Embark on the Panorama II in Papeete, Tahiti, for an unforgettable 11-day cruise through French Polynesia. Each day offers a new adventure, from the magical island of Mo'orea to the unique landscapes of Makatea and Rangiroa. Explore Tikehau's pink sand beaches and vibrant marine life, immerse in the ancient temples of Huahine, and discover the turquoise waters of Bora Bora. Indulge in optional tours like snorkeling, vanilla plantation visits, and cultural safaris in Taha'a. End your journey in Raiatea, known as the 'faraway heaven,' before returning to Papeete with memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Explore the mythical Bali Hai in Mo'orea with morning snorkelling
Discover the unique Makatea island with endemic birds and underwater grotto
Experience the best diving spot in Rangiroa at the Blue Lagoon
Enjoy the pink sand paradise of Tikehau with turquoise lagoons
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your journey begins at 3 p.m. as the Panorama II sets sail from Papeete Port. Before departure, a welcome briefing and safety drill will be conducted. The ship will then head towards Mo'orea, where it is expected to arrive late afternoon. Passengers can enjoy dinner on board and spend the night there as well.
Mo'orea is a beautiful island surrounded by mountain peaks that rise from its lagoon. It is believed to have inspired the mythical Bali Hai in James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific. You can join a morning snorkeling and ray tour and an afternoon nature and culture tour to learn about the island's history and ancient remains and taste the fruity flavors at the juice factory. You can enjoy sailing to Makatea in the afternoon and the stunning scenery.
Much of French Polynesia comprises 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. Your half-day tour will take you across the island in the discovery of these, plus beautiful beaches with rock pools ripe for exploring, as well as an underwater grotto full of stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight 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 vast array of sea life, so 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.
Early morning sailing and arrival at Tikehau, the Pink Sand island. Think of an island paradise: no, think and dream about it. It has pristine turquoise lagoons
and long stretches of white-sand beaches, and it 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, engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Idle time away from lounging on the colorful sands or exploring 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 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. Your 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 and visit a vanilla plantation. If you're a keen cook, you should 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 called ‘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 have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as a Bora Bora Cultural Safari by 4x4, an excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon or the Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).
The itinerary for the day involves a morning departure and arrival at Taha'a, a beautiful botanical paradise known for its lush banana, watermelon, and coconut groves. You can taste the locally grown fruit and admire the serene turquoise waters. You can also visit a pearl farm and explore a traditional vanilla plantation. Later in the afternoon, sail to Raiatea.
Raiatea, which means 'faraway heaven' and 'sky with soft light,' is the morning's optional excursion destination. You can join the local guide to visit Uturoa, the cultural and administrative center, Mount Temehani, and the ancient Marae of Taputapuatea. The latter is a significant historical site that UNESCO has protected. The guide will share Polynesian origins and their relevance. Alternatively, you can opt for the kayaking tour along the Faaroa River. Later in the afternoon, depart for Papeete and spend the night at sea.
Day 11: Pape'ete | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning, sail back to Papeete, Tahiti. The team invites you to join a final breakfast on board at 9 AM before disembarkation.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,090
Select a Date
Category C (Double)
Category C cabins are located on the lower deck offering portholes and a bathroom with showers. The cabins are equipped with individually controlled A/C, piped music, TV (Satellite channels), telephone for internal use, mini safe box, mini-fridge, and hairdryer adapters (voltage: 220 V).
Size: 114 sq. ft to 119 sq.ft
Max occupancy: 2 people
Bedding: Double bed
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Aircon with control in the room
Select a Date
Category B
Category B cabins are located on the lower deck offering portholes and a bathroom with showers. The cabins are equipped with individually controlled A/C, piped music, TV (Satellite channels), telephone for internal use, mini safe box, mini-fridge, and hairdryer adapters (voltage: 220 V).
Size: 108 sq. ft to 140.5 sq. ft
Max occupancy: 2 people
Bedding: Twin (2 Single)
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Aircon with control in the room
Select a Date
Category A
Category A cabins are located on the main or upper deck offering windows and a bathroom with showers. The cabins are equipped with individually controlled A/C, piped music, TV (Satellite channels), telephone for internal use, mini safe box, mini-fridge, and hairdryer adapters (voltage: 220 V).
Size: 97 sq. ft to 130 sq.ft
Max occupancy: 2 people
Bedding: Double OR Twin
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Aircon with control in the room
Select a Date
Category P (Double)
Category P cabin is located on the upper deck offering a large window and bathroom with showers. The cabin is equipped with individual-controlled A/C, piped music, TV (Satellite channels), telephone for internal use, mini safe box, mini-fridge, and hairdryer adapters (voltage: 220 V).
Size: 135 sq.ft
Max occupancy: 2 people
Bedding: Double bed
Ensuite Bathroom: Yes
Aircon: Aircon with control in the room
Notes
- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 30% , and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Regular (filter) coffee, tea and still mineral water free all day
Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability)
English-Speaking Cruise Escort.
Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening , fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Port Fees
Wifi
Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned in inclusions)
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
