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Local or indigenous group in Polynesia engaged in cultural activity

Pitcairn & Gambier

Papeete to Papeete - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Aranoa
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Sail with Aranoa on a 12-day South Pacific cruise from Tahiti. Visit Anaa with its jade lagoon and coral islets, and Amanu with village dances, shell crafts, and historic sites. Explore Mangareva, the heart of the Gambier Islands, known for black pearls and Saint-Michel Cathedral. Spend two days on remote Pitcairn Island, landing at Bounty Bay to visit Adamstown, meet descendants of the Bounty mutineers, explore the local market and Bounty Museum, see John Adams’ grave, share a village picnic, and walk to the island’s Highest Point. Return via Hikueru, once a pearl center, where legends and the ruins of Saint-Michel Church remain. Along the way enjoy local markets, Polynesian traditions, and rare cultural encounters in one of the world’s most remote regions.
Enjoy a tropical escapePitcairn Island in the South PacificIdyllic South PacificSail the crystal waters of the South Pacific reef systemColorful coral reef and fishLocal or indigenous group in Polynesia engaged in cultural activity
Highlights
  • Discover Anaa’s jade lagoon, coral islets, and motu beaches
  • Experience Amanu’s dances, shell crafts, lighthouse, and historic churches
  • Visit the grave of the last surviving mutineer John Adams
  • Explore archaeological sites on an island circle tour
Places Visited
  • South Pacific
  • Tahiti
  • Adamstown
  • French Polynesia
  • Gambier Islands
  • Mangareva
  • Oceania
  • Papeete
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Polynesia
  • Rikitea
  • Society Islands
  • Tuamotu Islands
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti | Embark | Moorea

Step aboard Aranoa at the Papeete Cruise Terminal, where music, flowers, and a warm welcome set the tone. As the ship departs, Tahiti’s mountains fade into the distance and your Pacific cruise begins.

Day 2: Anaa, Tuamotu

Anaa, once a Pomare family stronghold, is known for its jade lagoon, white-sand motus, and coral formations. Locals live from fishing and copra. Visit Tukuhora village on foot or by bus, try fly-fishing in the lagoon, and enjoy a beach picnic. Optional activities include swimming at the “Ogoogo” pito, excursions to nearby islets, or a bike ride.

Day 3: Amanu, Tuamotu

Between crystal-clear lagoons, coconut palms and a friendly village, you are welcomed to Ikitake by children's dances and wreaths of flowers. On the program: shell crafts, old lighthouse, Saint-Paul churches, fish park and coral building from the XIXᵉ century. Under the century-old “Tou”, enjoy a local buffet to the sound of traditional music.

Don't forget: sun cream (SPF 40+), sunglasses, hat, light clothing and swim sandals.

Day 4: At Sea

Relax on the Pool Deck or in the air-conditioned Lounge while enjoying views of the South Pacific Ocean. Lectures on Pitcairn Island culture reveal the fascinating history of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. In the evening, enjoy a convivial evening in the bar with your fellow passengers. The Polynesian crew proudly share their way of life to the sound of ukuleles, guitars and drums.

Day 5: Mangareva, Gambier

Rikitea, capital of the Gambiers archipelago, welcomes you to the shores of a blue-green lagoon renowned for its black pearls. Enjoy a flowery welcome and a tasting of local specialties at the Karorua quay. Don't miss the renovated Saint-Michel cathedral, adorned with mother-of-pearl, the symbol of Polynesian Catholicism. Lunch served on board before departure for Pitcairn.

Day 6-7: Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands

Two centuries after the famous landing, the Aranoa drops anchor in Bounty Bay, in the heart of one of the world's most isolated islands. Passengers discover Adamstown, meet descendants of the mutineers at the local market, visit the Bounty Museum and the grave of John Adams. You'll share a picnic lunch in the village with its authentic inhabitants.

Tips: non-slip shoes, rain protection and plenty of water recommended.

On the second day, enjoy free time in the village or a walk to the “Highest Point”, the highest point in the territory. Lunch is served on board and return to the village of Rikitea in Mangareva.
 

Day 8: Mangareva | Rikitea | Gambier islands

In Karorua, the “PE'I” dance show welcomes you. By truck or on foot, explore the island's key sites: the Collège Saint-Raphaël, which introduces young people to mother-of-pearl engraving, and for the adventurous, a hike to the belvedere and the tomb of the kings.

Lunch on board, followed by an afternoon of relaxation and swimming at Teauopapa.

Day 9: At Sea

Enjoy a peaceful day on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Lounge, while admiring the South Pacific Ocean. Enriching lectures and activities punctuate this trip to Hikueru.

Day 10: Hikueru, Tuamotu

A  former Tuamotu pearl reserve, Hikueru was marked by the cyclone of 1903, recounted by Jack London in South Sea Tales. Now a copra-growing island, Hikueru welcomes you to the marina to the sound of music and wreaths of flowers. By truck or on foot, visit the village and the abandoned church of Saint-Michel, the tallest in the Tuamotus. You can rent a bike to explore the island at your own pace. Listen to local legends told by the locals.

Lunch on board before returning to the Society Islands.

Day 11: At Sea

A day to recover from your emotions. On your way to Papeete, you can take part in a number of conferences and activities throughout the day.

Day 12: Papeete, Tahiti | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This is the end of your journey. It is time to say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff and the Aranoa guides.

Ship/Hotel

Aranoa

Aranoa ship sails through calm waters, with mountains rising in the background.
Reception Area
Dining Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,363 2-3 travelers
Class C
Class C
Dormitory style accommodations, this category consists of 2 exterior, four passenger cabins of shared space, offering 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), 4 single beds, a living and dining area, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
Standard Stateroom
Standard Stateroom
From approximately 160 sq. ft. and no balcony, this exterior stateroom offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator and a safe. A Standard Family Stateroom is also available, offering a 250 sq. ft. (23 m²) bedroom with a king bed or two twin beds and a bunk bed with twin beds.
Deluxe
Deluxe
From approximately 160 sq. ft. (15 m²) and a 55 sq. ft. (5 m²) private balcony, this exterior stateroom offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, coffee marker and a safe.
Superior Deluxe
Superior Deluxe
From approximately 175 sq. ft. (16 m²) and a 55 sq. ft. (5 m²) private balcony, this exterior stateroom offers a bedroom with a sitting area, a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, coffee marker and a safe.
Junior Suite
Junior Suite
From approximately 185 sq. ft. (17 m²) and a 65 sq. ft. (6 m²) private balcony, this exterior stateroom offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, coffee marker and a safe.
Premium Suite
Premium Suite
From approximately 250 sq. ft. (23 m²) and a 60 sq. ft. (5 m²) private balcony, this exterior suite offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds and a living room with a sofa bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a safe.
Royal Suite
Royal Suite
From approximately 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) and a 75 sq. ft. (7 m²) private balcony, this exterior suite offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds and a living room with a sofa bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, coffee maker, and a safe.
Gran Royal Suite
Grand Royal Suite
Approximately 325 sq. ft. (30 m²) and a 160 sq. ft. (15 m²) private balcony, this exterior suite offers a dining and living area with a sofa bed, a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with a shower and hair dryer, as well as a half bathroom, a refrigerator, coffee marker and a safe.
Owner Suite
Approximately 452 sq. ft. (42 m²) with a 75 sq. ft. (7 m²) private balcony, the Owner’s Suite on Veranda Deck 6 accommodates 1 to 4 adults.
Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite
Approximately 440 sq. ft. (41 m²) and a 85 sq. ft. (8 m²) private balcony, this exterior suite offers a dining and living area with a sofa bed, as well as a separate bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, 2 bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a refrigerator, coffee marker and a safe.

Notes

Single occupancy
For all the cruises an additional 50% surcharge is added for single travellers.

Triple share occupancy (Available in quadruple staterooms, Premium, Royal, Grand Royal, Owner Suite and Presidential suite):
If three adults are sharing a cabin, the third adult will pay 25% less calculated on the base fare without charges.

Quad share occupancy (Available in quadruple staterooms and Presidential suite):
If four adults are sharing a cabin, the third and fourth adult will pay 25% less calculated on the base fare without charges. Children between 3 to 15 years old will be charged at the children's rate (without the 25% discount).

Children's fare:
Children under the age of one are not accepted onboard. Children under three-years-old will only pay taxes and charges. Children aged between 3 and 15 will pay half the adult base fare. Children aged 16 years and above will pay the full adult fare.

Children in Class C:
Children aged under 16 are not permitted in the dormitory accommodation. Children aged 16 years and above will pay the full adult fare.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Cruise transportation and related taxes (tourist tax, port tax, TDC)
  • A bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals
  • Lunches in local restaurants
  • Lecturers onsite and onboard
  • Cultural dance shows
  • Planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites
  • English and German speaking guides
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Liquor
  • Shipboard purchases
  • Port taxes other than those specifically provided for

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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