he christened the island New Caledonia. The island and its outlying groups became a French colony in 1854 and an overseas department of France in 1956.

The largest of the Loyalty Islands, Lifou lies some 118 miles to the northwest of New Caledonia. The island is an ancient makatea - a fossilized coral atoll raised high above sea level. Whalers were the first Westerners to visit this Melanesian paradise - though greedy traders lured by the island's aromatic sandalwood trees soon followed. Today's visitors are drawn attracted to the island's spectacular scenery, which ranges from dense tropical forest to dramatic cliffs towering above the crashing waves. Lifou's white-sand beaches are some of the finest to be found in the entire Pacific.Lifou and the other Loyalty Islands are part of New Caledonia, which, like Tahiti, is an overseas province of France. The island is a center of traditional Melanesian culture. Easo is an anchorage port. Guests transfer to shore via ship's tender.

Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, an archipelago of some 83 islands in the Coral Sea. Vanuatu is a new republic, having achieved independence from France and Britain in 1988. Before then the archipelago was better known as the New Hebrides, the name given the islands by Captain Cook. Cloaked in dense rainforest, these volcanic islands were little known until World War II, when the islands of Espiritu Santo and Efate served as Allied bases. Today increasing numbers of travelers visit Vila, drawn by its easy-going charm, superb white-sand beaches and pristine rainforest. The islands are also renowned for their excellent dive sites and for their big game fishing. Vanuatu's visibility on the American scene increased when the CBS television series "Survivor" filmed in the archipelago. Vanuatu is also noted among anthropologist - its island of Tanna is home to the unique "John Frum" cargo cult.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

The Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as "The Cannibal Isles," where mariners carefully avoided its fierce warriors and perfidious waters. Thankfully, Fiji's pagan days live only in the tales recalled by tour guides - in rituals such as fire-walking, Kava Ceremonies and in renditions of tribal drumming, dance and song. Fiji is an exotic destination, with 333 islands that provide an exciting adventure or peaceful repose. The northwest region, where the sun shines almost every day and a tropical shower ends as quickly as it began, is home to the majority of the resorts. Suva, the political, administrative, educational and commercial center, has a backdrop of lush rainforest maintained by the inevitable "tropical downpour." The people of Fiji are the most multiracial and multicultural of all South Pacific island countries - this being reflected in churches of all denominations, mosques, temples and shrines. Built around a reef-protected natural harbor, Suva, with its colonial buildings nestled alongside modern commercial venues, shops and local markets, parks and residential sprawl, is home to nearly half of Fiji's urban population.

The second-largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located in the west, on the island of Viti Levu. It is nicknamed The Sugar City due to its expansive sugarcane plantations producing the island's most important crop. Its soft-sand beaches are fringed with swaying palm and coconut trees reflected in the crystalline turquoise waters. A drive through the city center allows glimpses of tree-lined streets, colonial houses, colorful markets and a vibrant local culture.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Nuku alofa, Tonga.

The International Date Line is an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole through the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the 180th meridian of longitude, and is used to designate the beginning of each calendar day.As you know, each adjacent time zone on the map has an hour time difference. However, at the International Date Line, +12 hours and -12 hours meet, bringing about a 24-hour time change. When your ship crosses to the west it's one day later; if your ship crosses to the east, you've gone back a day.Crossing the International Date Line has long been a rite of passage for sailors, who often must participate in a line-crossing ceremony to become part of the sacred "Order of the Golden Dragon", an honorary naval fraternity.

Continue your voyage aboard Westerdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Considered the second largest island in French Polynesia, Raiatea is situated approximately 120 miles northwest of Tahiti. For the Polynesian "Maohi," ancestor of today's Tahitian, Raiatea was known as "Sacred Havai'i" and was the center of royalty, religion, culture and history. The principal village is Uturoa, with a population of over 10,000. This bustling port town features a colorful market and arts and crafts shops along the waterfront. Raiatea is currently undergoing a renaissance, with special attention being given to preserve the island's rich culture and heritage. Raiatea's importance as both a religious and historical center for all of Polynesia is complemented by a wealth of archaeological sites, tropical scenery and reef fringed lagoons.

A second day in Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia - time to explore at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Bahia d Opunoha, Moorea, French Polynesia.

Papeete, the beating heart of French Polynesia, dances to the rhythm of island life while embracing modernity. Set against the backdrop of Tahiti's emerald mountains and azure waters, this bustling capital city captivates with its fusion of French flair and Polynesian culture.Stroll through its vibrant markets, where the scent of exotic fruits mingles with the melodies of local musicians. Explore the historic sites, like the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Presidential Palace, which reflect the city's colonial past.Papeete's waterfront promenade beckons with its bustling marina, offering glimpses of luxurious yachts and traditional outrigger canoes bobbing in the harbor. Indulge in delectable French-Polynesian cuisine at waterfront cafes and fine dining establishments, where fresh seafood delights the palate.Yet amid the urban buzz, Papeete maintains its connection to nature, with lush parks and gardens providing tranquil retreats. Whether you're soaking up the sun on black sand beaches or immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene, Papeete invites you to experience the enchantment of the South Pacific with a touch of French sophistication.

A second day in Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia - time to explore at your own pace.

Your ship calls at Fakarava, Tuamotu, French Polynesia.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Westerdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Westerdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii - a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforest and volcanic mountains. Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on the planet, soars above the bleak lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In the heart of the Big Island's lush rainforest lies the remote and stunning Wai'po Valley (Valley of the Kings). Hawaii's history matches its incomparable landscape - it is a saga of mighty Polynesian kings, sugar barons, war and treachery.The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin.

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii and to Kona. The Kona Coast is a land of infinite variety, ranging from pristine beaches to rolling uplands that are home to coffee plantations, macadamia groves and the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States. To the southeast lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. And offshore lies a fisherman's paradise. Kona is hailed as "The Billfish Capital of the World," and the town hosts the annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.Twice as large as the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawaii's terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the alpine crags and basalt heights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is the highest point in the Pacific Basin. On Hawaii, the temperature is always a result of elevation.Note: Kona is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.

Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii's state capital and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are two of the city's enduring symbols. Pearl Harbor, site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the "Punchbowl," are haunting reminders of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. Honolulu is also home to the historic Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii's last royals. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches.A draw card to visitors of all ages, from all corners of the globe, Honolulu's appeal ranges from it's magnificent beaches, countless well-stocked shops, tempting restaurants and a multitude of historic, cultural and scenic attractions.

Your ship calls at Kahului, Maui, US.

The fourth largest island in the Hawaiian group, Kauai is known as the "Garden Island." The terrain ranges from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Waialeale and the desert-like beauty of Waimea Canyon to the Wailua River's lush Fern Grotto. Ironically this once isolated island was the site of the first meeting between Europeans and Hawaiians. On January 19, 1778, Captain James Cook anchored his ships off the mouth of the Waimea River, becoming the first in a long line of enthusiastic visitors.Kauai was never conquered by the great warrior King Kamehameha.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Westerdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Westerdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Seattle is a young city with a rich history. Settlers first landed at Alki Point in 1851 and named the area after Sealth, the Suquamish Indian chief who befriended them. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889, "The Emerald City" has a legacy of vision and strength. Seattle has hosted two World's Fairs (1909 and 1962) and is the birthplace of two modern marvels, Boeing and Microsoft. Known for its rainy climate, Seattle actually averages less annual rainfall than many East Coast cities. The mild weather, spectacular natural surroundings and rich cultural diversity attract visitors from around the world. Seattle tours are available to passengers with afternoon flights or an overnight stay in Seattle after their cruise.