Enchanting Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia 2021

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.

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.

In these remote islands, our arrival is always met with great enthusiasm as we provide an essential link to the outside world. Copra, citrus fruit, fish and barrels of Noni are loaded and destined for Papeete.

Watching the Aranui’s muscular crew perform their tasks like a tightly choreographed ballet is part of the attraction and charm of the voyage. Descendants of the greatest navigators of all time, the ancient Polynesians who settled these islands they called “The Land of Men”, you will get to know our lively and talented sailors as they assist you from ship to shore, on and off our whale boats and tenders.Join us as the new Aranui 5 continues to offer adventure voyaging at its best, with full amenities, seafaring stability, warm hospitality and a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

All meals are included in the price of voyage. Meals are served in the dining room in an informal setting. Depending on the number of passengers, there will be on or two seatings. There is buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner menus will vary depending on what fresh ingredients are available. Complimentary wine is provided at both lunch and dinner.

For shore excursions, we will provide either a picnic lunch or a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Please Note:

* Port Taxes and Charges vary depending on cabin type.

* Single supplement, child rates and triple & quad share cabins are available - please contact us for more details.

* Dormitory cabins can be mixed sex - You should be aware that you may be sharing with males and females in these dormitories.

* Voyage departing during Christmas & New Year will attract a 10% increase in tariff to all onboard accommodation with an extra day added to the cruise duration (14 day special itinerary - Marquesas Arts Festival).

Aranui 5

Vessel Type: Passenger ship

Length: 126 m

Passenger Capacity: 260

Speed: 15 knots

The Aranui is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between Tahiti and the Marquesas.

It offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for about two hundred passengers. Passengers will be able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui wends her way among the islands of the Marquesas.

Accommodations classes are Suites, Deluxe, Standard and C Class.

The vessel operates under the French flag, and her crew are all Polynesian, primarily Marquesans.

The name “Aranui” means “The Great Highway” in Maori, another great Polynesian culture. The first Aranui was purchased from a New Zealand ship owner in 1959. CPTM kept her original name, because it suited her. Serving as a link between the remote Marquesas and the rest of the world, she truly was a “Great Highway” on which cargo and passengers traveled. The original Aranui was too small to meet the needs of the islands as trade increased. CPTM therefore retired her, and purchased a new vessel, which was also named the Aranui.

The second Aranui was originally built as a freighter for the Baltic trades, with unusually thick hull plates because of floating ice often found in that area. She was modified in Germany in 1990. After only a few years in service, it too was getting too small again to meet the islands growing trade needs as well as the increase in passenger travel. CPTM decided this time to built a new vessel in 2000, which was named the Aranui III.

The Aranui III was built in Romania as a freighter and passenger vessel. Because of the number of passengers the vessel can carry, she was reclassifed as a passenger vessel. Thus, meeting the strict requirements of international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and many safety features including life boats and lifte rafts and fire safety systems.

The vessel is French registry, and crewed primarily by Marquesans. They are extremely skillfull and very hospitable. It is often their custom to give an impromptu concert in the evenings, both for their own and our passengers pleasure.

The ship features a small boutique where various sundries, clothing and souvenirs are available. There are washing machines and dryers aboard, but dry cleaning is not available. There is also 2 bars and video room, which has a television, VCR and a small collection of videotapes. She also has a swimming pool and sunbathing space.

The electrical current in the cabins is 220 volt 50 cycle AC, using French-style plugs. If you have any small appliances, please make sure you have voltage converters and plug adapters needed to use the ship’s standard power. The vessel accepts traveler’s checks and credit cards for on-board purchases. We regret that we cannot honor personal checks. Lock boxes are available on board for passenger convenience. However, we do not accept custody or responsibility for passenger valuables or money.

Facilities:

* 1 dining room

* 2 spacious lounges & 2 conference rooms

* 4 bars including 1 panoramic bar (Skybar)

* 1 fitness room

* 1 outside swimming pool

* 1 shop

* 1 massage room

* 2 lifts

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Sceduled Aranui shore excursions

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Exclusions

• International or domestic flights
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities
• Port charges/taxes
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Transfers
• Scuba diving (Selected itineraries only)