01The cruise
Some destinations are best experienced slowly, and French Polynesia is one of them. This 10 or 11-night small ship cruise aboard Panorama II spends two nights each in Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea, and also visits Moorea and Taha’a; the 11-night cruise adds an extra day in Tahiti.
Time to Experience Each Island
Explore Bora Bora’s lagoon, Matira Point and the views of Mount Otemanu, traditional, slower-paced Huahine and Raiatea, the sacred heart of Polynesian culture. With a maximum of 49 guests, Panorama II suits this relaxed style of cruising.
A Longer South Pacific Holiday
Two nights at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts before embarkation help you recover from the long-haul flight. The 11-night cruise ends with a half-day excursion to Venus Point, the Faarumai Waterfalls and the Arahoho blowhole.
Your holiday package includes:
02French Polynesia Extended Exploration Cruise
Bora Bora
More time to explore the lagoon, discover Matira Point and enjoy the views of Mount Otemanu that have made this island world-famous.
Huahine
Time to experience one of French Polynesia’s most rewarding islands, from ancient marae and sacred blue-eyed eels to lush landscapes and a slower pace of life.
Raiatea
A longer stay in the sacred heart of Polynesian culture, with time for optional exploration of the Faaroa River and lagoon.
Moorea
Dramatic peaks, deep bays and some of the most memorable scenery in the Society Islands.
Taha’a
Vanilla Island, where plantations scent the air and the lagoon is shared with neighbouring Raiatea.
Tahiti
The 11-night cruise includes an extra day in Papeete, with a half-day excursion to Venus Point, the Faarumai Waterfalls and the Arahoho blowhole.
Play the videoFrench Polynesia Extended Exploration Cruise
03The route
Day 1Your Journey to French Polynesia
Fly from the UK to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with flights typically routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.
Your Journey to French Polynesia
Fly from the UK to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with flights typically routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.
Tahiti
Arriving in the early hours of the following morning, you will be transferred to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, set on the shores of Lafayette Beach overlooking Papeete.
Two Nights in Tahiti
With two nights at the hotel before your cruise begins, there is time to properly settle in, recover from the journey and begin to feel the warmth and pace of the islands.
Day 2A Day to Discover Papeete
Take your time exploring Papeete at your own pace. Le Marché — the city's bustling municipal market — is the natural starting point, filled with tropical produce, black pearls and local crafts.
A Day to Discover Papeete
Take your time exploring Papeete at your own pace. Le Marché — the city's bustling municipal market — is the natural starting point, filled with tropical produce, black pearls and local crafts.
Culture and History in the Capital
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands tells the story of Polynesian culture and migration, while the waterfront promenade offers a more relaxed introduction to daily life in the capital.
An Evening at Le Tahiti
Spend the evening at the hotel — the Hiti Mahana Restaurant looks out over Matavai Bay and makes for a memorable setting for your last night ashore before the longer voyage begins tomorrow.
Day 3Embarkation
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts before transferring to Papeete port in the afternoon. Boarding Panorama II begins at 2pm.
Embarkation
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts before transferring to Papeete port in the afternoon. Boarding Panorama II begins at 2pm.
The Start of a Longer Voyage
A welcome cocktail marks the beginning of your 10 or 11-night journey through the Society Islands. Panorama II departs Papeete as the sun goes down over Tahiti, the Society Islands stretching ahead
Heading for Moorea
Enjoy your first dinner on board as the lights of Papeete fade and Moorea's volcanic outline emerges from the darkness ahead.
Day 4The Island That Inspired Bali Hai
Moorea's jagged volcanic peaks and crystal lagoon have captivated travellers for centuries — James Michener immortalised it as the mythical Bali Hai, and it is easy to understand why.
The Island That Inspired Bali Hai
Moorea's jagged volcanic peaks and crystal lagoon have captivated travellers for centuries — James Michener immortalised it as the mythical Bali Hai, and it is easy to understand why.
Opunohu Valley and Mount Tohi'e'a
An optional 3.5-hour island tour winds through the lush Opunohu Valley and past the dramatic Cook's Bay, climbing towards Mount Tohi'e'a with a stop at the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory.
Snorkelling and Watersports
Panorama II spends the morning at anchor with swimming, snorkelling and watersports from the platform before departing in the evening towards Huahine — the first of three islands where you will spend two nights.
Day 5One of French Polynesia's Hidden Gems
Huahine is among the least visited of the Society Islands and rewards the extra time this itinerary gives you. Lush, unhurried and rich in Polynesian tradition, it holds the largest concentration of ancient marae in French Polynesia.
One of French Polynesia's Hidden Gems
Huahine is among the least visited of the Society Islands and rewards the extra time this itinerary gives you. Lush, unhurried and rich in Polynesian tradition, it holds the largest concentration of ancient marae in French Polynesia.
Outrigger Canoe and Private Motu
An optional tour takes you by traditional outrigger canoe through Huahine's coral gardens, snorkelling among tropical fish before a picnic on a secluded sandy motu — one of the most peaceful experiences of the voyage.
Overnight in Huahine
Panorama II remains in port overnight, giving you a gentle introduction to an island that reveals more of itself the longer you stay.
Day 6A Second Day to Explore
With two nights in Huahine, there is time to see beyond the obvious and discover what makes this island so special. Spend the day at your own pace or join an optional tour of the island's ancient temples and villages.
A Second Day to Explore
With two nights in Huahine, there is time to see beyond the obvious and discover what makes this island so special. Spend the day at your own pace or join an optional tour of the island's ancient temples and villages.
The Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels of Faie
Visit Faie Bay, where the sacred blue-eyed eels revered in Polynesian culture can be seen and fed — a quietly memorable experience that reflects the deep spiritual connection between the people of these islands and the natural world.
Overnight Sailing to Bora Bora
Panorama II departs in the evening, sailing overnight towards Bora Bora — the most celebrated island in the South Pacific.
Day 7The World's Most Famous Lagoon
Bora Bora needs little introduction. The lagoon is an extraordinary shade of turquoise, the coral gardens are alive with colour and the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rising above the water is one of the most recognised views on earth.
The World's Most Famous Lagoon
Bora Bora needs little introduction. The lagoon is an extraordinary shade of turquoise, the coral gardens are alive with colour and the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rising above the water is one of the most recognised views on earth.
Le Truck and the Villages of Bora Bora
An optional excursion aboard Le Truck takes you on a 2.5-hour journey around the island, passing through villages adorned with ancient marae and ending at Matira Point with panoramic views across the lagoon.
First Evening in Bora Bora
Panorama II remains in port overnight — time for a sundowner on deck or a stroll along the waterfront as the light fades over the lagoon.
Day 8A Second Day in Bora Bora
The longer itinerary gives you two full days in Bora Bora — time to explore the lagoon properly, join optional excursions or simply enjoy being in one of the world's most extraordinary places.
A Second Day in Bora Bora
The longer itinerary gives you two full days in Bora Bora — time to explore the lagoon properly, join optional excursions or simply enjoy being in one of the world's most extraordinary places.
Swimming with Stingrays and Sharks
Optional lagoon excursions offer the chance to swim with stingrays and reef sharks in the turquoise shallows and snorkel over coral gardens teeming with marine life.
Farewell to Bora Bora
Panorama II departs in the evening for Taha'a. Stay on deck as you leave — the view of Bora Bora's lights reflected on the lagoon is not easily forgotten.
Day 9Vanilla Island
Taha'a shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea and is known throughout French Polynesia as Vanilla Island — its fertile valleys filled with orchid plantations, banana groves and coconut palms.
Vanilla Island
Taha'a shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea and is known throughout French Polynesia as Vanilla Island — its fertile valleys filled with orchid plantations, banana groves and coconut palms.
Vanilla Plantation and Rum Distillery
An optional excursion combines a visit to a vanilla plantation and a local rum distillery with snorkelling in the clear lagoon — a vivid introduction to Taha'a's flavours and landscapes.
Swimming in Taha'a's Lagoon
The afternoon is spent swimming and snorkelling from Panorama II's platform before departing overnight for Raiatea.
Day 10The Sacred Heart of Polynesia
Raiatea — whose name translates as faraway heaven — is regarded as the spiritual homeland of the ancient Polynesians, the island from which the great Pacific migrations set out across the ocean.
The Sacred Heart of Polynesia
Raiatea — whose name translates as faraway heaven — is regarded as the spiritual homeland of the ancient Polynesians, the island from which the great Pacific migrations set out across the ocean.
The Faaroa River and Pearl Farm
Optional activities include a journey along the Faaroa River — the only navigable river in French Polynesia — by traditional outrigger canoe, and a visit to the Anapa family pearl farm.
Overnight in Raiatea
Panorama II remains in port overnight, giving you a peaceful first evening on an island whose depth and significance reveals itself slowly.
Day 11A Second Day in Raiatea
A single day is not enough to fully appreciate Raiatea. With two nights here, there is time to explore the island's ancient marae, quiet interior and lagoon shores at a genuinely unhurried pace.
A Second Day in Raiatea
A single day is not enough to fully appreciate Raiatea. With two nights here, there is time to explore the island's ancient marae, quiet interior and lagoon shores at a genuinely unhurried pace.
Ancient Legends and Sacred Sites
An optional excursion explores the island's marae and sacred sites, offering insight into the spiritual traditions that made Raiatea the cultural centre of the entire Polynesian world.
Setting Sail for Moorea
After dinner, Panorama II departs for Moorea — returning to the island where the voyage began for a final night at sea.
Day 12Returning to the Magical Island
Moorea appears on the horizon once more — a final morning among the Society Islands before returning to Papeete.
Returning to the Magical Island
Moorea appears on the horizon once more — a final morning among the Society Islands before returning to Papeete.
A Last Morning in the Society Islands
The day is yours to spend freely — swim from the platform, explore the shoreline independently or simply sit on deck and take in the view one last time before sailing back to Papeete.
Sailing Back to Papeete
Panorama II departs for Papeete in the afternoon, arriving back in the capital as your Society Islands cruise draws to a close.
Day 1310-night cruise
Panorama II arrives in Papeete in the morning. After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at 9am. Guests transfer to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts for a relaxed final afternoon and last evening in French Polynesia.
10-night cruise
Panorama II arrives in Papeete in the morning. After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at 9am. Guests transfer to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts for a relaxed final afternoon and last evening in French Polynesia.
11-night cruise
Panorama II arrives in Papeete in the morning. Guests enjoy an included half-day excursion to Venus Point — where Captain Cook observed the Transit of Venus in 1769 — continuing to the Faarumai Waterfalls and the dramatic Arahoho blowhole, before returning to Panorama II for a final dinner on board.
Papeete — A Final Taste of Tahiti
Whether your cruise ends today or tomorrow, Papeete makes a fitting final chapter — lively, colourful and unmistakably French Polynesian.
Day 1410-night cruise
After breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, guests transfer to Papeete airport for their overnight flight home, routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.
10-night cruise
After breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, guests transfer to Papeete airport for their overnight flight home, routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.
11-night cruise
After a final breakfast on board, guests on 11-night departures disembark Panorama II and transfer directly to Papeete airport for their overnight flight home.
Arriving Back in the UK
You will arrive back in the UK the following morning after 13 nights in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
A Year-Round Destination
French Polynesia enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, and whatever month you travel, you will find warm seas, sunshine and the beauty of the islands. That said, the two seasons do have a different character and it is worth knowing what to expect.
May to October — Cooler and Drier
This is the most popular time to visit. The southeast trade winds keep conditions pleasant, with temperatures around 26–28°C and lower humidity. Skies are reliably clear — ideal for days at sea, snorkelling and exploring ashore.
November to April — Warm and Lush
The warmer season brings temperatures between 25°C and 30°C, along with greener landscapes and a beautifully warm ocean. Rainfall tends to arrive as short tropical showers rather than prolonged grey days, and the islands remain beautiful and rewarding throughout.
04Your vessel
Two-masted motor-sailer · Built 2004
A classic two-masted motor-sailer with 25 ocean-view cabins and room for just 49 guests, suited to the pace of the islands.
Indoor and outdoor lounges, a single-seating dining room and a sun deck, with air-conditioned, en-suite cabins.
A swimming platform, snorkelling gear and kayaks keep the lagoons and reefs within easy reach at every anchorage.
Sailing between Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea, she makes the journey between islands part of the experience.
Decks & cabins
Choose a deck to see its plan, then tap a gold point for the cabins or a camera for a photo. Every cabin is compared below, with prices from the price list.
Decks of M/S Panorama II
CabinsPhoto of the area
360° Sun Deck · M/S Panorama II
The bar and restaurant area at the Lower deck is the perfect setting for your meals or drinks, with generous buffet space and seating. Special meal programmes (e.g. vegetarian meals) are available on request.
360° Sun Deck · M/S Panorama II
The aft area at the Upper deck provides generous semi-covered or sun-exposed areas with loungers & chairs.
Riviera Main Deck · M/S Panorama II
The public areas include a main lounge with deep pile carpet and comfortable sofas.
COceans Lower Deck · M/S Panorama II
The category C cabins are located on the lower deck featuring portholes and bathrooms with showers.
In every cabin
BOceans Lower Deck · M/S Panorama II
The category B cabins are located on the lower deck featuring portholes and bathroom with showers.
In every cabin
ARiviera Main Deck · M/S Panorama II
Main (Twin or Double Bed) Category A cabins are located on the main offering windows and bathroom with showers.
In every cabin
P360° Sun Deck · M/S Panorama II
Category P cabin is located on the upper deck offering a large window and bathroom with showers.
In every cabin
Compare the cabins
Dining & Lounges
Amenities
Recreational Activities
Wi-Fi
05Your Hotel
On Lafayette Beach, ten minutes from Papeete, overlooking Matavai Bay – the bay that greeted Captain Cook and the Bounty.
After a long-haul flight, the resort offers space, calm and an atmosphere that already feels unmistakably Polynesian.
Airy, well-appointed rooms and suites with a relaxed elegance, perfect for resting and recharging across time zones.
The Hiti Mahana Restaurant and Bay Bar look over Matavai Bay, with the Tāvai Spa and a pool for a proper resort stay.
Facilities
Room Options
Ocean View Room (Included in your holiday)
The following room types are available with a supplement:
06Departure dates
| Departure Dates | Duration | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers | Category P | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/11/2026 | 13 nights | £5,204 | £5,620 | £6,456 | £7,211 |
| Single occupancy | 50% | |
| 3rd guest | 30% reduction in Category B |
| Departure Dates | Duration | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers | Category P | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/11/2026 | 10 nights | £2,824 | £3,240 | £4,076 | £4,772 |
| Single occupancy | 50% | |
| 3rd guest | 30% reduction in Category B |
| Departure Dates | Duration | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers | Category P | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/01/2027 | 13 nights | £5,832 | £6,354 | £7,397 | £8,267 | ||||
| 01/05/2027 | 13 nights | £5,790 | £6,312 | £7,355 | £8,225 | ||||
| 19/05/2027 | 13 nights | £5,721 | £6,242 | £7,286 | £8,156 | ||||
| 29/05/2027 | 13 nights | £5,790 | £6,312 | £7,355 | £8,225 | ||||
| 09/06/2027 | 13 nights | £5,721 | £6,242 | £7,286 | £8,156 | ||||
| 19/06/2027 | 13 nights | £5,790 | £6,312 | £7,355 | £8,225 | ||||
| 07/07/2027 | 13 nights | £5,784 | £6,305 | £7,349 | £8,219 | ||||
| 17/07/2027 | 13 nights | £6,232 | £6,754 | £7,797 | £8,667 | ||||
| 11/08/2027 | 13 nights | £6,184 | £6,705 | £7,749 | £8,619 | ||||
| 21/08/2027 | 13 nights | £6,232 | £6,754 | £7,797 | £8,667 | ||||
| 01/09/2027 | 13 nights | £5,784 | £6,305 | £7,349 | £8,219 | ||||
| 11/09/2027 | 13 nights | £5,832 | £6,354 | £7,397 | £8,267 | ||||
| 29/09/2027 | 13 nights | £6,010 | £6,619 | £7,488 | £8,532 | ||||
| 09/10/2027 | 13 nights | £6,076 | £6,684 | £7,554 | £8,510 | ||||
| 27/10/2027 | 13 nights | £6,010 | £6,619 | £7,488 | £8,532 | ||||
| 06/11/2027 | 13 nights | £6,034 | £6,642 | £7,512 | £8,468 | ||||
| 24/11/2027 | 13 nights | £5,947 | £6,556 | £7,425 | £8,469 | ||||
| 15/12/2027 | 13 nights | £5,947 | £6,556 | £7,425 | £8,469 | ||||
| 25/12/2027 | 13 nights | £6,476 | £7,084 | £7,954 | £8,910 |
| Single occupancy | 50% supplement |
| 3rd guest | 30% reduction in Category B |
| Departure Dates | Duration | Category C | Special Offers | Category B | Special Offers | Category A | Special Offers | Category P | Special Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/01/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 03/05/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 21/05/2027 | 10 nights | £3,470 | £3,991 | £5,035 | £5,905 | ||||
| 31/05/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 11/06/2027 | 10 nights | £3,470 | £3,991 | £5,035 | £5,905 | ||||
| 21/06/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 09/07/2027 | 10 nights | £3,470 | £3,991 | £5,035 | £5,905 | ||||
| 19/07/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 13/08/2027 | 10 nights | £3,470 | £3,991 | £5,035 | £5,905 | ||||
| 23/08/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 03/09/2027 | 10 nights | £3,470 | £3,991 | £5,035 | £5,905 | ||||
| 13/09/2027 | 11 nights | £3,730 | £4,252 | £5,295 | £6,165 | ||||
| 01/10/2027 | 10 nights | £3,696 | £4,305 | £5,174 | £6,218 | ||||
| 11/10/2027 | 11 nights | £3,974 | £4,582 | £5,452 | £6,408 | ||||
| 29/10/2027 | 10 nights | £3,696 | £4,305 | £5,174 | £6,218 | ||||
| 08/11/2027 | 11 nights | £3,974 | £4,582 | £5,452 | £6,408 | ||||
| 26/11/2027 | 10 nights | £3,696 | £4,305 | £5,174 | £6,218 | ||||
| 17/12/2027 | 10 nights | £3,696 | £4,305 | £5,174 | £6,218 | ||||
| 27/12/2027 | 11 nights | £3,974 | £4,582 | £5,452 | £6,408 |
| Single occupancy | 50% supplement |
| 3rd guest | 30% reduction in Category B |
Flights from the UK to Papeete take 20 to 24 hours with a stopover in Paris, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Your outbound flight typically arrives in Tahiti in the early hours of the following day, which is why your package includes a hotel on arrival before you board the ship. We confirm your flight details at the time of booking.
If your flights route via the United States — with stopovers in Los Angeles or San Francisco — you will need a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel. An ESTA costs $40, is applied for online through the official US government website, and is valid for two years once approved. If your flights route via Paris instead, no ESTA is required.
British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism. Passport and entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest official advice before travel.
The dry season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit. Temperatures are warm, around 27 to 30°C, humidity is lower, and trade winds keep conditions comfortable both on land and at sea. December to April is warmer and wetter, with a higher chance of heavy rain and some cyclone risk, though the Society Islands — Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea — are at lower risk than the outer archipelagos. Panorama II operates year-round, and many guests find the shoulder months of May and October offer excellent conditions with fewer visitors.
Your cruise fare includes full-board accommodation aboard Panorama II — buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily — along with a welcome cocktail, a themed evening, a beach or deck BBQ weather permitting, and the Captain’s Dinner.Filter coffee, tea and water are complimentary throughout the day. Use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards is also included subject to availability. Wi-Fi, alcoholic and other beverages, shore excursions, and crew gratuities (we recommend €15 to €18 per passenger per day) — are charged separately.
The currency in French Polynesia is the CFP franc (XPF), which is fixed against the euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, though cash is useful in local markets and on smaller islands.
Panorama II is a small ship with stairs between decks and no passenger lift. Shore excursions often involve uneven ground, tender landings and light walking. That said, the pace of the itinerary is relaxed, the group is small at a maximum of 49 guests, and the crew are attentive throughout.
Both itineraries visit the same islands — Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, two nights in Bora Bora and two nights in Huahine. The 11-night cruise includes one additional day in Tahiti at the end of the voyage, with the half-day excursion to Venus Point, the Faarumai Waterfalls and the Arahoho blowhole — the less-visited, wilder side of the island. Specific departure dates for each option are shown in the prices section above.
Speak to our cruise team
020 8324 3117Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–17:00
Peace of mind
Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.
All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected
Additional protection for bookings without flights
Reviews
Independent reviews of Seafarer cruises, collected by Feefo.
Excellent
4.6out of 5
Based on 643 guest reviews of our service on Feefo
Feefo Platinum Trusted Service AwardFour years in a row
Before you come aboard…
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Savings on small ship cruises, plus early booking offers for 2027 in Greece and the Seychelles.
No offers match this choice right now.
Sail through French Polynesia’s enchanting islands — from iconic Bora Bora to the tranquil beauty of Taha’a and beyond.
-10% to all reservations made until 30 November 2026 for the January to June 2027 sailings, and until 31 January 2027 for the July to December 2027 sailings.
-10% on the cruise fare for all reservations made by 31 January 2027 (Classical Greece: not June or September sailings; Ionian Odyssey: not 18 and 25 June or 6 August).
Every reduced date and cabin price is in the price tables on the cruise page. Subject to availability.
Every reduced date and cabin price is in the price tables on the cruise page. Subject to availability.
Every reduced date and cabin price is in the price tables on the cruise page. Subject to availability.
Every reduced date and cabin price is in the price tables on the cruise page. Subject to availability.
Every reduced date and cabin price is in the price tables on the cruise page. Subject to availability.
There are no special offers running right now. Call us on 020 8324 3117 or request a quote for current availability.
Offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Offers updated 1 November 2026.
