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Cruise West

Pearls of Polynesia

This comprehensive voyage explores the vastly different cultures of the South Pacific, crossing the International Dateline, and sails from the legendary islands of Polynesia into the mysteries of Melanesia. From the Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Huahine to the seldom-visited islands of Western Samoa and Tonga, experience a wide range of unique flora, fauna, and cultural interaction.

Recommended for:

  • Guests who prefer up-close exploration in classic comfort.
  • Adventurous travelers who relish longer cruises with unique sightseeing opportunities.

Cruise Highlights

  • See how Tahiti changed one artist, and how one artist changed Tahiti, at the Paul Gauguin 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.

The Ship

Cruise West's flagship, the all-suite 114-guest Spirit of Oceanus, features spacious guest suites (many with private teak-floored balconies), outside viewing areas on four of the five guest-level decks, as well as a beautifully appointed dining room, library and lounges. Guests enjoy spacious walk-in closets or wardrobes, marble vanities, and deluxe sitting rooms in all suites. Oceangoing stabilizers open new horizons for up-close small-ship cruising.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 DEPART FOR FIJI/VITI LEVU, FIJI
Lose a day en route as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2 DEPART FOR FIJI/VITI LEVU, FIJI
You’ll lose a day en route as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3 VITI LEVU / BEQA, FIJI
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. Take part in a traditional Kava ceremony and tour the beautiful orchids of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant before boarding the Spirit of Oceanus.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 AT SEA
As we cruise between islands, your Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit.

Day 6 NIUATOPUTAPU, TONGA / CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. If you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters.

Day 7 SAVAI'I, WESTERN SAMOA
Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rainforests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes. An excursion to the Falealupo Preserve lets you view the most biodiverse part of the rainforest as you stroll along a walkway through the forest canopy.

Day 8 APIA
In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years. See the Botanical Garden Reserve and take tea at Aggie Grey’s Hotel, that catered to American soldiers during World War II.

Day 9 AT SEA

Day 10 PALMERSTON, COOK ISLANDS
This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. Visit with island residents enjoying a barbeque, weather permitting.

Day 11 ATIU, COOK ISLANDS
Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why. Participate in a birding excursion. You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck, you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished. Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites.

Day 12 AT SEA

Day 13 HUAHINE, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll disembark for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where rituals were once performed.

Day 14 TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Disembark and enjoy a tour of Tahiti. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in individual dayrooms at your luxury hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Cost of This Trip

13 Night trip

The least expensive cabin costs:
$450 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$1035 pp pn