Made up of almost 40,000 islands speckling the Pacific Ocean from Micronesia in the north to Polynesia in the east and Melanesia in the west, this vast region retains its mysterious allure thanks to its remoteness, kaleidoscopic marine life, rainforest-clad peaks and other landscapes beyond your wildest imaginings.
A South Pacific cruise is the best way of going beyond the region’s tourist trail and really getting under the skin of its fascinating culture and customs, from dance and music to javelin-throwing. Silversea Expeditions’ small-ship cruises are ideal for travelling around these hard-to-access islands, travelling in all-inclusive luxury aboard Silver Cloud or Silver Explorer, with an onboard team of experts giving you the kind of insider knowledge that will bring your trip truly to life.
Everything is included with a Silversea cruise: butler service, private executive transfers, Economy Class flights (or Business Class at special rates), food and drink, shore excursions and hotels.
19th February to 2nd March 2025
Papeete (Tahiti) | Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago | At sea | Atuona - Hiva Oa, Marquesas Island | Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands | At sea | Rangiroa | Bora Bora (Society Islands) overnight | Raiatea | Moorea Island | Papeete (Tahiti)
This 11-day eight-port round-trip itinerary aboard Silver Shadow takes you to the heart of the islands of French Polynesia. You’ll begin in the French Polynesian capital Papeete, heading first to Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago, famed for the drift diving in its two passes, Garuae (Ngarue) and Tamakohua. It includes the first church built in the archipelago, in 1874.
Seahorse-shaped Hiva Oa in the Marquesan archipelago is most famous as the resting place – in the peaceful little port of Atuona – of both painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel. The Gauguin Museum has copies of some of the first’s best-known works. You’ll be given a traditional Mave Mai welcome here, with dance, polyphonic group singing and pahu drumming, and see local artisans in action.
Despite being the second-largest island in the archipelago after Tahiti, Nuku Hiva is yet to be discovered by tourism, so you’ll have its treasures – lush forests, mountains, harbours, tikis (sacred statues) and pae pae (stone platforms that formed the foundations of houses) – almost to yourselves. An inclusive drive through the Taipivai Valley is the highlight here.
At Rangiroa, French Polynesia’s largest atoll, excursion options are a black pearl farm visit, a glass-bottom boat cruise and snorkelling at the Natural Aquarium. One of the atoll’s most unusual attractions is its award-winning white and rosé wines, produced on the islet immediately west of Avatoru.
On the tropical-island paradise of Bora Bora, a whole world of adventure awaits including off-road island exploration by 4X4. Selected excursions include underwater scootering, aqua safaris and trips to the Blue Lagoon accompanied by a motu – a picnic-style lunch of local fare.
Next up are the ‘Sacred Island’ of Raiatea with its many remnants of older Polynesian structures that allow you to trace the roots of Polynesian culture and its opportunity to go kayaking on the Faaroa River with its birds and wild hibiscus purau trees.
Before heading back to Papeete, you’ll visit the high mountainous island of Moorea with its Ramsar wetland lagoon complete with sharks and rays. Excursions here include a Dolphin Watch with Dr Poole and a Moorea Eco-Cultural Experience embracing an eco-museum visit and the chance to sample and buy local medicinal creams and oils, noni juices, honey and vanilla.
To book your South Pacific cruise with Silversea, get in touch today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
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