The „Journey of a Lifetime“ - A Unique Cruise Experience Through Polynesia

Off the beaten path, deep in the heart of the Pacific, and where nature is at its wildest, lies one of our planet's last true adventures: a journey with Aranui Cruises. For over four decades, the shipping company – and French Polynesia's longest-serving cruise provider – has combined the useful with the unforgettable. This is because the ships are a successful blend of freighter and cruise ship and are the indispensable lifeline for the most remote islands of the South Seas – the Marquesas and Austral Islands. On their routes, they take guests to places where conventional cruise ships have long had to turn back. The island worlds cannot be experienced more authentically or personally. It's not for nothing that a trip with the Aranui is called „the trip of a lifetime.“.

Aranui 5: The Perfect Mix of Freighter and Comfort

Currently in its fifth generation of operation, the Aranui 5 is a custom-built passenger-freighter (launched in 2015) that ensures the supply of the remote Marquesas Islands. Onboard, a maximum of 230 guests travel in 103 cabins and suites in a familiar and relaxed atmosphere. While the local Polynesian crew supplies the villages with vital goods, passengers discover a magical world that once captivated Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl, and Jacques Brel.

All-inclusive: Culture, Cuisine, and Joy of Living

On all routes to and from Tahiti, all meals and guided excursions are already included in the travel price. Multilingual experts and guides, often German-speaking, impart deep knowledge of centuries-old customs. After a three-course dinner in the evening, the in-house Aranui band ensures that guests are treated to the rhythms of traditional Tamure- Dance the everyday completely away.

Future Outlook: With the new Aranoa from 2027 to the End of the World

Aranui Cruises is turning the page: Starting in 2027, the new sister ship Aranoa will set sail. It will serve as a new lifeline, navigating to the spectacular and nearly undiscovered Austral Islands – a remote archipelago towards Antarctica that reveals a completely new, unspoiled world to travelers. The Aranoa is a comfortable freighter cruise ship designed with only 91 cabins for a maximum of 198 passengers.

A few highlights at a glance:

• Authenticity & Social Responsibility: The purely Polynesian crew lives an honest „from Polynesians for Polynesians“ concept – with strong social, economic, and cultural promotion of the region.
• Sustainability in focus: The ship operates under strict ecological standards (multiple certifications) to protect the seas and sensitive island ecosystems.
• Exclusive Itineraries: In addition to the Marquesas and the Austral Islands, selected itineraries also feature Pitcairn, the Tuamotus, the Society Islands (including Bora Bora), Maupiti, and Huahine. These are destinations no other cruise ship reaches. The departure and arrival port is always Tahiti.
• High repeat customer rate: The unique concept ensures an exceptionally high number of „repeat offenders“ who return for this one-of-a-kind blend of adventure and relaxation. For this, there's the Tiki Club loyalty program.

www.aranui.com