Papeete (Tahiti) to Papeete (Tahiti)

Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is a lively gateway to the tropical beauty of Tahiti. Surrounded by turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches, it offers easy access to the island’s dramatic landscapes and ocean views. Swim in crystal-clear lagoons, stroll along black sand beaches shaped by volcanic activity, and explore lush mountains that rise inland. Whether you’re looking to relax or dive into adventure, Tahiti’s natural beauty and laid-back pace invite you to experience island life at its finest.

Moorea is a mountainous island known for its two nearly identical bays along the north coast. Its triangular shape has been compared to a heart or a bat. Eight sharp peaks, the tallest reaching 1,207 meters, give Moorea a dramatic, rugged profile. A reef surrounds the island, forming a narrow lagoon, recognized as a RAMSAR Wetland—with few small reef islets, called motu. The lagoon is home to sharks, rays, and other marine life.

Smaller and more relaxed than nearby Tahiti, Moorea is about one-eighth its size. A road circles the island, passing through quiet villages, churches, and resorts concentrated along the north coast. Inland, visitors can find large pineapple plantations, French Polynesia’s only agricultural school, ancient stone marae (traditional platforms), and sweeping views from the Belvedere lookout above Cook’s Bay.

Most of Moorea’s 18,000 residents commute to Tahiti by ferry from Vaiare to Papeete, contributing to Papeete’s status as one of France’s busiest ports by passenger volume. Visitors arrive either by plane at Temae Airport, located between the Green Pearl golf course and Temae’s public beach, or by ship entering one of the two northern bays. Both bays are linked to Captain Cook’s 1777 visit—he anchored in Opunohu Bay, but neighboring Pao Pao Bay is now famously known as Cook’s Bay.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Moorea Highlights

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity and is primarily a panoramic coach tour that offers a good overview of the island with only brief periods of walking. Some of the walkways to the marae are unpaved, and guests should wear walking shoes to avoid tripping. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, able to get on and off the coach via steps. The coach is unable to accommodate wheelchairs. A restroom stop is offered at a local shop; euros, US dollars, and Pacific Francs are accepted for any souvenir purchases. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Known as the ‘Sacred Island,’ Raiatea is a fascinating haunt for archaeologists and historians as it's one of the islands in the Pacific where Polynesian culture can trace its roots. Visitors find many of the older Polynesian structures still in place and are fascinating places to explore. In the 16th century, Raiatea developed a powerful cult dedicated to Oro, the God of War, and built a large meeting ground, the Taputaputea Marae, which is still intact. Human sacrifice was practiced until around the middle of the 18th century, and visitors should look for the sacrificial stone. Several tour operators run visits to the marae (ancient temples) along with some degree of informed commentary - although in fairness, Polynesian storytelling can embellish things a little. The Faaroa River is the only navigable waterway in French Polynesia, and it can be traveled by powerboat or outrigger canoe. Running through the Faaroa Gorge, it passes some spectacular scenery with steep-walled jungle foliage holding dozens of bird species and wild hibiscus. Trekking up Mount Temehani, a well-known landmark that's said to be Oro's birthplace, is relatively demanding. Keep a lookout for the rare, five-petal tiare apetahi. Said to be impossible to grow anywhere else, this white, indigenous flower can only be found above 1,300 feet (396 meters). Look, but don't touch. It's against the law to pick them.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Marae Taputaputatea by 'Le Truck'

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves minimal walking. The ride is by 'Le Truck' a large jeep-style vehicle with bench seating. The ride may be bumpy, and therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended.

Raiatea Yesterday and Nowadays

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven, sandy, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.

Land and Sea of Taha'a

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat and manoeuvre in/out of the boat. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and can swim in water too deep to stand. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach or water shoes, and bring sun protection, biodegradable sunscreen, bottled water, a towel, and a change of clothing from the ship. Snorkelling gear is provided. There are no changing facilities on board the boat. Waterproof cameras are highly recommended. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence and sites visited may vary due to rough seas. Space on this tour is extremely limited; it is suggested you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Although it lies between Moorea and Bora Bora, Huahine (pronounced Hu-a-hee-nee or Wha-hee-nee) isn't on the tourist circuit just yet, but it should be. Its near-deserted roads and villages and wooded hills entwined with jungle vines beckon those looking for a little R&R. Huahine is two islands (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti) joined by a bridge. What passes for action takes place in the main town of Fare (pronounced far-ay) on Huahine Nui, the northern and bigger island. Away from this little port, life is slow-paced and you'll be lucky to find anyone stirring on a lazy afternoon in any of the villages of Huahine Iti. Most locals ride bicycles, and agriculture is still the main industry - plantations grow vanilla and melons. There are various legends surrounding the island's name. Some say that hua> means "sex" and hine means "woman," while others say the name means "pregnant woman" due to a rock outline on Huahine Nui's Fitii Peninsula. Then there's the legend of Hiro, Polynesia's most famous god. It's said that Hiro rammed his canoe into the island, splitting it down the middle. Not far from the town of Maroe is a rock spire called Te Moa o Hiro or "penis of Hiro" - you can't miss it. It's easy to explore Huahine (75 square km [47 square miles]) by rental car, as there is really only one road, albeit with a few forks in it. When you cross the bridge into Huahine Iti you can go either left to Maroe or right to Parea. The road to Haapu leads off to a dead end. When crossing from Huahine Iti to Nui the same rule applies. Take the left fork to the "busy" town of Fare and the right fork to the "sacred eel" village of Faaie, via the Belvedere lookout. Hiring your own boat allows you to circle the island and anchor at the motu; a couple of self-catering villas provide both a car and a boat. There are only one or two restaurants on Huahine Iti; you either eat at your pension, choose a pension with cooking facilities, or drive up to Fare for a wider, though still rather limited, choice.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Sacred Sites & Legendary Places

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) on uneven ground. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. This tour operates in a 30 seat traditional truck used in Polynesia. This vehicle does not have air conditioning. The minimum age for participation is 6 years old.

If you've ever imagined your perfect island holiday, it probably starts like this: soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees, and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check, and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, the first-time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway, less than 12 square meters in the heart of the South Pacific, has been topping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners - spectacularly romantic sunsets are a specialty - Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world's most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua-safaris charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora's lush hinterland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar) are a must. Bora Bora's peaceful ambiance has not always been the case. The island was a U.S. supply base, known as “Operation Bobcat,” during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment, and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of which are still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vava'u in ancient times. This supports the belief that the island was colonized by Tongans before French annexation in 1888.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Bora Bora by Local Truck

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and some driving on bumpy roads. Guests must be able to climb in and out of the touring vehicles. The truck goes over bumpy roads and uneven terrain. This tour is not suggested for guests with back or neck issues, limited mobility, or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight clothing, protection from the sun, and closed-to,e comfortable shoes are recommended. It is essential that guests bring bottled water from the ship.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.