Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S., and the welcoming aloha spirit, Hawaii is like no place on earth. Discover its glimmering ocean, emerald valleys, and golden sands as you get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complement the islands’ perfect temperatures. Then, follow the path of the Polynesians as we sail southward to the most beautiful islands in the world. You’ll join an exclusive club of sailors who’ve crossed the equator as we make our way to Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea, and finally Tahiti. 3 FULL DAYS and 2 OVERNIGHTS await you in Bora Bora. This is a trip for the ages – an all-new way to enjoy the very best of the Pacific. #OnlyWithVACAYA
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ALL-LGBT+ LUXURY POLYNESIAN ADVENTURE!
It’s been well over a decade since any LGBT+ travel company has sailed the Hawaiian Islands as a full-ship charter. So of course VACAYA just has to go there, but we’re doing it with a MASSIVE TWIST! Not only can you experience the undeniable beauty of Hawaii, but you’ll also sail the Pacific to French Polynesia, as well! Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island are all yours, but it’s the 3 days and 2 nights we’ll spend in BORA BORA that will truly be unforgettable.
Travel experts have debated “the most beautiful place on earth” for decades, but there’s only one spot that consistently ranks at or near the top of everyone’s list… Bora Bora. Words fail to truly describe this magical mystical place. Her lagoon is a place of endless wonders – nearly colorless in places and crystal clear throughout. This underwater world will excite you in all-new ways. Hand feed black-tip reef sharks? Possible. Book an overwater bungalow to melt into the beauty? Possible. Snorkel and dive till your heart’s content? Guaranteed.
15 Luxurious Nights. 2 Extraordinary Pacific Destinations. A journey of a lifetime.
GET TO KNOW LE BOREAL
Le Boreal is one of the most luxurious expedition ships on the planet – a 5-star, perfectly-appointed vessel made for kings and queens and queens. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being, Le Boreal has been designed to offer her guests both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquility and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. She is exceptionally well suited for voyages across the Pacific Ocean.
Magnificent Luxury on the 5-Star Le Boreal
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MARINA (Deck 2) – The aft marina platform serves as a launch for tenders and water sports activities.
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MAIN RESTAURANT (Deck 2) Located aft, prepare to indulge in delicious cuisine with a decidedly French flair.
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MAIN LOUNGE (Deck 3) A perfect place to relax during the day and join VACAYA Piano Bar Sing-Alongs at night.
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EXCURSION DESK (Deck 3) Find information and book optional excursions and activities once onboard.
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THEATER (Deck 4) Both Ponant and VACAYA entertainers bring this beautiful venue roaring to life.
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GYM (Deck 5) The ship features a well-equipped gym with panoramic ocean views.
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HAMMAM (Deck 5) Relax those muscles with a massage or in the thermal sauna with friends.
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POOL (Deck 6) A heated swimming pool offers panoramic views and there’s plenty of comfortable seating around to watch all the antics.
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GRILL RESTAURANT (Deck 6) Enjoy breakfasts, buffet lunches, and themed dinners in a relaxed atmosphere here.
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PANORAMIC LOUNGE & LIBRARY (Deck 6) You’ll spend lots of time on the upper decks as you take in all the magnificent views that surround us. There’s also a fantastic Library here with myriad books about the region.
A 15-NIGHT SUN-FILLED VACAYA LUXE ADVENTURE AWAITS
Le Boreal, like Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, epitomizes the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer her guests both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquility and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Her exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Le Boreal was built in 2010 and has led the way among PONANT’s expedition ships for over a decade. She is a stunning vessel with sleek lines and an unusual dark-gray hull that makes her truly stand out. Le Boreal is decidedly upscale and unashamedly French. She’s guaranteed to take your breath away.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE A PONANT EXPEDITION CRUISE WITH VACAYA, YOU’RE CHOOSING COMFORT, REFINEMENT, & DISCOVERY.
THE SUPER YACHT ADVANTAGE
The upside of going on smaller vessels like the super yachts of PONANT is that you can visit seaside cities and towns that don’t have ports or harbors constructed with enormous ships in mind. This allows you to get right to the heart of the culture of your chosen destination, and you won’t find yourself hampered by all of the Duty-Free outlets that characteristically dominate the larger ports. It’s one thing to explore a busy and thriving metropolis. It’s quite another to witness the extraordinarily intimate atmosphere of a smaller port of call. And with smaller vessels, you don’t have to worry about missing out on larger ports; we can go to those, too! So you’ll enjoy plenty of variety during your journey with VACAYA.
Look for this symbol within the itinerary section of The Overview page to understand which ports are exclusive to smaller ships.
STATEROOMS
Elegantly-designed staterooms and spacious suites boast a warm contemporary interior design by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The designer took direct inspiration from the destinations and cultures explored during PONANT’s stopovers and then punctuated the design with beautiful ethnic touches. Every stateroom onboard boasts a lovely veranda, open minibar (replenished as needed), and unlimited WiFi access, and 24-hour room service. Select suites offer even more luxuries including butler service to tend to your every need including unpacking and repacking upon request. See pricing page for specifics.
POOL & NATURE VIEWING DECK
The ship’s heated pool offers a panoramic view of our surroundings and is equipped with a counter-current swimming system for those who wish to maintain their lap swimming regimen while on vacation (or show off your physical endurance for the entire shipboard community). This is THE spot for daytime relaxation. There’s also an outdoor bar and loungers, chairs, and sofas, perfect for our organized events and parties or simply meeting up with your friends.
RESTAURANTS
On Deck 2 Aft, you’ll find the ship’s panoramic restaurant, which can accommodate all of us in a single sitting. This dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts, and cheeses at your disposal. And the ship’s discrete and attentive crew will provide table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 7 serves grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. And of course, complimentary room service is available to you 24×7.
LOUNGES & BARS
Different lounges enable guests to socialize and share moments together during their cruise. Our ship features a main lounge, an ideal place to meet over a drink and watch daytime or evening events; the panoramic lounge, an intimate bar with a unique view of the horizon; and the outdoor bar, a relaxation area with access to the pool and solarium. The main lounge can accommodate all guests for VACAYA’s social activities both day and night.
THEATER
The theater seats all guests and is equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology. This will be the showcase venue for VACAYA’s and PONANT’s entertainment line-up, who are all complements to the true star of this voyage, Polynesia.
WELLNESS
The Spa offers a series of luxury treatments. Choose from moisturizing facials, relaxing massages, aromatherapy baths, anti-aging treatments, and enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation. There’s a salon as well, offering hair styling, barbering, manicures, and pedicures. The spa area includes a lovely sauna that’s larger than you’d typically expect on a ship this size. With a window facing the outdoors and long curvy benches, it’s an enticing retreat after an active expedition. The Fitness Center, boasting picture-perfect views of the open sea, features the latest Technogym machines including a Kinesis Wall.
LIBRARY
The ship has a well-stocked selection of books on different topics that will enrich your VACAYA cruise experience.
There are currently no extensions for this trip.
THE VALUE OF LUXURY
WHEN CRUISING PONANT WITH VACAYA, YOU’RE CHOOSING COMFORT, REFINEMENT, & DISCOVERY…
We recognize this adventure will be expensive for most, but we’ve layered in quite a few inclusions that will hopefully make it irresistible to global adventurers. Obviously it’s difficult for us to put a true value on this experience, but savvy travelers recognize “value” rarely means “low price.” Instead, value is defined as getting something extraordinary for a great price. And that is exactly what VACAYA’s N2023 Polynesia Cruise delivers.
OUR PRICING INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Luxury accommodations for 15 Nights
- All meals onboard
- Standard Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (top-shelf brands at additional cost)
- Daily afternoon tea and pastries
- Coffee & tea throughout the day
- 24×7 Room Service
- 24×7 Stateroom Service
- 24×7 Reception Desk
- Onboard Satellite WiFi (One device at a time per person). With all satellite service at sea, we will occasionally encounter limited connection and reduced bandwidth. Streaming is not supported.
- The VACAYA Touch
- The Vacayan Hosts
- Signature Entertainment
- Themed Cocktail Parties
- Social Activities
The following services are available for an additional charge:
- Shore Excursions
- Spa Treatments/Massages
- Salon Services
- Laundry
- Satellite Telephone Services
- Medical Services
*Please note that we travel to some remote areas where the limits of satellite WiFi are certainly felt. Your patience at those times is greatly appreciated.
THE SUPER YACHT ADVANTAGE
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world in style in a friendly and intimate setting, VACAYA Luxe’s small-ship voyages have distinct advantages over their big-ship counterparts. Small ships gracefully dock in quaint harbors that bulkier oceangoing vessels simply can’t access, while also calling on classic destinations our guests long to visit again and again. The ability to call in ports of all sizes allows for more intriguing itineraries that become the focal point of the journey. Small ships also tend to stay longer and dock closer to town, giving you more time to explore. There are no crowds to beat, so you can see places at their most pleasant and authentic.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
As concerns about environmental sustainability have become more prominent in the collective conscious, a greater emphasis has been placed on responsible travel practices. As lovers of the sea and the wondrous treasures of our planet, VACAYA and PONANT are committed to the protection of the environment and respecting indigenous communities. Larger cruise ships with guests numbering in the thousands can easily overwhelm popular ports with smaller populations. Small ships place less of a burden on the ports of call and do a much better job of meeting environmental regulations. PONANT has incorporated many environmental practices into their business model, whether it’s sustainable dining practices, partnering with local communities, partnering with international NGOs, supporting local research, or building ships with new technologies that reduce their environmental impact. PONANT’s strong sustainability policies have earned it many prestigious awards, including the Magellan Award for Eco-Friendly “Green” Cruise Ship.
COMBINED WITH THE FRENCH TOUCH OF PONANT
As the only French cruise company, PONANT is an ambassador of the “French Touch” around the world. With French crew, discrete service, refined cuisine, and partners that embody the same spirit of excellence and refinement, PONANT does their utmost to maintain a unique cruising philosophy.
FRENCH CREW
The French Touch means, above all, a French crew to welcome you and ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your cruise. In an atmosphere of elegant luxury, you’ll find 5-Star Service onboard. It’s a unique travel experience that’s simultaneously authentic and refined.
A FRENCH WAY OF LIVING
The French Touch also means a way of living in which gastronomy takes pride of place. Every day you’ll discover fragrant flavors, carefully selected cheeses and wines, and delicious specialty breads & pastries from Maison Lenôtre. Maison Taillevent provides its fine selection of vintage wines by the glass, Maison Veuve Clicquot champagne is served at our gala cocktails, and delicious sweets from Ladurée bakery are on offer during afternoon teatime.
PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS
Finally, the French Touch is also evident in PONANT’s choice of partners whose expertise and passion for their work is in line with VACAYA’s quest for excellence: interior design by Jean Philippe Nuel, fabrics by Pierre Frey, delicate flavours from Le Palais des Thés, Hermès bath products in all staterooms and suites, spa care products by Sothy’s, and signature perfumes from Fragonard.
AWARD-WINNING
PONANT is regularly awarded for the quality of its services and its unique cruising concept. From Travel & Leisure and Cruise Critic to NABU and Berlitz, the list of award presenters reads like a who’s who in travel and sustainability. A growing list of French and international awards can be viewed HERE.
CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE
On land or onboard, your safety is our top concern. This means we uphold strict health and safety measures. As the rules and regulations change and evolve, PONANT is continuing to adapt and optimize its already robust protocols, integrating all the technological, human, and material measures to ensure the provision and maintenance of a healthy bubble. This reinforced protection is based on three “shields” designed to guarantee onboard conditions, sanitary protocols, and daily monitoring (guests, equipment, and ships). For your added safety and peace of mind, doctors and nurses are present on every ship. Find PONANT’s detailed and ever-evolving protocols HERE.
The big, blue Pacific and stunning Koolau Mountains serve as a dramatic setting for the State of Hawaii’s largest city. Climb to the top of Diamond Head. Take a romantic sunset stroll on Waikiki Beach. Or catch a glimpse of history by visiting Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
The entire city of Hilo is like one giant greenhouse, with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. Visit the town’s well-preserved historic buildings, which date back to the turn of the century and showcase Hawaii’s unique architecture. Just 30 miles away from Hilo is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the most active volcano on Earth, Kilauea.
Named after the Wiliwili trees, which once lined its picturesque harbor, this lovely port of Kaua`i is your gateway to what many believe to be Hawaii’s most beautiful island. On “The Garden Island,” nature is truly the star, from the dramatic mountains of Kokee to the cool rainforests of Haena.
Following in the wake of some of the world’s most famous explorers – Magellan, Cook, La Perouse, and Bougainville – we make our way from the Hawaiian Islands to French Polynesia. This journey across the Pacific will be sun-filled, tranquil, and lengthy (we’ll cover over 2,500 miles), but you’ll be rewarded beyond measure once we arrive in stunningly beautiful Bora Bora.
You’ll become one of the few travelers who’ve actually sailed across the equator – a moment that will be memorialized with a few VACAYA surprises!
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the South Seas,” Bora Bora will sweep you up in its stunning landscapes that feel a world away. Discover for yourself why so many travelers call Bora Bora “the most beautiful place on Earth.” Whether paddle boarding across its translucent blue lagoon, exploring Mount Pahia on a guided tour, shopping at local boutiques or simply lounging on the warm sand, you can make this paradise your own.
With 3 full days and 2 overnights here in Bora Bora, the big question is whether you’ll stay onboard Le Boreal each night OR experience one of the island’s famed 5-star overwater bungalows. Our favorites can be found at the Four Seasons, Le Bora Bora, and the St. Regis. If you’re looking to live out a true Polynesian fantasy, getting an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is definitely the way to go.
After 2 incredible days here in the world’s most beautiful lagoon, our final day here in Bora Bora has adventure written all over it! Is today the day you finally hand-feed the island’s friendly blacktip reef sharks (oh yeah… we mean it)? Or perhaps it’s time for you to venture over to one of the islands many private motus for a day of peace and serenity by yourself or with friends. The choice is all yours. No matter how you spend this day, just make the most of it!
Life slows down on Taha’a island. This charming and quiet island sweeps you deep into the typical Polynesians’ easy going life. Tiny motu with luminous white sand beaches surround the flower-shaped island with a soft mountain rising from the calm waters of the island’s lagoon.
Vanilla-scented air wafts on breezes that pour down the hillsides from the island’s many vanilla farms, and those gentle aromas ride the ocean breezes proclaiming the island’s soul long before you can see it on the horizon.
The island of Taha’a is captivating. Slanted palm trees rise above pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The island’s unique geography makes Moorea one of French Polynesia’s most breathtaking islands. Eight mountain peaks covered in lush vegetation rise from a translucent lagoon and two tranquil bays. The island is ideal for outdoor activities that are as relaxed or as thrilling as you wish. From paddle boarding and skydiving to island tours and hiking, you can view paradise from almost every angle.
From the island’s famed black pearls to world-class surfing and extinct volcanic mountains, discover why Tahiti has been crowned with the “Queen of the Pacific.” French Polynesia’s capital city of Papeete is a multicultural center offering a cosmopolitan atmosphere embedded into the island’s natural beauty. Search for unique crafts and goods at the Papeete Market or tour the Rober Wan Pearl Museum to learn about Tahitian black pearls. We encourage you to stay in Tahiti a couple days to explore all this magical island has to offer, but if you’re heading home today, we wish you safe travels.
Staterooms for this luxury cruise range from $6,997 Deluxe Staterooms to $47,994 Owner Suites – all rooms are limited in availability. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or +17132530041 for real-time availability of spaces.
