Costa Cruises Oceania: 26 nights from Sydney with Costa Serena
Nov 12, 2026

Noumea

Located in the southwest of the South Pacific Ocean, Noumea is the economic capital and main port of New Caledonia. With approximately one hundred thousand inhabitants, the city center offers a variety of cultural places that are worth visiting and immortalizing where it is possible to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city, such as the Civic Museum, the well-known Piazza delle Palme, the various libraries scattered throughout the city, art galleries and theaters where you can attend unique shows of their kind.

Noumea has always been a crossroads of different peoples from all over the world. In the course of the 19th century, European settlers reached these shores in search of wealth and fortune and slowly settled in the area thanks to the possibility of living a more comfortable life. The influence and presence of these peoples is still visible today simply by walking through the different streets of the city and admiring the various colonial-era buildings and monuments such as the Maison Célières, the Château Hagen and the city museum.

Thanks to the often very favorable climate all year round, in Noumea it is possible to carry out a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, golf or swimming. If you decide to immerse yourself in these crystal clear waters you will have the unmissable opportunity to observe up close an abundance of corals, fish, crustaceans and mammals, as well as marine animals that can only be seen in this area.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for tranquility and relaxation, taking a walk along the Answata Bay promenade will make you feel so light and relaxed that you will feel like you are walking on clouds and flying. If you are a lover of nightlife, the city offers a lively nightlife thanks to the presence of many lively bars and clubs, as well as two casinos, discos and nightclubs where you can have fun and show off your best dance moves!

The best way to reach Noumea is on board a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that departs from Noumea or has the city as a stop to enjoy the uniqueness of its panorama and take part in one of the many activities offered! What are you waiting for? Visit our profile and choose the cruise that best suits your needs!

Lifou

Suva

Nuku Alofa

Rarotonga

Papeete

Papeete, whose name means "water vessel" in the local language, is the capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete has history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an unmissable place for anyone who wants to explore the magic of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Its history originated at the beginning of the 19th century. The first European explorers, such as Captain James Cook, visited Tahiti as early as the 18th century.

Not long after, Papeete became an important commercial and administrative center of the region. France established a protectorate on the island in 1842, and chose Papeete as the capital of French Polynesia. The atmosphere of Papeete mixes Polynesian relaxation with French style. The city is famous for its wild parties and traditional dances, such as 'ori (Tahitian dance), which you can admire in numerous cultural festivals that are frequently held in the city. Polynesian mythology plays a significant role in the cultural life of Papeete, with many local legends handed down over the centuries. One of the best known myths is the legend of the god Tane, the creator of light, sun and life (a version of Ra of ancient Egypt in the South Pacific). These myths are reflected in the art and music of the region and remain an important part of Tahiti's cultural heritage.

The Central Market of Papeete, or Marché de Papeete, is an important point of interest. Here, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and discover local traditional crafts and souvenirs. Papeete boasts interesting museums, such as the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. Don't miss the Polynesian Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Surrounded by beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, Papeete is an ideal place for lovers of water sports, such as diving and snorkeling.

If you are a nature lover it is absolutely worth visiting the waterfalls and tropical forests located nearby. Seafood plays a central role in local cuisine in Papeete. One of the national dishes is poisson cru, raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with coconut milk, vegetables and spices. Papeete is an important port for cruise ships in the South Pacific.

The port always welcomes numerous cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. Cruises departing from or stopping in Papeete often include itineraries through places like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, so you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of French Polynesia.

Pitcairn Islands

Easter Island

Easter Island or Rapa Nui Island, the official name of the island, although little used! It is an island in the South Pacific Ocean belonging to Chile.

Easter Island is paradoxically one of the most famous places in the world. Its legendary monoliths have become a universal commonplace. But it is also the farthest from any human habitation! It is one of those rare places whose reputation is inversely proportional to what we know about it. Its celebrity is mainly based on its mysterious legends.
Do not consider this territory as a paradise island, but rather as a land capable of raising emotion at any moment.

Also better known for its volcanic megaliths (moai), about 1500 years old, this remote island in the South Pacific is more than 3,000 kilometers from the Chilean coast. But this enchanting place hides a lot of charm. Some say that nowhere else is there clearer water to admire the seabed, appreciate the power of the Pacific waves, and it is also possible to discover the wonders of the island on foot or on horseback, the ideal compromise between nature and culture. The Rano Raraku volcanic quarry and the Orongo cultural village, with its magnificent view, are not to be missed.

Santiago

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a vibrant and dynamic city nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. Santiago is a city of contrast where modern urban life is perfectly combined with rich history and tradition. The city was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541. Over the centuries, Santiago has grown from a colonial outpost to Chile's largest and most important city.

It has become the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Thanks to its natural landscapes, the city offers many parks and green spaces, including the Parque Metropolitano and the beautiful Cerro Santa Lucía where you can enjoy unique and unforgettable experiences, doing outdoor activities and enojy beautiful panoramic views of the city. Besides its beautiful landscapes, the city is known for its vibrant arts community and frequent cultural festivals.

There are many theaters, museums, and galleries in the city. Notable landmarks include the historic Plaza de Armas, the Palacio de La Moneda (the presidential palace), and the towering Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in Latin America.