DAY ONE - LAUTOKA, FIJI
There’s nothing quite as delightful as stepping onto the sun-drenched shores of Sugar City. As Fiji’s second-largest settlement, it unveils a paradise of blissful beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, while its lush jungle beckons adventurers to delve deeper into its embrace. When you set foot where the first Fijians arrived, you’ll quickly grasp why they chose this island paradise as their heavenly abode.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Fijian culture and witness captivating performances like warrior dances, alongside remarkable traditions such as firewalking, where glowing embers dance into the night sky. Legend has it that the city received its name after two chiefs clashed in a duel; one was struck by a spear, prompting the cry of 'lau-toka!' or 'spear hit!' While sugar is Lautoka’s primary trade, its botanical gardens provide a delightful glimpse into the tropical flora flourishing here—from pristine white lilies to tall, fragrant orchids. Discover temples, quaint cafes, and mills, or haggle for some of the juiciest mangoes you’ll ever have at the vibrant local market.
However, the allure of the beaches is hard to resist, and few are as breathtaking as the Blue Lagoon—a heavenly tapestry of intertwined turquoise hues. Remote, wild, and pristine, these are among the finest tropical beaches in the world. More relaxation awaits at the mineral-rich mud pools and spas, nourished by the volcanic activity beneath. Savala Island, a teardrop of sand just offshore, is another idyllic spot for wandering barefoot along sandy paths that dissolve into the sea. Alternatively, dive into the waters to swim and snorkel amid its vibrant reefs, teeming with marine life.
DAY TWO - DAY AT SEA
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, rejuvenate, and relish in the art of doing very little. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa day, go whale watching, dive into a good book, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil ocean days offer a perfect counterbalance to the hectic adventures on shore.
DAY THREE - ROTUMA, FIJI
Jutting sharply from blissful turquoise waters, almost 400 miles north of Fiji, beautiful Rotuma rises like a verdant green fin from the sea. This remote island group is a true tropical paradise, resplendent with chalky blue waters, dense jungle, and romantic arcs of heavenly white sands. Experiencing minimal tourism, visiting these islands is a rare privilege and a chance to explore 20 square miles of wild, tropical landscapes, where beaches beg to be strolled and trees bend under the weight of juicy mangos and pineapples. Feast on local dishes made from taro root and refresh with swigs from sweet coconuts on this island, which brims with natural resources. Embark on mountain hikes or seek out snorkelling above thriving coral reefs. In this protected bird area, you might also see plenty of fluttering in the leaves and hear the lilt of protected birds like the Polynesian triller. The hospitable locals, known as the Rotumans, are descended from settlers from Tahiti, and their traditions bear more similarities to Polynesian culture than to typical Fijian culture. Approximately 2,000 continue to live here in Rotuma, while 10,000 descendants have found their home on Fiji's main island.
DAY FOUR - DAY AT SEA
Days spent at sea provide an ideal chance to relax, de-stress, and revel in the art of doing nothing! Whether you choose to hit the gym, enjoy a spa day, go whale watching, dive into a good book, or just soak up some sun, these tranquil blue sea days offer a perfect counterbalance to the bustling days spent exploring the shore.
DAY FIVE - FUNAFUTI, TUVALU
DAY SIX - NUKUFETAU, TUVALU
Barely noticeable on the map, Nukufetau is a hidden gem that only the dedicated explorers venture far enough to discover. This stunning, bell-shaped atoll is a refreshing and rejuvenating paradise. Here, gentle waves lap the shore, and the soft rustle of palm trees is the only interruption, creating a real-life desert island dream in vibrant colours. With a population of around 500, it stands as one of the least populated atolls in the remote nation of Tuvalu, welcoming only a few visitors each year. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and shallow lagoons that showcase breathtaking natural beauty. Remnants of World War II, including runways now reclaimed by lush vegetation, can be found amid the coconut plantations. As you might anticipate, exceptional snorkelling awaits in these far-flung waters of the South Pacific, offering colourful encounters with tropical fish, turtles, and even octopuses gliding gracefully beneath the surface as you explore the enchanting underwater world.
DAY SEVEN - DAY AT SEA
Days spent at sea provide the ideal chance to fully relax and unwind. Whether you prefer hitting the gym, indulging in a spa day, watching whales, diving into a good book, or simply soaking up the sun, these tranquil blue sea days offer a wonderful counterbalance to the hectic days spent exploring the shore.
DAY EIGHT - MATA-UTU, WALLIS ISLAND
Mata’utu, renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs, is a French protectorate situated between the beautiful islands of Tahiti and Noumea. It serves as the largest urban centre of Wallis Island, also known as Uvea. The downtown area features the Cathedral, a French national monument, alongside the modest "Palace of the King of Uvea." Historically, various groups on Uvea constructed several forts to protect themselves from threats, both local and foreign. The most significant of these, the Kolonui Fort, has undergone partial excavation and restoration.
DAY NINE - ASAU, SAMOA
DAY TEN - APIA, SAMOA
As the first independent state of Polynesia, Samoa is regarded as the birthplace of the nation, where the essence of the Earth beautifully merges with the spirit of the people. Interestingly, if one were to translate the name “Samoa” into the traditional Polynesian dialect, they would discover that “Sa” and “Moa” signify earth and centre, respectively. Apia, the only town in Samoa, is located on the central northern coast of Upolu, the second-largest island. Once a small village with just over 300 residents around 1800, Apia's population has surged to nearly 40,000. While such growth might typically lead to a loss of traditional values in favour of modern life, this hasn't been the case (too much) in Apia. The Samoan lifestyle remains vibrant and prevalent; traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs, known as ‘fales’, are widespread, and nearly all residents, including police officers, don traditional attire—men in ‘lavalavas’ and women in long, mumu-style dresses. The markets are alive with culture and colour, offering everything from handicrafts to local cuisine and produce. If the stunning vistas of aquamarine waters, bordered by swaying palms and towering umbrella trees seem familiar, it’s likely because the island, particularly the southern resort of Lefaga, was featured in the 1953 Gary Cooper classic, Return to Paradise Beach. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the last place on Earth to witness each day’s sunset.
DAY ELEVEN - NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA
Also known as Keppel Island, Niuatoputapu (which translates to “Very Sacred Coconut” in the local tongue) is among the northernmost islands of Tonga, situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The island's highest elevation reaches 515 feet (157 meters), formed from the eroded remains of a significant volcano that erupted around 3 million years ago. Niuatoputapu is home to three main villages, with a population of just over 900 residents. The original language of Niuatoputapu has been extinct for centuries, and the inhabitants now communicate in Tongan. The island is gradually recovering from a tsunami that struck in 2009, triggered by an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.3. Surrounded by a vast reef, Niuatoputapu features stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation and enjoyment.
DAY TWELVE - NEIAFU, VAVA'U GROUP
Neiafu, with a population of 6,000, serves as the capital of the Vava’u Group and stands as the second-largest municipality in the Polynesian nation of Tonga, which is an archipelago consisting of 169 islands in the South Pacific. The city is located adjacent to a deep-water harbour known as the Port of Refuge on the southern coast of Vava’u, the principal island in the Vava’u archipelago in northern Tonga. This region is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, making it a popular spot for humpback whales that migrate here from June to November. One of the must-visit attractions in Neiafu is the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden, a bird sanctuary dedicated to preserving both exotic and native bird species while also nurturing a rich variety of plant life.
DAY THIRTEEN - DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the busy days spent exploring on shore.
DAY FOURTEEN - LELEUVIA ISLAND, FIJI
Leleuvia is a quaint, low-lying island located southeast of Ovalau, stretching just 500 meters in length. Nestled between the chiefly Island of Bau, Moturiki, and Ovalau, it lies almost equidistant from Ovalau and the central-eastern coast of Viti Levu. This verdant island features a cosy resort and boasts an easily accessible reef teeming with vibrant reef fish, just 10 meters from Leleuvia’s western beach, enticing visitors to explore. Sea kraits can often be spotted lounging on the shore to the north of the small pier. Despite its compact size and the presence of a resort on its southern side, the island is home to a rich forest of tamanu (Alexandrian laurel), lantern trees, fish-poison trees, and beach gardenias. Additionally, local clusters of beach hibiscus, beach heliotrope, and Pacific rosewood provide habitat for Sacred Kingfishers, Orange-breasted Honeyeaters, and Pacific Swallows.
DAY FIFTEEN - LAUTOKA, FIJI
There’s nothing quite as delightful as stepping onto the sun-drenched shores of Sugar City. As Fiji’s second-largest settlement, it unveils a paradise of blissful beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, while its lush jungle beckons adventurers to delve deeper into its embrace. When you set foot where the first Fijians arrived, you’ll quickly grasp why they chose this island paradise as their heavenly abode.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Fijian culture and witness captivating performances like warrior dances, alongside remarkable traditions such as firewalking, where glowing embers dance into the night sky. Legend has it that the city received its name after two chiefs clashed in a duel; one was struck by a spear, prompting the cry of 'lau-toka!' or 'spear hit!' While sugar is Lautoka’s primary trade, its botanical gardens provide a delightful glimpse into the tropical flora flourishing here—from pristine white lilies to tall, fragrant orchids. Discover temples, quaint cafes, and mills, or haggle for some of the juiciest mangoes you’ll ever have at the vibrant local market.
However, the allure of the beaches is hard to resist, and few are as breathtaking as the Blue Lagoon—a heavenly tapestry of intertwined turquoise hues. Remote, wild, and pristine, these are among the finest tropical beaches in the world. More relaxation awaits at the mineral-rich mud pools and spas, nourished by the volcanic activity beneath. Savala Island, a teardrop of sand just offshore, is another idyllic spot for wandering barefoot along sandy paths that dissolve into the sea. Alternatively, dive into the waters to swim and snorkel amid its vibrant reefs, teeming with marine life.
The excursions listed are examples of what might be available during this voyage and are subject to modification. Silversea continually refreshes its shore excursion program to include immersive and authentic experiences. Therefore, we encourage you to check your tour options as your sail date approaches.
