E-mail a friendShip: Odyssey
Itinerary: Pearls of the Pacific: Polynesian Idylls
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Arrive Papeete, Tahiti |
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| Day 2 : | Papeete, Tahiti / Embark Clipper Odyssey |
| Day 3 : | Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia |
| Day 4 : | Hikueru, Tuamotu Islands |
| Day 5 : | Sailing the South Pacific Ocean |
| Day 6 : | Mangareva, Gambier Islands |
| Days 7-8 : | Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands |
| Day 9 : | Sailing the South Pacific Ocean |
| Day 10 : | Expedition Stop, Tuamotu Islands |
| Day 11 : | Puka Rua |
| Day 12 : | Puka Puka |
| Days 13-15 : | Marquesas Islands |
| Day 16 : | Sailing the South Pacific Ocean |
| Day 17 : | Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands |
| Day 18 : | Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands / Disembark / Moorea / Homeward |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Marquesas Islands, Pitcairn Islands, South Pacific, Tahiti, Tuamotu Islands Activities : Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling |
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Polynesia is the perfect blend of tiny, uninhabited atolls and the iconic islands of paradise-seekers. The waters are warm and clear for snorkeling and the southern hemisphere spring will bring dry breezes to accompany our nature walks through lush forests. We'll visit the Gambier Islands, the most remote island chain in French Polynesia, and Pitcairn Island, famous for the HMS Bounty mutineers who settled there.
Day 1 : Arrive Papeete, Tahiti
Depart on your independent overnight flight to Papeete, Tahiti. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 : Papeete, Tahiti / Embark Clipper Odyssey
After a morning at leisure and lunch, we explore this bustling tropical harbor city, the capital of French Polynesia’s largest island. Among its most illustrious temporary residents were Herman Melville, who was imprisoned here; Robert Louis Stevenson; and Paul Gauguin, whose love for the island is reflected in a sublime legacy of works depicting the people and daily life of Polynesia. During our visit to the renowned Gauguin Museum we learn about the life of the artist in the islands and view his paintings. This afternoon embark the Clipper Odyssey and set sail eastward for the Tuamotus.
Day 3 : Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia
Of all the islands in the South Pacific, few have the physical “low profile” of the Tuamotus. These venerable coral constructions rise just high enough above the water to be called land and if it weren’t for their waving coconut palms, they might be entirely invisible from any distance. If joined together, the 76 islands would form only 154 square miles of actual land mass. Nine thousand people, known as Paumotu, inhabit just 46 islands.
At Fakarava Island we sail through an opening in its wreath of coral and across one of the largest lagoons in the world to visit the ancient capital of the Tuamotus. Villagers greet us with flower leis and warrior demonstrations. The pristine ecosystem here is rich in rare birds, plants, and crustaceans and we enjoy a nature walk amid the tropical flora and along the pink sand beaches. Or, snorkel inside the dazzling lagoon.
Day 4 : Hikueru, Tuamotu Islands
After breakfast we visit this central Tuamotu atoll, discovered in 1768 by French explorer Bougainville. Once a large natural pearl oyster reserve, a huge cyclone did irreparable damage in 1903—portrayed with elaborate description by Jack London in his South Sea Tales. The submerged reefs and stupendous underwater coral heads offer snorkelers and divers a remarkable experience.
Day 5 : Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
Enjoy the day on board as we sail southward toward the Gambier Islands and Pitcairn. Our lecture staff offers both natural and historical introductions to our fascinating, upcoming destinations.
Day 6 : Mangareva, Gambier Islands
Located in the southeastern corner of the Tuamotus, the Gambier archipelago was discovered by the British in 1797 and annexed by France in 1881. This copra, coffee, and pearl producing cluster of islands and atolls covers a mere 35 square miles. We anchor in the lagoon and go ashore at Mangareva and visit the municipal capital, Rikitea, Polynesia’s first Catholic mission center in the early 1830s. The remains of near 100 stone and coral buildings—churches, convents, schools, weaving workshops—are the result of a building program that began in 1900. During our walking tour of the town, we visit three lovely churches, including the 1948 St. Michael’s Cathedral with its pearl and mother of pearl altarpiece. Or, join a hike to the top of Mount Duff for sweeping views. Snorkel and dive with our divemasters for superb underwater exploration.
Days 7-8 : Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands
Remote, magical, and tiny at six miles around, Pitcairn—the fabled hideout of the HMS Bounty mutineers—lies midway between New Zealand and the Americas. Along with three uninhabited surrounding islands, it is the only remaining British-owned land in the Pacific. We step ashore in this island paradise crowned with sharp volcanic peaks, and explore the capital of Adamstown. We are warmly welcomed by the 50 or so permanent island residents who are all direct descendents of Fletcher Christian, the eight mutineers, and the accompanying 18 Polynesians. The anchor of the Bounty rests beside the courthouse, while the ship’s Bible resides in the church.
Day 9 : Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we turn northward and sail back toward the southwestern corner of the Tuamotus.
Day 10 : Expedition Stop, Tuamotu Islands
Though remote and sparsely populated, the far-flung Tuamotus comprise the world’s largest atoll chain. Tourism infrastructure here is minimal—all the more alluring for expedition voyages. Some of the finest black pearls in the South Pacific come from the area’s seasonal pearling industry. During our time here, we enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or diving, and walks ashore to search for rare endemics and learn about the localized flora and fauna.
Day 11 : Puka Rua
Coconut palms and breadfruit trees cover the beautiful islets that surround Puka Rua’s lagoon. Garland-bedecked dancers greet us in the tiny village whose 150 hospitable inhabitants make a living selling copra. We visit the island’s vanilla plantation or stroll the lagoon shores and watch crested terns circling overhead.
Day 12 : Puka Puka
Enjoy beachcombing on this idyllic island which was the first land ever sighted in the Pacific by Europeans—allegedly, Magellan “discovered” it in 1521. We visit the small village to meet the local inhabitants who raise taro, bananas, and coconut palms for copra. Birders search for Pacific golden plovers while snorkelers and divers spot unicornfish.
Days 13-15 : Marquesas Islands
Considered one of the most beautiful island groups in the South Pacific, the Marquesas lie farther from a continental coast than any other islands in the world—3,400 miles from the west coast of South America. They were also far removed from the traditional marine highways used by the 16th- and 17th-century European explorers. Unlike other Polynesian islands, the Marquesas have no surrounding reefs or placid lagoons; wide, deep bays are the only havens for vessels such as ours.
Our three days in the region showcase a dazzling collection of islands whose breathtaking vertical peaks reach into the clouds, while carpets of lush tropical vegetation drape cliffs and canyons that descend to sea-sculpted bays. Countless sooty, fairy, and bridled terns circle tiny, rocky pinnacle islands, and birders will closely scan the scene for the localized and very rare gray-backed, or spectacled, tern.
Zodiacs whisk us ashore on a variety of islands; we are greeted on some by dancers and drummers adorned in leis and tapa cloth, and welcomed to others by sailors in outrigger canoes blowing large conch shells—the traditional pu greeting. It’s no wonder that Melville, Gauguin, and Brel created enduring novels, paintings, and musical lyrics extolling Polynesia.
During shore walks, we may see petroglyphs or tiki figures—representing deified ancestors—flanked by banyan trees, fragrant plumeria, blooming orchids, and silvery waterfalls. Open-air craft markets display local handicrafts such as baskets, woven purses, shell jewelry, rock tools, and wooden carvings. Watch for wild horses on the upland plateaus as we search for the endemic Nuku Hiva pigeon and Marquesas swiftlet. Divers and snorkelers enjoy coral-encrusted rock walls and a staggering variety of fish off islands such as Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Ua Pou.
Day 16 : Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
A perfect day to enjoy further lectures or relax in the tropical sunshine.
Day 17 : Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
Today marks our return to the gorgeous Tuamotus and one of the four largest atolls in the world, Rangiroa, whose name translates into “far sky.” More than 240 motu—which top off at an elevation of three feet—comprise the ring of coral through which flow at least 100 channels. The lagoon, a dazzling color palette of blues and greens, is hailed as one of the world’s greatest dive destinations. Whether by snorkeling, diving, or glass-bottom boat, unparalleled underwater vistas are a rich reward. Birders watch for the blue lorikeet, red-footed boobies, and great frigatebirds, while beach walkers relax and meet the friendly locals of Tiputa village who demonstrate energetic Tuamotuan dances.
Day 18 : Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands / Disembark / Moorea / Homeward
We disembark this morning in French Polynesia’s bustling capital. A catamaran speeds us across the Sea of the Moon to explore Moorea’s dramatic scenery of volcanic spires. After lunch, return to Tahiti for time at leisure. Day rooms are provided and we enjoy our final dinner at our hotel before transferring to the airport for your independent late-night homeward flight.
NOTE: Due to rising fuel costs, a $20/night fuel surcharge will be assessed to your shipboard account onboard for departures starting in July 2008.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Odyssey
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Odyssey
The Odyssey was built in 1989 in Tsu, Japan, by Japanese craftsmen to the design of a master Dutch yacht designer, Studio Acht, and is eminently suited for the year-round itineraries in the Pacific. These range from as far south as New Zealand and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, to as far north as Japan, the Kuril Islands, and the Russian Far East, including the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The Odyssey measures 340 feet long, 51 feet wide, and has a draft of 14 feet. Staterooms are all outside and average a generous 186 square feet in size, and are furnished with either twin or queen-size beds and a sitting area with a sofa. Each cabin features a spacious bathroom with tub baths and shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, in-room music system, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirrors, personal safe, refrigerator, and television.
A fleet of Zodiac landing craft can be launched in minutes to take passengers ashore in places where no infrastructure exists. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art satellite navigation and communication equipment including telephone, fax, and email.
An outdoor swimming pool, dedicated jogging track, and two sun decks offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Inside, the spacious public areas of the ship include two lounges, a small library, and a single seating dining room.
An experienced cruise staff, physician, and onboard lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers’ enjoyment of the places visited.
All meals are prepared to order on board. The ship's chefs, graduates of the finest American culinary schools, combine the highest quality American ingredients with the influences and spices of the places the Odyssey visits. The resulting "fusion cuisine" provides a taste of the destinations visited.
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Category 1/ A-Deck A Deck Outside Double Cabin with sitting area, portholes Approx. 185 sqft |
Category 2/ Main Forward Main Deck Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window Approx. 175 sqft |
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Category 3/ Main Main Deck Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window Approx. 175 sqft |
Category 4/ Lido Lido Deck Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window Approx. 175 sqft |
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Category 5/ Bridge Bridge Deck Outside Double Cabin with sitting area and a window Approx. 230 sqft |
Category 6/ Balcony Suite Bridge Deck Outside Suite with private veranda Approx. 230 sqft |
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Owners Suite Bridge Deck Outside Suite with separate bedroom and private veranda Approx. 310 sqft |
