Cruise
Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific Crossing
Princess Cruises, Grand Princess
Depart: 8th April 2023, for 20 nights
IF – Interior Two Lower Beds
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand (8th Apr 2023)
Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand’s former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland’s largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand’s fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland. Auckland served as New Zealand’s capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.
Day 2: Bay of Islands, New Zealand (9th Apr 2023)
The Bay of Islands offers more than broad vistas of sea and sky, more than beaches, boating, and fabulous water sports. The Bay is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Here the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing British rule and granting the native inhabitants equal status. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries and New Zealand’s early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists and missionaries. Note: Bay of Islands is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship’s tender.
Day 2: Cross International Date Line (9th Apr 2023)
Day 2: At Sea (9th Apr 2023)
Day 3: At Sea (10th Apr 2023)
Day 4: At Sea (11th Apr 2023)
Day 5: Pago Pago, American Samoa (12th Apr 2023)
Pago Pago Bay is one of the most dramatic harbors in the South Pacific, a region known for dramatic landscapes. Eons ago, the massive seaward wall of a volcano collapsed and the sea poured in. Today, dramatic mountain peaks encircle the deep harbor. The capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago is more village than city. The town is dominated by looming Mt. Pioa, whose summit draws moisture-bearing clouds, earning it the nickname of “The Rainmaker.” Indeed, Pago Pago draws more than its fair share of rain – the island of Tutuila is a vision of deep, verdant green. Pronounced “Pango Pango,” this island paradise awaits exploration.
Day 6: At Sea (13th Apr 2023)
Day 7: At Sea (14th Apr 2023)
Day 8: At Sea (15th Apr 2023)
Day 9: Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia (16th Apr 2023)
Tahiti is not just an island – Tahiti has always been a state of mind. The bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, Papeete is the chief port and trading center, as well as a provocative temptress luring people to her shores.
Day 10: At Sea (17th Apr 2023)
Day 11: At Sea (18th Apr 2023)
Day 12: At Sea (19th Apr 2023)
Day 13: At Sea (20th Apr 2023)
Day 14: At Sea (21st Apr 2023)
Day 15: Honolulu, United States (22nd Apr 2023)
Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii’s state capital and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are two of the city’s enduring symbols. Pearl Harbor, site of the USS Arizona Memorial and the “Punchbowl,” are haunting reminders of the tragic events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor forced America into World War II. Honolulu is also home to the historic Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s last royals. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its surfing beaches.
Day 16: Maui (Lahaina) (23rd Apr 2023)
Day 17: At Sea (24th Apr 2023)
Day 18: At Sea (25th Apr 2023)
Day 19: At Sea (26th Apr 2023)
Day 20: At Sea (27th Apr 2023)
Day 21: San Francisco, United States (28th Apr 2023)
Cable cars, the Golden Gate rising from the fog – welcome to San Francisco, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the United States. San Francisco has it all: a colorful history, superb restaurants, sophisticated museums, world-class shopping, and that elusive air of romance and abandon that’s part of the tang of the city.
