What We Love
Friendly Locals: You'll get a warm, genuine welcome from Pacific Islanders.
A Million Shades of Blue: The waters here will continually astonish you with their clarity and endless hues, from turquoise to cobalt.
Best Known For
Pristine Beaches: Whether they're pink sands or glistening white, gorgeous beaches abound.
Snorkeling and Diving: Clear waters and abundant reefs make for great underwater sights. Paul Gauguin Cruises even offers trips with Jaques Cousteau's son Jean-Michel.
Best Ports
Champagne Bay, Vanuatu: One of the world's most beautiful beaches, this curved, pink-sand wonder comes with a bonus —fizzy water.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia: With white sands and an inviting lagoon, plus two volcanic mountains in the interior, this island could fill up your camera card. No wonder it's a favorite of celebs and beautiful people. Hop a bike, snorkel, or play paparazzi.
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia: Looking for more action? In this capital city, shop for black pearls, dine on international cuisine (or hit the food trucks), and trek to Fautaua Waterfall.
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea: Military buffs can explore Japanese tunnels and a command bunker, plus a war museum. Or visit Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano, and nearby hot springs where locals boil eggs.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Beware the Kava: This root-based drink is presented as a gift to heads of villages; it's bitter tasting and has mild sedative powers. But if you want to partake, first learn the etiquette of the ceremony.
