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POLYNESIA - a collection of around 1,000 islands in a rough triangular area, from New Zealand in the south-west to Easter Island in the southeast and Hawaii in the north, encompassing French Polynesia and isles including Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Marquesas Islands - these volcanic outposts are part of French Polynesia, but renowned as one of the world's most remote island groups, full of dramatic jungle-topped peaks, bountiful waters and welcoming islanders.

Arguably the most famous isle of French Polynesia with its busy capital Papeete, arrival point for tourists and departure port for many inter-island cruises. It's worth spending a few nights here pre or post cruise to explore the mountainous interior and archaeological sites.

The archetypal dreamy hideaway found among French Polynesia's Society Islands, that's big on romance thanks to a spectacular backdrop of craggy peaks, alabaster sands and vivid turquoise waters teeming with kaleidoscopic tropical fish.

Natural beauty abounds on this archipelago of 15 islands which is quieter and less developed than Fiji. Named after Captain Cook who landed here in 1773, there's a distinctive New Zealand feel as the islands come under its realm, even though they are self governing.

The main Hawaiian isle, famous for the capital Honolulu and surfing rollers of Waikiki Beach, plus Pearl Harbor - the US naval base targeted in the devastating Japanese attack in 1941 that brought America into World War II.

Noted for the craggy volcanic peaks that make up the Haleakala National Park laced with golden sand beaches and superb waters for snorkelling and whale-watching. The pretty former fishing town Lahaina, now a cruise stop, is dotted with boutiques and art galleries.

This group of around 300 islands, with the main isle Viti Levu home to capital Suva, is a melting pot of cultures that includes Australasian, European and Indian. English is widely spoken, a reminder of the islands' time under British rule.
MELANESIA - this covers the 2,000 islands lying north and east of Australia, stretching westwards from Papua New Guinea towards Fiji in the east and covering the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

MICRONESIA - the third and more rarely-visited area with 600 islands including the lesser-known states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae - often explored by expeditionary ships. It brims with local culture, rich biodiversity and World War II shipwrecks.