Fiji to Keelung

Nadi, Fiji is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Viking. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is May through October, when cooler dry months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration.

Funafuti is the capital atoll of Tuvalu, where a narrow coral ribbon barely above sea level supports a resilient Polynesian culture confronting climate change's frontline. Must-do experiences include snorkeling the Conservation Area's pristine reefs and sharing fresh-caught tuna with local families. May to October provides the drier season in this warm tropical climate.

Butaritari is an unusually lush atoll in northern Kiribati with WWII battle sites from the fierce Makin campaigns, a large sheltered lagoon ideal for snorkelling, and a fertility rare among Pacific atolls. Must-do experiences include exploring the overgrown Japanese bunkers, swimming in the warm lagoon, and witnessing traditional outrigger canoe sailing. June through October offers the driest conditions for this remote Pacific destination.

Majuro is the capital atoll of the Marshall Islands, a narrow ribbon of coral between the Pacific and one of the world's largest lagoons, renowned for its traditional navigation heritage, excellent diving, and warm Marshallese hospitality. Must-do experiences include lagoon snorkelling, visiting the Alele Museum's stick chart collection, and sampling fresh tuna with coconut cream. December through April offers the driest, most comfortable conditions.

Kosrae is the most pristine island in the Federated States of Micronesia, offering the medieval ruins of the Lelu kingdom, world-class diving on coral reefs approaching one hundred percent coverage, and a mountain-and-jungle landscape of overwhelming greenness. Must-do experiences include diving the pristine reefs, exploring the Lelu ruins, and absorbing the island's profound tranquillity. January through March offers the driest conditions for this remote Pacific gem.

Pohnpei is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia, home to the enigmatic ruins of Nan Madol — a twelfth-century ceremonial city of basalt islets often called the Venice of the Pacific. Must-dos include exploring Nan Madol by boat at high tide, hiking to waterfalls in the lush volcanic interior, and diving the pristine outer reef systems. Visit January through March for the driest conditions, though rain is likely any time on one of the wettest islands on Earth.

Yap is a culturally remarkable island in western Micronesia, famous for its giant stone money, intact traditional villages, and some of the world's best manta ray diving. Essential experiences include exploring ancient stone-money banks, diving with resident mantas in Mil Channel, and sampling fresh reef fish grilled over coconut husks. The dry season from December to April offers ideal conditions for diving and cultural exploration.

Yap is a culturally remarkable island in western Micronesia, famous for its giant stone money, intact traditional villages, and some of the world's best manta ray diving. Essential experiences include exploring ancient stone-money banks, diving with resident mantas in Mil Channel, and sampling fresh reef fish grilled over coconut husks. The dry season from December to April offers ideal conditions for diving and cultural exploration.

Palau is a Pacific island nation with over 500 limestone islands and some of Earth's most extraordinary marine environments, including the UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, Jellyfish Lake, and world-class dive sites like Blue Corner with its grey reef sharks and manta rays. Must-do experiences include snorkeling among stingless jellyfish, diving WWII wrecks, and exploring the mushroom-shaped Rock Islands by kayak. November to April offers the best diving visibility in this tropical paradise.

Porto Cervo is the jewel of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, a purpose-built luxury village where world-class sailing, pristine emerald beaches, and ancient Nuragic archaeology coexist against a backdrop of sculpted granite coastline. Visit from May through October, with June and September offering the ideal balance of Mediterranean warmth and refined exclusivity.

Keelung, a historic port city in northern Taiwan, is known for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary treasures, including the famous Oyster Omelette and Braised Pork Rice. A must-do experience is exploring the bustling Keelung Night Market and venturing to nearby attractions like Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge. The best season to visit is during the fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor exploration.