History of Cruising in Tahiti

European explorers and missionaries visited the islands in the 18th and 19th centuries, making Tahiti a well-liked tourism destination for centuries. However, Tahiti did not start to gain popularity as a cruise ship destination until the 1960s, with the first regular service beginning in 1966. Early cruises were frequently lengthy, multi-week voyages that left from San Francisco or Los Angeles and stopped in Hawaii, Samoa, and other South Pacific islands before sailing to Tahiti.

The availability of itineraries that concentrate on the islands of French Polynesia by numerous major cruise companies has made Tahiti cruising considerably more accessible today. Because of the gorgeous scenery, pristine waters, and exclusive ambience of the islands, the area is especially well-liked by luxury cruise companies. Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Ponant, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are a few of the well-known cruise lines with operations in Tahiti.

Top Cruise Lines in Tahiti

One of the most well-known and reputable cruise companies in Tahiti is Paul Gauguin Cruises. The company only has one ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin, which was built expressly for South Pacific cruising. With only 332 passengers, the ship is compact and cozy and can access ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. Passengers can take advantage of opulent features onboard, including a full-service spa, many dining options, and a pool with a retractable canopy. The company also provides a variety of shore excursions, such as cultural immersion cruises, snorkeling excursions, and tours of pearl farms.

Another well-liked alternative for cruising in Tahiti is Windstar Cruises. The company sails three vessels in the area, the smallest of which, the Wind Spirit, carries only 148 passengers. It is possible to tour the most remote areas of the islands because all of the ships are made to be able to enter smaller ports and coves that larger ships cannot. In addition, Windstar provides a variety of cultural excursions and outdoor pursuits like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Le Boreal and Le Soleal are two of the luxury cruise ships operated by Ponant, a French company, in the South Pacific. The ships are renowned for their cutting-edge architecture and luxurious features, including a spa, a fitness center, and numerous dining options. In addition, Ponant provides a variety of beach excursions, such as trips to regional markets, cultural institutions, and nature preserves.

Tahiti cruises with Regent Seven Seas Cruises are more upscale options. The Seven Seas Mariner, an opulent all-suite ship with roomy rooms, numerous dining options, and a full-service spa, is operated by the firm. A casino and live performances are just a couple of the entertainment options available on the ship. A variety of shore excursions are available from Regent Seven Seas, including trips to museums, nature preserves, and historical sites.

Best Times to Visit Tahiti

Depending on what you want to do and see, there is no one optimum time to visit Tahiti. There are two distinct seasons in the area’s tropical climate: a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The best time to travel is often during the dry season when the weather is sunny, dry, and comfortable with low humidity. As this is also the busiest travel period, be prepared for heavier crowds and higher costs.

The Heiva festival, which takes place in July, is the best time to go if you want to experience Tahitian culture and traditions. There will be traditional dances, music, and sporting events throughout this month-long celebration of Polynesian culture. It offers a genuine look into Tahitian life and is a singular and fascinating event.

The dry season is the ideal time to go if you want to go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or engage in other outdoor activities. For underwater exploration, the visibility is superb and the water is extremely clear. With pleasant days and mild nights, the climate is also ideal for outdoor activities.

Must-See Sights in Tahiti

Tahiti offers a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, including magnificent beaches, lush rainforests, and historic cultural monuments. Some of the major attractions to include on your schedule are listed below:

One of Tahiti’s most well-liked vacation spots is the legendary island of Bora Bora, which is renowned for its crystal-clear lagoon, overwater villas, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is the ideal location to decompress, unwind, and enjoy the environment.

Moorea: This nearby island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty as well, with its verdant green mountains, clear waters, and a range of outdoor pursuits including hiking and snorkeling.

Fautaua Waterfall: Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti, is only a short drive from this magnificent waterfall, which is situated in the center of the island. It is a well-liked location for swimming and trekking, and the view from the summit is stunning.

Marae Arahurahu: With a history spanning more than a thousand years, this historic cultural landmark is among Tahiti’s most significant. With a variety of traditional buildings and antiquities, it provides an interesting window into the island’s past.

The famed French painter Paul Gauguin spent a number of years on Tahiti in the late 19th century, and this museum is devoted to his life and art. Along with a variety of objects and displays pertaining to his time spent on the islands, the museum also houses a collection of his paintings.

Pros and Cons of Cruising in Tahiti

Like any trip experience, cruising in Tahiti has its benefits and drawbacks. When determining whether to embark on a cruise in this stunning area, keep the following in mind:

Pros:

Convenience: Traveling without having to worry about lodging, meals, or transportation is a convenient method to visit several islands quickly.

Luxury: Tahiti is a terrific choice for anyone seeking a more upscale travel experience because many of the cruise lines that run there offer top-notch amenities and opulent lodgings.

Exclusive access: Several of the smaller cruise ships operating in the area are able to enter smaller ports and bays that larger ships cannot reach, making for a more exclusive and personal vacation experience.

Experiences with culture: A lot of the cruise lines in Tahiti provide a variety of excursions and experiences with culture that offer a special and genuine look into the customs and culture of the area.

Cons:

Cost: Cruising in Tahiti can be pricey due to high costs for both the actual cruise and shore excursions.

You may only have a short amount of time to thoroughly explore each island because the cruise route is predetermined, with many of the stops lasting only a few hours.

Crowds: During the busiest travel period, Tahiti’s cruise ports can get rather congested, with long lineups for popular attractions and shore excursions.

You may not have the opportunity to tailor your trip experience to your preferences or interests because the cruise schedule is predetermined.

Environmental impact: There are worries about pollution, excessive tourism, and harm to delicate ecosystems when it comes to cruise ships’ potential environmental effects.

Top Cruise Lines in Tahiti

There are many top-notch cruise lines from which to chose if you decide to go on a trip in Tahiti. Some of the best choices are as follows:

Paul Gauguin Cruises: This upscale cruise line is named for the well-known French painter who resided in Tahiti for a number of years. It provides a selection of shore excursions and cultural events, as well as itineraries that tour the most stunning islands in the area.

An intimate and unique vacation experience is provided by Windstar Cruises, a small ship cruise operator that can enter coves and ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. It also provides a variety of outdoor activities and aquatic sports, such kayaking and snorkeling.

Princess Cruises: This well-known cruise line has a selection of Tahiti island-focused itineraries, as well as a choice of shore excursions and cultural encounters.

Oceania Cruises: With its upscale amenities and gourmet dining selections, this luxury cruise company provides a more upscale travel experience. It also provides a variety of itineraries that visit the South Pacific and Tahiti islands.

The upscale cruise operator Crystal Cruises provides a selection of itineraries that tour the Tahiti islands as well as a wide choice of cultural encounters and shore excursions. With all meals and the majority of drinks included in the cruise cost, it also provides a more all-inclusive holiday experience.

Finally, Tahiti cruises are a wonderful way to discover the area’s natural splendor, cultural practices, and intriguing history. There are several top-notch cruise lines to pick from that provide a variety of itineraries and experiences, whether you’re searching for a luxurious vacation or a more daring outdoor adventure. By weighing the benefits and drawbacks of sailing in Tahiti and conducting research to locate the cruise company that best suits your needs, you can plan an excursion that will live long in the memory in this stunning region of the world.