Overview
This wonderful South Pacific archipelago is dotted with islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. The Polynesians have long been a sea-faring nation and began island-hopping as far back as their history tells. Small ships with shallow draughts are the only way to travel between the soaring volcanic peaks that any local will tell you are connected by ‘Mana’ – the life force and spirit at the very soul of French Polynesia. This cruise, on the 26 cabin motorsailer Panorama II, harks back to the days when Captain James Cook explored here on the good ship Endeavour en route to discovering Australia.
A CHOICE OF TWO CRUISES
Our main cruise, and the one we operate most frequently, is a 7-night circular exploration of the Society Islands out of Papeete in Tahiti. Occasionally we also add-in a 3-night extension that takes us north into the Tuamotu archipelago. It’s very different cruising here, essentially the Society Islands are typified by high-rise volcanic peaks whereas the Tuamotus are low-lying coral ringed atolls. If you really want to get to know French Polynesia, you should see both archipelagos.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT OUR PRE-AND POST-CRUISE EXTENSIONS
This wonderful cruise always makes people want to see more and stay longer. Because of that we have a wide range of Extensions both prior to cruising and after you return to Papeete. Make sure you check them out on the HOTEL+ tab on this site.
- Crystal clear waters and pink sandy beaches
- Beaches, lagoons, and amazing snorkeling
- Moorea – James Michener’s mythical ‘Bali Hi’
- Beautiful Bora Bora
- Marae Temples on Huahine
- Stingrays & Sharks Experience
- The sacred blue eels of Faie
- Fabulous botany and incredible fruit
Itinerary
DAY 1
PAPEETE: Embarkation at Papeete, Tahiti, and welcome cocktails as you cruise to Moorea – dinner at sea.
DAY 2
MOOREA: Breakfast in Moorea, believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai from James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific. Eight gargantuan mountain peaks rise from its magnificent lagoon, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from the western coast of Tahiti. Morning and afternoon optional half day excursions for Dolphin watching, a 4x4 Safari or a tour of the island up to the Belvedere. Early evening departure to Raiatea, overnight at sea.
DAY 3
RAIATEA: Early in the morning we sail across the lagoon to reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. We will have a variety of optional activities to choose from including a truck tour to Marae Taputapuatea or a visit to the Anapa Pearl farm – Polynesian pearls are famous the world over. Dinner and overnight in port.
DAY 4
TAHA’A: Today’s destination shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea Island and we cruise across to where the verdant hills are covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves, where conditions act as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional morning excursion will allows us to explore the natural beauty in 4x4 vehicles, including a stop at a pearl farm, a vanilla plantation and a rum factory. In the afternoon there is plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or reef islet. Late night departure to Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.
DAY 5
BORA BORA: As we arrive early in the morning with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center of the island as a backdrop to the lagoon you discover why Bora Bora is one of the most photographed place on earth. It’s a small island but there is a lot to do and see and you have a variety of optional activities to choose from including an excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon or an island tour by truck. Overnight in port, dinner on board.
DAY 6
BORA BORA: It’s so beautiful and there is so much to do here we stay a second day. Late at night we set sail to Huahine and spend overnight at sea.
DAY 7
HUAHINE: once home to Tahitian royalty, Huahine is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands here maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional half-day tour takes us around the island to visit the small villages of Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. Departure after lunch to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
DAY 8
If you opt for the 10 night voyage, cruising north to the Tuamotu archipelago, you will see the following places:
MAKATEA:
The island of Makatea is not a coral atoll but rather a raised island of coral. The limestone cliffs tower over the coast and the island’s interior shows significant vegetation, complete with a few species of endemic birds and a peculiar expanse of limestone holes. Today, this sleepy but spectacular island is home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the beautiful Makatea fruit dove, the impressive imperial pigeon, and the comely appearing singer extraordinaire, the reed warbler. Our half-day optional tour will take us across this unique island to a magnificent beach with rockpools to explore before we visit an incredible grotto. Swimming deeper inside the grotto, this underwater cave system will slowly open out to reveal a spectacular watery cathedral, full of weird and wonderful stalagmites and stalactites.
RANGIROA
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and one of the largest in the world. One of the best destinations for scuba diving, Rangiroa is composed of 240 islets running for more than 110 miles, encompassing a deep lagoon. Our optional excursion takes you to the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool formed by islets and reefs within the central lagoon. At only 16 feet deep, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and observing the vast assortment of marine life. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to Panorama II.
TIKEHAU
Also called the ‘Pink Sand Island’, Tikehau atoll consists of countless tiny white and pink sand islets engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. The name Tikehau means ‘peaceful landing’ and you will find nothing but absolute serenity on her calm and graceful shores. The lagoon, formed by an almost unbroken ring of continuous coral, resembles an immense natural swimming pool. This underwater aquarium is teeming with marine life. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, it has a higher concentration of fish than any other lagoon in French Polynesia. Our optional walking tour will take us to one of the family-owned fish farms where they trap different species of fish in a maze of underwater fencing. Much of their catch is then shipped to Papeete and sold at the local markets. We visit Tuherahera at the southern side where most locals live, leaving the remainder of the atoll virtually untouched. The northeastern quarter is mostly uninhabited. Naturally adorned with colorful flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea, Tuherahera is one of the most attractive villages in the Tuamotu Atolls.
TETIAROA
En route back to Tahiti we stop off at Tetiaroa, a haven for birds, sea turtles and all kinds of marine life, Tetiaroa is treasured among Tahitians as such a sacred place. that at one time the lagoon of this uninhabited atoll was an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It’s not surprising that Hollywood actor Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1960 and later went on to become its owner. Under his direction a luxury eco-resort was designed and operates in a 100% sustainable manner. We spend the morning on this charming island, exploring the lagoon and snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters.
Your vessel: The M/S Panorama II
M/S Panorama II
Exploring the wonderful waters of French Polynesia, Panorama II cruises at an unhurried pace transporting her 49 guests in classic style, her wood paneled lounges redefining yachting in these waters. A spacious lounge, dining areas decorated with warm colors, rich library and a deck for sunbathing, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her ambience. Mingle with like-minded travelers in her public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself on our ample deck space, or retreat to one of our 25 ocean view cabin-sanctuaries all offering windows or portholes connecting you with mother nature’s wonders.
Panorama II was launched in 2004 and fully renovated in 2012, offering the highest standard of accommodation and comfort safety. In 2015,the main lounge and bar area have been completely refitted followed by a redecoration.
The swimming platform enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
On board Facilities
- Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar
- Indoor & Outodoor Restaurant
- Audiovisual in Lounge
- Mini library
- Beach Towels
- Snorkeling equipment
- Kayak
- Board Games
- Swimming Platform
- Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone
- Windows: Upper & Main deck cabins
- Portholes: lower deck cabins
- Triple Occupancy cabins: Category B
- Flat-Screen TV
- Mini Safe
- Mini Fridge
- Individually controlled A/C
- En suite bathroom with shower
- Hairdryers
- Telephone for internal use
- Central music
Cabins
Public Areas
Deckplans
Cabins
Category C:
Lower Deck – (Double Bed)
(10.5-11 sq.m. / 114-119 sq.ft.)
The category C cabins are located on the lower deck featuring portholes and bathrooms with showers. The cabins are 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).
Category B:
Lower Deck – (Twin Beds or Triple Beds)
(10-13 sq.m. / 108-140.5 sq.ft.)
The category B cabins are located on the lower deck featuring portholes and bathroom with showers. The cabins are 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).
Category A:
Main (Twin or Double Bed)
(9-12 sq.m. / 97-130 sq.ft.)
Category A cabins are located on the main offering windows and bathroom with showers. The cabins are 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).
Category P:
Upper Deck – (Double Bed)
(12.5 sq.m. / 135 sq.ft.)
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).
Public Areas
Lounge Area
The public areas include a main lounge with deep pile carpet and comfortable sofas.
Dining Area
The bar and restaurant area at the Lower deck is the perfect setting for your meals or drinks, with generous buffet space and seating. Special meal programmes (e.g. vegetarian meals) are available on request.
Sundeck
The aft area at the Upper deck provides generous semi covered or sun exposed areas with loungers & chairs.
Upper Deck Outdoor Bar & Lounge area
The Upper Deck provides generous semi covered or sun exposed areas where passengers can enjoy meals “al fresco” with magnificent views of each destination visited.
Swimming Platform
The swimming platform on Panorama II stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
Deckplans
