Transpacific - OV18T035 Ovation of the Seas departing 15 Apr 2023

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Look up — the Bay of Islands is said to have the world’s second bluest sky after Rio de Janeiro. Located on the northwestern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the sea here is also a beautiful shade of turquoise, dotted with 144 subtropical islands of the area. Cruise to Bay of Islands and check out Urupukapuka Island, where you can hike through Maori village sites or relax on the white-sand beach. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — this is the site where the treaty that made New Zealand into its own nation was signed. Or head out on a dolphin spotting cruise to see the population of bottlenose dolphins that call these waters home.

The New Zealand greeting “Kia Ora!” sets the tone for an Auckland adventure. This Maori phrase, used by Kiwis of all ethnic backgrounds to say “hello,” roughly translates to “be well” — and after you’ve enjoyed the outdoor excitement Auckland has to offer, that’s exactly how you’ll feel. With three harbors and 18,000 miles of coastline, New Zealand’s largest city offers all the exploration by land or by sea you could ask for. Climb the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Twin Harbors. Jump on a New Zealand cruise and head to the Viaduct Basin in Wynward Quarter to sail the harbor or relax with at a seaside brewery. Or kayak out to volcanic Rangitoto Island, where you can hike up ancient lava flows and admire the city from above.

The International Date Line is the meridian that separates two consecutive calendar days. Of course, since the line is mainly across open ocean, you can’t see it. But without the IDL, if you cruised west around the planet you’d discover that when you returned home, it would seem as though an extra day had passed. This situation actually happened to Magellan’s crew when they returned home after their circumnavigation of the earth. If your cruise should take you across this imaginary line, our staff will let you know the exact time one day turns into another – just in case you want to celebrate.

Papeete is the lively capital of Tahiti – a figure-eight-shaped island formed by the eruption of two volcanoes, it’s become a go-to spot for tropical adventure. A bustling urban centre, Papeete feels more French than anywhere else in Tahiti. Head to the centre of the city to see the vibrant Municipal Market, where you can pick up coffee and chocolate croissants, sample fresh produce or shop for hand-carved Tiki statues. See the waves crash against the volcanic black-sand beach at Plage du Taharuu. Cruise to Tahiti and hike through the verdant jungle at Fautaua Valley – don’t miss the dramatic waterfall that cascades about 300 metres down into a natural pool.

Moorea is the picture-perfect vision of an ideal island paradise. Formed by volcanic activity, this heart-shaped island hidden a few short miles off the Tahiti mainland holds beaches that look out to the brightest blue waters you can imagine, and the soaring green peaks of the mountains here are the stuff of legend. Head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance. Hike up to Belvedere Lookout for views of famous Cook’s Bay and volcanic Mount Tohivea. Go snorkelling in the lagoon at Opunohu Bay, or check out the Moorea Dolphin Center to get up-close-and-personal with nature’s cutest, most intelligent sea creatures.

Loosely translated from ancient Tahitian, Bora Bora means “created by the gods” — and when you set foot on this heavenly island in French Polynesia, you won’t have any trouble understanding how it got its name. Crystalline turquoise waters and a vibrant coral reef surround a string of motus — tiny islets around the main island, just across the lagoon. Relax in the powder-soft white sand of Matira Beach, and breathe in the fresh scent of Tiare Tahiti, the distinctive white gardenia that grows wild here. Dive or snorkel among the coral reef just off Sofitel Marara. Or hike iconic Mount Otemanu, the lushly forested extinct volcano at the center of the island.

Honolulu packs a diverse culture and a laid-back attitude into a setting rich with beauty. Visit Pearl Harbour and tour Iolani Palace – the only former residence of a royal family in the US – to delve deeper into the Hawaiian capital’s unique history. Snorkel Hanauma Bay or hike the iconic Diamond Head volcano to get up close and personal with the natural wonders that keep people coming back year after year. If time allows during your Honolulu cruise, head to nearby Waikiki for a surf; the calm waters are perfect for any experience level.