Tahiti & Polynesia Cruise 2013

Day 1 Feb 08, 2013:  Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia
Tahiti is not just an island - Tahiti has always been a state of mind. The bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, Papeete is the chief port and trading center, as well as a provocative temptress luring people to her shores. Immortalized in the novel "Mutiny on the Bounty," who could blame the men of "HMS Bounty" for abandoning their ship in favor of basking in paradise? And what would Modern Art be without Tahiti's influence on Gauguin and Matisse?

Day 2 Feb 09, 2013:  Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia 5:00 PM
Today the island is a charming blend of Polynesian "joie de vivre" and Gallic sophistication. But venture out from Papeete and you find a landscape of rugged mountains, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and deserted beaches.  Contrasting with other French Polynesian ports, Papeete's coastline initially greets you with a vista of commercial activity that graciously gives way to both black and white-sand beaches, villages, resorts and historic landmarks.

Day 3 Feb 10, 2013:  Huahine, Polynesia    8:00 AM 5:00 PM
One of Polynesia's best-kept secrets - Huahine, the "Wild Island" in the Society Islands - lies just over a hundred miles from Tahiti. The two islands of Huahine, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti (Big Island and Little Island), are surrounded by a deep lagoon encircled by a coral necklace. Connected by a bridge, both islands boast white-sand beaches, vanilla plantations, friendly and easy-going islanders, and some of Polynesia's most significant cultural sites.

Note: Huahine is a tender port. Transportation from the ship to shore will be via the ship's tender service.

Day 4 Feb 11, 2013:  At Sea
Your first day at sea to explore the "Ocean Princess".  What will you find out today?

Day 5 Feb 12, 2013:  Rangiroa, Polynesia   8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Rangiroa, meaning "huge sky," is the largest atoll of Tahiti and her islands, and one of the four largest in the world. It has more than 240 motu (islets) separated by more than 100 "hoa," small channels that make up its ring of coral, and in the center of the inside lagoon is the Paio Motu. Discover this long ribbon of islets located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and marvel at the incomparable brilliant colors of the lagoon.

Rangiroa features a palm-fringed coast and warm, blue tropical waters. The ship's tender will drop you off at the pier, affording you the opportunity to stroll the coastal road or do a bit of beachcombing. Rangiroa is famous for its surrounding coral reef and marine life. Be sure to spend at least part of the day enjoying the ocean in this very unique and rarely visited coral atoll.

Note: Rangiroa is a tender port. Transportation from the ship to shore will be via the ship's tender service.

Day 6 Feb 13, 2013:  At Sea
Another day on the "Ocean Princess".  Why not send home an email about your cruise so far?

Day 7 Feb 14, 2013:  Raiatea, French Polynesia  6:00 AM 11:00 PM
Considered the second largest island in French Polynesia, Raiatea is situated approximately 120 miles northwest of Tahiti. For the Polynesian "Maohi," ancestor of today's Tahitian, Raiatea was known as "Sacred Havai'i" and was the center of royalty, religion, culture and history. The principal village is Uturoa, with a population of over 10,000. This bustling port town features a colorful market and arts and crafts shops along the waterfront. Raiatea is currently undergoing a renaissance, with special attention being given to preserve the island's rich culture and heritage.

Raiatea's importance as both a religious and historical center for all of Polynesia is complemented by a wealth of archaelogical sites, tropical scenery and reef fringed lagoons.

Day 8 Feb 15, 2013:  Bora Bora, French Polynesia  8:00 AM
Majestic mountains sculpted by ancient volcanoes, a shimmering lagoon and a barrier reef dotted with tiny motu, or islets - welcome to Bora Bora, perhaps the most stunning island in the South Pacific. Only 4,600 people live a seemingly idyllic lifestyle in the main villages of Vaitape, Anau and Faanui. No wonder those generations of travelers - including novelist James Michener - regarded Bora Bora as an earthly paradise.

Day 9 Feb 16, 2013:  Bora Bora, French Polynesia   5:00 PM
Connected to its sister islands by water and by air - the landing strip sits atop Motu Mute, one of the reef's islets - Bora Bora remains relatively unspoiled by the modern world.

Note: Bora Bora is an anchorage port. Transportation from the ship to shore will be via the ship's tender service.

Day 10 Feb 17, 2013:   Moorea, Polynesia 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Arrive Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia 8:00 PM
Overnight on the ship....

Day 11 Feb 18, 2103:  Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia    4:00 AM
Early morning disembarkation.  Transfer to Airport for flight back to departure city.


Price per person, based on double occupancy, Canadian dollar
Cruise ONLY, from $2,145 CDN