Tahiti

More than 200 years after Captain Cook first anchored off its shores, Tahiti retains some of the mystique surrounding its discovery.

The island's serene natural setting and the opportunities it provides for water sports represents Tahiti's main tourist draw. Passengers can enjoy trips on a glass bottomed boat, hike into the mountains for spectacular views of the sea or shop in Tahiti's many local shops for black pearls.

Furthermore, its array of facilities for snorkeling and scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing are second to none.

The capital city of Papeete, meaning basket of water, is located on the island's northwest coast, and its glorious harbour is the point from which all crusies to and from Tahiti embark.

Stretching round a narrow coastal strip, the city offers most of the island's shopping and nightlife venues. Indeed, the streets of Papeete come alive at night, when visitors can indulge their culinary tastes at local roulettes (open dining carts), and enjoy live music at the many bars and nightclubs.

A cruise is undoubtedly the best way to see Tahiti, allowing passengers to circumnavigate the island in the comfort and luxury of some of the most opulent ships in the world.

So for a fabulous mix of sun, sea and sand in one of the most captivating locations on earth, a Tahitian cruise delivers just that.