Aranui Cruises, Islands of Tahiti

All aboard for a South Pacific voyage like no other.

As one of the few remaining cargo cruises in the world, Aranui Cruises offers a South Pacific adventure with a difference.

Acting as a vital lifeline to some of French Polynesia’s most remote islands, the cruise line’s 125-metre long mixed cargo and passenger vessel, Aranui 5 delivers supplies to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuka 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.

A journey aboard Aranui 5 is a step back in time to a land steeped in history, ancient customs and intrigue. The Marquesas Islands are the northernmost of Tahiti’s five archipelagoes, lying nearly 5000 kilometres from the nearest continental land mass. As the cargo cruise line journeys through the Marquesas, guests follow in the footsteps of French artist Paul Gauguin, Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson and Belgian singer Jacques Brel as well as renowned explorer, Thor Heyerdahl.

The regular 13-day roundtrip cruise also visits Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus and Bora Bora in the Society Islands, offering plenty of time for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing in the warm tropical waters.

While Aranui Cruises will always be the Marquesas Islands experts, the cruise line is opening up new corners of French Polynesia and beyond in the coming years. In 2021, three new Discovery Voyages will take guests to 11 new island destinations including the cruise line’s maiden voyage to the Cook Islands via the Australs, an expanded Pitcairn itinerary and the first dedicated Society and Tuamotu Islands cruise.

The cargo cruise ship offers 103 comfortable rooms each featuring an en suite, air-conditioning, flat screen television, safe and hairdryer. Most cabins have a private balcony while exterior staterooms feature a picture window or porthole. There are also 16 shared dormitory berths. Amenities are spread over eight decks, which are accessible by two elevators, with the interior décor of Aranui 5 reflecting the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. A casual dining restaurant serves delicious dishes using fresh, local produce and tempting desserts. Onboard guests relax in one of three bars, a lounge or library, enjoy informative talks on history, art and culture from a guest lecturer and try their hand at traditional weaving or take dance lessons.