Soft adventure. The road less travelled. Cultural immersion. The trip of a lifetime. The heart and soul of Polynesia. This is the Aranui experience. As the original cruise company in French Polynesia, Aranui Cruises has been introducing the enchanting Marquesas Islands to avid adventurers for more than 30 years. Aranui 5, a custom-built passenger-freighter which launched in 2015, is unique in every way. Combining the comforts and modern conveniences of a cruise ship while providing a cargo service to remote areas, the ship acts as a lifeline for tiny communities far removed from civilisation. This boutique vessel accommodates just 230 passengers, offering an intimate and casual setting for guests to explore French Polynesia.
THE SHIP
The Aranui 5 is a dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 13 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 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
OUR ITINERARIES
For the past 35 years, the Aranui, with its Polynesian staff and crew, has been introducing the mystical islands of the Marquesas to the outside world. We are always received with a warm welcome by the inhabitants of these remote islands , as the ship represents a vital link to the outside world. At the six inhabited islands of the Marquesas, the Aranui unloads goods destined for the Marquesans and returns to Papeete laden with a cargo of copra, lemons, fish and barrels of “Noni”. Meanwhile passengers disembark to explore the islands and experience the richness of the Marquesas from the people and the history to the culture and breathtaking scenery.
In addition to its traditional itinerary to the Marquesas Islands, Aranui Cruises offers exceptional cruises to every island group in French Polynesia including the Austral, Gambier, Society and Tuamotu Islands, as well as neighbouring Pitcairn and Cook Islands. These unique itineraries feature some of the most remote and rarely visited places in the world. Step out of the ordinary and head off-the-beaten path and be prepared to be amazed by the wonders of French Polynesia.
