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Just mentioning Tahiti stirs the wanderlust in any traveler, evoking visions of turquoise seas and endless green mountains. Much more than a group of tropical islands, Tahiti is a state of mind, seducing adventurers yearning for a tranquil escape in a pristine world. Sure, you could take a puddle jumper and move along the islands, but taking a cruise can be a fun alternative for island-hopping.

Start your exploration by taking a walking tour of Papeete. Bring your water bottles because it gets very hot and humid in this tropical paradise. Snorkel in the clear waters around the resorts or in Matavai Bay. Go on a deep-sea fishing excursion to catch world-class marlin.

Be sure to take an excursion on an open-air jeep into the lush green mountainous interior of Papeete to see waterfalls and lush tropical vegetation. Papeete, meaning “water basket” was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Now the capital city boasts world-class resorts, fine dining and tons of hot nightlife. Stop by the Le Marché and check out the shops along the waterfront.

Inside Info:
Fly Air Tahiti Nui, first class. The 12-hour flight is way too long to suffer in coach. Carry snacks and tons of water with you at all times. Don’t carry too much cash and do not wear flashy jewelry. Arrange a hotel for the last day of your trip since there’s no air-conditioning in the airport. Get to the airport early for check in, the lines are outrageous and seats are at a premium.

Get ready to explore one of Polynesia’s best-kept secrets. Huahine, with its tropical rain forests, rugged landscape and charming villages, is the second stop on the itinerary. This island is relatively unchanged by the modern world. Savor native cuisine and chat with the locals. Be sure to take the circle island boat tour. Most excursions allow snorkeling, so be sure to bring your gear.

Start your day aboard the Tahitian Princess with a morning jog on the deck. Have breakfast, then head down to the pool for water volleyball, or just lounge the day away. Dining options make meal planning easy. Visit the casino, then end the day dancing at the disco. Hey, what happens on an ocean liner stays on an ocean liner.

With its jagged peaks and lush deep valleys, fertile slopes of red earth, and sparkling aquamarine lagoons, visiting Rarontonga is like stepping into a 19th century European paradise.

Take a catamaran snorkeling excursion around the island and see the many species of colorful fish. Or, rent a motor scooter and set out on your own adventure. The natives are friendly and helpful and welcome tourists.

After days of exploring you need rest and relaxation. Book a signature spa treatment at the Lotus Spa, then grab a book and soak up the hot sun on a relaxing deck chair. Head to the Sterling Steakhouse to order a twelve-ounce filet exactly the way you like it. Then take in a production of a favorite Broadway musical.

Raiatea, which means “faraway heaven” in ancient Polynesian, is a flower-shaped island with green mountainous peaks and a tiny motu with white-sand beaches.

Take the excursion to explore the Vanilla Plantations. Over 80 percent of Tahiti’s harvest is grown in Raiatea. Rent an open-air jeep and take in the sweet aroma of vanilla pods curing in the sun. If you want to keep to the water, take the River Trip excursion along the Faaroa River—the only navigable river in Tahiti—through a tropical rain forest. Take your camera to capture some of the most incredible scenery. Think Jurassic Park!

SAIL ON: The St. Regis, Bora at the lagoon.

Pool bar at St. Regis

Just the mention of Bora Bora conjures visions of a tropical paradise unspoiled by the western world. Crystal turquoise waters, secluded lagoons and mountains so green they look freshly painted. Since the Tahitian Princess spends two days on Bora Bora, it is the perfect opportunity to stay at one of the island’s resorts.

The 44-acre St. Regis Resort (from $1,008; starwood.com/stregis) is amazing. Guests are shuttled there by private yacht. Reserve the Royal two-bedroom beach/pool villa with views of neighboring islands Raiatea and Taha’a. Visit the Miri Miri Spa located at the perimeter of the resort, for treatments using natural herbs and extracts from the island.

Moorea offers so many incredible excursions, from exploring cotton, coffee and sugarcane plantations to discovering the wide, calm lagoon by outrigger canoe, glass bottom boat, or parasail. There of hundreds of great snorkeling spots to choose from, so grab your gear and a map and head to the beaches! For your last day of your voyage charter a yacht or catamaran complete with crew and captain. Sit back and enjoy a taste of heaven of earth.

Ahh, after ten amazing days it is back to reality, most flights leave in the evening, so be sure to book a hotel for the day so you can disembark the ship in the morning and check into your hotel to spend another fun day in the sun! The Intercontinental Hotel is the best choice. Sit by their beautiful pool and relax as you prepare for your trip back to reality!

Rambutans—this fruit has leathery reddish skin with a translucent, whitish or very pale pink flesh. The taste is sweet, with a mildly acidic flavor.

Poe—is perhaps the most famous dessert on the island. Sweet and pudding-like, it is made from bananas, papaya, or mangoes and cooked with coconut cream.

Handicrafts—Local residents, especially on the outer islands, produce a wide range of seashell jewelry, rag dolls, needlework, and straw hats, mats, baskets, and handbags.

Tivaivai—a favorite purchase, these colorful appliqué quilts are stitched together by Tahitian women as their great-grandmothers were shown by early missionaries.

Cotton Pareu—these popular wraparound sarongs are screened, blocked, or printed by hand in the colors of the rainbow. The same material is made into other tropical clothing and various items such as bedspreads and pillowcases. Pareus are sold virtually everywhere in Tahiti.