Panorama II cruising is for Tahiti travellers who want to experience several islands of French Polynesia without packing and unpacking between resorts. Rather than seeing Tahiti from one beach, you move blissfully through and with the lagoons. Papeete to Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Huahine, with the rhythm of each day shaped by weather, island life, swim stops and the sea.
Not normally a cruise lover? You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
This is not big-ship cruising. Panorama II is a boutique motor sailer with classic yacht lines, open decks, an outdoor dining area, a swimming platform and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. With a maximum of 49 guests and a crew of around 18, the experience feels personal, informal and close to the destination.
Days can bring coral-garden snorkelling, motu beach picnics, vanilla farms, sacred marae sites, pearl farms, lagoon safaris, 4WD viewpoints and quiet anchorages that larger ships cannot reach. Evenings return to the ship for fresh island flavours, French Polynesian hospitality, sunset decks and the easy company of fellow travellers.
A cruise for true island adventure lovers
Panorama II suits active couples, solo travellers, friends and families with older children who want a comfortable, casual and more immersive way to explore Tahiti. The dress code is relaxed, the pace is flexible, and the small-ship size allows spontaneous swim stops, secluded bays and shore excursions in smaller groups.
Choose a 7-night highlights sailing, a slower 10-night journey with more time in the same islands, or the most complete 11-night option with added Tahiti exploration. Island Escapes can also pair Panorama II with pre- or post-cruise resort stays for a holiday that balances discovery with pure lagoon downtime.
Your Ship – A 49-guest motor sailer
At 50 metres long, Panorama II has the rare scale to feel intimate while still offering the comforts travellers expect at sea. There are two decks for sunbathing and shaded relaxation, indoor and outdoor lounge-bar spaces, indoor and outdoor dining, a small library, board games and open views across the lagoon.
All 25 cabins are ocean view, with windows on the upper and main decks and portholes on the lower deck. Cabins include individually controlled air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom with shower, mini fridge, mini safe, flat-screen TV, hairdryer and internal telephone.
The luxury is in the hidden bay access and the flexibility of finding the best the ocean has to offer on any particular day
The ship can anchor close to hidden bays and small islands, guests can swim from the platform, and the crew can adjust the day around the best water, weather and local opportunities.
Where you’ll wander. The Society Islands route
Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea and Huahine
Panorama II’s Tahiti itineraries are designed around the core Society Islands, linking dramatic volcanic peaks, coral gardens, turquoise lagoons and culturally rich island communities. The route begins and ends in Papeete, making it easy to combine with international flights and resort extensions.
Moorea brings lush valleys, Opunohu Bay and lagoon wildlife. Raiatea reveals pearl farms, the Faaroa River and sacred cultural sites. Taha’a is fragrant with vanilla and ringed by coral gardens. Bora Bora delivers that unmistakable Mount Otemanu skyline, while Huahine offers old Polynesia. Slower, greener and wonderfully authentic.
The 7-night cruise covers the icons in a compact timeframe. The 10-night option slows the pace, with more time in Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea. The 11-night option adds deeper exploration of Tahiti itself, including inland scenery such as waterfalls and black-sand coastlines.
