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South PacificOverviewEarth’s largest ocean holds wonders large and small, waiting to be discovered and enjoyedScattered like emeralds across the broad blue expanse of the Pacific, islands that appear tiny on a map contain whole nations. Native and colonial languages, cultures and characteristics are blended in variations as numerous as the islands themselves. Australia and New Zealand easily exceed most visitors’ expectations, delivering a bounty of delightful surprises. See for yourself what waits for you, under the glittering constellation they call the Southern Cross. Featured PortsLos Angeles, California, USLos Angeles is a city spinning with energy and creativity, where tomorrow's trends are born, nurtured and released. Having one of the best climates in the world, Los Angeles draws visitors year-round from all over the world. Officially founded in 1781, the modern-day metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains. Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, a vibrant city of visual delights with more museums than any other U.S. city. Bora Bora, French PolynesiaBora 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. Lyttelton (Christchurch), NZKnown as the "Garden City" because of its beautiful parks and world-renowned gardens, Christchurch is also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Named after the college at the University of Oxford in London, Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Located in the city center is Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city its elegant, English atmosphere. Sydney, AustraliaSydney is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney owes much of its splendor to its magnificent harbor. Arriving by ship provides an unequaled impression, showing off the city's famous landmarks: the dramatic white sails of the iconic Opera House and the celebrated Harbor Bridge, looming over the skyline. Lahaina, Hawaii, USVoted "Best Pacific Island" by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, the sights of Maui do not disappoint. Named for an ancient Hawaiian god, Maui is a tropical paradise graced with long stretches of white sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls and the mist-shrouded Iao Valley. Maui is also home to the 10,023-foot Mount Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1790, after a fierce battle in Iao Valley, King Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. Today, the historic whaler's port of Lahaina offers excellent shopping venues, restaurants and entertainment, as well as one of the largest Indian Banyan trees in the world. Rarotonga, Cook IslandsRarotonga was one of the last of the Cook Islands to be visited by European ships, but since its "discovery," it was always a favorite of sailors and merchants. Today, Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, and the location of the country's capital, Avarua. Isolated for years from major tourist routes, travelers began to arrive in Rarotonga following the opening of the international airport in 1974, many lured by the untouched beauty of pristine white sand beaches edged with swaying palms and crystal-clear lagoons. <a href="/images/cruise-vacation-onboard/Exotics3_xlarge.jpg" title="Click to view map" class="greyboxMap">View Map</a>Go beyond with a Seabourn Journey before or after your cruise. Compliment your holiday, Seabourn style, with a multi-day tour to inland attractions. All Seabourn Journeys are fully escorted and include deluxe hotels, transportation, and city tours. To book your Seabourn Journey, please call 866-755-5619 or 206-626-9179. Explore Seabourn Journeys offered in specific ports of call. |






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