ARANUI CRUISES
Year Round Cruises from Papeete, Tahiti to Remote Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Rangiroa and Bora Bora French Polynesia with special departures to Pitcairn Island and the Cook Islands.
Our thoughts on Aranui 5 Cruises
An Aranui 5 Cruise is something quite unique in the South Pacific and reminiscent of the non-timetable trips taken in days gone by travellers “hitching a ride” on an old copra boat as it did the rounds of far-flung islands picking up copra (dried coconut flesh) and dropping off supplies at remote communities. On an Aranui Cruise you can still experience something of this wonderful atmosphere while travelling in the air-conditioned comfort of a modern purpose-built cargo-passenger ship on a schedule you can rely on to depart and return to Papeete as planned. In some of the remote places you visit on Aranui, this ship is the only regular means of travel and freight services they have.
On Aranui 5 there will only be around 260 passengers on board and on any typical voyage they will be real ‘travellers” from all over the world, so expect many interesting conversations on board, especially at meal times, where you will share tables of up to eight people. Breakfast is buffet style as is lunch; however, many lunches are spent ashore at local restaurants or markets. You will enjoy the French-inspired food at dinners on the ship. House wine is included with lunch and dinners on board and although premium wines are available at additional cost, most people will find the house wine very pleasant and accepable.
Partaking in the port and historical lectures on board helps one understand something of the places you will visit before you get there and certainly adds to the whole experience. Of course, there are fun things to participate in too such as Tamure dance classes and Polynesian concerts etc. The facilities on board also add to the enjoyment of the trip; such things as captioned French movies, a gym, library, swimming pool and even a coin-operated laundry.
The ports of call are naturally stunning. After a couple of ports, you really get into the groove and feel the cares of everyday life melting away. Many of the shore excursions are included in the cruise cost and there are sometimes optional activities such as game fishing etc which you pay for. Enjoy church visits, local markets and local sights in these remote naturally beautiful islands. It is also interesting to watch the sometimes tricky berthing of the ship and the cargo handling. At some stops, the ship doesn’t berth but just anchors off and passengers and cargo are moved by launch and barges. This adds something to the whole experience too.
The Marquesas Cruise itinerary includes Bora Bora as the last stop on its itinerary. Entering the Bora Bora Lagoon by sea is a special treat and enjoying a day in Bora Bora is yet another highlight of this splendid cruise experience. Other options are their annual cruises which takes in remote Pitcairn Island which include calls at Magareva, Adamstown Pitcairn Island, Aukena, Rapa and Raivavae (Pitcairn voyages do not include Bora Bora), and from 2021, their Cook Islands/Austral Islands cruise 04/16 September 2021. These voyages are always very sought after and sell out quickly, so we advise you to book really early.
How to sum up the Aranui Cruise? “Delightfully different” is a term that springs to mind. You will spend a delightful 13 days on a modern cargo-passenger ship on which you will enjoy the company of some very interesting fellow cruisers while you visit some of the Pacific’s most stunningly beautiful far-flung islands and remote communities.
Your Cruise Options:
The 13-day Marquesas cruise itinerary includes 2 full days at sea. Departures are scheduled on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Saturday Departures
Depart Papeete Saturday at 10.00am
Return to Papeete Friday at 9.00am
Thursday Departures
Depart Papeete Thursday at 10:00am
Return to Papeete Wednesday at 9:00am
Authentic Marquesas Cruise Itinerary
Embarkation Thursday or Saturday morning:
7:00 to 9:00am
Scheduled Departure Time: 10:00am
Following is the Saturday Itinerary.
All itineraries follow a similar pattern, although due to the different departure days from Papeete, there are minor differences in the sequence of port visits around Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva and Fatu Hiva. However, every cruise, with the exception of the Pitcairn Island Cruises, visits all the ports on the itinerary. Itineraries may be modified due to technical, meteorological or freight constraints.
Day 01 Tahiti Depart Papeete at 10.00am
Day 02 Fakarava atoll Tuamotu Archipelago
Day 03 At Sea crossing to Marquesas
Day 04 Niku Hiva Group
Day 05 Ua Poa
Day 06 Hiva Oa (Atuaona), Tahuata
Day 07 Hiva Oa (Puamau)
Day 08 Fatu Hiva
Day 09 Ua Huka
Day 10 At Sea crossing back to Rangiroa
Day 11 Rangiroa
Day 12 Bora Bora
Day 13 Tahiti Arrive Papeete at 9:00am
Tuamotu, Gambier & Pitcairn Cruise Itinerary
Embarkation Saturday morning:
7:00 to 9:00am
Scheduled Departure Time: 10:00am
Visits all the ports on the itinerary. Itineraries may be modified due to technical, meteorological or freight constraints.
2021
Sat 09 Jan Tahiti Depart Papeete at 10.00am
Sun 10 Jan Anaa - Tuamotu Archipelago
Mon 11 Jan Hikueru - Tuamotu
Tue 12 Jan At Sea
Wed 13 Jan Rikitea - Gambier
Thu 14 Jan Oneo Island - Pitcairn
Fri 15 Jan Adamstown - Pitcairn
Sat 16 Jan Adamstown - Pitcairn
Sun 17 Jan Aukena - Gambier
Mon 18 Jan At Sea
Tue 19 Jan Amanu - Tuamotu
Wed 20 Jan At Sea
Thu 21 Jan Tahiti Arrive Papeete at 9:00am
Cook Islands/Austral Islands Itinerary
Embarkation Saturday morning:
7:00 to 9:00am
Scheduled Departure Time: 10:00am
Visits all the ports on the itinerary. Itineraries may be modified due to technical or meteorological constraints.
2021
Sat 04 Sep Tahiti Depart Papeete at 10.00am
Sun 05 Sep At Sea
Mon 06 Sep Aitutaki - Cook Islands
Tue 07 Sep Rarotonga - Cook Islands
Wed 08 Sep Rurutu - Austral Islands
Thu 09 Sep At Sea
Fri 10 Sep Rapa - Austral Islands
Sat 11 Sep Rapa - Austral Islands
Sun 12 Sep Raivave - Austral Islands
Mon 13 Sep At Sea
Tue 14 Sep Anaa - Tuamotu Islands
Wed 15 Sep At Sea
Thu 16 Sep Tahiti Arrive Papeete at 9:00am
Aranui5 Year-Round Schedule
Voyage Depart Return
Number Papeete Papeete
2020
*Cruises cancelled due Coronavirus Pandemic
07* 16 May 28 May )
08* 04 Jun 16 Jun )
09* 20 Jun 02 Jul )
------------------------------------------------------------
10 09 Jul 21 Jul
11 25 Jul 06 Aug
12 08 Aug 20 Aug
13 22 Aug 03 Sep
14 10 Sep 22 Sep
15 26 Sep 08 Oct
16 15 Oct 27 Oct
17 31 Oct 12 Nov
18 14 Nov 26 Nov
19 28 Nov 10 Dec
20 17 Dec 29 Dec
2021
01* 09 Jan 21 Jan
*Pitcairn Discovery Cruise
02 28 Jan 09 Feb
03 13 Feb 25 Feb
04 04 Mar 16 Mar
05 20 Mar 01 Apr
06 08 Apr 20 Apr
07 24 Apr 06 May
08* 08 May 19 May
*Discovery Society/Tuamotu Islands
09 22 May 03 Jun
10 10 Jun 22 Jun
11 26 Jun 08 Jul
12 15 Jul 27 Jul
13 05 Aug 17 Aug
14 21 Aug 02 Sep
15* 04 Sep 16 Sep
*Cook Islands/Austral Discovery
16 18 Sep 30 Sep
17 07 Oct 19 Oct
18 23 Oct 04 Nov
19 06 Nov 18 Nov
20 27 Nov 09 Dec
21* 16 Dec 28 Dec
* Festival Marquesan Arts
What Aranui Cruises Say About Themselves
"THE NEW SHIP IN FRENCH POLYNESIA
Come explore the enchanting Marquesas Islands aboard the latest incarnation of our famed ships. Setting sail in the Winter of 2015, the new Aranui 5 represents the crowning jewel of a 30 year long pursuit of the ultimate passenger freighter.
Redesigned and custom built with passenger comfort in mind, you will embark on a voyage of discovery following the paths of Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel. Our Polynesian staff and crew will welcome you to these exotic, captivating islands they call home.
The Aranui 5 continues our relaxed, friendly tradition with space to meet new friends in the bars and lounge or while relaxing on the deck or by the pool, as the islands seem to float by. If you are looking for privacy or romance, retreat to your balcony in our suites and deluxe staterooms. Watch the infinite colors of the sunset play in the sky and sea as another day draws to a close in the South Pacific.
Aranui 5 is a new custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 14 day all-inclusive cruise. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.
With 8 different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting; 2 lounges; 2 conference rooms, where guest lecturers will offer presentations on various topics related to the Marquesas; 4 bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views; an outdoor pool; a boutique; a massage room and a gym.
After a 3 course dinner, let the lively Aranui Band introduce you to Polynesian rhythms and teach you to swivel your hips to the infectious beat of the Tamure or the Tahitian Waltz.
Our prices include all Aranui 5 planned shore excursions to remote villages, archaeological sites with lecturers on site, dance shows, hiking, picnics, restaurants, 4x4 sightseeing tours and 3 meals per day. A complementary glass of wine is offered for scheduled “onboard lunches and dinners.”
Our Specials
Seasonal 10% Discount
A discount of 10% off the cruise fare (excluding taxes) is given for the following sailing:
2020
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº1 2020.
Depart 06 February 2020, return 18 February 2020.
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº2 2020
Depart 22 February 2020, return 05 March 2020.
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº14 2020*.
Depart 10 September 2020, return 22 September 2020.
2021
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº2 2021.
Depart 28 January 2021, return 09 February 2021
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº3 2021*.
Depart 13 February 2021, return 25 February 2021
* Seniors Special
Conditions:
- Only available to adult passengers travelling in
all accommodation categories for the full
duration of the 14-day cruise.
- Discounts may not be combined
Seniors 10% Discount
A discount of 10% off the cruise fare (excluding taxes) is given to seniors aged 60 years and over on:
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº14 2020*.
Depart 10 September 2020, return 22 September 2020.
Aranui 5 Voyage Nº3 2021*.
Depart 13 February 2021, return 25 February 2021
Conditions:
- Only available to passengers travelling in all
accommodation categories for the full duration
of the 14-day cruise.
- Proof of age is required at the time of booking.
- Discounts may not be combined with any other
discount offer.
Cruise Repeaters discount
2020 Departures
A 10% discount isoffered to past passengers who have cruised with Aranui previously.
Conditions:
- Available to passengers travelling in all cabin
categories for the full duration of the
14-day cruise.
- Repeater’s discount cannot apply
simultaneously with any other discount.
- Proof of previous trip is required at the time of
booking.
Cruise Repeaters Onboard Credit Bonus
2021 Departures
All past passengers who have previously cruised with Aranui on a full cruise in any category of accommodation will receive an onboard credit of NZ$400 per person with the compliments of Aranui Cruises.
Conditions:
This credit is applicable on all voyages in 2021 and may be used towards any purchases onboard Aranui5 at the Boutique, Bars, Restaurant, Spa and deep-sea fishing. Any unused portion of the onboard credit cannot be redeemed for cash and cannot be transferred to another person. Proof of previous cruise is required.
Single Cruise Passengers on a “stranger share” basis
Aranui offers the option of a shared cabin which will be only available in Standard Cabin accommodation. At the discretion of Aranui's reservation department, they will search for a second passenger of the same gender to share the cabin. If the search is found to be unsuccessful, and the single travelling passenger was fortunate to occupy the Stateroom by him/herself alone, the additional 50% single supplement will not be applied, but only the initial (1x) full rate per person will be applied.
Conditions:
- Available in Standard Cabin accommodation only.
- Does not apply to specdial Discovery Cruises.
Your Accommodation Options Aranui 5
Aranui 5 has Suites and Cabins spread over her 8 decks. The highest deck is Sky Bar Deck, followed below in order by: Sun Deck, Pool Deck, Veranda Deck, Boat Deck, Upper Deck, Main Deck and Lower Deck.
Aranui 5 Cabin Categories (in ascending order of tariff)
Class C Cabins:
Dormitory-style, there is 1 eight berth (bunk) cabin with 2 bathrooms and 3 four berth (bunk) cabins with 1 ensuite bathroom all located on Upper Deck. Class C cabins open off an internal passage and have a porthole and a wardrobe, TV and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 or 8 persons. Minimum age for passengers in Class C Dormitory Cabins is 15 years
Existing Bedding: In 4 Berth Cabins 2 sets of bunks, in the 8 Berth Cabin – 4 sets of bunks.
8-person cabin is 26.5m2, 4-person cabin is 12.5m2.
Standard Cabins:
Cabins for 2. Standard Cabins for 2 have 11.5m2 of interior space with a bathroom, porthole to outside views (no balcony), desk, wardrobe, one flat screen TV, safe and hair dryer. Staterooms are located on Boat Deck, Main Deck and Lower Deck. Limited interconnecting cabins on Main and Lower Decks.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 passengers
Existing Bedding: Either one Queen-size Bed or 2 single beds.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Staterooms for 4. Staterooms for 4 are 16.5m2 and located on Lower Deck. Same facilities as Staterooms for 2, but configured with a Double Bed and a set of bunks.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1Queen-size Bed and a set of Bunks.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
Deluxe:
From 13m2 interior space with 4.5m2 private outdoor balcony, the Deluxe category cabins are located on Sky Bar Deck, Sun Deck and Pool Deck and may interconnect with an adjacent room. Facilities include a bathroom, desk, wardrobe, TV, safe, fridge and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Superior Deluxe:
From 14.5m2 interior space with 4m2 private outdoor balcony, the Deluxe category cabins are located on Sky Bar Deck, Sun Deck, 2 on Upper Deck and 1 on Main Deck. Rooms may interconnect with an adjacent room. Facilities include a bathroom, desk, wardrobe, TV, safe, fridge and hairdryer. Handicapped accessible rooms are available in this category. Accessible cabins have a bigger bathroom and no balcony, but 2 large porthole-style windows.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Junior Suites:
The 3 Junior Suites are on Veranda Deck and provide 18m2 of interior space with a semi-screened sitting area on the outside which has 2windows (which do not open) and no balcony. Facilities include a bathroom, dressing table, desk, TV, Fold-out Sofa, safe, fridge and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Premium Suites:
The 21 Premium Suites have from 18m2 of interior space and a 4.5m2 private outdoor balcony accessed by a glass sliding door from the Suite. Premium Suites are located on Pool Deck and Veranda Deck. Each has a semi-private day room with decorative screen, a bathroom, dressing table, desk, TV, Fold-out Sofa, safe, fridge and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
Additional Bedding: 1 Sofa Bed for a 3rd passenger.
Royal Suites:
The 8 Royal Suites are a generous size at 22m2 interior space with an 9.5m2 private outdoor balcony accessed by a glass sliding door. A decorative screen between the sleeping area and the living area provides a semi-private lounge space. Royal Suites beautifully located on the front corners of Sun Deck, Pool Deck, Veranda Deck and Boat Deck. Each has a bathroom, dressing table, desk, TV, Fold-out Sofa, safe, fridge and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
Additional Bedding: A fold-out Sofa Bed for 3rd passenger.
The Presidential Suite:
41m2 interior space, with 12m2 private outdoor balcony, located on the highest Sky Bar Deck for a better distance view with glass sliding doors, living room, dining room, mini bar, enclosed bedroom, walk-in closet, two bathrooms, dressing table, desk, two flat screen TV's, safe, refrigerator and hairdryer.
Maximum Occupancy: 3 passengers
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds
Additional Bedding: A fold-out Sofa Bed for a 3rd passenger.
Getting to and from Aranui Cruises
We will include transfers between Tahiti hotels and Port of Papeete as required/agreed in your package arrangements. At ports of call access to the land is often provided by launch from the ship’s side.
Families & Kids
Children Travel at 50% Discount
Children aged 3 to 15 years are charged at half the adult price when accompanying parents subject to cabin maximum occupancy policies.
Children aged under 16 years are not accommodated in any Dormitory.
Staterooms for 4 have a set of bunks and several suites have a Sofa Bed.
Check-in/Check Out (Embark & Disembark)
Aranui Cruises Depart Port of Papeete, Tahiti at 10:00am.
Boarding Time is between 7:00am and 9:00am
Aranui Cruises return to Port of Papeete, Tahiti at 9:30am.
Strict Payment Conditions:
- 25% deposit will be required to be paid within
7 days of the booking being confirmed by the
Cruise Operator.
- Full payment or settlement of the remaining balance
of account from each passenger or booking must be
received by The Cruise Operator “no later than 90
days prior to the scheduled departure date”.
- Failure to meet these payment conditions will result
in the booking being cancelled and cancellation fees
as per the Cancellation Policy will apply.
Cancellation/Alteration Policies and Charges
Marquesas Cruises
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Any cancellation or alterations made after the
official confirmation of a cabin held on your
behalf will be subject to a penalty of between
NZ$150 and NZ$225 per person
Bookings cancelled or altered 90 to 61 days prior
to scheduled departure incur a cancellation fee
of 25% of the cost of the voyage.
Bookings cancelled or altered 60 to 45 days prior
to scheduled departure: one third (33.33%) of
the cost of the full fare of the voyage will be
retained by the Cruise Operator.
Bookings cancelled or altered 44 to 30 days prior
to scheduled departure: two thirds (66.67%) of
the cost of the full fare of the voyage will be
retained by the Cruise Operator.
Bookings cancelled or altered less than 30 days or
non-appearance: 100% of the full fare of the
voyage will be retained by the Cruise Operator.
Stricter cancellation policies for special Discovery Cruises vary from the above. Our Specialists will advise actual cancellation policies for these 3 cruises at the time of booking.
Booking Changes:
After the Cruise Operator issues a booking confirmation, changes to the confirmed departure date made at the passenger’s or travel agent’s request will be subject to the same penalties applied to cancellations.
Medical:
There is a doctor on board. If any person has or is suffering from a serious ailment or condition, he or she should seek the advice and consent of their personal physician prior to embarking on board the vessel. If health condition exists or arises between the reservation time and the scheduled departure date, the Cruise Operator must be advised.
The Operator of Aranui Cruises reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone in such a state of health or physical condition as to be unfit to travel on Aranui5, or whose condition, for whatever reason may be deemed dangerous to the individual or other passengers.
It is expected all passengers are fit enough to undertake or participate any of the offered shore excursions during the 14 day soft adventure cruise. All passengers must be able to access and walk through the gangway unassisted.
Travel Insurance is Recommended
OUR Travel Specialists can advise on all aspects of travel insurance
The information on this page is correct as at 05 May 2020 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for cruises to 31 December 2021. All information shown is subject to change without notice.