Society Islands: Bora Bora
As the Aranui 5 sails into Bora Bora’s stunning blue-green lagoon, it’s not hard to see why this place is on the bucket list of so many travellers. Of all the islands in French Polynesia, it is arguably the most beautiful with its crystal waters and ring of islets emerging from the coral reef. The castle-like Mount Otemanu stands sentinel above impossibly perfect white sand beaches, and in the emerald waters a kaleidoscope of tropical fish swim among coral gardens. Here you have the opportunity to snorkel while the ship’s crew prepares a beach picnic. For an additional cost, you can sign up for a tour of the island by outrigger or bus, swim with manta rays and small sharks, go scuba-diving or take a thrilling helicopter ride over the lagoon.