With its rugged beauty and vibrant, 3000-year-old culture, this South Pacific island paradise packs enough punch to have something for everyone.
Long known for its pristine beaches, rainforest-covered volcanic mountains and fringing coral reef, Samoa’s 10 postcard-perfect islands offer a multitude of experiences for every kind of traveller – often in vastly different environments.
Samoa for families
Forget the old school ‘drop and flop’; the beauty of Mother Nature’s playground will turn the youngest of travellers into New World explorers, whether its swimming with turtles in the peaceful waters of a lagoon, enjoying the natural waterslides at Papaseea Sliding Rocks or playing a spot of kilikti (Samoan cricket) with the local kids.
Samoa offer fun for the whole family.
Will they find buried treasure among the lush jungles surrounding your resort? Will they come across pirates in the watering holes in which they play? Get their hearts racing and imaginations ignited by visiting the restored colonial homestead-turned museum of Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of much-loved children’s book, Treasure Island. It could provide the inspiration for a trip of a lifetime.
Samoa for lovers
Dreaming of reconnecting with your partner (or celebrating your honeymoon) away from the hustle and bustle of the summertime crowds? Picture a frangipani-scented paradise filled with deserted beaches (perfect for that picnic for two) and azure water holes where your only company is the odd rainbow pop of tropical fish. Out here, it’s just you, your partner and a magical backdrop made for romance.
A picture-perfect romantic escape
If you can force yourself to leave your over-water bungalow (and yes, it can be a struggle), navigating the winding jungle trails through emerald forests hand-in-hand should make the list – but only if it’s bookmarked by a fresh seafood lunch and a relaxing Samoan massage. And repeat.
Samoa for adventurers
Bust out your inner Indiana Jones and give yourself over to the thrill of conquering a wild landscape filled with lush jungles on steep volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and mysterious lava caves begging for exploration.
There’s nothing to suggest one need turn their holiday into a caffeinated drink commercial; those looking for ‘action lite’ can enjoy an afternoon of kayaking with turtles, touring the islands by bicycle or taking an organised snorkel trip. Others may prefer diving her coral reef, surfing her breaks or hiking three kilometers through dense rainforest up to Volcanic Crater Lake.
Conquer your fear of heights in lush tropical surrounds.
Whatever you do, just don’t miss experiencing the Falealupo Canopy Walk in Savaii, a thrilling walkway 40 metres above the rainforest floor among giant Banyan trees. It’s a Samoan highlight.
Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.
The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.
Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)
On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.
Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.
More time to connect
Use sea days to make new memories together.
The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.
Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.
Built-in pauses
Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.
We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.
On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.
Remove travel hassle
Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.
Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.
Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.
Dine at your leisure
Dine on flavours from around the world.
With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.
Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.
And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.
A taste of diverse cultures
See Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea.
Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.
Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.
The luxury of time
Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.
The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.
