South Pacific cruise ports

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, is an exciting, bustling town that curves around Vila Bay and creeps up its steep hillsides. You will find interesting shops, bars, and restaurants featuring the islands' specialty, flying fox, or coconut crab. The rugged island offers horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, river canoeing and kayaking, plus snorkeling and scuba diving trips in Port Vila.

Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

The Loyalty Islands are a coral group in the South Pacific, part of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. The group comprises three islands (Lifou, Mare, and Ouvea) and many islets and has a total land area of c.800 sq mi. The chief exports are coconuts and copra.

The swirl of Batik in eastern bazaars, the cascade of waterfalls in the Botanical Gardens, jungle-clad hills ringed by golden beaches, these are the images you will take from Penang. This lovely resort island and its bustling capital of Georgetown are the picture of Malaysian diversity. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Kek Lok Si, one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. See the ornate Khoo Kongsi, and old Chinese clan house; and an 18th century British fortress. Enjoy the Chinese embroidery and Malay daggers in the Penang Museum, or marvel at the Penang Bridge (third longest in the world).

Port Kelang (Klang) serves as a port for Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

Pago Pago--pronounced Pango Pango --is the capital of American Samoa, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast. Be thrilled by the native singing, dancing, and music. Tuna canneries dominate the city. Also close by are the National Park of American Samoa, traditional Ta'u Island, and Aunu'u Island, a place of natural splendor.