Aranui Cruises, Islands of Tahiti

As one of the few remaining cargo cruises in the world, Aranui Cruises offers a South Pacific adventure with a difference and is the most authentic way to experience French Polynesia.

The cruise line’s 125-metre-long mixed cargo and passenger vessel Aranui 5 delivers vital supplies to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva – while guests disembark to explore complimentary shore excursions including hikes, traditional feasts, 4WD tours, archaeological sites and local markets. Everywhere the ship calls, local villagers welcome Aranui’s guests ashore and invite them to explore their piece of paradise.

Steeped in history, ancient customs and intrigue, the Marquesas Islands are the northernmost of Tahiti’s five archipelagos. Lying nearly 5000km from the nearest continental land mass, they have long lured explorers, artists and authors; guests follow in the footsteps of French artist Paul Gauguin, Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson as well as renowned explorer, Thor Heyerdahl. The regular 12-day roundtrip cruise also visits idyllic Tuamotu atolls such as Rangiroa, Fakarava, Makatea and Kauehi, as well as Bora Bora in the Society Islands, offering plenty of time for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing in the warm tropical waters.

New cruises to the untouched Austral Islands offer luminous lagoons, heart-warming island hospitality, tropical feasts, Polynesian culture, exquisite wildlife and jaw-dropping volcanic vistas. Aranui’s southern voyages are the only way to see all five inhabited Austral Islands including Tubuai with its bright blue lagoon and the Bounty’s first stop; Rurutu where you can swim with whales; Rimatara where you may spot the endangered red lorikeet; Raivavae, known as the Bora Bora of the south; and Rapa Iti, a volcanic caldera which is only accessible by sea, with Aranui 5 currently the only local cruise ship allowed to visit.

Spread over eight decks, accessible by two elevators, Aranui 5 offers 103 comfortable rooms, each featuring an ensuite, air-conditioning, flat screen television and safe. Most cabins enjoy a private balcony. A casual dining restaurant serves delicious dishes, using fresh, local produce. Relax in one of the four bars, lounge or library; enjoy informative talks on history, art and culture from a guest lecturer; try your hand at traditional weaving or ukulele, or take dance lessons.

Passengers can also get the ultimate souvenir during their Aranui cruise – a traditional tattoo from the Polynesian tattoo artist onboard.

Most of Aranui’s crew are from the islands the ship visits, so guests are immersed in the Polynesian culture from the moment they board the ship in Papeete, and leave feeling like they are part of the family.

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