Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia

Embark the Panorama II at Papeete Port at 3 pm. You are greeted with a warm welcome in Tahitian, "Maeva," as you board the ship for your French Polynesia cruise. After settling in and meeting the crew and cabin mates, the ship set sail for Moorea. Late afternoon arrival, dinner on board, and spent the night on the ship.

Moorea is a beautiful island with tall mountain peaks that rise from its lagoon. It is believed that this island inspired the mythical Bali Hai in Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener. Those who want to explore the island can join the morning snorkeling and ray tour and the afternoon nature and culture tour. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the island and its ancient remains and to taste its fruity flavors at the juice factory. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a sailing trip to Makatea.

Much French Polynesia consists of atolls, ring-shaped coral reefs encircling a central body of water. However, Makatea is a raised island of coral that is different from the usual atolls. It is a peaceful and stunning island home to three species of endangered native birds: the Makatea fruit dove, the imperial pigeon, and the reed warbler. The half-day tour will take you across the island to discover these birds, stunning beaches with rock pools for exploration, and an underwater grotto filled with stalagmites and stalactites. After the tour, the departure to Rangiroa will take place in the late afternoon, and it will be an overnight journey at sea.

*Please note that due to visits by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Morning arrival in Rangiroa. Composed of 240 islets, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago and the best spot for diving in French Polynesia. Experience the wide array of sea life and join on a full-day optional tour to the atoll’s Blue Lagoon; at only 16 feet deep, it’s a mecca for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life. Re-energize with a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor.

*Please note that due to visits by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions. 

Set sail early morning and arrived at Tikehau, the Pink Sand Island. Tikehau has turquoise lagoons, long white-sand beaches, and vibrant flowers like bougainvillea and hibiscus. The island is surrounded by tiny white and pink sand islets covered with coconut groves and hidden alcoves. According to Jacques Cousteau, spend your time lounging on the colorful sand or exploring marine life with a higher concentration of fish than anywhere else in French Polynesia. An optional tour to Tuherahera is available to learn about the fish farm's intriguing and successful process, which a local family owns. Later in the afternoon, sail to Huahine.

*Please note that due to visits by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions

Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is a tropical jungle dotted with ancient marae (temples), some dating back to 700 AD, overnight in port.

The next day, your optional tour takes in many of the island's temples and small villages, offers a chance to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay, and visits a vanilla plantation. If you're a keen cook, it is recommended that you purchase vanilla beans while here; you won't find them tastier - or cheaper! - versions elsewhere. Night sailing to Bora Bora, overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival into the Bora Bora lagoon, where you may feel like you've woken in a dream. In many respects, you have; these are some of the world's most picturesque landscapes. You can have enough time for ample swim and snorkel stops, various optional tours such as snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, exploring in an open-air bus known as 'Le Truck,' and more. Or, choose your adventure - tell the team what you want to do, and they will arrange it. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times). 

In Bora Bora, you can choose from a variety of optional activities, such as a Bora Bora Cultural Safari by 4x4, an excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon, the Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck," and more. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).

Morning departure and arrival to nearby Taha'a, a true botanical paradise bursting with banana, watermelon, and coconut groves. Taste the local fruit, gaze across calm waters in shades of turquoise you never knew existed, visit a pearl farm, and explore a traditional vanilla plantation. Afternoon sail and arrival to Raiatea.

The island of Raiatea is known for its heavenly and soft-lit skies. An optional morning excursion with a local guide takes you to Uturoa, the cultural and administrative center, Mount Temehani, and the ancient Taputapuatea Marae, a protected site recognized by UNESCO. Here, you can learn about its Polynesian origins and historical significance. Alternatively, you can choose an optional kayak tour along the Faaroa River. Afterward, the journey continues to Papeete, overnight at sea.

This morning marks your arrival back in Papeete, Tahiti. Before disembarkation, join the final breakfast on board at 9 AM.