Polynesia & Melanesia: Island Cultures & Coral Coasts

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tahiti with its vast mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and glittering coral reefs.

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Pursuit is a seamless blend of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence — the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly savour the experience of ultra-luxury expedition travel. As the ship glides through open waters, each moment offers a sense of calm and quiet wonder, balanced by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Mornings might begin with fresh pastries and coffee in Seabourn Square, a sociable hub where guests can relax with a newspaper, chat with fellow travellers, or plan the day’s adventures. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture in the Discovery Centre, where expedition leaders and naturalists share fascinating insights into the regions you’re exploring — from marine life and glaciology to the history and culture of remote coastal communities. As the day unfolds, guests can choose their own rhythm. The Spa & Wellness area invites relaxation with rejuvenating treatments or a soothing session in the thermal suite, while others may prefer a workout in the Fitness Centre or a refreshing swim in the Infinity Pool, surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky. In the afternoon, take time to unwind on deck with a good book and a glass of chilled Champagne, or enjoy light bites and conversation in the Expedition Lounge as seabirds glide overhead. Evenings aboard Seabourn Pursuit are as elegant as they are unhurried. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed to refined as guests gather for cocktails in The Club or Sky Bar, followed by exquisite dining in The Restaurant or a candlelit meal under the stars at Earth & Ocean. After dinner, live music fills the air, the mood turns sociable, and the sea provides the perfect backdrop for reflection or connection. Every sea day aboard Seabourn Pursuit is designed to be as enriching as it is restful — a rare chance to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy the rhythm of life at sea in exceptional comfort.

Spread over 850,000 square miles of the South Pacific Ocean, these beautiful islands and atolls were formed by volcanic activity.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Pursuit is a seamless blend of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence — the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly savour the experience of ultra-luxury expedition travel. As the ship glides through open waters, each moment offers a sense of calm and quiet wonder, balanced by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Mornings might begin with fresh pastries and coffee in Seabourn Square, a sociable hub where guests can relax with a newspaper, chat with fellow travellers, or plan the day’s adventures. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture in the Discovery Centre, where expedition leaders and naturalists share fascinating insights into the regions you’re exploring — from marine life and glaciology to the history and culture of remote coastal communities. As the day unfolds, guests can choose their own rhythm. The Spa & Wellness area invites relaxation with rejuvenating treatments or a soothing session in the thermal suite, while others may prefer a workout in the Fitness Centre or a refreshing swim in the Infinity Pool, surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky. In the afternoon, take time to unwind on deck with a good book and a glass of chilled Champagne, or enjoy light bites and conversation in the Expedition Lounge as seabirds glide overhead. Evenings aboard Seabourn Pursuit are as elegant as they are unhurried. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed to refined as guests gather for cocktails in The Club or Sky Bar, followed by exquisite dining in The Restaurant or a candlelit meal under the stars at Earth & Ocean. After dinner, live music fills the air, the mood turns sociable, and the sea provides the perfect backdrop for reflection or connection. Every sea day aboard Seabourn Pursuit is designed to be as enriching as it is restful — a rare chance to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy the rhythm of life at sea in exceptional comfort.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Pursuit is a seamless blend of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence — the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly savour the experience of ultra-luxury expedition travel. As the ship glides through open waters, each moment offers a sense of calm and quiet wonder, balanced by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Mornings might begin with fresh pastries and coffee in Seabourn Square, a sociable hub where guests can relax with a newspaper, chat with fellow travellers, or plan the day’s adventures. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture in the Discovery Centre, where expedition leaders and naturalists share fascinating insights into the regions you’re exploring — from marine life and glaciology to the history and culture of remote coastal communities. As the day unfolds, guests can choose their own rhythm. The Spa & Wellness area invites relaxation with rejuvenating treatments or a soothing session in the thermal suite, while others may prefer a workout in the Fitness Centre or a refreshing swim in the Infinity Pool, surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky. In the afternoon, take time to unwind on deck with a good book and a glass of chilled Champagne, or enjoy light bites and conversation in the Expedition Lounge as seabirds glide overhead. Evenings aboard Seabourn Pursuit are as elegant as they are unhurried. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed to refined as guests gather for cocktails in The Club or Sky Bar, followed by exquisite dining in The Restaurant or a candlelit meal under the stars at Earth & Ocean. After dinner, live music fills the air, the mood turns sociable, and the sea provides the perfect backdrop for reflection or connection. Every sea day aboard Seabourn Pursuit is designed to be as enriching as it is restful — a rare chance to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy the rhythm of life at sea in exceptional comfort.

A total of sixteen islands comprise the Samoas, considered to be the heart of Polynesia. It was from these islands that early Polynesians sailed to populate other Pacific Islands. Today this chain of islands is divided into two political units - the U.S. Territory of American Samoa and the independent country of Western Samoa. Much of the charm of the Samoas lies in the simple village life and the friendly people, combined with a striking landscape of soaring mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and tropical rainforests rich in flowering plants. Western Samoa consists of a total of nine islands with the two main ones, Savi'i and Upolo, separated by a narrow strait. The country's capital Apia, resembling an old South Seas port during the early trading days, perches on the north coast of Upolo. Colonial-style wooden buildings and churches line the tree-shaded main street that curves around the harbor. The primary attractions include Parliament House, the village green, Independence Monument and the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson, now the residence of Western Samoa's head of state. A trip around the island passes mile after mile of stunning landscape, interspersed with tumbling waterfalls, breathtaking views, tiny villages, and coconut and cocoa plantations.

A day at sea aboard Seabourn Pursuit is a seamless blend of exploration, relaxation, and indulgence — the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly savour the experience of ultra-luxury expedition travel. As the ship glides through open waters, each moment offers a sense of calm and quiet wonder, balanced by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Mornings might begin with fresh pastries and coffee in Seabourn Square, a sociable hub where guests can relax with a newspaper, chat with fellow travellers, or plan the day’s adventures. Perhaps you’ll join an engaging lecture in the Discovery Centre, where expedition leaders and naturalists share fascinating insights into the regions you’re exploring — from marine life and glaciology to the history and culture of remote coastal communities. As the day unfolds, guests can choose their own rhythm. The Spa & Wellness area invites relaxation with rejuvenating treatments or a soothing session in the thermal suite, while others may prefer a workout in the Fitness Centre or a refreshing swim in the Infinity Pool, surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky. In the afternoon, take time to unwind on deck with a good book and a glass of chilled Champagne, or enjoy light bites and conversation in the Expedition Lounge as seabirds glide overhead. Evenings aboard Seabourn Pursuit are as elegant as they are unhurried. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed to refined as guests gather for cocktails in The Club or Sky Bar, followed by exquisite dining in The Restaurant or a candlelit meal under the stars at Earth & Ocean. After dinner, live music fills the air, the mood turns sociable, and the sea provides the perfect backdrop for reflection or connection. Every sea day aboard Seabourn Pursuit is designed to be as enriching as it is restful — a rare chance to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy the rhythm of life at sea in exceptional comfort.

Vavaʻu is the island group of one large island and 40 smaller ones in Tonga. It is part of Vavaʻu District which includes several other individual islands. According to tradition the Maui god finished up both Tongatapu and Vavaʻu, but put a little more effort into the former.

Explore a lush rainforest, feast at a lovo before trying Kava, or simply unwind on an uninhabited atoll without a care in the world.