Cruise Line |
Silversea Cruises |
Ship |
Silver Cloud Expedition |
Destination |
World Cruises & Sectors |
Nights |
11 |
Departure Date |
11 Mar 2021 |
Description |
11 Night Cruise sailing from Papeete to Lautoka onboard Silver Cloud.
If you have ever wondered how closely linked astronomy and navigation is, then this is the voyage for you! As you journey takes you from Tahiti to Fiji via the Cook Islands and Samoa, our experts will elaborate on techniques that the original explorers used to discover these beautiful islands. As you venture further west, feel the pull and power of traditional, local lifestyles in these, the emblematic Pearls of the Pacific.
Highlights of this cruise:
Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia
Papeete is the center of the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. A wonderful lagoon of crisp, clear water begs to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax and settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life in this Polynesian paradise.
Bora Bora (Society Islands), French Polynesia
Simply saying the name Bora Bora is usually enough to induce gasps of jealousy, as images of milky blue water, sparkling white beaches and casually leaning palm trees immediately spring to mind. The imagination doesn't lie, either, and if you visit, you’ll soon realise this island is every bit as gorgeous as you ever imagined. Thatched wooden huts stand out over shallow, sparkling seawater, with vivid fish swirling just below. Soak up the sun and relax on Matira Beach. If blissful inactivity doesn't appeal, then get active, and hike the greenery of the sharp Mount Pahia, circle the island by “Le Truck†or go snorkeling with rays and sharks.
Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands
Life is laid back on Rarotonga, the most populous of the Cook Islands, but the residents are still an active bunch. Though there are plenty of white sandy beaches on which to laze—and people do, with plenty of napping— locals love to get out and move. Join them in snorkeling, diving, riding—bikes, horses, scooters—fishing, bush walking, and playing squash and tennis. Another popular, if odd, and favorite activity is lining up along the sea wall adjacent to the airport's runway to be jetblasted.
Palmerston Island, Cook Islands
The low-lying atoll of Palmerston is inhabited by three families, all descendants of William Marsters (1831-1899). Members of the community are known to greet visitors and guide small boats and Zodiacs into the lagoon through a maze of coral reef to reach the only inhabited islet –commonly called “Homeâ€. Once ashore, the whole community generally turns out to meet visitors as it is a rare occurrence. The island’s highlights include a church, the oldest house, the cemetery, the school, the underground gardens and “Duke’s Pool,†inviting for a swim or snorkel. In the lagoon’s waters it is possible to find colorful reef-fish, sea cucumbers, rays, and sea turtles. Overhead there is birdlife including tropicbirds, boobies, noddies, frigatebirds and terns.
Somosomo (Taveuni), Fiji
Somosomo is the largest village on Taveuni, which in turn is Fiji’s third largest island. The village has had and still has political importance as it is the headquarters for Taveuni’s highest chief, the Tui Cakau, and Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs met in Somosomo until 2012. Somosomo and Naqara, its immediate neighboring village with a predominantly Indo-Fijian population, are the commercial center for Taveuni. Slightly west of Somosomo is the 180th meridian and a sign indicating the International Dateline (which has been moved east of Tonga by now) is about 2 miles to the southwest. Somosomo is also famous for the amount of soft coral in the Somosomo Strait, just west of Somosomo and Taveuni. The reefs along the Somosomo Strait are considered among the best in the South Pacific as tidal currents and constant year–round water temperature create the ideal environment for some 390 species of hard and soft corals and over 1500 species of fish.
Lautoka, Fiji
It doesn’t get much sweeter than arriving on the sun-soaked shores of the Sugar City. Fiji’s second-biggest settlement opens up a world of blissful beaches and turquoise seascapes, while its dense jungle lures the adventurous deep into its embrace. Step ashore where the first Fijians landed, and you'll understand instantly why they chose to make this island paradise their heavenly home. Experience rich Fijian life, and see dramatic displays like warrior dances, and remarkable local practices like firewalks, which kick up burning embers into the night's sky. Legend says the city took its name after two chiefs faced each other in a duel. A spear pierced one of the chiefs, leading to the shout of 'lau-toka!' or 'spear hit!' Sugar is Lautoka’s main trade, but its botanical gardens are a sweet insight into the tropical plant life that thrives here - from pearl white lilies to tall, fragrant orchids.
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Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
1 |
11/03 |
Papeete, Tahiti |
|
06:00 PM |
2 |
12/03 |
At sea |
|
|
3 |
13/03 |
Bora Bora, French Polynesia |
07:00 AM |
09:00 PM |
4 |
14/03 |
Rarotonga, Cook Islands |
10:30 AM |
06:00 PM |
5 |
15/03 |
Aitutaki, Cook Islands |
06:30 AM |
06:00 PM |
6 |
16/03 |
Palmerston Island, Cook Islands |
09:00 AM |
06:00 PM |
7 |
17/03 |
Date Line Crossing |
|
|
8 |
18/03 |
At sea |
|
|
9 |
19/03 |
Apia, Western Samoa |
01:00 PM |
overnight |
10 |
20/03 |
Apia, Western Samoa |
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05:00 PM |
11 |
21/03 |
At sea |
|
|
12 |
22/03 |
Somosomo, Fiji |
06:30 AM |
05:00 PM |
13 |
23/03 |
Lautoka, Fiji |
09:00 AM |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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