Oceania Cruises is offering a captivating array of 100 sailings in Tahiti and the Caribbean in 2024 and 2025, charting lesser-known coastlines and taking travellers to boutique ports and off-the-beaten-track islands thanks to the line’s small, luxurious ships. Must-sees in French Polynesia include vibrant Papeete, the paradise island of Nuku Hiva, and Bora Bora, the most romantic island in the world. Meanwhile, Caribbean season highlights include Castries on the island of St. Lucia; Puerto Limon in Costa Rica; Gatun Lake in Panama; and Colombia’s magnificent colonial city of Cartagena.
Sailing from Miami, Cartagena, New York, Los Angeles, Bridgetown, Panama and Papeete, this impeccable selection of carefully crafted voyages aboard Marina, Nautica, Sirena and Oceania Cruises’ new ship, Vista, is ideal for travellers who dream of sojourns in tropical archipelagos and who wish to explore colonial cities and soak up the laid-back, island atmosphere. Voyages range from seven to 16 days, sailing to iconic Caribbean destinations including Bridgetown, Cartagena, Gustavia, Puntarenas, San Juan and St. John’s. Many of these voyages feature memorable daylight passages through the Panama Canal, linking sought-after Caribbean destinations with storied Pacific Riviera ports such as Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Quetzal.
With more than 60 immersive ports of call, Oceania Cruises’ carefully planned itineraries invite travellers to experience blissful escapes on delightfully less-travelled islands with the cruise line’s smaller ships able to access boutique ports and yacht harbours in destinations such as Moorea, Raiatea and Rangiroa in French Polynesia, and Barbuda, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
Sailing with Oceania Cruises is the most relaxing way to visit French Polynesia – an exotic utopia and haven of idyllic beauty and tranquillity. From Tahiti and Bora Bora to the sapphire seas of Moorea, the line’s South Pacific sojourns cover some of the most remote and gorgeous islands in the world, filled with blue lagoons, coral atolls and lingering sunsets. Carrying fewer than 700 guests, Nautica provides an intimate experience for travellers to explore the region, with 10-day itineraries designed to offer a unique flavour of this South Pacific jewel.
Coveted Caribbean attractions including St. Lucia’s Pitons, Antigua’s stunning choice of 365 white sand beaches, the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and ancient sacred ruins like Chacchoben and Kohunlich from Costa Maya are on offer. Enjoy a daylight journey through the Panama Canal and visit some of Central America’s most enticing destinations.
“At Oceania Cruises, we offer an extensive collection of destination-intensive Tahiti and Caribbean itineraries, allowing our well-travelled and curious guests to discover something new about these popular yet still relatively untouched regions,” commented Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Our carefully curated, diverse range of shore excursions, combined with the relaxing home-away-from-home ambiance on board our boutique ships and The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, offers the perfect luxury vacation choice.”
Tahiti Destination Highlights
Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, with much to offer visitors, from the Marche de Papeete, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum and the relaxing Jardins Paofai. Enjoy observing the surfers on their longboards as well as local highlights including Faarumai Waterfalls, the Arahoho Blowhole and the Maraa Fern Grottos.
On the dreamy island of Nuku Hiva – one of the most remote islands in French Polynesia – visit the entrancing Vaipo Waterfalls and Cascade Tevaipo, one of the world’s tallest falls at over 1,100 feet. Wander the black-sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini or get adventurous on an all-terrain vehicle excursion around the craggy island.
On Tahiti’s sister island of Moorea, soak in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, from the verdant mountains to the azure seas and white-sand beaches. Enjoy a canoe ride through the crystal-clear lagoon, snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or immerse yourself in nature with a stunning hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.
The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora. Choose from a variety of activities including a reef-ringed lagoon tour, jet ski adventures, off-road adventures and a Polynesian day with lunch on a motu – a small sand island.
Pure, pristine and dreamlike, the ecosystem of the island of Fakarava is home to extremely rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Quaint villages, old coral churches and welcoming people are intertwined with a spectacular lagoon creating a paradise like none other in the world.
The South Pacific atoll of Rangiroa is a natural aquarium with its lagoon brimming with colourful marine life. Highlights include visits to pearl farms, diving with manta rays, exploring the atoll’s unique winery or relaxing on a pink-sand beach.
Caribbean Destination Highlights
On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, travellers will marvel at the port city of Cartagena. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Take a scenic drive through the residential area of Manga and admire the beautiful mansions and explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure built in Latin America. The nearby Islas del Rosario and Isla de Barú are a boat ride away offering white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
The beautiful freshwater Gatun Lake to the south of Colón has long been a favourite of eco-conscious visitors to Panama. Roughly the size of the island of Barbados, this expansive waterway was created during the construction of the Panama Canal and is now bursting with biodiversity. Wildlife such as sloths, capuchin and howler monkeys, iguanas, and toucans thrive in lush pockets around the lake, and manatee sightings are common. Set off on a safari boating adventure, a canopy tour or even a kayaking adventure to take in the area’s lush flora and unique fauna. Chagres National Park is also within reach, home to an indigenous Emberá tribe and their village.
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