For the first time ever, Variety Cruises will be sailing Tahiti, as it added the island as its newest destination for 2023. The cruise line also announced FAM rates for active travel professionals, offering up to 75 percent off on published rates (full details below).
Starting in January, the Greek company will sail seven- and 10-night itineraries roundtrip from Papeete and uncover the hidden wonders of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The company is the first cruise line to add the destination of Makatea to its official itinerary.
The line will be operating the itineraries onboard the Panorama II, a 164-foot, two-masted motorsailer with a maximum capacity of 49 guests. Panorama II has wooden finishes and consists of 25 passenger cabins, dining areas, a deck for sunbathing and an outdoor bar and sundeck. Being on a small boat, passengers have access to private beaches and secluded locations that other (larger) cruise ships do not.
The seven-night cruise, "Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia," takes passengers through Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Moorea and launches February 3, 2023 through December 2023. Optional activities include a visit at the UNESCO-protected site of ancient Marae (an open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, snorkeling excursions with stingrays and sharks, observing and feeding the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay, as well as lagoon explorations.
The 10-night cruise, "Tahiti, the Society & Tuamotu Islands," allows a deeper discovery of the Tuamotu islands. This cruise takes passengers through the same route of the seven-night cruise and then onwards to rarely visited Makatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa and Mo’orea. The highlight here is the island of Makatea, best described as a raised island of coral unlike any other destination found in French Polynesia.
The 10-night itinerary runs from January 13, 2023 through December 2023.
FAM Opportunities
Active travel professionals are offered the below FAM rates on all itineraries:
- 50 percent discount on official rates for bookings made up to 120 days prior to embarkation day
- 60 percent discount on official rates for bookings made 119 to 60 days prior to embarkation day
- 75 percent discount on official rates for bookings made within 59 days prior to embarkation day
Cruise fares mentioned are based on single or double occupancy and exclude shore excursions and port charges, which are at $275 and $360 respectively for these cruises. Rates are full board and include buffet breakfast and two meals daily (no beverages included).
The above FAM rates are not commissionable and do not apply for the category P cabins. FAM rates apply for the active travel professional and one companion.
For FAM rate inquires, agents are can email famtrips@varietycruises.com with their current credentials.
Reservations are on request basis and depending on availability.
Related Stories
Five First-Hand Gleanings From the New Seabourn Venture
Azamara Announces Its Return to Venice in 2023