Cruise Itinerary

From the island's famed black pearls to world-class surfing and extinct volcanic mountains, discover why Tahiti has been crowned with the nickname, "Queen of the Pacific." French Polynesia's capital city of Papeete is a multicultural centre offering a cosmopolitan atmosphere embedded into the island's natural beauty. Search for unique crafts and goods at the Papeete Market or tour the Rober Wan Pearl Museum to learn about Tahitian black pearls. After returning from a hike, surf lesson or Jeep Safari tour, enjoy a traditional Tahitian dance show.

The 77 Tuamotus, (the name means “Distant Islands” in Polynesian) comprise the largest chain of coral atolls on earth. They sprawl across the vast blue South Pacific Ocean encompassing an area the size of Western Europe. Atolls are literally the skeletal remains of coral reefs, forming rings of crushed coral sand surrounding a shallow central lagoon. The natural flora and fauna of the Oceanic realm is adapted to this environment, and Fakarava’s large lagoon is designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The people of Fakarava farm coconuts for copra on shore and pearls in the lagoons. They also host the travelers who flock here to bask on the beaches and snorkel or dive in the luxuriant coral gardens along the shore. At the long spit of Les Sables Roses, the pink blush of the sand reveals its coral origin. The sleepy towns of Rotoava and Tetamanu offer scant attractions for visitors, except for their distinctive rock lighthouses shaped like stepped pyramids. Tetamanu does boast a 19th Century church built of coral rock by missionaries, and an adjoining cemetery with coral rock headstones. Aside from snorkeling or beach-basking, some visitors enjoy a visit to a lagoon pearl farm, to see how the large, flat bivalves are coaxed into creating the treasured gems formed by the lustrous nacre inside their shells.

The largest of the southern islands, Hiva Oa, the master pillar or finial post of the ‘Great House’ - which represents the Marquesan archipelago in the local mythology - has always been the rival of Nuku Hiva. The island is shaped like a seahorse and has a mountain range running southwest to northeast whose main peaks, Mt. Temetiu and Mt. Feani form a real wall around Atuona. Atuona, a peaceful little port at the head of the Taaoa Bay, also known as Traitors Bay, has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being the last resting place of Paul Gauguin and of the singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage. In the village, the Gauguin Museum displays items related to the painter's stay there at the beginning of the century and has copies of his works.

The stunningly beautiful island of Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, and an overseas territory of France. The first people to arrive here came from Micronesia over 2000 years ago, and later colonized Tahiti, Hawaii, the Cook Islands and New Zealand. The legend has it that Ono, the god of creation, promised his wife he would build a house in one day, so he gathered together land and created these islands, all named after parts of the house. Nuku Hiva is the roof of Ono's house. Its volcanic origins are responsible for the dramatic scenery and vast natural harbor that exist due to the partial collapse of a volcano's caldera.

The world's second-biggest atoll, Rangiroa, is a wonderfully languorous and remote place to explore. It's beautiful: The stark whiteness of the bleached coral contrasted against the turquoise water creates vivid delight for the eyes. The lagoon here is vast and dazzling, ringed by gorgeous white-sand islets accessible only by boat and just perfect for lazing away a long afternoon. The majority of visitors come here to dive, but Rangi (as locals call it) offers more ways to explore its magnificent lagoon than to just go deep: Opt instead for a relaxed snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat out for a cruise. The port town of Avatoru may seem middle-of-nowhere quiet to most Westerners, but this is the hub of the Tuamotu Archipelago. The town's paved roads, shops and even gourmet restaurants are not standard amenities on other atolls in this far-flung island group. But should you prefer to not spend the day in the water, there are experiences to be had on terra firma. Head to a small site overlooking Tiputa Pass to watch the daily performances of dolphins dancing in the waves created by the strong current. Or stop in at a pearl farm to learn how the famed black pearls are cultured—and then treat yourself to a bit of shopping afterward.

Nicknamed the "Jewel of the South Seas," Bora Bora will sweep you up in its stunning landscapes so that you feel a world away. Come ashore and discover for yourself why Bora Bora is a world-famous romantic destination. Whether paddle boarding across its translucent blue lagoon, exploring Mount Pahia on a guided tour, shopping at local boutiques or simply lounging on the warm sand, you can make this paradise your own.

Nicknamed the "Jewel of the South Seas," Bora Bora will sweep you up in its stunning landscapes so that you feel a world away. Come ashore and discover for yourself why Bora Bora is a world-famous romantic destination. Whether paddle boarding across its translucent blue lagoon, exploring Mount Pahia on a guided tour, shopping at local boutiques or simply lounging on the warm sand, you can make this paradise your own.

Meaning "Faraway Heaven," Raiatea is an island of astounding beauty, ancient myths and home to French Polynesia's largest outdoor temple (marae). Many believe the island is the centre from which the great Polynesian migration started and is considered the most sacred island in the South Pacific. A coral reef teeming with colourful marine life surrounds Raiatea in a tranquil lagoon - ideal for snorkelling and diving. After a dip in the lagoon, explore lush rainforests and the extinct volcano Mount Temehani. Enjoy your day on this culturally significant island where history, legend and natural beauty intertwine.

Moorea, often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. Sharks sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.

From the island's famed black pearls to world-class surfing and extinct volcanic mountains, discover why Tahiti has been crowned with the nickname, "Queen of the Pacific." French Polynesia's capital city of Papeete is a multicultural centre offering a cosmopolitan atmosphere embedded into the island's natural beauty. Search for unique crafts and goods at the Papeete Market or tour the Rober Wan Pearl Museum to learn about Tahitian black pearls. After returning from a hike, surf lesson or Jeep Safari tour, enjoy a traditional Tahitian dance show.