25-night Outback & Island Pearls Voyage

Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait islands. It is a tiny island off the top of Cape York, Queensland's most northern point. At one time Thursday Island was a major pearling centre and pearlers' cemeteries give testimony to their hardships. Some pearls are still produced here, from seeded "culture farms.' It is a popular pause for passing yachts.

Located on the southern part of the Vanuatu archipelago this beautiful island is a relaxing uninhabited location for those wanting to get away from it all. The clear blue waters are calm and perfect for swimming. Visitors also have the opportunity to snorkel or dive around the coral reef that is teeming with colorful marine life.

Travel across the International Dateline and step forward or backward in time one day.

Cradled along Upolu's northern shore lies the peaceful township of Apia. Picturesque thatched-roof "fales" blend into the emerald-hued countryside. Jagged mountains rise above deserted beaches where trade winds sigh on coconut palms. Banana groves and bread-fruit trees gently ripen in the moist, tropical climate. Western Samoa's friendly, carefree islanders will welcome you and proudly show you the former home of their adopted son, Robert Louis Stevenson. This is a contented island where traditional ways hold despite the passage of time.