Variety cruising Tahiti for the first time in 2022

Variety will sail French Polynesia year-round, concluding in December 2023. Passengers will experience local cultures, cuisines and landscapes. 

‘We are excited to share that Tahiti is our newest destination addition to the Variety Cruises family,’ said Filippos Venetopoulos, CEO, Variety Cruises. ‘We take pride in bringing friendly and enthusiastic Greek hospitality to ports all over the world, now including French Polynesia. 

‘We’re a growing company and this new destination launch is indicative of the expansion our company will be seeing in the years to come.’

Two itineraries   

Panorama II will operate the eight-day ‘Tahiti & Pearls of French Polynesia’ itinerary which runs from May 6, 2022 to to December 8, 2023. It includes Tahiti’s iconic islands such as Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea. Prices start at $2,290 per person. 

The ship will also sail the 11-day ‘Tahiti, Society & Tuamotu Islands’ itinerary which explores the less visited Tuamotu archipelago, adding Makatea and more unexplored islands. It runs from June 24, 2022 to December 26, 2023 with prices starting at $3,090 per person. 

Highlights

Passengers will encounter aquatic life in Bora Bora and history in Huahine which has the largest concentration of ancient marae structures and was once home to Tahitian royalty. 

Optional tours on all-terrain vehicles (ATV) take passengers to the interior of Taha`a to discover tropical vegetation, views of the bay of Haamene and visit a pearl farm. In Raiatea, passengers can kayak the Faaroa River with a local guide and visit the ancient temple at Taputapuatea, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Beach barbecues, lagoon swim stops on kayaks, snorkeling and stand up paddleboards (SUP) will be available. 

An onboard naturalist/cruise coordinator will accompany the tours, led by local experts who support the local community.

Variety is also working with The Mokarran Protection Society, a non-profit organization located in Rangiroa that studies and protects the Great Hammerhead Shark, and educates tourists on marine life.