Pearls of Polynesia - South Pacific Cruise

• See how Tahiti changed one artist, and how one artist changed Tahiti, at the Paul Gaugin Museum.
• Learn about Polynesian culture at the Museum of Tahiti.
• Visit an island where all of the residents are descended from a single man.
• Explore the unspoiled rainforests, coral reefs, spectacular waterfalls, and tropical wildlife of the spectacular National Park of American Samoa.

This 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.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - DEPART FOR TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Day 2 - TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Aita pea pea – no problem! That’s the attitude in Papeete, a place once immortalized by Gauguin and Michener. Take a tour of Tahiti. Pick up a craft from the 150-year-old municipal market, a cacophony of colors, smells and sounds. Relax or take a swim at the stunning InterContinental Resort, where a day room awaits. Board the Spirit of Oceanus to begin your cruise. BD

Day 3 - HUAHINE, FRENCH POLYNESIA
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. Huahine is also known as “The Garden Island” for its lush, green tropical foliage. Small villages and groves of almond and acacia trees dot its coast. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel the island’s beautiful lagoon. BLD

Day 4 - AT SEA
Mingle with friends or kick your feet up and enjoy some downtime. BLD

Day 5 - ATIU, COOK ISLANDS
To get a true feel for the Cook Islands, you must travel to where the tourists don’t: to the outer island of Atiu, a.k.a., Enuamanu, “the Land of the Birds.” Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher). Here you’ll also have a chance to meet villagers, watch traditional dances, visit ancient stone marae sites and try a taste of the local produce. While the Atiuans were once fierce warriors, known to attack, slaughter and eat their neighbors, today the cuisine is more traditional: bananas, citrus fruit, pawpaws, breadfruit, coconut and fish. BLD

Day 6 - PALMERSTON, COOK ISLANDS
Believe it or not, all 50 of Palmerston’s inhabitants are descendants of English ship carpenter and barrelmaker, William Marsters. Marsters arrived on the island in 1863 with two Polynesian wives. He quickly added a third wife and propagated a large family of 21 children before he died at 78. By the time his youngest daughter Titana Tangi died in 1973, there were over 1,000 Marsters descendants living in Rarotonga and New Zealand. Old English – with a distinct Gloucester accent – is still spoken today on Palmerston. Visit with residents, and (weather permitting) savor the flavors of a traditional barbecue. BLD

Day 7 - AT SEA
Embrace the warm, salty air of the vast, blue Pacific. Let it fill your lungs and soothe your skin. BLD

Day 8 - APIA
Visit 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. Ramble through the Botanical Garden Reserve before sipping tea at Aggie Grey’s, a hotel that catered to American soldiers during World War II. Good snorkeling opportunities are available here. BLD

Day 9 - SAVAI'I, WESTERN SAMOA
While Savai’i is the largest of the Polynesian islands (outside of Hawai’i and New Zealand) it is also one of the most unspoiled, and one of the only places you can toss a coconut in a pupu (blowhole) and watch as an explosive jet of water propels it skyward. Explore ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life. BLD

Day 10 - NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA/CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
Captain Cook deemed the islands of Tonga the “friendly islands,” for the warm reception he received. Tongans are not only famous for being the most affable of the South Sea islanders—they are known for their singing as well. Visit local villages, hike over barren lava flows, snorkel pristine waters or watch as horses haul wet pandanus leaves from the lagoon where they are soaked in preparation for making tapa cloth. BLD

Day 11 - AT SEA
Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus as she cruises between islands. Exploration Leaders and Guest Speakers will whet your appetite for the natural history and cultures you are about to experience. BLD

Day 12 - TAVEUNI/KIOA, FIJI
This privately owned island is home to 300 people, hundreds of waterfalls and the Bouma National Park, Fiji’s most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. Learn about Taveuni’s rich natural history and plentiful birdlife and snorkel its coral reef, nourished by strong currents and brimming with life. BLD

Day 13 - BEQA, FIJI
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. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters. BLD

Day 14 - VITI LEVU, FIJI
Disembark the Spirit of Oceanus. A day room awaits you at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. B

What's Included:

• Exploration leaders and interpreters on each cruise
• Excursion in every port
• Wildlife detours and insider experiences
• Onboard gratuities

What's Not Included:

• Airfare from your home city
• Alcoholic drinks
• Optional gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Gift shop purchases and shopping in towns 

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.