Coral Seas Discovery Cruise

Day 1 - Auckland

Arrive: Tue 03 February 2026 / Depart: Tue 03 February 2026 at 18:30

Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water. The central part of urban Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean. In addition, Auckland's diverse geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle regularly ranked in the world's top ten. A half hour drive from the city there is an abundance of activities: sailing to a secluded island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or exploring a black sand beach.

Day 2 - Bay of Islands

Arrive: Wed 04 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 04 February 2026 at 18:00

Travel writers from Rudyard Kipling to James Michener have been awed and inspired by New Zealand's abundant natural wonders. The Bay of Islands, a graceful fusion of land and sea studded with over 150 islands, is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. For some visitors it's the scenery - broad vistas of sky and sea blended with wooded islands. For others it's the beaches, boating, and water sports. Some savor its historic sites. Residents treasure its unhurried pace, its balmy climate, and its serenity. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands is a microcosm of early New Zealand history, with ties to the Maoris, whalers, missionaries, and early settlers. According to Maori legend, the great Polynesian explorer Kupe visited the Bay in the 10th century. Captain Cook, anchoring here in 1769, bestowed the simple name that captures its unpretentious charm.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Dravuni, Fiji Islands

Arrive: Sun 08 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 08 February 2026 at 18:00

A call at this tiny (less than one square mile) island set in the midst of the Great Astrolabe Reef in the South Pacific is a rare opportunity to see what life is like for many Fijians. The island is home to fewer than 200 souls, who are uniformly friendly and welcoming. Although the island has a volcanic core, it is mostly made up of, and is a part of a coral atoll, surrounded by living reefs. When your ship arrives, much of the population will be round about the island jetty to greet you and offer all manner of goods and services, from colorful wrap-around pareus waving like flags in the fresh breeze to a chance to have a brilliantly colored parrot perch briefly on your shoulder for a picture. The local primary school is one of the island’s most imposing structures, and its inmates are as charming as can be imagined. An easy path leads up to the island’s highest peak, which is less than 150 feet in altitude, but offers breathtaking views. Snorkeling is likewise spectacular on the surrounding reefs. The island is also home to a research station of the University of the South Pacific.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Nuku 'Alofa

Arrive: Tue 10 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 10 February 2026 at 18:00

The capital of Tonga is on Tongatapu, its largest island. Learn about the history and heritage of the Tongans at the Tonga Cultural Centre, a complex of traditional buildings holding museums and artisans workshops where traditional crafts are made. In the nearby village of Mu’a, see the marvelously crafted stone tombs of Tongan kings from the past.

Day 9 - Cross International Dateline

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Arutanga, Cook Islands

Arrive: Fri 13 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 13 February 2026 at 18:00

Aitutaki is the second largest of the Cook Islands, a “semi-atoll” consisting of a volcanic main island and a series of coral atolls, uninhabited motus and barrier reefs enclosing a spectacularly turquoise-hued, triangular lagoon of about 30 square miles. The Polynesian islanders arrived about 900 A.D., and thrived on the fertile volcanic area surrounding the hill of Maungapu. The first European contact was Captain William Bligh’s arrival on board the Bounty, in 1789. The sleepy town of Arutanga offers a charming, recently restored church, the oldest in the islands from 1828, with stained glass windows and carved woodwork. If possible, don’t miss an opportunity to hear the local choral music (either live or recorded). Cook Islanders are marvelous singers, and join in four-part harmonies that are positively spine-tingling. Along with the view from the top of Maungapu, their sound will live in your memory for a long time.

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Bora Bora

Arrive: Sun 15 February 2026 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 15 February 2026 at 18:00

Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.

Day 14 - Bahia d' Opunoha, Moorea

Arrive: Mon 16 February 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 16 February 2026 at 17:00

Day 14 - Papeete

Arrive: Mon 16 February 2026 at 21:30

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.

Day 15 - Papeete

Depart: Tue 17 February 2026

The islands of French Polynesia are acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands and home to the capital city of Papeete, a delightful blend of cultures. Papeete, meaning the "water basket," was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, it is the gateway to the country, and boasts romantic resorts, fine dining, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. Tahiti's mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys and scenic waterfalls, while the rugged coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers, and glorious white and black sand beaches.