A WEEK WITH US IN TAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tahiti and French Polynesia are undoubtedly listed among the most enchanting destinations, and they literally offer an escape to paradise – a dream voyage for everyone. Each island stop reveals the breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious relaxation that define this region. At Variety Cruises, we make this dream come true with carefully planned itineraries of 7, 10 or 11 nights and exclusive excursions. Aboard our Panorama II, our full-board cruises to Tahiti and French Polynesia are designed to make the most of these beautiful destinations and offer you a full experience that will captivate all your senses.
Enchanting Destinations
Our first stop is the island of Moorea, with its stunning blue and green landscapes circled by sapphire waters. Moorea is ideal for watersports like swimming and snorkeling, with dives directly from Panorama II’s swimming platform.
Raiatea is the ultimate paradise island of French Polynesia, translating to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light” – a fair description for such a destination! Known historically as “Havaii,” Raiatea is of great historical importance as it was the homeland of the ancient Polynesians.
Taha’a is an island that shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea and hosts groves of banana, watermelon, and coconut. It is also considered the natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid, the original vanilla that Tahiti is known for.
Bora Bora is rightly considered the crown jewel of the South Pacific and French Polynesia’s undisputed star, having inspired many movies with its unparalleled natural beauty. It is certainly a destination worth seeing.
The island of Huahine was once home to Tahitian royalty, explaining its large concentration of ancient marae (temples), some of which are believed to date back to 700 AD. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Huahine is famous for its vast coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, and watermelon fields.
Exclusive Excursions
At Variety Cruises, we believe that a voyage is not just about reaching a destination but about embarking on a life-enriching journey that encompasses every aspect of the experience. That’s why our cruises to Tahiti and French Polynesia feature carefully planned excursions, designed to offer you a comprehensive cultural and culinary adventure.
Our first guided tour takes place in Moorea and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. In this exclusive excursion, our experienced guide will share captivating tales of Moorea’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse ecology. You’ll explore Opunohu Valley, Mount Tohi’e’a, and Cook’s Bay. Dive into the region’s authentic flavors with a visit to the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory, where you can savor refreshing juices and liqueurs crafted from locally sourced fruits like ginger, papaya, mango, coconut and pineapple.
Our second included excursion is a vibrant journey lasting approximately 2.5 hours aboard “Le Truck.” Enjoy a 22-mile road trip through Bora Bora’s stunning landscapes, passing through coconut groves and quaint villages nestled along the shoreline. During this trip, you’ll gain insights into Tahitian history, traditions and culture by visiting traditional villages such as Farepiti and Faanui, adorned with ancient marae shrouded in mystery. You’ll also admire the breathtaking vistas of the wild landscapes from Matira Point.
Our itineraries to Tahiti and French Polynesia always include time at your leisure to explore these pristine islands or simply relax under the Tahitian sky. For those who wish to delve deeper into Tahitian life, we offer optional tours designed to enhance your experience.
In Taha’a, you can visit a vanilla plantation and a rum distillery or join our 4×4 safari tour through the island’s wild landscapes. Alternatively, you might opt for a half-day tour in Huahine, where you’ll explore the small villages of Maeva, visit an archaeological site, a vanilla plantation and enjoy a picnic and snorkeling experience on an ancient motu.
In Raiatea, you can choose to explore the Faaroa River and enjoy a Motu beach break. Another must-see in Raiatea is the Anapa Family Pearl Farm, an authentic farm cultivating the famous black Tahitian pearls in the island’s lagoons – a vital part of the local economy.
And of course, don’t miss out on the exquisite Tahitian gastronomy! The cuisine of Tahiti is a delightful blend of French, Polynesian and Chinese influences. On Panorama II, we offer buffets and meals that incorporate traditional local flavors, from fresh seafood to tropical fruits. However, you should certainly try the authentically made “poisson cru,” a traditional Tahitian dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime.
From stunning natural landscapes to delicious traditional dishes and from everyday habits to mysterious tales, a week with us in Tahiti and French Polynesia will take you off the beaten path. No matter which aspect of Tahitian life fascinates you most, one thing is certain: our cruise to Tahiti and French Polynesia offers a unique blend of experiences that will create life-enriching moments that will last a lifetime!
