Aranui Cruises

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Aranui Cruises Welcome to the official page of Aranui Cruises! Embark on a freighter adventure to the Marquesas & Austral Islands in French Polynesia.

Join us for the journey of a lifetime! Come explore the jaw-dropping Marquesas Islands on what is often referred too as the trip of a lifetime. For thirty years, our vessels have been bringing avid adventurers to one of the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, supplying the small communities with all kinds of provisions. The unspoiled beauty, the warmth of its people and their culture g

ive a glimpse into the ancient majesty of these islands. For two full weeks (inclusive of meals, wine for lunch and dinner, and shore excursions), our modern and comfortable vessel will be your home as you discover the magic that attracted Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdalh and Jacques Brel. Our Polynesian crew will introduce you to their culture and traditions with delight. And in each port, be part of the excitement of the cargo delivery. Aranui is not just a cruise. It truly is a powerful human experience. It reconnects everyone with the grandeur and magnificence of nature. It brings you to appreciate the little things in life. And get acquainted with communities where wifi and mobile phones do not matter. Join us for a unique voyage to the enchanting Marquesas Islands! Come with an open mind, and an open heart! And in islands where the "mana" (lifeforce) is so strong, you'll come back with new eyes and lots of incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

TRAVEL AND LEARN ... 🌎At Aranui, we believe that history and culture are at the heart of responsible travel. Each voyage...
28/01/2025

TRAVEL AND LEARN ... 🌎

At Aranui, we believe that history and culture are at the heart of responsible travel.

Each voyage brings the opportunity to learn from amazing guest lecturers, who share their deep knowledge of Polynesian traditions, history, and culture.

Our goal is to help you connect with the spirit of our islands and gain a richer understanding of our way of life. Because here, there’s so much more to discover beyond the beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons.

Travel with us, and let every journey be a chance to grow, connect, and truly experience the world. 🛳️

Photo credit : Lionel Gouverneur

WINDOW ON PARADISE ... 🏝️Step aboard and let Aranui be your window on paradise. From the moment we set sail, you’ll witn...
27/01/2025

WINDOW ON PARADISE ... 🏝️

Step aboard and let Aranui be your window on paradise. From the moment we set sail, you’ll witness breathtaking views of turquoise lagoons, rugged cliffs, and lush islands that feel like a dream brought to life.

Every stateroom offers a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur, whether it’s through a picture window, a porthole, or a private balcony.
Wake up to golden sunrises over the ocean and unwind with dazzling sunsets painting the sky in hues you’ll never forget.

Are you ready to open your window on paradise?

Photo credit : Rani Chaves

Comfortable Accommodations for Every Traveler 🛳️Aranui 5 offers a variety of passenger accommodations to suit every pref...
24/01/2025

Comfortable Accommodations for Every Traveler 🛳️

Aranui 5 offers a variety of passenger accommodations to suit every preference and budget:
• Premium Exterior Staterooms: Over 90% feature private balconies, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views in comfort and privacy.

• Standard Exterior Staterooms: Equipped with a picture window or porthole, these staterooms offer cozy comfort with views of the sea.

• Class C Dormitory-Style Cabins: Ideal for budget-conscious adventurers, these shared cabins accommodate four to eight passengers.
No matter your choice, every option is thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of the South Pacific.

Photo credit : Lionel Gouverneur

Welcome Aboard! 🛳️Aranui 5 is a one-of-a-kind, custom-built dual-purpose vessel that seamlessly combines the comforts of...
22/01/2025

Welcome Aboard! 🛳️

Aranui 5 is a one-of-a-kind, custom-built dual-purpose vessel that seamlessly combines the comforts of a modern cruise liner with the practicality of a working supply ship.

Designed for intimate voyages, this small vessel accommodates approximately 230 passengers in 103 well-appointed cabins.

With eight guest decks, Aranui 5’s interiors are thoughtfully designed to reflect the rich Polynesian heritage of its owners and crew.

Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including:
• Dining: A casual restaurant serving all meals onboard.
• Relaxation: Three bars, including the Sky Bar with stunning panoramic views, and an outdoor swimming pool.
• Enrichment: Two conference rooms hosting guest lectures on topics related to the Marquesas Islands and Polynesian culture and history.
• Wellness & Shopping: A boutique, spa, and gym for your convenience.
• Unique Experiences: The first tattoo studio at sea, offering a chance to carry Polynesian artistry with you forever.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Aranui 5 promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the South Pacific. 💛

Photo credit : Lionel Gouverneur

Disconnect to Reconnect ...We often hear from travelers about the spotty internet or lack of Wi-Fi in the islands we vis...
21/01/2025

Disconnect to Reconnect ...

We often hear from travelers about the spotty internet or lack of Wi-Fi in the islands we visit. And it’s true—the areas where we cruise are among the most remote places on Earth. 🌍

But isn’t that the magic of it?

Dear adventurers, when you step aboard, take it as an opportunity to escape the noise of daily life. Tune into the rhythm of the islands, the beauty of nature, and the warmth of the people. Let go of the urgency to post photos right away—it’s okay to wait.😉

No or slow Wi-Fi? It’s not a tragedy—it’s a chance to truly connect with the world around you. So, embrace the disconnection, and let it enrich your journey in ways you’ll never forget.

Photo credit: Vetea Liao

THE GREAT ESCAPE“Because of how hard it is to get there, you feel that the influence of the West isn’t as deep as elsewh...
20/01/2025

THE GREAT ESCAPE

“Because of how hard it is to get there, you feel that the influence of the West isn’t as deep as elsewhere, and people are more connected to one another and to nature.”

Discover journalist Jamie Ditaranto’s article on French Polynesia for World of Cruising: https://www.aranui.com/en/blog/world-of-cruising-great-escape-beyond-paradise

Photo credit : Vetea Liao

BEAUTY BEYOND IMAGINATION Every destination on our expeditions whispers stories of a time long past—echoes of history an...
17/01/2025

BEAUTY BEYOND IMAGINATION

Every destination on our expeditions whispers stories of a time long past—echoes of history and timeless lessons that remain unforgettable.

To share this world with you is an honor, because sharing isn’t just about places—it’s about connection, understanding, and care.

Come explore beauty that words cannot capture and create memories that will stay with you forever. ✨

Plan your expedition: https://www.aranui.com/en/destinations/

Photo credit: Filip Kulisev

16/01/2025

WANDERLUST ... 🌎

Team Wanderlust picked 20 new expedition cruises that put the adventure back into the high seas. The Austral Islands trip with the Aranui Cruises are listed!

ÂŤ At nearly 500km from Tahiti, it doesn't get much more remote than the Austral Islands, the southernmost tip of French Polynesia. What you'll find here is far-removed from most experiences in this vast region, with Aranui Cruises' Austral Islands trip departing Tahiti for an archipelago that sees few visitors.Âť

Explore the full list here: https://www.aranui.com/en/blog/wanderlust-20-incredible-expedition-cruises-to-book-now

And watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3j7FLeef1E

Beginnings…When there was nothing, Ta’aroa, the creator god, floated alone in the vast void. From this emptiness, he bro...
16/01/2025

Beginnings…

When there was nothing, Ta’aroa, the creator god, floated alone in the vast void. From this emptiness, he brought all things into being. From the palm of his hand, he conjured the rain, the storms, and the oceans.
Then, he shaped the earth’s foundations, gave form to the gods, and finally created mankind.

For the Polynesians, the ocean is everything. It reassures and sustains, offering life and abundance. Yet, it also commands fear and awe—its dark, raging waters can tear apart the land, breach protective reefs, or engulf low-lying atolls in fury. But what the ocean takes, it also gives.

In Polynesian tattooing, the ocean is inscribed on the skin of seafarers, marking their journeys across its vast, ever-moving waters aboard great twin-hulled canoes.

To the Polynesians, the ocean is more than a force of nature—it is a language. It is a connection, a living link.

Come experience islands and ocean with our expeditions.
https://www.aranui.com/en/destinations/

Photo credit : Filip Kulisev

New Year, New Adventures! 🎆2025 is the year to explore the stunning Marquesas Islands with Aranui Cruises.Embark on a jo...
14/01/2025

New Year, New Adventures! 🎆

2025 is the year to explore the stunning Marquesas Islands with Aranui Cruises.
Embark on a journey like no other, where culture meets nature in the heart of the Pacific. ❤️
Book your adventure now and make this year unforgettable!

Photo credit : Filip Kulisev

DISCOVER THE ARANUI DIFFERENCE 🛳️-    Experience True Polynesian HospitalityOur staff and crew are predominantly Polynes...
13/01/2025

DISCOVER THE ARANUI DIFFERENCE 🛳️

-    Experience True Polynesian Hospitality
Our staff and crew are predominantly Polynesian, bringing you the authentic spirit of the islands through their passion, warmth, and dedication.

-    Sail on a Unique Freighter-Passenger Vessel
As a mixed freighter-passenger ship, the Aranui offers a front-row seat to the excitement of delivering essential goods at every port. For the locals, it’s like Christmas each time the Aranui arrives!

-    Enriching Guided Experiences
Our expert guides—fluent in English, French, Marquesan, and German—will bring each destination to life. These islands are their home, and they love sharing their knowledge and culture with you.

-    Support Remote Island Communities
By traveling with us, you contribute to the lives of families living on the islands far from Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Your journey helps sustain communities often overlooked due to their distance and isolation.

-    An Unforgettable Journey
Our expeditions touch the heart and soul, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than a trip; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Come aboard and discover the Aranui way. ✨
Visit our website for more information: https://www.aranui.com/en/

Photo credit: Filip Kulisev

DISCOVER THE ARANUI DIFFERENCE 🛳️- Experience True Polynesian HospitalityOur staff and crew are predominantly Polynesian...
13/01/2025

DISCOVER THE ARANUI DIFFERENCE 🛳️

- Experience True Polynesian Hospitality
Our staff and crew are predominantly Polynesian, bringing you the authentic spirit of the islands through their passion, warmth, and dedication.

- Sail on a Unique Freighter-Passenger Vessel
As a mixed freighter-passenger ship, the Aranui offers a front-row seat to the excitement of delivering essential goods at every port. For the locals, it’s like Christmas each time the Aranui arrives!

- Enriching Guided Experiences
Our expert guides—fluent in English, French, Marquesan, and German—will bring each destination to life. These islands are their home, and they love sharing their knowledge and culture with you.

- Support Remote Island Communities
By traveling with us, you contribute to the lives of families living on the islands far from Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Your journey helps sustain communities often overlooked due to their distance and isolation.

- An Unforgettable Journey
Our expeditions touch the heart and soul, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than a trip; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Come aboard and discover the Aranui way. ✨
Visit our website for more information: https://www.aranui.com/en/

Photo credit: Filip Kulisev

IT'S STILL THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ARANUI. 🥳Our special offers for 2026 are still on… so now is the time!Turn your dream...
08/01/2025

IT'S STILL THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ARANUI. 🥳

Our special offers for 2026 are still on… so now is the time!

Turn your dream vacation into reality and answer the call of the Marquesas, the pristine Tuamotu or the mysterious Austral islands. 🏝️

Explore our itineraries and offers here:
https://www.aranui.com/en/special-offers/

Photo credit: Filip Kulisev

ARANUI 5 GOES INTO CHECK-UP MODEIt’s that time again—Aranui 5 is heading into dry dock for her routine check-up! Our ves...
07/01/2025

ARANUI 5 GOES INTO CHECK-UP MODE

It’s that time again—Aranui 5 is heading into dry dock for her routine check-up! Our vessel will undergo maintenance and care to ensure she’s in top shape for more unforgettable adventures. ❤️‍🩹🛳️
But don’t worry! She’ll be back, bright and refreshed, ready to set sail again in February.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for even more journeys through the stunning South Pacific! ✨

Photo credit: Vetea Liao

IA ORA NA I TE MATAHITI API! Happy New Year from Aranui Cruises! 🎊🎉
As we sail into 2025, we’re grateful for all the inc...
06/01/2025

IA ORA NA I TE MATAHITI API!
 
Happy New Year from Aranui Cruises! 🎊🎉

As we sail into 2025, we’re grateful for all the incredible memories we’ve created together this past year.
 
Here’s to new adventures, breathtaking destinations, and unforgettable moments in paradise. 💛
 
Where will the tides take you this year? Comment your dream Aranui destination below! 🛳️
 
Photo credit: Lionel Gouverneur

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Our Story

With an emphasis on soft adventure, history and heritage, the Aranui 5 voyage is an unparalleled cultural immersion experience featuring onboard and offshore experiences such as breathtaking hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites and small museums, encounters with local inhabitants, a visit to French artist Paul Gauguin’s grave, snorkeling in the translucent waters of the atolls, on-island picnics and restaurant lunches, a visit to a pearl farm and more.

The 254-passenger ship offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations specially designed with added space for passengers’ comfort and pleasure. Travelers booking a stay aboard the Aranui 5 can choose from eight different cabin categories – Presidential Suite, Royal Suite, Premium Suite, Junior Suite (with or without a balcony), Superior Deluxe, Deluxe, Stateroom and Class C – each providing diverse room configurations.

Public areas on the Aranui 5 include a reception area, casual restaurant, four bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views, two conference rooms, two lounges, library, boutique, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and spa. The ship also features air conditioning in all passenger areas and indoor public spaces as well as two elevators onboard.