Papeete Cruises
The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper, often called the "Island of Love," is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. The 402 sq. miles (1041 sq. km) of Tahiti"s surface area consists of mountain peaks reaching over 7,300-ft (2248 m) into a lei of wispy clouds. Around Tahiti-Nui (Big Tahiti), a 71 mile (114 km) long road winds between the mountains and the sea. On the peninsula known as Tahiti-Iti (Little Tahiti), the road continues down each coast for 12 miles (18 km). Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come to these magical islands for a life-enriching experience. The "In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps" tour is available only on the Saturday morning after the cruise. Check at the hotel hospitality desk for other excursions available in Tahiti.