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Aranui 5 Enroute to Tahiti for Maiden Voyage


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Aranui is adding two additional voyages in 2017. Bookings must be strong. Here is the partial text of the PR:

 

"The Aranui 5 passenger-freighter ship is increasing its scheduled departures for 2017 with two additional voyages to accommodate traveler demand, according to a press release.*

 

The 254-passenger Aranui 5 sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 14-day all-inclusive itinerary.

 

"We have increased the number of voyages for the Aranui 5 in 2017 due to incremental interest since its launch in December 2015. Guests can now choose from 19 expeditions to some of the most remote islands in the world," said Eric Wong, Executive Vice President for Aranui.

 

The Aranui 5 serves as a lifeline to the inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands, bringing supplies to each principal village and several remote valleys each voyage."

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  • 2 months later...

We did have a great time AnnZ8.

 

Our first stop at Takapoto we had rainy weather. I'm sure it would have been a whole different day in sunshine. We had a few showers here and there throughout the cruise but generally great weather.

 

The Marquesas landscape is just so different. Jagged cliffs, tropical gardens, dry desolate hills. The people are beautiful and friendly. Most know a small amount of English. There were a few opportunities to purchased their hand made crafts.

My favourite island would be Fatu Hiva.

 

On Bora Bora I would recommend the motorised canoe. Takes you on an around the island tour with a few swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Lots of fish, sharks and sting rays to see. The colours of Bora Bora are amazing.

 

The best night of the cruise was the Polynesian night on pool deck. The buffet was by far the best food all cruise. The selection of dessert were absolutely delicious. The dance performance by the local troupe and the staff was fantastic. Passengers could join in.

For a bit of fun take the dance lessons or singing lessons on board.

 

Generally the food was ok but a little repetitive and for lunch I longed for a sandwich rather than 3 courses. Sitting with different people at dinner was interesting. Everyone has a story.

 

2/3rd of the cruise would have been English speaking, majority being Aussies.

Average age on this cruise would have been 65/70 and above. Probably as its not cheap!

 

There was a bit of waiting around at times for the freighting to complete and for our barges, so take you patience with you and you'll have a great time.

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  • 4 weeks later...

For anyone considering the Aranui 5 as a trip, it is an incredible experience. If you don't need a casino or staged entertainment similar to what is found on large ships, then this small ship cruise is a great option. What you will get instead is a local experience where you will be hosted by a crew that is Polynesian and where you will have an opportunity to actually meet the local people and come to know their history, culture and traditions.

I loved visiting the little villages and watching as they took their cargo and then loaded their copra and other fruits onto the barges for export back to Papeete. If considering taking this trip then its helpful to read through the 60+ frequently asked questions posted at: http://aranui.ca/itinerary/frequently-asked-questions Also if you are looking for pre/post cruise options, check out http://farandawayadventures.com which not only has hotels and transfers but also island activities you can prearrange.

 

Normand

Tahiti Specialist

Edited by FamilyAdventuring
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