Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific

Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific Luxury Cruise 14 Days

Prices From £9,020pp
February, September | 13 nights

Ancestral Cultures of the South Pacific Luxury Cruise 14 Days

Aboard: Le Jacques-Cartier

Sail across the heart of the South Pacific on an unforgettable voyage linking the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Fiji on a journey through some of the most beautiful and remote archipelagos on Earth. Between the soaring volcanic peaks of Moorea, the radiant lagoon of Bora Bora, the serenity of Aitutaki, and the emerald isles of Vava’u, Vanua Levu, and Viti Levu, each destination reveals a new vision of paradise.

Here, the ocean shimmers in endless shades of blue, manta rays and tropical fish drift through coral gardens, and palm-fringed beaches invite pure relaxation. On shore, the warmth of island life shines through in the rhythmic songs and dances that celebrate age-old traditions and the gentle welcome of communities who continue to honour their ancestral heritage.

For those seeking discovery below the surface, diving excursions with expert instructors offer the chance to explore vibrant reefs and marine sanctuaries teeming with life. Every moment aboard Le Jacques-Cartier is an immersion in beauty, culture, and tranquillity. Embark on a journey where time slows and the South Pacific reveals its most enchanting secrets.

Various departures available, include reverse itineraries. Excursions offered may vary depending on departure. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Discover four captivating regions: French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Fiji
  • Experience the natural beauty of Moorea, Bora Bora, Aitutaki, Vava’u, Vanua Levu, and Viti Levu
  • Immerse yourself in island traditions through music, dance, and warm local encounters
  • Relax on pristine beaches and admire volcanic peaks rising above crystal-clear lagoons
  • Enjoy included excursions led by expert naturalists and local guides, offering cultural insight and close encounters with nature
  • Dive or snorkel among colourful coral reefs and tropical marine life, guided by expert instructors (Diving incurs additional fee and experience may be required)
  • Optional excursions available at select stops (fees apply)
  • Cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, purpose-built for exploring the lagoons and islands of the South Pacific

What's Included

  • Full Board accommodation onboard including high-end gastronomy in all restaurants, and all beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars
  • One included activity per person, per day, and per port, which may be either an excursion led by local guides or an activity with naturalist guides
  • Landings by dock, tender boat, local boats, or Zodiac
  • 24-hour room service
  • Butler service for certain suites
  • Unlimited internet access onboard
  • Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
  • Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
  • All port and security charges

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Papeete, Tahiti Island - Embark
1Day

Papeete, Tahiti Island - Embark

Your luxury Polynesia cruise begins in Papeete, the beautiful capital of French Polynesia, which is set on Tahiti’s northwest coast. You may wish to arrive here in advance to allow time to explore its blend of city energy and island ease, step inside the colonial cathedral, visit Maison de la Reine Marau, and unwind among the lush Vaipahi Gardens. At the bustling municipal market, sample ripe tropical fruit, fragrant spices, and gleaming seafood.

In the afternoon today, board your luxury ship and watch from deck as your captain charts an evening course towards the tranquil shores of Moorea Island.

Moorea Island
2Day

Moorea Island

Just west of Tahiti, the enchanting island of Mo’orea captivates with its emerald peaks, lush valleys, and dazzling lagoon, making it the perfect introduction to your unforgettable French Polynesia cruise. Known for its sweeping bays and flower-scented air, this island paradise invites you to unwind on pristine beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore a landscape bursting with tropical beauty. A visit to the Mo’orea Belvedere offers breathtaking panoramic views with Mount Rotui rising dramatically between Opunohu Bay and the legendary Cook’s Bay, framed by jagged volcanic peaks.

Bora Bora, Society Islands
3 - 4Days

Bora Bora, Society Islands

In the western Leeward Islands, the legendary Bora Bora awaits, a true South Pacific paradise where we can enjoy two full days of exploration. With its dazzling white-sand beaches, lush tropical greenery, and a lagoon renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful, this island is pure magic. Beneath the towering presence of Mount Otemanu, discover a landscape where turquoise waters shimmer and vibrant marine life flourishes. Explore charming villages nestled along the coast, meet welcoming locals, and take in the island’s volcanic splendour. A huge range of optional excursions offers unforgettable ways to experience Bora Bora, from lagoon cruises and snorkelling adventures to cultural encounters and scenic island tours. Other options include a “Sharks & Stingrays” encounter, off-road and aquabike adventures, and “underwater walks”. Full details and prices of all excursions are available upon enquiry.

At Sea
5Day

At Sea

As Le Jacques-Cartier sails serenely across the South Pacific, your day at sea invites you to unwind and savour the pleasures of life on board. Indulge in a soothing treatment at the spa, enjoy a swim in the pool, or relax beneath the sun with the ocean stretching endlessly before you. Those feeling energetic can make use of the fitness area or join one of the enrichment talks and cultural presentations offered throughout the day. Perhaps browse the boutique, meet the ship’s photographers, or simply enjoy a quiet drink on deck as the sea shimmers around you. For lovers of the open ocean, the upper deck provides the perfect vantage point to admire the waves and maybe even spot dolphins at play. A peaceful interlude of comfort, leisure, and discovery between days of exploration.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands
6Day

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Tiny yet enchanting, Aitutaki is a tranquil gem of the Cook Islands, where life moves to the gentle rhythm of the tides. Its dazzling lagoon, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world, shimmers in every shade of blue, inviting you to swim, snorkel, or simply wander its powdery shores. Beneath the surface, vibrant coral gardens teem with marine life, offering unforgettable underwater encounters. On land, the island’s warmth and artistry shine through, from black pearl boutiques to colourful sarongs and exquisite tivaevae patchwork quilts, lovingly handcrafted and treasured for their cultural significance.

At Sea
7 - 9Days

At Sea

Spend three leisurely days at sea as Le Jacques-Cartier charts a course toward the Vava’u Islands. This tranquil stretch of open ocean offers time to relax and enjoy the ship’s many comforts — from sun-soaked moments on deck to enriching talks and shared discoveries with fellow travellers.

During your voyage, you’ll experience a truly unique moment: the crossing of the International Date Line. This invisible boundary, running roughly along the 180th meridian, marks the divide between one calendar day and the next. As your ship sails westward, you’ll “gain” a day. This is a curious quirk of global navigation first noted by Magellan’s crew and later immortalised in literature by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. It’s a fascinating reminder of just how vast and wondrous our world remains.

Vava'u Islands, Tonga
10Day

Vava'u Islands, Tonga

We arrive in the kingdom of Tonga, where the Vava’u Archipelago unfolds in all its splendour, a scattering of around 40 coral islands floating in a vast turquoise lagoon. The main island, crowned by Mount Talau, offers sweeping views across this picture-perfect paradise, where white-sand beaches meet calm, crystal-clear waters. Beneath the waves, coral reefs, fan corals, and hidden caves teem with vibrant marine life, inviting exploration. On shore, the island’s lush greenery and rich traditions reveal a deep connection between people and nature. Discover the artistry of pandanus weaving, the delicate process of vanilla cultivation, and the preparation of noni juice, cherished for its many natural virtues. A day in Vava’u captures the true spirit of Tonga.

At Sea
11Day

At Sea

Spend another relaxing and enjoyable day at sea aboard Le Jacques Cartier.

Vanua Levu & Viti Levu Islands
12 - 13Days

Vanua Levu & Viti Levu Islands

After a peaceful day at sea, we arrive at Vanua Levu, the second-largest island in Fiji and one of its most captivating secrets. Just 60kms north of its better-known sister, Viti Levu, this lush and mountainous island offers a glimpse of authentic Fijian life far from the crowds. From the charming port town of Savusavu, set out to explore a landscape of vibrant tropical rainforest, hidden waterfalls, and a kaleidoscope of colours and scents. The warm Fijian hospitality is felt everywhere, especially during the traditional kava ceremony, where locals share a drink made from the pepper plant in a gesture of welcome and friendship. Beneath the surface, the island’s crystal-clear waters reveal one of the South Pacific’s most dazzling marine worlds, a paradise for snorkellers and ocean lovers alike.

The following day we arrive at Viti Levu, the largest and most diverse of the Fijian Islands, where natural beauty and rich culture exist in perfect harmony. Dominated by the towering peak of Mount Tomanivi, the island is blanketed in lush tropical forest to the south and sprawling sugar cane plantations to the north. In the lively capital of Suva, modern energy blends with deep tradition. Explore Thurston Gardens and the fascinating Fiji Museum, where artefacts trace more than 3,000 years of island history. Beyond the city, adventure awaits beneath the emerald canopy of the rainforest and in the crystal-clear waters of the Beqa Lagoon, home to vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Lautoka, Viti Levu Island - Disembark
14Day

Lautoka, Viti Levu Island - Disembark

Your unforgettable journey comes to an end in Lautoka, the second-largest city in Fiji, set on the sun-drenched western coast of Viti Levu, just north of Nadi. Known as the “Sugar City” for its thriving cane fields and warm island spirit, Lautoka offers a fitting farewell to your South Pacific adventure. After an early-morning disembarkation, take a moment to reflect on the beauty, culture, and serenity that have defined your voyage through these extraordinary islands.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Le Jacques-Cartier
Luxury  first class vessel

Le Jacques-Cartier

Combining adventure with 5-star luxury, Le Jacques-Cartier is a superb, environmentally friendly and innovate ship designed to travel to some of the most remote corners of the world. Modern, spacious and incredibly elegant, the ship has been tastefully decorated throughout and provides large public spaces that have been styled to echo the ambiance of the destinations visited.

The ship offers 92 luxurious staterooms in a wide range of accommodation levels, many of which feature a balcony or private terrace. Each room or suite features king-size (or twin) beds, flat screen satellite TVs, Bose Bluetooth speakers, minibars, desks, dressing tables, bath robes, luxury bathrooms, 24 hour room service, and all the extras you would expect from a ship of such high standing. Higher category suites feature extras such as spacious living areas, Jacuzzis, patios and dedicated butler service.

Public areas include an incredibly unique multisensorial underwater lounge, multiple lounges with sumptuous seating and sea views, a lecture theatre, pool deck with swimming pool, exterior bar and chill-out area, a wellness area with spa, sauna and well-equipped gym, and a wonderful dining area where quality cuisine is served.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Polynesian Islands adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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