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Honolulu Harbor Oahu

Treasures of the Marine World with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard Le Soleal
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Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. At the heart of the Tuamotu Islands, spend some time in the magnificent Rangiroa Atoll. This gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. A little more to the east, discover the unique charms of the Marquesas Islands, whose volcanic landscapes are home to turquoise lagoons and secluded bays. Later chart a course towards Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands will delight you with their world-renowned idyllic beaches as well as their exuberant nature, a succession of rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic lands. From Hilo, a small island of lush green hills, visit the Volcano National Park, the only site in Hawaii listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moorea, French PolynesiaSnorkeling among the coral reef systemWhale sightingRelaxing swimHonolulu Harbor Oahu
Highlights
  • View translucent waters edged by exceptional coral reefs
  • Explore the Marquesas Islands volcanic landscapes, bays & abundant wildlife
  • Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia
  • Discover the tombs of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete, French Polynesia | Embark

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la Reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialties: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Day 2-3: Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Pearl Farm Visit, Classbottom Boat, Snorkel the Aquarium Garden, Polynesian Wine & Rum.

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 5: Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island | Hanavave (Bay Of Virgins), Fatu Hiva Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your ship will take you to Omoa, a peaceful fishing village far from all civilization, nestling in a magnificent bay on the island of Fatu Hiva. In the valley, you will be able to spot some tohua, former sacred sites, as well as the many burial caves lost in the island’s abundant tropical forest. During your port of call, you’ll be able to discover the Maison Grelet, a museum that houses remarkable wooden sculptures and local works of art. Right in front of you, the village’s artisans will demonstrate how they make tapa, a bark cloth obtained through the technique of beating layers of wood, and explain the manufacturing processes of umu hei, a bouquet garni made from a delicious mix of fragrances.

Grandiose, striking and powerful, the Marquesas are more rugged than their Polynesian sisters. The archipelago’s charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and lush vegetation. On the island of Fatu Hiva, you’ll discover the famous Hanavave Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Make the most of your free time to stroll among the houses and gardens of the village. Its inhabitants, specialized in the manufacture of tapa (bark cloth), will welcome you with ukulele music and traditional songs. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting the soft and juicy citrus fruits that grow on the island.

Day 6: Atuona, Marquesas Islands | Hapatoni, Tahuata Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You’ll immediately understand why this remote and unusual chain of islands bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired Jacques Brel’s final album. During your cruise, we will stop at Hiva Oa, considered to be the “garden of the Marquesas Islands.” A special kind of power and charm emanate from its craggy skyline and black sand beaches. This port of call will provide you with an opportunity to visit the small village of Atuona, home to the tombs of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, as well as a cultural center devoted to the memory of the famous French painter.

Located on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, the village of Hapatoni will open its doors to you. A road built in old stones will lead you from the seashore to the village cathedral. You will also find a craft center presenting various sculptures and engravings in bone or wood. Marquesan art is recognized all over French Polynesia. Further on, vegetation takes over, inviting you to walk among its beautiful green valleys. Here, the population will give you a proper welcome, with traditional singing and dancing. A moment of conviviality you’ll remember!

Day 7: Sailing Around Ua Pou | Taiohae, Nuka Hiva Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ua Pou, meaning “pillars”, is an island located in the Marquesas Islands, in the north-east of French Polynesia. After Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, it is the third-largest island in the archipelago. This small mountainous island offers dazzling scenery, with its distinctive chain of rocky peaks shaped like a sugarloaf dominating Hakahau Bay.

Taiohae Bay welcomes you in a sumptuous setting. Your ship will drop anchor a few kilometers from the black sandy beaches, nestled between majestic valleys. You will find yourself in the middle of the main village on the island of Nuku Hiva. You can follow the footpaths on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle. From the top of the hill of Mount Muake, a breathtaking panorama allows you to clearly identify the rocky islands that emerge on either side of the bay. Further on, the site of Piki Vehine shows its tikis, sacred statues used for religious practices. In addition, do not miss the Notre Dame des Marquises cathedral. Its distinguishing feature is that is was built using stone taken from the six Marquesa Islands.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Taipival Valley Scenic Drive.

Day 8: Hatiheu, Nuka Hiva Island | Sailing In Anaho Bay, Nuku Hiva Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Entering Hatiheu Bay, you will quickly make out the statue of the Virgin, which, standing more than 300 meters high, overlooks this beautiful little village. Located on the north of Nuku Hiva Island, this locality is dominated by impressive basalt pitons. In the past, the fear of tsunamis and attacks from other clans led the tribes to settle in the interior of the valleys. As a consequence, many archaeological sites remain preserved and make for interesting excursions. You will find many of the ceremonial plazas, called tohua, notably those of Kamuihei and Hikokua where you will be able to observe several reconstructed traditional houses.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in Polynesia, Anaho offers you a unique sailing experience in a grandiose natural setting. Surrounded by majestic mountains covered with lush vegetation and edged by a long sweep of white sand, the crystal-clear waters in countless shades of blue are home to a teeming population of marine wildlife. It is also famous for having the only reef platform in the Marquesas Islands.

Day 9-14: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 15: Hilo, Hawaii

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The little coastal town of Hilo welcomes you in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. With its 47,000 inhabitants, it is more populated than the island of Hawaii itself. Marked by tsunamis, it houses a strange museum, the museum of the Tsunamis of the Pacific, which is an emotional experience. The traditional market is one of the most famous, and an opportunity to taste delicious local specialties. In the surrounding areas, an enchanting natural landscape unrolls its gifts of caves, waterfalls and paradisiacal creeks. Higher up, in the heart of the island, there are several observatories open to visitors on the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Day 16: Honolulu, Hawaii | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Located on the island of Oahu, the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, offers its visitors a different image of the American dream: young women wrapped in sarongs, colorful cocktails and coconut trees. Here, the sun is divine, the waves a surfers’ dream, and its volcano, Diamond Head, are all features that will win your heart. The view from Diamond Head is simply incredible. But Honolulu is also about art museums, cycling tracks, the famous Waikiki beach and a tourist district with festive night-time animation. As for amateurs of history, the Iolani and Ali-Iolani Hale palaces provide insight into the singular destiny of this State.

Ship/Hotel

Le Soleal

Enjoy a show in the movie theater.
Bar and lounge with a view.
Restaurant aboard the Le Soleal.

Dates & Prices

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Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
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Superior Stateroom
The Superior Stateroom has a capacity of up to 3 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
The Prestige Suite on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
The Prestige Suite on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Owner's Suite
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Owner Suite
The Owner's suite is situated on Deck 6 with a capacity up to 2 passengers per cabin. With a king-sized bed, it has been decorated by French interior designers and provides you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view.

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.

Discounts are available for children sharing a cabin with two adults and third adult passengers in select cabin categories. Please contact us for details.

Single travelers can opt for a solo cabin - supplements start at 50%.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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