Cruise Advice
Duration
23 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from French Polynesia
Ports
13 Ports
15 October
Setting sail from Papeete
If you are in search of paradise, don't expect it to be easy to get there! It's a long old haul to get to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. And once you are there, Papeete itself is by no means the most magical spot - you need to venture forth to see the other islands, and luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, rugged mountain peaks and coral reefs. Expensive and remote, these islands have maintained their uncommercial magic, with excellent hotels and a warm Polynesian welcome everywhere you go.
Our tip
Don’t bother with local currency – all the local shops and markets will take US dollars. And take aqua shoes, impossible to walk in the sea otherwise.
16 October
French Polynesia: Fakarava (Tuamotu Islands)
The Fakarava atoll surrounds a deep lagoon in the west of the Tuamotu island group, scarcely populated and home to a host of rare wildlife. The entire atoll has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the shallow coastal waters make for excellent snorkelling.
17 October
At sea
18 October
French Polynesia: Atuona (Hiva Oa)
Hiva Oa is the last resting place of the artist Paul Gauguin, who spent the final years of his life here, and the Gauguin museum in Atuona documents his time in the South Pacific. This beautiful island is also home to some evocative archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs and stone tiki statues.
18-19 October
French Polynesia: Tahuata, Hatiheu
20 October
French Polynesia: Hanavave (Fatu Hiva)
Remote and unspoilt Fatu Hiva is the southernmost of the Marquesas island group, known for its tapa bark paintings and wood carvings. There are just two settlements on the island: the village of Omoa has a church and a small museum, while Hanavave lies on the staggeringly beautiful Bay of Virgins.
21 October
At sea
22 October
French Polynesia: Reao
23 October
French Polynesia: Mangareva
Mangareva is the largest of the Gambier Islands, over 1,000 miles to the south east of Tahiti, and is set on a beautiful lagoon used by the locals to farm black pearls. Don’t miss the 19th-century St Michael’s Cathedral, famous for its intricate altar decorated with mother of pearl shells.
24-25 October
Pitcairn Islands: Pitcairn Island
The remote South Pacific island of Pitcairn was settled by a party of British sailors and Tahitians following the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty in 1789, and their descendants still live on the island. The tiny capital, Adamstown, has a population of around 50 people.
26-28 October
At sea
29-30 October
Chile: Hanga Roa (Easter Island)
The enigmatic moai statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) remain one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries. Descendants of the Polynesian settlers who carved them still live here, though these days the island belongs to Chile, despite being separated from the mainland by over 2,000 miles of Pacific Ocean.
31 October - 3 November
At sea
4 November
Chile: Alexander Selkirk
5 November
Chile: Robinson Crusoe Island
Situated 400 miles off the coast of mainland Chile, Robinson Crusoe Island is part of the Juan Fernández archipelago, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned here from 1704 to 1709, and his story is thought to have inspired Daniel Defoe’s famous novel.
6 November
At sea
7 November
Arriving in Valparaíso
Characterful, colourful and a little chaotic, the port city of Valparaíso enjoys a somewhat awkward setting, scattered across 45 vertiginous hills. Thanks to this difficult topography the city streets are punctuated by steep staircases and funicular elevators, and energetic explorers will be rewarded with wonderful views of the pastel hued buildings that hug the slopes. Valparaíso's most famous former resident was the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and you can visit one of his former residences, La Sebastiana, which now houses a small museum.
Don't miss
Although there are museums and some great architecture, what you really mustn’t miss is the vibe of this quirky and characterful town, so take the time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views.
For once-in-a-lifetime tailor-made itineraries, Mundy Adventures specialises in expedition cruises to some of the most wonderful places on earth; places often only accessible by water.
Your home from home
The intimate and popular Silver Cloud is reborn as a stylish expedition ship, following an extensive refurbishment in August 2017.
What we love
The lovely Silver Cloud is now part of Silversea's Expeditions fleet, with a reduced capacity, an ice-strengthened hull and 18 zodiacs making this one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea.
| Capacity | 254 guests (240 guests in polar regions) |
|---|---|
| Crew | 208 International Staff |
| Style | Cosy, welcoming, stimulating, exciting - this ship has it all! If you enjoy the finer things in life but have an adventurous spirit, you will find yourself in congenial company on board. |
| Inclusions |
|
| Year built | 1994 |
| Last refurbished | 2017 |
| Tonnage | 16,800 grt |
| Length | 514 feet |
| Breadth | 71 feet |
| Cruising speed | 18 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in French Polynesia
For the ultimate eco-hotel experience, go for the Brando! Eye wateringly expensive, but a bit special.
Explore the islands
If you are visiting Bora Bora tour the island by open bus - Le Truck.
Where to stay in Valparaíso
The 23 room Palacio Astoreca comprises two buildings, including a completely restored national monument.
Around Valparaíso
For contrast, visit clean and orderly Viña del Mar just up the coast.
