Tahiti Island French Polynesia Cruise from Papeete to Melbourne — 25 Days

25 nights · Tahiti Island French Polynesia · Departs Papeete · Visiting Moorea Island, Raiatea Island, Bora Bora Island, Pago Pago, Suva, Lautoka, Mystery Island, Lifou Island, Noumea, Isle of Pines, Bay of Islands, Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Melbourne · Aboard Crystal Cruises on the Crystal Symphony

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Crystal Symphony
Papeete Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide stone wall ruins forest harbor town coastline view Bora Bora Cruise Port: Shore Excursions & Expert Guide
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Image courtesy of Crystal Cruises ©

Cruise lineCrystal Cruises
ShipCrystal Symphony
Duration25 nights
Port calls16
Departures1 sailings
Year built1995
Guests606
Cabins310
Crew530
Length238 m
Beam31 m
Cruising speed21.0 kn
  1. Day 1

    Papeete

    Papeete is French Polynesia’s lively capital, set on Tahiti’s northwest coast beneath green volcanic peaks. Its waterfront, central market and shaded streets offer a vivid introduction to island life. Browse the Marché de Papeete for vanilla, pareos and tropical fruit, then pause over poisson cru, Tahiti’s lime-and-coconut-marinated fish. Beyond town, black-sand beaches and waterfalls await, while ferry links make Moorea an easy day trip. Papeete rewards a few hours on foot—and a longer look at Tahiti.

  2. Day 1

    Moorea Island

    Moorea’s jagged volcanic peaks rise above a lagoon so clear that the reef appears close enough to touch. A short ferry ride from Tahiti, this Society Islands destination offers a quieter, greener counterpoint to Papeete. Follow the coast past pineapple fields and small villages. Then climb to Belvedere Lookout for broad views of Cook’s and Opunohu bays. Swim, snorkel or take a lagoon cruise; Moorea rewards unhurried exploration as much as adventure.

  3. Day 2

    Raiatea Island

    Raiatea is French Polynesia’s sacred island, where history still shapes the landscape. At Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stone marae overlook the lagoon and speak to the island’s spiritual importance. The lagoon draws sailors and snorkellers, while inland, Mount Temehani shelters the rare tiare apetahi, found nowhere else. Raiatea offers a quieter, more grounded view of the Society Islands, best explored slowly by boat or on foot.

  4. Day 3

    Bora Bora Island

    Bora Bora’s volcanic silhouette rises from one of French Polynesia’s most celebrated lagoons. Mount Otemanu anchors the view, while a coral reef shelters clear water, small motu and abundant marine life. Explore by boat, snorkel among rays and reef fish, or linger on Matira Beach, the island’s best-known public beach. Beyond the resorts, Vaitape offers a glimpse of everyday island life.

  5. Day 6

    Pago Pago, USA

    Pago Pago’s deep harbor lies beneath steep, green volcanic ridges, among the South Pacific’s most striking arrivals. On Tutuila, American Samoa’s largest island, the town balances Polynesian tradition with an unmistakable American presence. In Fagatogo, local shops and harbor life give the waterfront its everyday character. Above town, Mount Alava rises over rainforest protected within the National Park of American Samoa. Allow time for the views—and for the warmth of Samoan hospitality, best met at an unhurried pace.

  6. Day 9

    Suva, Fiji

    Suva is Fiji’s lively capital, set on Viti Levu’s southeast coast beside a deep-water harbour. The Fiji Museum traces the islands’ history, while nearby Thurston Gardens offer a leafy walk. At the municipal market, tropical produce, yaqona and crafts reveal everyday Fijian life. Suva’s Indian, Fijian and Chinese influences also shape its cafés and cuisine. A short drive inland, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park offers rainforest trails and swimming holes.

  7. Day 10

    Lautoka, Fiji

    Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city, sits on Viti Levu’s western coast, where sugar fields meet the Pacific. Known as the Sugar City, it offers a glimpse of everyday Fijian life beyond the resorts. Browse the municipal market, stroll the botanical gardens, or take in the waterfront before heading farther west. Lautoka is also a departure point for excursions to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups.

  8. Day 12

    Mystery Island, Vanuatu

    At Vanuatu’s southern edge, Mystery Island is a palm-fringed speck of sand reached by tender from your ship. Known locally as Inyeug, it has no permanent residents, roads or resort distractions. Step ashore for clear water, coral gardens and an easy circuit of the island on foot. Bring a mask, then browse the small market, where islanders from nearby Aneityum sell local handicrafts. Here, the day is yours to spend slowly: swim, snorkel or simply watch the reef shimmer.

  9. Day 13

    Lifou Island

    Lifou is the largest of New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, a coral island of pale beaches and limestone cliffs. At Jokin, the coast drops sharply to clear water; Luengoni offers a gentler shore for swimming and snorkeling. Between them, vanilla gardens and Kanak villages reveal an island shaped by custom as much as sea. Come ashore for unhurried walks, vivid reef life, and a glimpse of the Loyalty Islands beyond the usual ports.

  10. Day 14

    Noumea

    Nouméa brings a distinctly French note to the South Pacific, with café terraces, bakeries and a broad, sunlit harbor. At Port Moselle’s morning market, local seafood and island produce offer a first taste of New Caledonia. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Renzo Piano to honor Kanak culture. Beyond town, the UNESCO-listed lagoon frames clear water, reef islands and inviting opportunities to get out on the water.

  11. Day 15

    Isle of Pines

    On New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines, slender columnar pines frame a luminous lagoon. White-sand bays at Kuto and Kanumera invite swimming, while Oro’s natural pool offers snorkeling among coral and fish. These trees are Araucaria columnaris, native to New Caledonia and the island’s unmistakable emblem. Kanak culture remains central to life here; seek permission before entering customary land or photographing people. Come for the lagoon, but leave time to meet the island on its own terms.

  12. Day 17

    Bay of Islands

    Northland’s Bay of Islands rewards a day ashore with sheltered water, Māori history and access to New Zealand’s oldest settlements. Its 144 islands scatter across a blue gulf, where ferries link Paihia with historic Russell. At Waitangi, the Treaty Grounds mark the signing of New Zealand’s founding document in 1840. Take a boat for coastal views, or stay ashore for cafés, galleries and a waterfront walk.

  13. Day 18

    Auckland

    Few cities bring water so close to daily life as Auckland. Set between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, New Zealand’s largest city is shaped by the sea. From the waterfront, ferries reach Waiheke Island, with vineyards, beaches and coastal walks. Climb volcanic Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, for sweeping views across the city and its harbours. Back downtown, Viaduct Harbour offers galleries, restaurants and a vivid sense of Auckland’s maritime life.

  14. Day 20

    Napier

    Napier rewards a closer look: a compact coastal city with one of the world’s finest concentrations of Art Deco architecture. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, its streets preserve the optimism and clean lines of the 1930s. Walk Marine Parade for sea views, gardens and the National Aquarium, then head inland to Hawke’s Bay’s celebrated vineyards. For a dramatic change of scene, Cape Kidnappers’ gannet colony lies beyond the city, reached by guided tour.

  15. Day 21

    Wellington

    Wellington lies between a natural harbour and steep green hills, facing the Cook Strait. Explore its compact centre on foot, from the waterfront to cafés and independent shops on Cuba Street. At Te Papa, the national museum, Māori history and New Zealand’s landscapes come into view. Ride the historic cable car uphill for harbour views, then stroll through the Botanic Garden. Its famously changeable weather comes with a lively food scene and strong creative culture.

  16. Day 25

    Melbourne, Australia

    Melbourne is a city best explored with curiosity, a good appetite and comfortable walking shoes. From Station Pier, the centre is roughly six kilometres away, with tram and taxi connections into town. Explore its arcades and laneways, lined with shops, espresso bars and street art, then visit the National Gallery of Victoria. At Queen Victoria Market, browse local produce and Australian specialties; along the Yarra, find restaurants and skyline views.

Crystal Symphony Cruises

Published September 14, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard

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