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Day 1
Papeete (Tahiti, Society Islands)
Maeva [mah-yeh-vah] - that’s welcome in Tahitian, and we extend a very warm welcome to you on our French Polynesia cruise. Settle in and meet your crew and cabin mates, we begin by setting sail for Mo'orea. Late afternoon arrival, dinner on board and overnight.
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Day 2
Mo'orea
With mountain peaks rising from its lagoon, Mo'orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai in Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener. Join our morning snorkelling and ray tour and our afternoon nature and culture tour to learn about the history of the island and her ancient remains, as well as taste the island’s fruity flavours at the juice factory. Afternoon sailing to Makatea.
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Day 3
Makatea
Much of French Polynesia is made up of atolls - a ring shaped coral reef encircling a central body of water - but Makatea is different. This raised island of coral is the sleepy but spectacular island home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the Makatea fruit dove, the imperial pigeon, and the reed warbler. Our half-day tour will take us across the island in discovery of these, plus beautiful beaches with rock pools ripe for exploring, as well as to an underwater grotto full of stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight at sea. *Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
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Day 4
Rangiroa
Morning arrival in Rangiroa. Composed of 240 islets, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago and the best spot for diving in all of French Polyneisa. We know you’ll want to experience the wide array of sea-life so join us on our full-day optional tour to the atoll’s Blue Lagoon; at only 16 feet deep it’s a mecca for swimming, snorkelling and marine life. Re-energise with a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor. *Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
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Day 5
Tikehau
Early morning sailing and arrival at Tikehau, also called the Pink Sand island. Think of an island paradise: no, really think and dream about it. We bet it comes with pristine turquoise lagoons, long stretches of white-sand beaches, and is adorned with jewel-like flowers such as bougainvillea and hibiscus. Tick, tick and tick for Tikehau. Oh - but add some pink sand to your picture too. Tiny white and pink sand islets surround a lagoon and are engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Idle time away lounging on the colourful sands or exploring the marine life which - according to legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau - has a higher concentration of fish than any other in French Polynesia. Today’s optional tour is to Tuherahera where most islanders live, and to a family-owned fish farm to learn about their intriguing - and successful - process. Afternoon sail to Huahine. *Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
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Day 6
Huahine
Late afternoon arrival to Huahine. Once home to Tahitian royalty, Huahine is a tropical jungle dotted with ancient marae (temples), some of which date back to 700 AD. Overnight in port.
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Day 7
Huahine
Our optional tour takes in many of the island's temples and small villages, and offers a chance to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay, as well as visit a vanilla plantation. If you’re a keen cook, we recommend you purchase vanilla beans while here; you won’t find tastier - or cheaper! - versions elsewhere. Night sailing to Bora Bora, overnight at sea.
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Day 8
Bora Bora
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 will have enough time for ample swim and snorkel stops, various optional tours such as: snorkel with stingrays and sharks, explore in an open-air bus known as ‘Le Truck’ and more. Or, choose your own adventure - tell us what you want to do and we’ll arrange it. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).
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Day 9
Bora Bora
In Bora Bora we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Safari by 4x4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon c) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).
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Day 10
Taha'a
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.
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Day 11
Raiatea
Raiatea means ‘faraway heaven’ and ‘sky with soft light’. We know both to be true, but we’ll leave you to discover why for yourself. This morning’s optional excursion is with a local guide to Uturoa, the cultural and administrative centre, then on to Mount Temehani and the ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea. The latter is a UNΕSCO protected site, your guide will tell you about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. Or choose out optional tour via kayak along the Faaroa River. Afternoon departure to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
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Day 12
Papeete
This morning we will arrive back to Papeete, Tahiti. We invite you to join us for the final breakfast on board at 9AM before disembarkation.
