South Pacific Cruise - from Lautoka - 126131

'The 'sugar city' of Lautoka, an economic and cultural centre, is the second-largest city on the Fiji Islands. The main palm-lined street gives the city a friendly feel. Mosques, Hindu temples and Christian churches bear witness to the turbulent past and the diverse population. There are several restaurants and hotels, but the highlight is an excellent art gallery at a hotel direct by the water. Lautoka is also the starting point for many tours to the neighbouring islands.

Suva is the capital and the most important port on the island state of Fiji in Oceania. It lies on the main island, Viti Levu. The Fiji museum, set up in 1904, is well worth a visit. Its collection of indigenous art and tools provides an insight into the history and culture of the native people of the island. Plants from throughout the South-Pacific region grown in Thurston Botanical Gardens. The Nature Reserve and Recreation Park 'Colo-i-Suva Forest Park', which is 18km from the capital, has picturesque waterfalls, nature walks, picnic areas and small lakes

Apia is both the largest town on the island of Upolu and the capital of Samoa. Despite its important function, this port has retained its small-town character. Most of Apia's attractions are located around the centre of the town at the harbour, including the clock-tower (the town's old landmark), the government building and the "Museum of Ancient and Recent Samoan History. Just five kilometres from the city centre is the 15 metre high natural water slide "Papaseea Sliding Rocks". The tiny village of Vailima is also well worth a visit. It is here that world-famous author Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last few years of his life. One of Stevenson's best- known novels is "Treasure Island".

The volcanic island of Bora Bora is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, "the pearl of Polynesia". It is surrounded by several small islands. The region's airport is on one of these islands, the other has hotel resorts. There are also orchids growing in the wild, making this a wonderful area to take a long walk. Thanks to the lagoon, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer, such as sailing, glass-bottomed boat-trips, snorkelling, diving ... The main atttraction is the 100 metre-high mountain "Muto Toopua" with "Hiro's bell" - uniquely shaped basalt rocks that sound like a bell when struck.

Moorea, the pineapple island, was formed from the remains of an extinct volcano. The island has excellent tourist facilities and a large range of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. Moorea can be explored in just a few hours - a bike tour is highly recommended. Several diving schools also offer interesting underwater tours.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.