Pearls of Polynesia 13D/12N or 14D/13N

Incredible South Seas Islands - courtesy of the Tahiti Tourist BoardThis comprehensive voyage explores the vastly different cultures of the South Pacific, crossing the International Date Line, and sailing from the legendary islands of Polynesia into the mysteries of Melanesia. From the Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Bora Bora to the seldom-visited islands of Western Samoa and Tonga, we experience a wide range of unique flora, fauna, and cultural interaction.

Viti Levu, Fiji to Tahiti, French Polynesia…or reverse Aita pea pea – no problem! That’s the attitude in Papeete, a place once immortalized by Gauguin and Michener. Your cruise takes you to Huahine, French Poynesia, also known as “The Garden Island” for its lush, green tropical foliage. Archeologists have found that human habitation goes back over 1,300 years on Huahine, and the island is the home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples, waiting to be explored. Travel to where the tourists don’t: to the outer island of Atiu, Cook Islands, a.k.a., Enuamanu, “the Land of the Birds.” Visit Palmerston, an island where all of the residents are descended from a single man. Discover Vailima, high above the sea in Apia, where Robert Louis Stevenson (author of Treasure Island) built a home and spent the last few years of his life. Explore ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life on Savai’i, Western Samoa. Cross the International Date Line and arrive at friendly Tonga full of ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, and massive volcanoes. Visit Taveuni Kioa home to 300 people, hundreds of waterfalls and the Bouma National Park, Fiji’s most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. In Beqa, watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a firewalking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations.

Included: The cost of your cruise includes service charges for land-based personnel and fees which covers taxes/port charges/fees and onboard services including exploration leaders and interpreters . Excursion in every port. Wildlife detours and insider experiences. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. From $5849.

Not Included: Air fare from your home city and return. Passport and visa fees. Air departure taxes.

Departure Northbound 2009: Jan 13
Departure Southbound 2009: Feb 12

Itinerary Southbound:

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Tahiti, Society Islands
  • Day 2 - Sail from Tahiti at Sunset
  • Day 3 - Huahine, French Polynesia
  • Day 4 - At Sea
  • Day 5 - Atiu, Cook Islands
  • Day 6 - Palmerston, Cook Islands
  • Day 7 - At Sea
  • Day 8 - Apia
  • Day 9 - Savai’i, Western Samoa
  • Day 10 - Niuatoputapu, Tonga; Cross International Date Line
  • Day 11 - At Sea
  • Day 12 - Taveuni Kioa, Fiji
  • Day 13 - Beqa. Fiji
  • Day 14 - Viti Levu, Fiji-Transfer to Airport

Oearls of Polynesia map - courtesy of Cruise WestNorthbound Itinerary:

  • Day 1 - Arrive In Fiji / Viti Levu, Fiji
  • Day 2 - Beqa, Fiji
  • Day 3 - Taveuni / Kioa, Fiji
  • Day 4 - At Sea
  • Day 5 - Niuatoputapu, Tonga/Cross International Date Line
  • Day 6 - Apia, Samoa
  • Day 7 - Savai’i, Western Samoa
  • Day 8 - At Sea
  • Day 9 - Palmerston, Cook Islands
  • Day 10 - Atiu, Cook Islands
  • Day 11 - At Sea
  • Day 12 - Huahine, French Polynesia
  • Day 13 - Tahiti, French Polynesia

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Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Archaeology, Fiji, French Polynesia, Active Travel, Tonga, Cook Islands, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Art / Architecture, South Seas, Cruise West, Snorkeling, Exploration Cruise, Islands


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