Star Collector: Journey of the South Pacific Seafarer

Described as paradise, Bali's spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words. The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country's most highly developed art forms.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Dili is the largest city and capital of East Timor. East Timor became an independent country in 2002 after declaring independence from Indonesia for the second time. Dili is rarely visited by tourists and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy genuine encounters with the locals and unscripted explorations of the city. Visit the statue of Cristo Rei standing at 89 ft high, the Motael Church, the oldest Catholic church in the country, and Tais Market to buy home-made woven products.

Alotau is known for its warm hospitality, lush landscapes, and authentic exposure to Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay culture. Travelers visit for its coastal beauty, traditional music and dance performances, and opportunities to learn local culinary techniques—such as clay-pot cooking using fresh root vegetables and island spices. With its relaxed pace and strong cultural identity, Alotau offers a meaningful glimpse into everyday life in PNG.

The Conflict Islands captivate travelers with their extraordinary natural beauty—turquoise lagoons, dazzling coral reefs, and some of the most vibrant marine life found anywhere within the Coral Triangle, one of the world's richest marine biodiversity zones. As one of Papua New Guinea's most pristine and remote island groups, they offer idyllic conditions for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife encounters far from typical tourist routes. Visitors are drawn to the serenity, ecological richness, and the rare feeling of discovering a truly untouched paradise.

Honiara offers rich cultural experiences and deep historical significance, drawing visitors interested in World War II heritage and the pivotal battles that took place on Guadalcanal. Museums, memorials, and relic sites provide powerful insight into the island's wartime past, while vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and friendly local communities reveal the living culture of the Solomon Islands. It's a compelling blend of history, tradition, and tropical island life.

CHAMPAGNE BAY, ESPIRITU SANTO

During the Dutch Golden Age, ships set sail from Vlissingen for distant points in the Dutch colonial empire. Today, yachts like ours come to enjoy the resort's lovely beaches, seaside boulevard, and nearby attractions. The Renaissance monuments of Antwerp are just an hour away. In Ghent you'll find a medieval city full of charm. Or revisit the Waterloo Battlefields and Napoleon's greatest defeat.

This small, hidden island in a group of 6 islands offers a private beautiful beach off the beaten path with crystal-clear waters inviting amazing snorkeling. In 2002 a developer offered to buy one of the islands, which the villagers declined and instead signed an agreement with Seacology prohibiting island development for 20 years and establishing a no-take fishing reserve for 10 years

Nicknamed the "Sugar City" due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka's biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.

PORT DENERAU

Known as "the hidden paradise of Fiji," beautiful Savusavu with its abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, rainforests and black pearls, has recently been realized to be a tourist hotspot. The shabby-chic main street is a hodgepodge of eclectic watering holes, a bustling market, and a variety of shops and cosmopolitan restaurants. Find a black pearl farm, see the Vuadomo and Nakawaga Waterfalls or kayak, snorkel, sail, fish or take an easy hike. Bula!

Known as the "Garden Island of Fiji" cigar-shaped Taveuni's most famous tourist attraction is Lake Tagimaucia, the habitat of the rare tagimaucia flower. It is also the home of three major diving areas, with Rainbow Reef recognized as one of the world's best soft coral dives. Two sanctuaries, Ravilevu Nature Reserve and Taveuni Forest Reserve have been created to protect Fiji's wildlife.

Tonatapu is the main island of Tonga and Nuku'alofa is the capital city and home to the Talamahu Market and the waterfront Royal Palace where the Royal Family resides. Sites to see include the Free Church of Tonga, the Cenotaph, the Royal Tombs and Kingdomkoffie.

The natural playground of Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers palm-studded white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters of Muri Lagoon and lush jungle forests. Just 20 miles (32 km) around, this popular island is becoming a foodie location with its numerous cafes and artisan and organic food scene. Other sights to see include Te Rua Manga peak ("The Needle") and Takitumu Conservation Area.

Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning turquoise lagoon and pristine white-sand beaches. The island is a volcanic atoll with a coral reef ring around it with a lagoon in the center. Often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, it offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island's serene atmosphere is complemented by its friendly locals and rich Polynesian culture.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Raiatea, "The Sacred Island," is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa'aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you'll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Here is a rare opportunity to experience one of earth's most beautiful - and most rare - places. Fakarava, a place so stunning, an ecosystem so diverse it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diver's paradise welcomes you to a world of magnificent cauliflower coral, sleek grey sharks, and neon schools of tropical fish. This "Island of Dreams" is home to rare species of nesting birds and rare marine life living in tranquil harmony.

Known as the Island of Tapa, a long-forgotten art elsewhere, Fatu Hiva, with its 650 inhabitants, has a remarkable coastline full of rich vegetation. The locals here live mainly on fishing, coprah producing and growing nono, a fruit with medicinal virtues. Meet the local artists and learn about their time-honored traditions

The final home and resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, Hiva Oa is watched over by many large stone tiki statues and boasts the tallest peak in the Marquesas, Mount Temetiu at 3,980 feet. Due to potential ocean swells, landings here are weather dependent. If weather allows, you can relax on black-sand beaches, enjoy exceptional snorkeling and diving, or explore the ancient Tehueto Petroglyphs.

The second largest island in French Polynesia, this remote island is full of natural beauty in is deep bays, lush valleys, rocky peaks and narrow cliffside roads where you might come upon wild ponies. Giant banyan trees are found around ancient marae temples and ceremonial stone platforms as well as tiki statues outside huts. Find the 40-foot-tall Tiki Tuhiva sitting atop Mount Muake. Another interest is Tohua Koueva Archaeological Site with detailed restoration of ancient Marquesan life.

Some people call this place heaven. You will call it perfect. The huge lagoon surrounded by beautiful coral and filled with colorful fish, rays, and dolphin is a diver's dream. Explore, with an optional tour, in a glass bottom boat, take a dive that matches your level of expertise, or enjoy the magic of drift snorkeling. This is a place like no other on earth.

We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island.If guests would like to visit Taha'a, they must book a Windstar Cruises shore excursion. Guests without a shore excursion booked will be transferred directly to Motu Mahaea for a relaxing beach day.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you'll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.