About Pago Pago So good they named it twice, the South Pacifics Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango) is both the name of the harbour which cuts fjord-like into American Samoas main island of Tutuila and also for the village at its western end. But the larger, more interesting town is Fagotago at the eastern end. Look out for an excellent natural history museum and the lively public market. Also, just outside Fagatago is the former guesthouse where Somerset Maugham created his most famous character, Sadie Thompson in ‘Rain’. Away from Pago Pago on this snaking, Chinese dragon-shaped island you will find the most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery of any South Pacific island plus some superb beaches.View typical shore excursions for this port |
 About Papeete Although this gorgeous South Pacific island of Tahiti has its share of beautiful coves, black sand, and lush, unspoilt mountainous landscapes full of cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastal blowholes, do not expect some kind of laid-back desert(ed) island settlement when you cruise into the main port and capital, Papeete. One stroll around its harbour-full of private yachts, across roads packed with expensive cars, or past its streets-full of chic boutiques, designer label stores and pulsating bars and nightclubs, and you could believe yourself to be in the French Caribbean or even the French Riviera. It is a lot of fun, though. Especially around the cosmopolitan city market which is permanently busy with Tahitian, French, Indian, and Chinese furiously trading their wares. As it was his enthusiastic portrayal of Polynesian beauty that contributed so much to our knowledge and appreciation of Tahiti, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum (and botanical garden) in Port Phaeton is always popular.View typical shore excursions for this port |