35-day Indonesia, New Guinea & cultures of oceania

Your voyage begins in Darwin, Australia. Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the "Top End" - the remote, vast Northern Territory. Home to more than half of the territory's population, the city reflects the rugged endurance and individualism required to survive the Outback. Darwin also boasts a colorful history to add to that heritage. During World War II the Japanese bombed the city and threatened invasion. In 1974, Cyclone Tracy cut a destructive swath through the region. In addition, man-eating crocodiles, tropical monsoons, searing heat and bush fires that burn for weeks are all part of everyday life.Locals in the Top End consume over 60 gallons of beer a year. All those empties don't go to waste: Each year Darwin residents compete in the Beer Can Regatta, a race with boats, rafts and other vessels manufactured out of beer cans.

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

Your ship calls at Ambon, Indonesia.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Pursuit with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Kokas, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Misool, Yapap Lagoon, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Yenwaupnor, Gam Island, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Mansuar Island, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Manokwari, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Exploring Cenderawasih Bay (Day 1), Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Exploring Cenderawasih Bay (Day 2), Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Jayapura, Papua Indonesia, Indonesia.

Your ship calls at Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

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

Your ship calls at Garove Island, Papua New Guinea.

Your ship calls at Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea.

The former capital of New Britain has a history of destruction and resurrection - the city rebuilt after a massive 1937 volcanic eruption only to be destroyed by Allied bombing in World War II. In 1994, the eruption of Mt. Tavurvur dropped hot ash and rock on Rabaul, leading to its partial abandonment. Since that cataclysm, the city has slowly returned to life - hotels have resumed operating, the market continues to trade, and the harbor remains one of the most impressive in the entire Pacific basin.During World War II, Rabaul served as a forward operating base for the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. Allied bombing forced the Japanese defenders underground, into a complex system of bunkers and tunnels on the Gazelle Peninsula.

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

Your ship calls at Ghizo Island, Solomon Islands.

Your ship calls at Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Pursuit with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Vanikoro, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands.

Your ship calls at Ambrym, Vanuatu.

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

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.

Your ship calls at Kadavu, Fiji.

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

Your ship calls at Vava u, Tonga.

Your ship calls at Nukupule Island, Ha'apai Group, Tonga.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Pursuit with a leisurely day at sea.

The first Polynesians arrived in Western Samoa around 1000 B.C. Three millennia later, the islands formed one of the last bastions of traditional Polynesian culture. Apia, the capital of Western or Independent Samoa, is a city of 40,000 on the island of Upolu. Its picturesque waterfront is lined with public buildings, shops and trading companies. The town now comprises of modern 3-5 story buildings all along the waterfront. Government has built some very modern buildings to house most of the government offices. The village settings can only be seen in the outskirts of town within a radius of 15 miles. Western Samoa has long lured Westerners to its islands. The most famous expatriate of all was Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived at Vailima, and was buried near the summit of Mt. Vaea.Dress in light, comfortable clothing when visiting Apia. The dress code is quite casual. Shorts are appropriate for men. Dress for women is more conservative. The local women wear long skirts, dresses, lava lavas or muumuus.

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.

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

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

Your ship calls at Aitutaki, Cook Islands.

Continue your voyage aboard Seabourn Pursuit with a leisurely day at sea.

Your ship calls at Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia.

Your ship calls at Maroe Bay, Huahine Iti, 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.