Aranui Launches First Two Ship Program in 2027

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The new ship, Aranoa, will join Aranui 5 in March 2027. This program includes a packed schedule with both passenger-freighter ships visiting all five French Polynesian archipelagos throughout the year.

Aranui early bird savings

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Tahitian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is enticing Australians to explore the most remote islands in French Polynesia in 2026 with an exclusive early bird offer.

The boutique cruise line is offering Australian residents 15 per cent off the first seven voyages in its 2026 program, including five Marquesas Islands departures and two to the southern Austral Islands.

Brand new ship for Aranui Cruises to sail French Polynesia's southern islands

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Aranui Cruises announced it is adding a second ship to its fleet for the first time, with construction of a new passenger-freighter vessel underway at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China. The 116-metre-long Aranoa will cruise French Polynesia’s south from 2027, carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the Austral Islands.

Aranui Cruises Celebrates 40 Years of Adventure in the Marquesas [video]

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A special anniversary sailing || Milestone merchandise || The chance to win a cruise

Aranui Cruises has announced it will mark its 40th anniversary of cargo cruising this year with a series of celebrations culminating in a special birthday cruise in November.

Aranui Pitcairn and Cook Islands Cruises for 2023

 

French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has launched a special summer sale.

Until January 31, 2023, Aranui Cruises is taking 30 per cent off three Discovery cruises in 2023.

Aranui Offers More Australs and Goes Back to Bora Bora in 2024

French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has released its 2024 program including a return to Bora Bora and more Discovery cruises taking guests to far-flung corners of the region.

Aranaui to resume cruising as French Polynesia opens borders

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You might have seen the news that French Polynesia is reopening its borders to international tourists on July 15, 2020, as long as certain conditions are met: https://tahititourisme.com.au/en-au/covid-19/

Cruise lines have also been given the green light to resume cruising and Aranui Cruises is set to recommence passenger services on July 18, with some enhanced health and hygiene measures.

Aranui to launch dedicated cruise ship in 2022

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Tahitian cruise line Aranui Cruises has revealed the first details of its new 10,000-tonne cruise ship which is set to join Aranui 5 in the South Pacific in mid 2022.

Aranui Adds New Itineraries to Every Corner of French Polynesia and Beyond

Tahitian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has added three itineraries to its 2021 program, taking guests to 11 new island destinations including the cruise line's maiden voyage to the Cook Islands, an expanded Pitcairn itinerary and the first dedicated Society Islands cruise.

Aranui Cruises to More of French Polynesia in 2020 - and save

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Aranui Cruises has launched its 2020 program with savings of up to $1900 per couple on select cruises.

The cruise line is discounting Aranui 5’s first two voyages of the year, departing on February 6 and 22, 2020, with ocean view staterooms starting from $6030* per person twin share (savings of $1200 per couple) and royal suites available from $8970* (savings of $1900 per couple).

A senior’s discount is also available for guests aged over 60 on the September 10, 2020, departure with similar savings on offer across all cabin categories.

Aranui Cruises’ 125-metre long mixed cargo and passenger vessel Aranui 5 is one of the few remaining cargo cruise experiences in the world and in 2020, the ship will offer 20 scheduled cruises around French Polynesia, mostly consisting of its regular 13-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to Hiva Oa, Nuka Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas; Bora Bora in the Society Islands; and Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotus.

While guests disembark and enjoy a range of complimentary guided excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, local feasts and visits to archaeological sites, Aranui’s Polynesian crew unload cargo, with the vessel acting as a lifeline to the remote island ports it visits.

Aranui Cruises Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said the cruise line has been offering a unique cargo-passenger experience for more than 30 years and was proud to take international visitors to some of the most beautiful and remote corners of French Polynesia.

“Our regular roundtrip voyage to the Marquesas and Tuamotus is still the best way to access some of the most culturally-rich islands in French Polynesia, all while enjoying an authentic Polynesian experience onboard our special cargo cruise ship Aranui 5,” Mr Wong said.

“To celebrate the launch of our 2020 program, we’re offering a few discounted cruises to pack even more value into our already great value cruise fare, which includes more than $2000 worth of guided shore excursions, a weekly laundry service, three meals per day, complimentary French wine with onboard lunches and dinners, and calls to nine Tahitian islands including a fabulous picnic on a secluded island in Bora Bora’s blue lagoon.”

Mr Wong said the 2020 program would also feature an encore cruise to Pitcairn Island but it was expected to sell out quickly.

There are no cruises in January 2020 as Aranui 5 will be in dry dock.

Aranui 5 features a restaurant, two conference rooms, lounges, a library, a boutique, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa and four bars including the popular Sky bar.

For more information visit www.aranuicruises.com.au or call +613 9449 3778

*Subject to availability, conditions apply. Discounted cruises are available until sold out.

Aranui 5 - the freighter to paradise

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Aranui 5, the passenger-cum-cargo ship which departs every three weeks from Papeete in Tahiti to visit the Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, and the world's most remote archipelago, the Marquesas, has released details of its Polynesian cruise programme for 2018.

Dubbed 'the freighter to paradise' the ship is a lifeline to the inhabitants of these exotic locations, transporting everything from dried coconut meat and citrus fruit, to brake pads and bulldozers!

Each day of the voyage brings panoply of glorious sights from turquoise lagoons, rainbow coloured coral and tropical fish, to spectacular volcanic scenery, towering cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and traditional stone tiki statues.

Guests may choose to relax, meet the warm and welcoming locals, learn about ancient traditions and the artistic heritage of the Polynesian culture, or join a soft adventure excursion to explore the islands more deeply.

Many onshore excursions are included in the itinerary, allowing passengers to hop on to one of the whale boats and travel to high mountains, white, pink and black sand beaches, a working pearl farm or incredible archaeological sights.

Optional excursions are also available at an additional cost, and include popular 4WD off-road tours, helicopter flights, horse riding and a 10-mile hike.

Among the Aranui's departure dates are several that qualify for a 10% discount on 14-day cruises, including January 13th, March 29th and June 12th 2018.

Alternatively, there is also a special 10% senior discount for over 60s on the two-week 2nd October 2018 departure, or a 10% discount on any 14-day voyage for repeat bookers. Only one discount per booking may be used.

Prices for a 14-day package on this 2,200-mile round trip start from 4,089 euros per person, based on two sharing a standard double room.

This includes all taxes, meals and wine during meals on board, planned excursions, expert lecturers and guides, a primarily Polynesian crew, plus facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness room, spa, bars, restaurant, lounges, library, video and computer room.

For further information about cruises on board Aranui 5, visit www.aranui.com

Aranui 5 Announces Onboard Credit on Selected 2017 Departures to French Polynesia

Travelling around the most remote group of islands in French Polynesia on board a working cargo ship has become even more appealing, following the unusual announcement by Aranui 5 that it is offering a 300 euros per person onboard credit on selected 2017 departures.

The generous credit, which is available on all new bookings made before 31January 2017, for departures on 7 and 25 March, and 13 April 2017, may be spent on board the Aranui 5 in its bars, boutique and spa.

Passengers may choose to treat themselves to exotic tropical drinks at one of four bars on the ship, including the panoramic 'Skybar, or make a purchase in the boutique where traditional Tahitian goods include the pareo, a lightweight, brightly coloured garment similar to a sarong.

Alternatively, the credit can be used in the spa, where guests may indulge themselves in a full body massage or other health and beauty treatments.

Passengers travelling on 'The freighter to paradise' will be greeted in the traditional Polynesian way, with the warmest of welcomes and a fresh flower garland or lei, as they travel the 2,200 miles from Papeete in Tahiti to the stunningly beautiful Marquesas Islands.

The 14-night voyage, which stops at each of the six inhabited Marquesas, gives travellers the opportunity to meet islanders, marvel at the amazing volcanic peaks soaring thousands of feet into the sky, hike to spectacular waterfalls, visit one of the many archaeological sites with their distinctive stone tiki statues, and learn more about the ancient traditions and artistic heritage of the Polynesian culture.

Prices for a 14-day voyage, including all taxes, start from 2528 euros in a class C dormitory (no children under 15 years, four to eight guests), from 4088 euros in a standard double cabin, and from 5579 euros for a premium suite with private balcony, based on two sharing.  Meals, wine during meals on board, planned excursions, expert lecturers and guides are all included, together with the 300 euros per person credit, which is not refundable if unused.

For further information about cruises on board Aranui 5, visit www.aranui.com.

World's best expedition cruise lines

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In recent years, urban fugitives have used the world’s growing fleet of modern expedition cruise vessels to set out and cross seas and oceans to unexplored lands in search of adventure. Such has been the surge in interest that great effort and expense has been employed to design a new breed of luxury ship to cater for the growing legions of travellers craving life’s big adventure. 

Read Full Story at Vacations & Travel

Cruising the Marquesas in the new Aranui 5

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Cruise Aranui for a genuine Polynesian tattoo

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One of the joys of taking a cruise on board the Aranui 5, is the opportunity to become immersed in Polynesian culture as the ship docks at some of the most remote islands in the world. Among the shore experiences which take this philosophy to the next level, is the chance to have a traditional Polynesian tattoo, carried out by a native artist in what is considered to be the birthplace of tattooing.

“The best holidays leave lasting impressions, but some of our passengers go a step further and opt to imprint a symbol of their experience directly on to their skin,” says Jules Wong, Marketing Director for Aranui. “We aim for full cultural immersion and this is one of the ways travellers can take a piece of the Marquesas home with them.”

In traditional Polynesian culture, tatau (tattoos) play an important role in society, symbolising major life events, rites of passage, social status, heroism, hunting and fishing prowess, family identity and religious power.

Popular crewman 'Mahalo' (R Eime)

The Polynesian art was revived in the 1980s after a long prohibition period enforced by missionaries, and has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its unique aesthetic and rich history.

Since the ancient tattoo process is very time consuming and involves the use of wooden tools and a serrated comb made of bone, passengers’ tattoos are applied using modern equipment by artists who adhere to the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. Western techniques are combined with traditional art to create a distinctly Polynesian look.

Passengers board the Aranui 5 in Papeete, Tahiti, for an awe-inspiring 14-day holiday, which stops in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, as well as in the Marquesas.

Other onshore experiences include hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites, encounters with local artisans, a visit to renowned French artist Paul Gauguin’s grave, snorkelling in the truly translucent waters of the atolls, a trip to a pearl farm and delicious picnics on white-sand beaches.

Prices for a 14-day voyage, including all taxes, start from Euros 2,528.54 in a class C dormitory (no children under 16 years) and from Euros 3,891.23 in a standard double cabin, based on two sharing. This includes all meals and wine during meals on board, planned excursions, expert lecturers and guides, a primarily Polynesian crew, plus facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness room, spa, bars, restaurant, lounges, library, video and computer room.

For further information about cruises on board Aranui 5, visit www.aranui.com

Aranui 5 Arrives in Tahiti

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Aranui Cruises’ new ship Aranui 5 has arrived in its new home - Tahiti.

With the dramatic peaks of Moorea in the distance, the 126-metre long freighter cruised into Papeete for the first time yesterday to a traditional water jet welcome from local tug boats.

Aranui 5 will now spend a month in port making final preparations for its maiden voyage on December 12.

The inaugural cruise coincides with the Marquesas Art Festival - held in the far-flung archipelago once every four years - providing guests with a rare double thrill of local ceremonies at each maiden port as well as a spectacular celebration of Polynesian culture and tradition during the ship’s call to Hiva Oa.

Aranui’s Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said he was thrilled Aranui 5 had arrived in time for the arts festival.

“Guests travelling on our maiden voyage will truly have the trip of a lifetime as the first to enjoy the luxurious comfort of our new freighter as well as experiencing the Marquesas during a time of brilliant colour and activity,” Mr Wong said.

“Aranui 5 has been a long time in the making and we are so excited that she has finally arrived in her new home.”

The custom-built dual-purpose vessel replaces Aranui 3 and will continue to dispense cargo to ports across the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands while passengers disembark and explore the islands.

With capacity for 254 passengers, Aranui 5 offers a range of accommodation options, from the operator’s first single staterooms to new premium and deluxe categories, styled in a natural colour palette, with Polynesian flourishes including Marquesan-inspired décor and Paul Gauguin prints.

To cater to the demand for balcony cabins, more than half of the ship’s rooms (60) feature a private balcony - five times more than offered on Aranui 3.

The new cruise freighter also offers suites with king beds, airconditioned public spaces including a restaurant, two conference rooms, lounges, a library, a computer room, a boutique, a swimming pool with a whirlpool, a fitness room, a spa and four bars, including the popular Sky bar.

Aranui’s 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka in the Marquesas, Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus and the famed Society Island of Bora Bora. The freighter line dispenses a lifeline of food, fuel and other staples to remote island ports while passengers disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

Packages for Aranui 5’s April 30, 2016, departure start from $6363* including all meals, excursions and wine with lunch and dinner onboard.

n.b Aranui 5 replaces Aranui 3 as the number 4 is considered bad luck by the third generation Tahitian-Chinese family who own the cruise company.

For more information or to book visit www.aranuicruises.com.au or call 03 9449 3778.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply.

More Aranui 5 details revealed

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Laurent Wong, regional representative Australia and New Zealand for Aranui Cruises, has unveiled more details of Aranui 5 under construction at Huanghai Shipbuilding in China’s northeastern Shandong province.

The 125mtr long passenger-freighter will now launch in 2016, replacing Aranui 3 which will be retired after more than 12 years servicing the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas archipelagoes.

There will be no Aranui 4 as the number is considered unlucky by the owners, the third generation Tahitian-Chinese Wong family.

Aranui 5 will have capacity for 260 passengers in a range of accommodation options, from the operator’s first single staterooms to new premium and deluxe categories.

The new cruise freighter will have a Marquesan-inspired decor, with Paul Gauguin prints and original paintings by Erhard Lux, a German artist who lives part-time in Moorea.

Air-conditioned public areas include a restaurant, disco, conference rooms, lounges, library, fitness room, spa, a video and computer room and a boutique.

There will be a swimming pool with a whirlpool and four bars, including the Sky bar on an open deck.

The 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Huka in the Marquesas and Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, as well as the Society Island of Bora Bora. The ship delivers food, fuel and other staples to the remote ports while passengers disembark for a range of complimentary excursions, including hikes, 4WD tours, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

‘With the introduction of Aranui 5 in 2016 we will offer a more comfortable and luxurious way for cruisers to discover a vast area of French Polynesia,’ Wong said.

Fares include complimentary wine with lunch and dinner and introductory discounts are available until August 31 for the first five voyages of 2016, with a superior deluxe balcony cabin priced from A$7,397 per person twin-share. A premium balcony suite starts from A$8,506.

Source: Seatrade Insider
 

Aranui 5 launch delayed

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Artist's rendering of Aranui 5 in port

Tahiti’s Compagnie Polynésienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM) has just confirmed to us that the Aranui 5 ‘s maiden voyage will be delayed by one sailing. At the moment, CPTM believe that she should be able to enter service with departure N°14/2015 (October 10, 2015). This date could change again in the future. To be on the safe side, passengers wishing to travel on the new vessel should probably book on Voyage N°16/2015 and thereafter.

With these latest changes, for passengers already booked and wishing to travel on the new ship CPTM will allow them to postpone or even cancel their cruise without penalty. CPTM’s reservations department will shortly be contacting all operators and agents having passengers on these trips.

Furthermore, CPTM has decided to reintroduce for 2015, their Senior Special (voyage N°12 – Aug 29th 2015). The discount granted will be 10% applicable to passengers already booked on this departure and also to new reservations (some conditions apply).

For further information, see Ultimate Cruising

New Aranui 5 revealed

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The new Aranui 5 is scheduled to take over from the Aranui 3 in September 2015. 

With a total length of 126m, featuring air-conditioning and lifts, the new passenger/freighter ship can carry up to 254 passengers accommodated in magnificent suites and cabins more spacious and comfortable, of which a great number of units with private balcony.

Public areas include a reception, restaurant, 4 bars including a Sky bar, dancing room, 2 conference rooms, lounges, library, video and computer room, boutique, swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness room and Spa.

For booking and further information, see Ultimate Cruising
 

AFR: Sail away to the most isolated paradises on earth

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Locals in dugout outriggers pay a visit on True North’s PNG cruise.
Travel 1000 kilometres south-west along PNG’s barely chartered east coast,
passing through some of the world’s least-visited islands.  Photo: North Star Cruises

Great 'executive summary' of expedition ships by Craig Tansley for the AFR

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