The archipelagos and ancestral cultures of the South Pacific

The The archipelagos and ancestral cultures of the South Pacific is a 14-night Pacific cruise aboard Le Bougainville, operated by Ponant. Departing Lautoka on September 6, 2026, the voyage visits 9 ports.

Length: 14 nights
Departs: Sep 6, 2026
Returns: Sep 20, 2026
Ports of call: 9
Days at sea: 4

Itinerary

Day 1 Sep 6, 2026 Lautoka Departs 18:00 Lautoka is often described as the sugar city. Sugar cane is the major industry of Fiji and Lautoka is its main base. Here are the industries' headquarters, the largest sugar mill, modern loading facilities and a large wharf. It features 70 miles of roads, almost all paved, a wonderful botanical garden and royal palm trees decorating the city's main street, Vitogo Parade. The municipal market is another attraction from both outside and inside. Fiji typifies the image of paradise. The people here live as they have done for centuries, retaining their ancient traditions and simple and carefree lifestyle supported by the harvest of a generous land and bountiful sea.

Day 2 Sep 7, 2026 Suva In the time before time, the people who would become the Fijians were shaped of wet earth, pulled from the sea on a giant fishhook and given more than 300 islands to live on. Or if you want to be a little more prosaic, the people of Fiji were part of the great Lapita migration, which began somewhere around Taiwan and headed east. The first boats to arrive stopped migrating when they found this maze of islands formed by the earth turning itself inside out with volcanoes. The new Fijians spent a couple centuries involved in internecine war and developed the bad habit of using clubs to bop all strangers. But strangers kept showing up for the simple reason that Fiji, especially the southeast coast of Viti Levu, was geographically wonderful: the kind of spot that made mariners chuck their anchors and start trying to make a living as a settler. And who knows, maybe the Fijians just had tired arms, but by the time missionaries came, powers had shifted and the bopping had stopped. Today that southeast corner of the largest island in Fiji, the city of Suva, holds three-quarters of the nation’s population. It’s also shielded by shimmering green mountains opening to a calm sea, a land lush with afternoon rains. Suva port guide Search cruises visiting Suva

Day 3 Sep 8, 2026 Beqa Island, Fiji In Fiji, virtually everyone you’ll meet will be smiling—and when you view the high mountains, lush vegetation, shimmering waters, and pristine white-sand beaches of this island nation, you’ll understand why. A British colony for nearly a century before gaining its independence in 1970, Fiji remains English speaking and today boasts a multinational population, among whom the majority are of Melanesian descent. As you mingle with the locals, you’ll see why Melanesians are reputed to be among the friendliest people in the world. Located about six miles off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, Beqa Island measures less than six square miles in territory—yet it looms large among those seeking a paradise by the sea. Surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the island offers exceptional snorkeling at high tide, with an abundance of colorful tropical fish teeming among the coral blooms. Or bask on a golden-sand beach shaded from an azure sky by swaying palms. Inland, the island is carpeted with lush rainforest laced with waterfalls and streams and dotted with villages known for their tradition of firewalking and joyous hospitality.

Day 4 Sep 9, 2026 Savusavu An island paradise of rich colours and verdant scenery, Savusavu is a staggeringly beautiful, and gloriously undeveloped South Pacific island. Fiji's more tourist-orientated Viti Levu island is close by, but the joy of Savusavu comes in venturing off the beaten track and delving into the heart of a tropical idyll, where hidden villages welcome you with open arms. Revelling in its nickname as Fiji's hidden paradise, the country's second-largest island is a place of adventure - and geothermically fuelled relaxation. View less Mud baths burble and hot springs simmer across the island, adding to the sense that the land itself is alive and breathing. Trek the rainforests, with parrots chattering overhead, and see the colours splashed across the green landscapes and gardens by orchids and water lilies. Gardens overlook the gorgeous Savusavu Bay, and you can walk between hundreds of palm varieties and trees that droop, laden with exotic fruits. The sprawling rainforest opens up briefly to reveal Savusavu, the island’s compact main town. Thriving coral reeds add yet more colour and life to the surrounding seabeds, with spectacular snorkelling opportunities, and the chance to spot bottlenose and spinner dolphins skipping and skimming acrobatically across the tips of the waves. The fertile environment also encourages black lip pearl oysters to thrive here, leading to the development of one of the island’s treasured exports, beautiful black pearls. Visit the bay’s farm to find out more.

Day 6 Sep 11, 2026 Vavau, Tonga Islands The Vava’u (va-vuh-OO) island group is part of the Kingdom of Tonga—an even larger collection of tropical Pacific Ocean islands. With an ideal year-round climate that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing, the islands—which are mostly uninhabited—boast a varied set of attractions for visitors that only begin with their famed white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters (with visibility down to 30 meters, or 100 feet) and enchanting coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life like tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles. In addition to these simple but highly memorable watery pleasures, the Vava’u islands offer tropical forests, limestone cliffs and caves to explore, traditional villages to check out and a wealth of activities ranging from sea kayaking and gamefishing to yachting. Not only can you spot humpback whales (between July and October) and take in the unique atmosphere of historic cemeteries, you can also enjoy a hike up Mount Talau. The island’s tourism infrastructure extends to boutique resorts and ecolodges, as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants, particularly in the main city of Neiafu. VIEW CRUISES Featur

Day 10 Sep 15, 2026 Bora Bora If you have ever dreamt up your ideal island holiday, we suspect it goes something like this: Soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, first time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway less than 12 m2 in the heart of the South Pacific has been toping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners – spectacularly romantic sunsets are a speciality – Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world’s most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua Safaris will charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora’s lush hinterland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar) are a must. Bora Bora’s peaceful ambience has not always been the case. The island was a US supply base, known as “Operation Bobcat” during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of which is still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vava’u in ancient times. This supports belief that the island was colonised by Tongans prior to French annex in 1888. Bora Bora port guide Search cruises visiting Bora Bora

Bora Bora photo — Day 10 Sep 15, 2026 Bora Bora If you have ever dreamt up your ideal island holiday, we suspect it goes something like this: Soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, first time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway less than 12 m2 in the heart of the South Pacific has been toping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners – spectacularly romantic sunsets are a speciality – Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world’s most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua Safaris will charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora’s lush hinterland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar) are a must. Bora Bora’s peaceful ambience has not always been the case. The island was a US supply base, known as “Operation Bobcat” during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of which is still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vava’u in ancient times. This supports belief that the island was colonised by Tongans prior to French annex in 1888. Bora Bora port guide Search cruises visiting Bora Bora

Day 13 Sep 18, 2026 Moorea Green, blue, azure, white. Moorea is an explosion of colours; when viewed from above, this volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – separated from Tahiti by the “Sea of the Moon” – is a triangle that resembles a heart. During this stop-over on the French Polynesia MSC World Cruise, you will be enchanted by Moorea’s crystal waters and extraordinary mountain peaks covered with emerald vegetation. A magical island, which over the years has been chosen by many couples from all over the world as the perfect place to get married. Seeing the beauty of Moorea up close is a privilege. During the excursion organised by MSC Cruises, you can take a guided tour of the island, arriving at the top of Mount Tohivea to enjoy a breathtaking view of Cook’s Bay; you can also visit an archaeological site, where you can see the remains of Moorea’s marae and learn about the ancient Polynesian customs and ceremonies that were practiced in these sacred places. Adventure enthusiasts can take part in a safari on board a 4x4, which will take you off the beaten track into a volcanic crater and to Moorea’s Tropical Garden, with its collection of exotic plants. Those who love the sea can put on a mask and flippers and dive into the lagoon off Opunohu Bay, Cook’s Bay’s twin, which is on the opposite side of Mount Rotui; here you can swim with stingrays and sharks and admire the corals and tropical fish. And afterwards, you can soak up the sun on the soft white sandy beach while eating Polynesian delicacies. Moorea is a fascinating destination that will enchant you; one of the destinations that will make your MSC cruise unforgettable. Moorea port guide Search cruises visiting Moorea

Moorea photo — Day 13 Sep 18, 2026 Moorea Green, blue, azure, white. Moorea is an explosion of colours; when viewed from above, this volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – separated from Tahiti by the “Sea of the Moon” – is a triangle that resembles a heart. During this stop-over on the French Polynesia MSC World Cruise, you will be enchanted by Moorea’s crystal waters and extraordinary mountain peaks covered with emerald vegetation. A magical island, which over the years has been chosen by many couples from all over the world as the perfect place to get married. Seeing the beauty of Moorea up close is a privilege. During the excursion organised by MSC Cruises, you can take a guided tour of the island, arriving at the top of Mount Tohivea to enjoy a breathtaking view of Cook’s Bay; you can also visit an archaeological site, where you can see the remains of Moorea’s marae and learn about the ancient Polynesian customs and ceremonies that were practiced in these sacred places. Adventure enthusiasts can take part in a safari on board a 4x4, which will take you off the beaten track into a volcanic crater and to Moorea’s Tropical Garden, with its collection of exotic plants. Those who love the sea can put on a mask and flippers and dive into the lagoon off Opunohu Bay, Cook’s Bay’s twin, which is on the opposite side of Mount Rotui; here you can swim with stingrays and sharks and admire the corals and tropical fish. And afterwards, you can soak up the sun on the soft white sandy beach while eating Polynesian delicacies. Moorea is a fascinating destination that will enchant you; one of the destinations that will make your MSC cruise unforgettable. Moorea port guide Search cruises visiting Moorea

Day 14 Sep 19, 2026 Papeete In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Papeete photo — Day 14 Sep 19, 2026 Papeete In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

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Show all 32 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Prestige Deck 4	1	Balcony
Prestige Deck 5	2	Balcony
Prestige Deck 6	3	Balcony
Alizés Stateroom with balcony	A	Balcony
Alizés Prestige Stateroom with balcony	AP	Balcony
Deluxe Stateroom	D	Balcony
Mistral Stateroom	M	Oceanview
Mistral Prestige Stateroom	MP	Oceanview
Prestige Deck 5 Suite	10	Suite
Prestige Deck 6 Suite	11	Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6	12	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 6	13	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 3	4	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 4	5	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 5	6	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 6	7	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 5	8	Suite
Privilege Suite Deck 6	9	Suite
Alizés Privilege Suite with balcony	APS	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 6	DS	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 6	DS6	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 7	DS7	Suite
Deluxe Suite Deck 8	DS8	Suite
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6	GDS	Suite
Grand Privilège Alizés Suite with balcony	GPAS	Suite
Grand Privilege Suite	GPS	Suite
Grand Prestige Suite on Deck 6	GPS6	Suite
Grand Suite GS – Deck 8	GS	Suite
Mistral Junior Suite	MJ	Suite
Mistral Prestige Suite	MPS	Suite
Owner's Suite	OS	Suite
Privilège Suite Deck 6	PS	Suite