13 September - At sea

14 September

Indonesia: Ambon

Ambon is one of the Maluku Islands, or the Spice Islands as they were known during colonial times, when nutmeg, cloves and mace grew nowhere else. Ambon was the seat of Dutch power in the islands, but little colonial architecture remains; visit one of the mountain villages instead, or snorkel amongst colourful reefs offshore.

15 September - At sea

16 September

Indonesia: Fakfak / Kokas

17 September

Indonesia: Misool

Misool is one of the main islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs on earth. Snorkel, swim and kayak amongst these rich, biodiverse waters, and explore white sandy beaches, mangroves, lakes and jungle-clad limestone peaks.

18 September

Indonesia: Yenwaoupnor

18 September

Indonesia: Mansuar Island

19 September

Indonesia: Manokwari (Irian Jaya)

20 September to 21 September

Indonesia: Cenderawasih Bay

The broad sweep of Cenderawasih Bay, off the northern coast of Papua, is known for its spectacularly biodiverse coral reefs. These waters are home to dolphins, dugongs and four different species of turtle, but the star attraction is the resident population of whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea.

22 September

Indonesia: Jayapura

Jayapura, also known as Port Numbay, is the capital of Indonesia’s Papua province. This busy city is well off the tourist trail, and provides an introduction to the fascinating customs of the region. Nearby sights include beautiful Lake Sentani, where you can take a trip on a local longboat out to one of the islands.

23 September

Papua New Guinea: Vanimo

24 September - At sea

25 September

Papua New Guinea: Garove Island

Garove is a flooded volcanic caldera, with most of the inhabitants living on the outside of the volcano, and just one village inside the steep-sided caldera itself. Visiting ships are met by curious locals in outrigger canoes, and you may be welcomed ashore with a traditional ‘sing-sing’.

26 September

Papua New Guinea: Duke of York Island

26 September

Papua New Guinea: Rabaul

Looming over Rabaul is smouldering Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano that buried much of the city when it erupted in 1994, and which still periodically belches smoke and ash. Rabaul is also an appealing destination for history buffs, with several World War II sites still scattered with rusting wreckage.

27 September - At sea

28 September

Solomon Islands: Ghizo

Ghizo island is small compared to its neighbours, but it’s also home to the Solomon Islands’ second biggest city, which is somewhat confusingly called Gizo (sounds the same, different spelling). The open air market is a great place to find unique souvenirs such as shell jewellery, and there is excellent snorkelling and diving just offshore.

29 September

Solomon Islands: Honiara

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and the nation’s only real port, situated on the largely unspoilt island of Guadalcanal. Reminders of the famous Second World War battle that took place here can be seen all over the island, as well as under the water at the fantastic dive sites off the north coast.

30 September - At sea

1 October

Solomon Islands: Vanikoro

2 October

Vanuatu: Ambrym Island

Ambrym is known as the ‘Black Island’ due to its dark volcanic soil, with two active volcanoes, Mount Marum and Mount Benbow. The island is also known for its magic and sorcery, and for its traditional Rom dances, when locals don elaborate masks and costumes.

3 October - At sea

4 October

Fiji: Lautoka

Lautoka is Fiji’s second largest city, known as the ‘Sugar City’ due to its important role in the local sugarcane industry. The waterfront area is pleasant enough, but we’d recommend using Lautoka as a jumping off point to visit some of the smaller surrounding islands, or the forests and waterfalls of the interior.

5 October

Fiji: Kadavu Island

6 October

Fiji: Fulaga

7 October

Tonga: Neiafu

Neiafu is the second largest city in Tonga and the capital of the Vava’u group of islands, situated next to the deep water Port of Refuge. Humpback whales pass through here between June and November, while on land the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden is well worth a visit.

8 October

Tonga: Nukupule

9 October - At sea

10 October

Samoa: Apia

Apia is the capital of Samoa, situated on the north coast of the island of Upolu. Highlights include the colourful markets and Robert Louis Stevenson's former house, now a museum, though you may just want to use the city as a jumping off point for the beautiful beaches located further along the coast.

11 October - At sea

12 October

Cook Islands: Aitutaki

The sleepy island of Aitutaki is big on natural beauty, thanks to its stunning reef-enclosed lagoon. It’s also a deeply spiritual place: in the village of Arutanga you’ll find the oldest church in the Cook Islands, dating back to 1829, and services here are a spellbinding spectacle, with hymns featuring unaccompanied four-part harmonies.

13 October - At sea

14 October

French Polynesia: Raiatea

Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands, played a vital role in the development of Polynesian culture; it was from this island that settlers departed for Hawaii and New Zealand over a millennium ago. The island feels wilder than Tahiti, with steep, jungle-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls and ancient Polynesian temples.

15 October

French Polynesia: Huahine

Huahine is perhaps the most beautiful of the Society Islands, and one of the least developed too. The laid back ambience means it’s impossible not to relax here, whether you’re on one of the gorgeous beaches or taking a stroll around the friendly village of Fare.

16 October

Arriving in Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, situated on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The port is not the most magical spot, so we advise venturing forth to luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, relax on the white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, and explore the rugged mountain peaks.