Oceania Cruises is launching more in-depth explorations in Polynesia in 2025, taking travelers to discover boutique and off-the-beaten-path islands from the comfort of the line’s small, luxurious ships.
The 2025 season in the South Pacific will be Oceania Cruises’ most expansive to date, with their elegant ships Nautica and Regatta traversing the remote region during both the winter and summer seasons. Both seasons’ itineraries have been specifically designed to create a memorable and immersive experience for well-traveled, curious guests, allowing them to delve deeper into this fascinating region. Offering an ultra-premium experience, Regatta and Nautica are ideally suited to explorations in the region, featuring more veranda staterooms and more free specialty dining options than any other ship regularly based in Tahiti.
Remote and Rich in Nature
At the heart of the season are 10-day round-trip Papeete sailings, perfect for inquisitive travelers looking to explore the remote, nature-rich islands that characterize this region.
Wildlife-loving passengers can look out for the abundance of spectacular marine life that frequent the sparkling turquoise waters around the islands, including spinner dolphins, whales and stingrays. The region plays host to a spectacular number of ancient archaeological sites, rugged mountains adorned with wild hibiscus and colorful ginger flowers. After a day exploring the untouched natural wonders of Polynesia, what better way to relax than to sit and watch some of the most stunning sunsets in the world from the deck.
The diverse selection of itineraries includes the must-sees in French Polynesia such as vibrant Papeete, the paradise island of Nuku Hiva, and a number of overnight stays in Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world.
These voyages are perfect for travelers wishing to soak up the laid-back, island atmosphere, where they’ll take in iconic views of the mountains and stunning beaches and enjoy only-in-Polynesia adventures such as tours of vanilla and black pearl farms, picturesque lagoon cruises and motu island picnics.
Additionally, Oceania offers a variety of longer voyages, giving guests the chance to explore Polynesia after visiting the spectacular topography of Hawaii or New Zealand, as well as World Voyages of up to 111 days long, ending in Singapore, Cape Town or Barcelona.
The Experts Pick Shore Excursions
Oceania Cruises has partnered with luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler to bring globetrotters an exclusive collection of itineraries handpicked by the magazine’s dedicated editors.
Exclusive editors’ tips include skipping the restaurants and heading to the food trucks, or roulettes as they’re called in Papeete, for a cheap and cheerful al fresco dinner featuring local bites; strolling through downtown Papeete getting to know its storied history via its colorful colonial architecture while visiting landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, town hall and the bustling 155-year-old Papeete Market; and swimming with reef sharks during an intimate boat tour aboard a small sailing catamaran with family-run tour operator Voila Moorea.
Additional shore excursion and voyage highlights:
Discover Tahiti’s West Coast: From the Robert Wan Pearl Museum and Marche de Papeete to the tranquil Jardins Paofai, observe the surfers on their longboards alongside natural treasures like the thundering Faarumai Waterfalls, Arahoho Blowhole, and the Maraa Fern Grottos, home to the largest underwater cave in Tahiti.
Visit to Taipivai Valley: Set off on a guided adventure in a four-wheel-drive vehicle into the lush valley described in Herman Melville’s 1846 novel, Typee. A famously rugged paradise, Taipivai Valley is spectacularly beautiful, rich in archeological sites, and yours to discover during this fascinating excursion.
Shark and Stingray Snorkel Safari in Bora Bora: Explore Bora Bora’s turquoise, unspoiled lagoon via boat before slipping into the gin-clear waters to discover the ancient crater rim of Moti To’opua, gliding alongside the island’s graceful stingrays and parrotfish.
Tahitian & Hawaiian Hues: 18 days from Los Angeles to Papeete aboard Nautica, overnighting in Bora Bora and Papeete and visiting Lahaina, Honolulu, Hilo, Raiatea and Moorea. Departs January 8, 2025.
Papeete to Honolulu: 15 Days from Papeete to Honolulu aboard Regatta, from overnighting in Bora Bora, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Nuku Hiva, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Lahaina, Nawiliwili and Honolulu. Departs September 15, 2025.
Tahitian Legends: 10 days roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti) aboard Regatta, a Condé Nast Traveler branded itinerary, traveler will overnight in Papeete and Bora Bora and visit Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa and Raiatea. Departs August 16, 2025.
All sailings include Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE value promise, meaning virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length).
For more information visit oceaniacruises.com.
