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South Pacific Aranui 3-new reviews?


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  • 2 months later...

We cruised the Aranui 3 years ago. Although not super recent, I doubt the experience would be significantly different unless the owners segregated the Germans and French to separate cruising dates.

 

I found the atmosphere totally WWII mentality with pushing and shoving between the two groups in any group venue. This was not my idea of a carefree cruise. One might read the more than candid book account written by a former passenger that is given out ( why, I don't know) when booking. It is absolutely shocking and had we known the details we would never have booked the cruise. I no longer have this book, otherwise I would give the title, etc.

 

The standard cruises of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc. are infinitely better; beautiful beaches, good swimming--things lacking on the Marquesas cruise.

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The name of the book is Manuiota'a and was written by Robert C. Suggs and Burgl Lichtenstein. The book was published in 2001 and documents a 1999 cruise on the Aranui 2. Manuiota'a is a fabulous book and provides both a well written account of the Aranui experience along with asides on the the natural and cultural history of the Marquesas and Tuamotus. My wife and I sailed on the Aranui 2 in 1998 and the account in the book closely follows our experience. That is to say, the trip was truly magical in its quality. We have never had such an experience aboard any cruise ship. The islands and the experience was just awesome. While it is possible to get to these islands by air and stay in private pensions or a couple of very small (20 room) 5 star hotels, this couldn't possible replace the experience of traveling by freighter to all of these islands (there is no practical way to do this other than the Aranui), watching freight operations (ever seen a horse lifed a hundred feet in the air and swung on board deck or watched a brand new 4wd truck set on a couple of whale boats in heavy seas and brought in to shore on the surf?). Keep in mind that all the excursions are included in the fare (feasting on native foods in local restuarants, 4wd trips over mountain ranges, tours of archaeological sites, native dancers, museums, expert lecturers, etc.). Imagine landing at the dock on one of these remote islands and having all the native people come out to greet you (not just to stare but really welcome you)!

 

The Aranui experience is not like a regular cruise ship because the Aranuis is a freighter. If you were expecting something like a Princess cruise, you will be disappointed. There are no captain's nites or casinos or Las Vegas style entertainment venues. Instead, you will find adventure that is reminiscent of an earlier time where journeys were made on a tramp steamer in the South Pacific (albeit one that has been upgraded to include AC!). As for competition between the various nationalites, there is some (particularly between the French and the Americans). Yet again, we made some friends on the Aranui 2 that we still get together with today. We've gone back to French Polynesia with some and a big group of us went to the Caribbean together. There are real bonds that form between the passengers.

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  • 3 weeks later...
We cruised the Aranui 3 years ago. Although not super recent, I doubt the experience would be significantly different unless the owners segregated the Germans and French to separate cruising dates.

 

I found the atmosphere totally WWII mentality with pushing and shoving between the two groups in any group venue. This was not my idea of a carefree cruise. One might read the more than candid book account written by a former passenger that is given out ( why, I don't know) when booking. It is absolutely shocking and had we known the details we would never have booked the cruise. I no longer have this book, otherwise I would give the title, etc.

 

The standard cruises of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc. are infinitely better; beautiful beaches, good swimming--things lacking on the Marquesas cruise.

...and to rogerc

Thanks for some opionions.

Now that PG is separate from Regent and now has their own website www.pgcruises.com it looks like they have some appealing itineraries and as I understand from reading some other websites (which I cannot mention due to "rules") are offering some reasonable promos for 2010.

As to the German French "issues" -this is NOT the first I have read of the "situation". Although I could live with cruising on a freighter since this travel is all abut the ports & inclusive excursions - I am not sure I could tolerate the pushing & shoving as described on multiple sights - at least not when you're paying those relatively high fares. Aranui II to date has not published their 2010 itineraries to date - perhaps this is their usual practice v. the economy?? Having said that Cruise West another alternative to small ship for Polynesia also have not yet published their polynesia itineraries for 2010 - did speak with them this week and they advised me to check back in April/May this year. Still look forward to any recent return to see if the "environment" on-board has changed.

leah, RN:)

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  • 2 weeks later...

I took this cruise 2 years ago and it was fabulous. I have no idea what the French vs. German vs. U.S. shoving and pushing stuff is all about; I experienced none of that whatsoever. I would highly recommend this cruise - it has some (trite as it sounds) truly magical moments and most of the guests aboard were very interesting and well travelled. Of course, there are a couple of not so nice ones but they are easy to avoid. It's also a very good value as your only additional cost is liquor but wine is provided gratis and lunch & dinner; all excursions are included.

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I took this cruise 2 years ago and it was fabulous. I have no idea what the French vs. German vs. U.S. shoving and pushing stuff is all about; I experienced none of that whatsoever. I would highly recommend this cruise - it has some (trite as it sounds) truly magical moments and most of the guests aboard were very interesting and well travelled. Of course, there are a couple of not so nice ones but they are easy to avoid. It's also a very good value as your only additional cost is liquor but wine is provided gratis and lunch & dinner; all excursions are included.

Bill thanks for the update and more positive experience, this is encouraging.:)

leah, RN

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  • 2 months later...
  • 1 month later...

I just booked this vessel for the eclipse voyage in July, 2010.

 

The current price list follows. Some discounts/surcharges apply, as shown

on the schedule in the brochure - see http://www.aranui.com

======================================================

SUITE

* Cabin E,F,K,G $ 5,445.00 per person

* Cabin A,B,C,D,1,2,3,4 $ 5,198.00 per person

* Cabin J,H $ 4,830.00 per person

DELUXE $ 4,410.00 per person

STANDARD $ 3,675.00 per person

CLASS ‘C’ $ 2,079.00 per person

 

TAXES:

• Port $ 75.00 per person

• Cruise $ 105.00 per person

• Tourism

. Suite E,F,K,G $ 163.35 per person

. Suite A,B,C,D,1,2,3,4 $ 155.94 per person

. Suite J,H $ 144.90 per person

. Deluxe $ 132.30 per person

. Standard $ 110.25 per person

. Class “C” $ 105.00 per person

. Child $ 105.00 per person

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I just added the following to "Other Cruise Lines", when I remembered this Section:

 

I'd appreciate hearing comments from anyone who has cruised on Aranui 3 recently.

 

Did the on-board lecturer add to the experience?

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  • 1 year later...

I plan to sail on Aranui either Feb. or March, 2011 but I understand that's the rainy season and it rains almost every day. What have others heard?

I plan to travel in the dormatory "C" class. Has anyone tried it? I don't expect luxury. I'm used to backpacking type travel as long as there is some adventure. Can anyone comment on "C" class? Thanks!

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  • 4 weeks later...

I just got the brochure in the mail. I would like to go next summer. A travel agent told me that comparing this vessel to the Paul Gaugin was like comparing Motel 6 to a luxury hotel, and that made me like it more! The price for 14 days for a suite on the Aranui 3 is about the same as 7 days on the PG. I would like to see the Marquesas as well. I suspect that the dormatories would be best for single travellers, probably you would get to meet a few locals who live on the islands. I would like to hear from anyone who has made this trip in the past few years.

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You asked for it, so here it is - a bit long.

 

I sailed on the Aranui 2 and then on the Aranui 3.

 

Atmosphere:

The atmosphere was very relaxed. The liveliest table was occupied by a group of Kiwis. There were absolutely no animosities between the French and Germans or any other nationalities for that matter.

 

Free:

Wine, water, and excursions are included. The (French) doctor did not charge anything for treatments. He went out of his way to treat my husband who had caught an annoying cold virus and bacterial infection, probably on the plane.

 

Locals:

Locals were passengers on the ship. On the Aranui 2, they were separated from the tourists, but on the Aranui 3, they had booked cabins like everybody else.

 

Crew:

The crew mingled with the passengers at the bar.

 

The entire crew is Polynesian, either from the Society Islands (Tahiti) or from the Marquesas. Bernard (see below) was the only non Polynesian Frenchman but with the powerful physique of a Marquesan.

 

Passengers:

We made friends with passengers in a balcony cabin and with passengers in the dormitories. The dormitory passengers were used to Youth Hostel accommodations, brought along hiking boots, one of them was on a trip around the world.

 

Other passengers: We took the trip in summer, lots of teachers from France, its territories (Mayotte, Tahiti), Belgium, Germany, and the US.

 

Dress:

Leave your fancy cruise wear at home; shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, sandals, walking shoes are just fine. The waitresses wear colorful pareos, flowers and shell jewellery.

 

Information:

The ship provides a talk in the evening about the upcoming day in English, German and French and lectures about the history etc.

 

in English: a professor from a US University. Quality changes with whoever travels on the ship for that purpose.

in French: a Frenchman who lives on one of the Marquesas and a lovely Tahitian lady.

in German: Bernard, the trilingual 'cruise and hotel director' and the person who guides the hikes. Whoever speaks German lucks out because Bernard does a wonderful job. I tried all three lecturers for comparison purposes.

 

Marquesas:

The Marquesas are rugged islands of extraordinary beauty. If you speak French, sit next to one of the jeep drivers during the tours; preferably next to one of the woman drivers because they tell more about customs and family life than many of the men.

 

One French couple had vacationed on Fatu Hiva and joined the Aranui midtrip. This is the way to go if you want to have closer contact with the local population. I would prefer to do this on Ua Huka or on Nuku Hiva.

 

Freighter:

All of this said, the Aranui is a working freighter. If you want a more traditional cruise experience with pampering, by all means, book a trip with the Paul Gauguin.

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Thanks Floridiana for your good information. I have booked the July 16, 2011 (Voyage 10) sailing, and am looking forward to it, since it is something that I have wanted to do for many years. I am used to freighter travel as well as cruises, and can appreciate the benefits of each. I really don't need nightly shows and lavish meals to keep me happy. I was wondering about the dormatories. It looks like there are threre separate cabins on the starboard side of the restaurant deck. Are men and women separated? Does each of the rooms have their own bathrooms? How many people can be put in each of the rooms? That is in case one of our college age children wants to join us. Thanks, John

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I am gathering data for a South Seas cruise in 2012 and am seriously considering the Aranui 3. Sounds exciting! We've cruised Princess and Celebrity many times, so for the South Seas, we were looking for a different experience. This sounds like it! One question about the rainy season. When I looked at weather on line it indicated that Dec./Jan. had an average of 12.5" of rain per month vs. June and July having only an average of 1.68" per month. Simply based on that, it looked like June/July is the best travel time. Can any of you who have already traveled there give me some feedback on your weather experiences?

Thanks,

Judy and Dan from St. Louis

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  • 4 weeks later...

Sorry to respond so late, I am just back from a two week Princess cruise to the Caribbean - totally different clientele from the Aranui 3. Although the Princess passengers were well traveled, it was mostly on the same routes over and over again. Aranui passengers had been all over the world; they were more international and younger, too, and they did not try to sell me Fox News as the pinnacle of balanced reporting.

 

On the Aranui, the dormitories are not separated according to gender. If I remember correctly, they have individual curtains to close off the bunk beds. The bathroom has individal shower stalls with a door or a curtain, don't remember which.

 

A fit college age kid might want to participate in the more strenuous hikes. Passengers who did so brought good sneakers or hiking boots. There were two wet embarkations on beaches, bring water shoes or sandals.

 

We were there in July and August, no rain at all and calm seas. I have no experience with rainy season weather. Supposedly, the Marquesas have no distinct rainy and dry season, but the Society Islands do. If you have a choice, go in the dry season.

 

Enjoy this unusual trip!

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I investigated it several yrs. ago. The negative to me at that time were the possiblity of shorter times in port. Their main job is deliveries of goods. It at that time was not that cheap either. Have prices come down? Prices on PG and Royal/ Ocean Princess sure have. Take a look at excellent Tahiti web site, Tahitiexplorer.com.

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I've booked on the Aranui for the August 6, 2011 departure.

 

Have done the "big ship, stage show, art selling" cruises and want something unique as to area and destination.

 

Looked around a lot and found this type of cruise several years ago and put it on the back burner.

 

It recently bubbled up to the top.

 

It should be a real experience and one to remember.

 

Anyone else around who plans to be on board?

 

Jim

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Jim, That's how I feel about cruising. Floridiana, your information makes me feel good about our decision to make a voyage. Jim, It's too bad the ship spends a week in port between voyages, or we could have met. You are on Voyage 11, and I am on Voyage 10. It seems like too few Cruise Critic members have an interest in this type of cruising to have a roll call like the cruise ships do, but it would be nice to know some of your fellow passengers in advance. As a youngster my parents took me on freighter-passenger trips of about a week on the SS Kenora on Lake Winnipeg, the Norgoma on Lake Huron, the North Gaspe on the lower St.Lawrence, and I loved those trips so much I have spent the rest of my life sailing, mostly on freighters. My story is on http://www.captainmcd.com.

 

John

 

 

I've booked on the Aranui for the August 6, 2011 departure.

 

Have done the "big ship, stage show, art selling" cruises and want something unique as to area and destination.

 

Looked around a lot and found this type of cruise several years ago and put it on the back burner.

 

It recently bubbled up to the top.

 

It should be a real experience and one to remember.

 

Anyone else around who plans to be on board?

 

Jim

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Hi John:

 

I do wish we could have met next summer on the dock as you were leaving the ship and I was boarding.

 

You have a lot of information on your website which I'll have to get back to in the coming days.

 

I grew up just a few miles west of you in a little steel town with 3 rivers surrounding it. <G>

 

Are you going to be staying pre and post cruise at one of the hotels on Tahiti? I am probably going to do that but haven't committed to it yet.

 

If you have booked a hotel and have any first hand information about it, I'd love to hear about it.

 

As to the Aranui, I booked cabin G for the size and balcony. I'm a solo traveler so I'll have lots of room to spare.

 

In that I'm kind of a "meat and potatoes" guy, I hope there is enough of that kind of food aboard although cooked seafood is good for me also.

 

I'm surprised that after spending your work life on the sea, you now vacation on the sea.

 

I worked in the airline business and have seen much of the world from 40,000 feet and now I want to see it from 40 feet.

 

I'm looking forward to this adventure but it's a long time away.

 

Jim

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Thanks Jim, we are booked in suite E, on the deck above! We will fly into PPT arriving there on July 14th at 5 A.M. and leave on July 30 at 11 P.M. I will book a room at Fare Suisse Tahiti based on the tripadvisor information for the two nights before and the night after the cruise. It was my plan to book a Paul Gaugin cruise to either before or after the Aranui to see more of the Society and maybe the Cook Islands, but we just didn't have the time.

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  • 1 month later...

Does anyone have photos of the Class C dormitories? The Aranui website and their glossy mailed brochure do not have any pictures of the dorm areas.

 

We have lots of experience staying in hostels in the USA and Scandinavia, but still would like to see some pictures and get some more feedback from those who have done the dorm option on this ship.

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Hi All and especially Jim & John,

We see you are too are to sail on Aranui prior to DH and I.

We are booked for NOV 19, 2011 and of course conducting obsessive research. We look forward to your trip reports upon your return, it would be great if you could post on both CC and Trip Advisor as there are limited reviews available on this unique experience and itinerary. We, like many posters on this thread have been there done that with the usual mass market & luxury lines and we are proably better called, "adventurous, low key nature/ cultural hungry, not gonna get me in a tux or tie" travelors. For us its all about the itinerary NOT the cruise ship experience (casinos, shopping malls, a million dining choices, etc) if I wanted that I'd go Vegas or a cruise to nowhere.:D

We were originally booked on the 18 Day Cruise West Papeete - Fiji voyage for November 2011, but as many of you may have read by now Cruise West (CW) went out of business in March 2010. We were fortunate, more fortunate than many who paid their cruise in full by check who were unable to get a refund of any type. We are happy to report & kudos to Master Card (AA advantage) that following the apealed claims proces we received a full refund o of our cc deposit to CW. We look forward to the lectures and onboard naturalists and that's why CW and Aranui appealed to us.

Anyway, we'll begin reviewing captainmcd's webpage for some history there and we'll keep our eye out for any new research or review we find and post it to CC (on the Freighter Board ) as it becomes available.

 

Regards,

Leah, RN & the Doc

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[Anyway, we'll begin reviewing captainmcd's webpage for some history there and we'll keep our eye out for any new research or review we find and post it to CC (on the Freighter Board ) as it becomes available.

 

Regards,

Leah, RN & the Doc

Found a ton of images and narrative form this site , albeit the narrative may be dated. There are a lot of fotos of the various cabin categories for those who searching.

 

http://cruises.about.com/cs/frenchpolynesia/a/aranui_pics.htm

 

Take Care, Leah

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Hi Leah:

 

Thanks for the link to the pictures.

 

I've also got a ton of "stuff" on the Aranui but didn't have that one.

 

Would post links to things but don't know how to do that.

 

I've booked pre and post at the Hotel Tahiti Nui which is right downtown near the dock area, it's a new (2008) hotel and I like to be able to walk around and see what's there instead of lying by a pool at a resort 8 miles from town. <G>

 

Are you going to stay in Tahiti pre and post also?

 

What part of the world do you live in? I'm in Kansas City, MO.

 

In that the temp here last night was -5, I'm ready to be in the South Pacific.

 

Jim

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