JOURNEY to the PACIFIC

Departures

Many experienced cruisers would describe this as the best of all cruises – combining leisurely days at sea with visits to some of the world’s most beautiful islands, while cruising on a ship that will delight the most avid cruise connoisseur. Cruising the warm waters of the Pacific in the spacious comfort of Holland America Line gives us ample time to enjoy the amenities and impeccable service of the ms Rotterdam, to relax on deck with a good book while we savour the sea air and to share leisure time with new found friends. After visiting the Hawaiian Islands, our journey then takes a truly exotic turn as we cross the Equator and venture to French Polynesia visiting the Society Islands and the Marquesas.

This is truly a sailor’s delight featuring many relaxing days at sea!

Itinerary

Mar 3, Thu: FLY TO SAN DIEGO
Transfer to Bayside Inn Hotel for overnight*

Mar 4, Fri: SAN DIEGO, California
Embark / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 9, Wed: HILO, Hawaii
Arrive 11:00am / Sail 8:00pm

Mar 10, Thu: LAHAINA, Maui
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 11:00pm

Mar 11, Fri: HONOLULU, Oahu
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 11:00pm

Mar 12, Sat: NAWILIWILI, Kauai
Arrive 10:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 14, Mon: Crossing International Dateline

Mar 15, Tue: FANNING ISLAND, Kiribati
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 16, Wed: Crossing International Dateline

Mar 17, Thu: CROSSING THE EQUATOR

Mar 19, Sat: RAROTONGA, Cook Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 21, Mon: RAIATEA, Society Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 22, Tue: BORA BORA, Society Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 23, Wed: PAPEETE, Society Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00am (+1)

Mar 24, Thu: MOOREA, Society Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Mar 25, Fri: RANGIROA, Society Islands
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm
Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Mar 27, Sun: NUKU HIVA, Marquesas
Arrive 8:00am / Sail 5:00pm

Apr 3, Sun: SAN DIEGO / CANADA
Arrive 7:00am / Disembark

PORTS OF CALL

° This coastal city is home to the American Naval station and is noted for its excellent harbour, natural parklands, numerous beaches and its world famous zoo – one of the largest in the world.

° Hilo is the flower capital of Hawaii with gardens and blossoms everywhere. Visit the 30-acre Queen Lili ’ uokalani Gardens, home to the Japanese Yedo Garden. Travel through lush tropical forests to Volcanoes National Park to step up to the molten lava flows of the world’s largest volcano Kilauea. View the spectacular Kilauea Crater, legendary home of Pele, the goddess of fire.

° Once the whaling capital of the world, today Lahaina is a picturesque and lively seaport with quaint boutiques and enticing restaurants. Visit the dramatic geological formation called Iao Needle or Haleakala, Maui’s largest volcanic peak soaring over 10,000 feet.

° Hawaii’s famous capital and home of Waikiki Beach. Take a stroll along the beach, ride the waves in an outrigger canoe, learn the Hula, climb to the summit of Diamond Head, enjoy high tea at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, visit Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Iolani Palace, or the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

° Primeval splendour, displayed in lush fern grottoes, dramatic canyons and the rugged Na Pali Coast await us on this the most spectacular of the Hawaiian Islands. Visit the Grand Canyon of the pacific or enjoy the Wailua River.

° Pristine reefs, white sand beaches and friendly locals – Tabuaeran, or Fanning Island as it is commonly known – is a remote tropical paradise. Savor the breathtaking views, calm azure seas, expansive beaches and sun-drenched landscape.

° Rarotonga's central massif is the eroded remains of a once mighty volcanic pyramid whose crags now form sawtooth peaks and razorback ridges covered with tropical jungle. These are separated by streams running down steep valleys.

° Oro, god of war, guards his temple deep in the rain forest of Raiatea. Nearby on Mt. Temehani grows the rare and delicate tiare apetahi flower, whose petals open only at dawn in the presence of lovers.

° Here is James Michener's "Bali Hai," with its shimmering blue lagoon. Wrap on a pareo, pay respects at the stone altar of Fa'anui Marae and abandon yourself to an idyllic motu for sunbathing and snorkeling.

° The intense colors of the Tahitian marketplace are as seductive now as they were for Gauguin. More bliss for the eyes fills the romantic Vaipahi Garden and the fern-lined sea aves of the Mara'a Grotto.

° Jagged needle-shaped mountains define the skyline. Below, fields of pineapple, vanilla and coffee carpet the land, while crystal-clear lagoons teem with parrot fish, purple anemone and lacy pink coral.

° The main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa offer a unique look at the South Pacific. Discover coral churches, craft centers, local restaurants, and tiny shops along the few roads of this picturesque island.

° Wild and untamed, born of volcanic fire, these isles are the ancient home of architect-builders who created great me'ae (ceremonial walls) - and today home to tattooists, sailors and sculptors. Step ashore to discover French Polynesia at its pristine, natural best.

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Above prices are per person based on sharing the stateroom category chosen and include all the applicable Inclusive Features. Prices are cruise only based on joining / leaving at the pier in San Diego. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available.

Add an airfare to your selected cruise category:

Airfares include the current cost for flights, all related taxes and fees, insurance, overnight in San Diego plus related transfers, airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value. Airfares are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Our escort will accompany this group provided we have a minimum of twenty passengers travelling.

CT RATING ONE – This cruise is suitable to all passengers who meet our basic criteria for group travel.

Shore excursions are not included in your cruise cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from the optional tours that will be offered in each port. Excursions will be available for purchase through the cruise line. Full details including costs, etc, will be available online.

Cruise prices and deposit include a non-refundable fee ($461 - $ 799 per person, depending on overall trip cost) to cover comprehensive insurance. Our insurance is effective from the date of confirmation, for all passengers under the age of 86 years at the time of travel and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Final payment will be due on December 1, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $3000 per person to Craig Travel's office.