Romantic, adventurous, breathtaking... the superlatives for this iconic South Pacific destination are endless. This Tahitian encounter aboard one of the finest cruise ships in the world is more luxurious than the traditional expedition cruise, whilst still offering tremendous scope for adventure and discovery.

Taking in the world famous Leeward Islands of Tahiti (Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a), this experience must rank high on the list for connoisseurs of luxury cruising.

Bora Bora, with sky-piercing peaks set within a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, simply stated is the most beautiful island in the world. Lush tropical slopes are laced with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu (islets) circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give rise to emerald waters where impossibly coloured fish animate the coral gardens.

Huahine, with its verdant forests, chiselled landscape, and quaint villages, is one of Polynesia's best-kept secrets. Relatively untainted by the modern world, Huahine's few residents welcome visitors with great kindness and the island's fertile soil provides the island's farmers with a bountiful harvest of vanilla, melons, and bananas.

Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven" was first named Havai'i after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians and is the most sacred island in the South Pacific. This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the center of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and contains a number of eerie 'Marae' ruins - sacred sites once used for important ceremonies. Upon Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives a flower so rare it can be found no place else on earth. Ancient legends spin a tragic tale where the five petals of this white flower represent the hand of a common Tahitian girl who was in love with the son of a Tahitian king. With no rights to marriage, she died of a broken heart - the sound of which may be heard each dawn as the delicate petals open with a slight crackling sound.

Taha'a (the Vanilla Island) offers insight into the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians. This flower-shaped island is surrounded by tiny motu and pristine beaches.

Of course, meaningful travel is all about 'experiencing' a destination in addition to taking in the passing scenery. The cruise experiences outlined in the itinerary are complemented by a range of exciting optional activities such as hiking, cultural events, lagoon shark and ray encounters, island and bicycle tours, four-wheel drive safaris, outrigger canoe or sea-kayak tours, wave-runner excursions, game-fishing and of course, scuba diving.

Luxury Cruise Ship: Tu Moana

Tahiti Cruise Schedule:

Cruises throughout Tahiti's Leeward Islands aboard Tu Moana (7 days / 6 nights) operate year-round, departing Bora Bora every Monday morning and returning to Bora Bora Sunday afternoons.