French Polynesia with a luxury Silversea cruise

After breakfast, cross to Moorea, one of the most appealing islands in French Polynesia. The ferry crossing is short, but it brings a lovely sense of transition as the mountains of Moorea come into view over the lagoon. Once on the island, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might spend time by the water, take in the scenery from your resort, or simply let the island’s scale and calm set the pace.

A full day on Moorea gives you space to settle into the destination properly. You could swim, snorkel, enjoy the scenery, or simply stay close to the water and admire the mountain backdrop. For those looking for scenery and a little adventure, you can hire cars and bicycles, but the best way to reach the viewpoints is on a 4x4 tour.

This morning, you leave Moorea and return to Tahiti for embarkation on Silver Whisper. Once on board, settle into your suite, get your bearings, and enjoy the anticipation of sailing deeper into the archipelago.

Raiatea is often described as the sacred island steeped in culture. You may wish to explore archaeological sites, learn more about the island’s archaeological significance, or visit a pearl cultivation station and vanilla plantation, gaining a richer sense of its long-standing connection to Polynesian heritage and local production.

Today’s call combines Raiatea with nearby Motu Taha’a, and the pairing works beautifully. Raiatea provides culture and history, while Motu Taha’a brings the lagoon scenery, coral shallows and classic tropical island feel that many travellerstravelers picture when they think of French Polynesia. Depending on your interests, you may choose a relaxed beach day, a gentle lagoon experience, or a more in-depth look at the island’s heritage and local plantations.

Enjoy your first day at sea to unwind and reflect on the journey so far. You might linger over breakfast, enjoy time on deck, visit the spa, or simply watch the ocean shift through different shades of blue.

Fakarava introduces the Tuamotu Archipelago and a very different side of French Polynesia. The atoll is defined by lagoon water, coral passes, and a sense of space that comes from being so low and open to the sea. You may wish to explore the main village of Rotoava, learn more about local island life, or focus on the marine side of the destination through snorkelling or diving in the lagoon and through the scenic passes.

Your second sea day gives the itinerary another moment of quiet in the middle of the voyage. By now, the ship should feel comfortably familiar, which means the day can be spent doing very little and enjoying it fully. You might choose a leisurely lunch, time on deck, or simply a long spell watching the horizon.

Fatu Hiva is one of the most dramatic islands on your journey and a real highlight for those who enjoy remote scenery. It’s a volcanic outpost of cliffs and craggy valleys, with opportunities to appreciate the island’s traditional crafts, dramatic coastline, and the feeling of being somewhere far removed from ordinary travel.

Nuku Hiva is the second-largest island in the archipelago after Tahiti and one of the most impressive. Its scale gives the day a different energy from that of the smaller islands, with mountain scenery, wide valleys, and a feeling of genuine remoteness. You may wish to venture inland by 4x4 through Taipivai Valley, following a route associated with Herman Melville, or explore cultural landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Marquesas.

Tahuata is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago and one of the most attractive. Its appeal lies in scale, simplicity, and natural beauty, which make it starkly contrasted with the dramatic landscapes of Nuku Hiva. Depending on how you choose to spend the day, you may wish to enjoy quiet beaches, visit Hapatoni village for its wood-carved crafts, or simply absorb the island’s slow pace and Polynesian character.

This third sea day is well-placed before the itinerary begins its return through the Tuamotus and Society Islands. By this stage, the ship becomes part of the holiday’s rhythm, which is a big part of why luxury cruising works so well in a destination like this. You can spend the day as you wish, reading, soaking up the views, lingering over meals, or simply enjoying the distance between one extraordinary island and the next.

Rangiroa is one of the great atolls of French Polynesia and a natural highlight of the cruise. The lagoon-led setting makes it a destination defined by water, coral, and expansive views, while pearl farms and marine life add another dimension to the island’s character. Today, you could spend time ashore exploring the lagoon, the atoll’s villages, or sampling the island’s unusual locally produced white and rosé wines.

Bora Bora is the classic image of French Polynesia. The scenery is unmistakable, with a turquoise lagoon, volcanic profile, and a setting that has become iconic for good reason. Choose to spend the day enjoying a lagoon cruise, exploring the coral-filled waters, or simply soaking up the island’s famous scenery from shore.

Quieter and greener than Bora Bora, Huahine feels less polished, more local, and more rooted in the everyday rhythm of Polynesian island life. Depending on your interests, you may wish to enjoy a more traditional island day, explore viewpoints, or simply take in the softer, more understated atmosphere that Huahine is known for.

The mountainous island of Moorea offers a lagoon filled with marine life and an interior of small villages surrounding pineapple plantations. For an outdoor adventure, take a snorkel cruise around the lagoon. You can also discover the island's diverse ecosystems with a guided nature tour, which includes a stop at the local eco-museum.

Today, your cruise comes to an end at the final dock of Papeete. A bustling island with striking black beaches, Tahiti is a Polynesian paradise. You'll have time to get refreshed at the InterContinental before your onward flight to Santa Monica.

Embark on an e-bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach with your guide. You'll be able to hit the city highlights before having the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, make your way to the Los Angeles International Airport for your onward flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.