IMPORTANT NOTE:
Port Taxes of approximately EUR245 per person are not included in the above prices
Tahiti & Islands of French Polynesia on M/S Panorama II
7 Nights / 8 Days cruise in the Society Islands from Papeete to Papeete
Friday Departures
2024 Departure Dates
May: 10
June: 07, 21
July: 05, 26
August: 02, 09, 16
July: 05, 26
August: 02, 09, 16
Sep: 06, 13
October: 04, 11, 18, 25
November: 01, 29
December: 06, 13, 20
NOTE: 10N and 11N Cruise Options also available - please contact us for details
Introduction
Uncover the world-famous Society Islands of French Polynesia by small ship. Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea - islands sculptured by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. Island hopping allows you to see every landscape, from geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desertlike atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass. There are many sides to the Islands of Tahiti, yet they are all connected by Mana. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds us - you can See it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it.
- Itinerary
- Cabin Types
- Life At Sea
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti
Embark the sleek two-masted Panorama II in Papeete Port, Society Islands at 3:00pm. As you step on board, immerse yourself in a world of ambience and hospitality with a gracious welcome, a refreshing drink, and a delectable Welcome Dinner that sets the perfect tone for your journey ahead. As twilight descends, bid farewell to Papeete and set sail for the enchanting island of Moorea. Overnight.
Day 2: Moorea
As you lay at anchor in Moorea, you can swim, snorkel or partake in water sports from the swimming platform in the beautiful sapphire waters! A delicious lunch will boost your energy for your afternoon exploration of the island!
Join an enchanting 3.5-hour island tour (included in the cruise fares), where your knowledgeable guide will regale you with captivating tales of Moorea's rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse ecology. Traverse through the lush Opunohu Valley, ascend the slopes of Mt. Tohi'e'a, and meander past the picturesque Cook's and Opunohu Bays. Along the way, indulge in a stop at the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory, where you can savour refreshing juices and liqueurs, crafted from locally sourced fruits, like star fruit, ginger, papaya, mango, coconut, and pineapple.
After this delightful tour, relish in some free time to explore Moorea at your leisure before setting sail for your next destination, Raiatea island. Departure after dinner to Raiatea.
Day 3: Raiatea
Early in the morning 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. There is a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: Faaroa River and Motu beach break or visit the Anapa family Pearl farm*. Overnight in port (docked or on anchor at times).
Day 4: Taha'a
Noon arrival in Taha'a, which shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea Island. As you lay at anchor in Taha’a, you can go swimming or snorkeling from the swimming platform in her beautiful sapphire waters! The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Optional visit of the island with a vanilla plantation , a rum distillery while partaking in some snorkelling. Alternatively you might like to take an optional 4X4 safari tour around the interior of the island. Late night departure to Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.
Day 5: Bora Bora
Without a doubt, Bora Bora reigns supreme as the crown jewel of the South Pacific, holding the
spotlight as French Polynesia's undisputed star.
Today, you will get to experience the essence of Bora Bora with a unique excursion aboard Le Truck, a vibrant journey lasting approximately 2.5 hours (included in the cruise fares). Climb aboard this colourful chariot as it guides you through Bora Bora's landscapes, passing coconut groves and quaint villages nestled along the shoreline. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tahitian history, traditions, and cultures as your knowledgeable guide narrates the 22-mile road encircling this legendary island. Explore the villages of Farepiti, Faanui, and Anau, each adorned with ancient "Marae" shrouded in mystery. And as your adventure unfolds, be captivated by the breathtaking vistas from Matira Point, a vantage point offering unparalleled panoramas of paradise. Overnight in port.
Day 6: Bora Bora
One day in Bora Bora simply doesn't suffice! Whether you choose to explore at your own pace or join one of the meticulously crafted optional Shore Excursions, seize the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Late night departure to Huahine.
Day 7: Huahine
Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are 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. Today’s optional half-day tour will take you around the island to visit the small villages of Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation, or visit a private motu for a picnic and snorkelling experience. Departure after lunch to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
Day 8: Papeete
As the morning sun graces Papeete Port, you will find yourself at the end of your voyage. Time for one last breakfast on board at 9AM before disembarkation.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin category with private SH/WC & air conditioning
- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Tahitian night, and Captain’s Dinner
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water all day
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
- English-Speaking Cruise Escort
- 2 Shore Excursions:
- Island tour and Belvedere, Moorea
- Le Truck tour, Bora Bora
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International air fares
- Transfers to/from the ship
- Beverages (except those mentioned above)
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements (except those mentioned above) - shore excursions are strongly suggested to be prebooked due to limited availability
- Crew tips
- Wi-Fi (available at a charge)
- Personal expenses
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Weather & Sea Conditions
Variety Cruises' itineraries are contingent upon weather and sea conditions as well as local port authorities. In cases where wind speeds reach 6/7 Beaufort or high swells occur, itinerary changes may be necessary. It is upon the Captain's discretion to alter the itinerary or skip port calls due to adverse weather or sea conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew. Such changes do not entitle passengers to any kind of refunds. Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers will be disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time.
Shore Excursions
Included excursions mentioned are subject to change due to heavy port traffic or unforeseen circumstances of the limited providers. In such a case similar tours will be offered.
PANORAMA II - MOTOR SAILER
The M/S Panorama II is a 164 ft Motor Sailer which complies with the latest SOLAS regulations for International Voyages. Her state-of-the-art twin masts with 600 m³ of sails allow safe and comfortable sailing.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- Length: 50m (164 ft)
- Launch Year: 2004 (renovated: 2015)
- Cabins: 25
- Capacity: 49 passengers
- Crew: 16-18
The two-mast M/S Panorama II, launched in 2004, carries just 49 passengers and offers high standard accommodation, comfort and safety.
This state of the art Motorsailer has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings, from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Tunis. The public areas include a main bar and lounge, which was renovated in 2015 to feature wood flooring and new furniture with soft fabrics in warm coral tones.
CABIN SPECIFICATIONS:
The M/S Panorama II outside cabins are located at the Upper, Main and Lower decks and are handsomely designed, finished with lustrous wood trims and warm fabrics. They all have marble-appointed en suite bathrooms with showers and are equipped with windows (Upper & Main deck cabins) and portholes (Lower deck cabins). All cabins have individually controlled A/C and fitted with Flat screen TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe deposit boxes. 4 Main Deck cabins are convertible into 2 suites. 4 Lower deck cabins can be offered as Triple cabins.
Category C
Category C cabins are located on the Lower Deck offering 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 B
Category B cabins are located on the Lower Deck offering 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 DECK (TWIN BEDS OR DOUBLE BED)
Category A cabins are located on the Main Deck offering windows and bathrooms with shower. 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
Category P cabin is located on the Upper Deck offering a large window and bathroom with shower. 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).
Service on board is provided by your Captain, the Cruise Coordinator and your experienced Marine and Hotel crew members.
LIFE ON BOARD
During the day life on board centers around the indoor lounge area and the indoor dining room, as well as the open and inviting deck areas, natural gathering places, perfect for meals al fresco, settling into a chair with a good book, or gathering with fellow passengers to take in the views of the places you visit. The swim platform on PANORAMA II’s stern enables you to swim off the yacht when weather and anchorage conditions permit.
MAIN DECK LOUNGE
The main lounge, with comfortable sofas, has a full-service bar and a plasma TV screen and is the hub of social activities such as the daily briefings on the destinations visited and other gatherings. This area is ideal for getting together with your fellow travellers or simply reading a good book from the library. The area was beautifully renovated in 2015 to feature wood flooring and new furniture and comfortable sofas with soft fabrics in warm coral tones.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING ROOMS
Located on the Lower deck, the indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and offers generous buffet space. The aft area at the Upper Deck provides a generous semi-covered area where guests can have their meals al fresco in a single, unassigned seating, with wonderful views, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot & cold buffets, also including an “a la minute cooking” section. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties.
SUN DECK
The bow area at the Upper deck provides generous space and comfortable sun loungers are available to sunbathe in total comfort.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
