From Lautoka to Auckland · Pacific Islands · 11 nights
Arguably one of the finest ships at sea returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023, completely refurbished and enhanced.
Following extensive refurbishment, Crystal Serenity has emerged
reinvigorated with contemporary, spacious accommodations and an
industry-leading space to guest ratio. The array of social areas,
wide-ranging entertainment and world-class dining options deliver
the ultimate in luxury cruising.
Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city, known as the 'Sugar City' due to its important role in the local sugarcane industry. The waterfront area is pleasant enough, but we'd recommend using Lautoka as a jumping off point to visit some of the smaller surrounding islands, or the forests and waterfalls of the interior.
Espiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands, home to the famous Champagne Beach, a stunning stretch of perfect white sand on the east coast. The beach is named after a bizarre natural phenomenon, in which gas escaping from volcanic rocks on the sea floor causes the water to bubble and fizz at low tide.
Situated on a magnificent natural harbour, Port Vila is the sleepy and seductive capital of Vanuatu. This friendly town is the perfect introduction to this intriguing Pacific island nation, with colourful markets, a unique Melanesian culture and some jaw-dropping nearby beaches.
Mystery Island, or Inyeug as it is known locally, is a small uninhabited island at the southern edge of the Vanuatu archipelago. There are no roads, no electricity and no hotels here, just idyllic white sands and tranquil tropical waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Lifou is the largest and most populous of the Loyalty Islands, part of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. This friendly little island is everything you would expect from the South Pacific, with gorgeous beaches, superb snorkelling and a jungle-swathed interior dotted with fragrant vanilla plantations.
Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific. The city is cosmopolitan and sophisticated, home to lovely little bistros and chic boutiques, providing quite a contrast to the rugged landscapes of the surrounding countryside.
The beautiful Bay of Islands is scattered with some 150 undeveloped islands, an idyllic landscape of bright skies, secluded beaches and clear blue waters. The bay was also the site of the first permanent British settlement in New Zealand, and it was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the Maori chiefs.
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
