22-night 2027 World Cruise Segment: Los Angeles to Papeete

Much of Los Angeles lies in a fairly flat basin, surrounded by mountains and ocean. Although the Santa Monica Mountains, one of the most unheralded of the city’s remaining natural treasures, splits LA between the familiar sights of La-La Land to the south and the charmless suburbs to the north, the metropolis is easily traversed. Places for visitors to explore include Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, the central strip of Wilshire Boulevard with faded Art Deco "Miracle Mile" zone and good museums, and the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice, where visitors can stroll along the former’s remodeled pier and Third Street Promenade outdoor mall, or visit the latter’s famed Muscle Beach and oceanside Boardwalk. Lengthier trips to LA may include the old-fashioned charm of Old Pasadena, home of ever-popular Rose Parade and Bowl, Downtown, site of much city heritage and setting for what skyscrapers the area does have, the South Bay, the place to find the region’s second biggest city of Long Beach, and Malibu, where visitors can try to get a glimpse of movie stars and assorted celebrities.

On the northern coast of Maui's central valley, Kahului is a fairly large town, with shopping centers, some no-frills hotels, a commercial harbor and cruise-ship dock, and Maui's main airport. All the big-box stores, car dealerships and warehouses are there.

It's generally less expensive to stay in Kahului than elsewhere on the island. The beaches have salt-and-pepper sand.

You'll experience the Big Island's contrasts for yourself in the lush tropical port of Hilo. Hilo has an annual rainfall of more than 100", earning it the title of America's Wettest City. The result is some of the most spectacular flower gardens, waterfalls and rainbows anywhere in the world. Visit Volcanoes National Park/Kalapana Gardens, Waterfalls of Hilo, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Formations of Pele by Helicopter, Hawaiian Eco-Adventure & Snorkel, Mauna Kea and more.

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago, and its beauty from the sea or in the air high above the island is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Haumi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, the Catholic church or school system or for themselves chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock or sculpting bowls, platters, Marquesan ceremonial clubs, "tikis" and ukuleles.

Rangiroa is a perfect example of what happnes to a volcano when it erodes over time. Its caldera submerged, creating a body of water surrounded by a dotted ring of sand and reef. Truly one of the world's greatest diving destinations, Rangiroa attracts both amateur and professional divers worldwide.

This magical island is what inspired James Michener to write about mythical "Bali Hai." The rugged mountains rise dramatically from the ocean and stand guard over this lush island that features everything from white sandy beaches to pineapple plantations to cascading waterfalls to secluded coves. A trip through the lushly-forested inland to Le Belvedere lookout opens a breathtaking view of deep blue waters of Cook's and Opunohu bays, which are the perfect anchorages for luxury yachts and sailboats alike. Horseback riding on the beach, bicycling and hiking into the mountains, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, para-sailing, and much more awaits.

Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. The most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here. It is from these shores that ancient Polynesian explorers are said to have ventured to the far off lands of Hawaii and New Zealand. Second only in size to the Island of Tahiti, Raiatea is today the trading center of the leeward islands. Raiatea is unique in that it has the only navigable river in Polynesia - the Faaroa. The rare, white gardenia called Tiare Apetahi only grows on the slopes of Mount Temehani and nowhere else on Earth! Mount Temehani is also the supposed birthplace of Oro, one principal god of Polynesia. There is a large, protected lagoon around Raiatea and its sister island Tahaa, which produces wonderful beaches and the perfect location for sailing, big game fishing, and diving.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.