South Pacific Journey. Silversea Cruise on Silver Cloud. Papeete to Raiatea. April 2025
🌴 Cruising the South Pacific: Papeete to Raiatea on the Silver Cloud
April 23–24, 2023
After years of dreaming and saving for a cruise through the South Pacific, the day had finally arrived.
On April 23, we found ourselves at the bustling ferry port of Papeete, Tahiti, where two very different cruise ships were docked. Towering in the background was the Royal Princess, while our much smaller—but elegant—home for the journey, the Silver Cloud, waited quietly alongside.
Silversea Silver Cloud |
Despite her petite size, the Silver Cloud made a big impression. I was excited but a little nervous too—would the small ship rock about as seasickness is no joke out on open waters! 🤢 Fingers crossed for calm seas and smooth sailing!
Check-in was a breeze—since we were the only guests arriving at the time, we were onboard within 15 minutes. Talk about VIP treatment! 💼✨
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
🚢 First Impressions of Silver Cloud
Our cabin was on the 4th floor, with a wide ocean-view window. The room wasn’t ready just yet, but lunch was already being served—and wow, it was delicious.
With some time to spare, we headed back into Papeete in search of a nail bar (My big toe was a casualty from a Bora Bora fall 😅 needed urgent TLC). Sadly, after wandering the side streets and alleyways, we had no luck.
Back onboard, our cabin was ready—and what a welcome! The room was spacious and stylish, and while it didn’t have a balcony, the huge ocean-facing window more than made up for it. A fully stocked minibar and a chilled bottle of champagne awaited us. 🥂🍾
After unpacking, attending the safety drill, and exploring the ship (it didn’t take long—Silver Cloud is cosy and easy to navigate), we set sail at 7:00 PM, bound for Raiatea.
Dinner was at The Grill, a relaxed poolside venue marketed as a BBQ experience. While the setting was charming, the menu was more of a lunch time menu than an evening meal. Still, a great option for a laid-back first night.
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
🌺 April 24 – Raiatea: The Sacred Island
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
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Silversea Silver Cloud |
Silversea Silver Cloud Raiatea Greeting |
Cultural Raiatea by Local Truck. We boarded a charming wooden bus and set off with a local guide. The island is lush and beautiful—very similar to Bora Bora, but less crowded.
Silversea Silver Cloud Raiatea Guide |
Silversea Silver Cloud |
One of the highlights was the Taputapuātea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These sacred stones hold deep cultural significance, and our guide did an excellent job sharing their stories and history.
Back at the port, we tried to find a boat or snorkel tour via the tourist information desk, but unfortunately, they weren’t very helpful. Instead, we chose to relax by the pool and soak in the quiet island vibes.
🧭 Life Aboard an Expedition Cruise
One of the unique aspects of Silver Cloud is that it’s an expedition ship, not a traditional cruise liner. That means no Broadway-style shows or comedy acts. Instead, evenings feature an educational recap at 6:30 PM, led by the onboard experts.
A pianist and guitarist provide subtle background music, but the overall vibe is very peaceful and low-key.
Dinner that night was at The Restaurant on Deck 4—super convenient since our cabin was just steps away.
The food and service were excellent, with a rotating menu of fine-dining options.
🌟 Recommendations
📝 What to Know Before You Go:
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Pack motion sickness meds even if you think you won’t need them. Calm seas can change quickly!
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If you’re seeking adventure activities (snorkelling, river tours), it’s best to research independent operators in advance.
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Embrace the quiet. Silver Cloud isn’t your typical cruise—it’s more about immersion, education, and tranquillity.
✨ Final Thoughts (So Far)
Our journey aboard Silver Cloud is already shaping up to be unforgettable. From the sacred stones of Raiatea to the intimate, relaxed vibe onboard, this is exactly the kind of experience we hoped for. It’s luxury without flash, education without pressure, and nature without crowds.
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