Country
French Polynesia
Duration
14 Days/13 Nights
Travel Type
Cruise
About a three hour flight from the Society Islands and the Tuamotu Atolls, the Marquesas, or Henua Enata meaning “Land of Men”, are seemingly lost at the end of the earth. Even now, some of the islands are virtually untouched since the era of European exploration. Their isolation has created an immense pride among the people and a fascinating culture. The language is unique to Tahiti, as the lilting Marquesan dialect is traced directly to the ancient Polynesian tongue of Maohi.
Natural wonders abound as 1000-foot waterfalls cascade down sheer volcanic cliffs, and towering mountains disappear into the clouds.
A Polynesian legend tells that the gods created the Marquesas Islands to be the roof of French Polynesia. On the Aranui’ voyages, we take travelers to the heart of Polynesian culture and traditions, to islands that have remained untouched and where time seems to have stopped. It is the journey of a lifetime.
Inclusions
Meet/greet and transfer to your hotel with early check-in on arrival
2 nights in Papeete at the Tahiti Nui Hotel 3* or similar in a Mountain View Room
Transfer from hotel to the cruise ship terminal
11-night cruise aboard the Aranui in a regular standard stateroom including all the meals with complimentary wine (1 bottle for every 4 guests)
Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
Group transfers during the cruise
Guided excursions
Shore excursions including meals (a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant will be provided)
Port taxes
Transfer from the cruise ship terminal to your hotel
Exclusions
International airfare – optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding, fishing and helicopter tours – beverages – gratuities to hotel personnel and guides – city tax in Papeete
1
DAY 1 TAHITI
After collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel for your overnight accommodation.
Accommodation : Tahiti Nui Hotel (or similar)
2
DAY 2 TAHITI - PAPEETE
Afternoon transfer to the Aranui for check-in starting at 7:00 AM. Depart from Papeete in the morning, receive a warm welcome onboard from our crew and sail to the Tuamotu archipelago.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Standard Regular Cabin
3
DAY 3 TAHITI – MAKATEA (January-August) or MATAIVA (Sept-Dec.)
Surrounded by spectacular cliffs, rising 260 feet above sea level, this second largest raised atoll in French Polynesia is a sharp contrast from the typical low-lying corral-reef formation with a lagoon in the middle. It is also the only atoll in the Tuamotu with potable water which comes from its underground caves. Once a thriving island due to phosphate mining in the first half of the 20th century, it was mostly abandoned with only a few families remaining to keep watch. Today, the fewer than 100 inhabitants live from the culture of copra, fishing and the trade of coconut crabs.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
DAY 4 AT SEA
There are many ways to while away a day at sea on Aranui 5 from immersing in the Polynesian culture during workshops on weaving, dancing, cooking, wrapping a pareo, playing the ukulele, language, and even ‘tatau’ or relax on deck, in one of the bars, attend a lecture, browse the boutique, work out in the gym, be pampered In Aranui’s Polynesian spa, take a dip in the pool or just gaze out at the sea. When we arrive in the waters of the Marquesas, you will have to set your watches forward by half an hour.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
DAY 5 UA POU (Hakahau)
Legend refers to Ua Pou as the “pillars of the archipelago” and it is often called “The Cathedral Island”. These names become clear as the ship docks at Hakahau Bay surrounded by 12 basalt summits soaring as high as 1100 metres. Every island has its own special ambience and Ua Pou’s is one of mystery and magic. You are sure to see familiar looking faces as many of our crew members are from here. Energetic early risers can hike up the hill to the Cross for breathtaking views of the valleys and village below. The artisans’ centre is a short stroll into town and the offerings include works featuring the unique flower stone and a variety of carvings and children’s clothes. Before enjoying a Marquesan lunch, take in an excellent dance show, including the Bird Dance, a traditional Ua Pou performance.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
DAY 6 NUKU HIVA (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)
This island is the administrative centre of the Marquesas. The village of Taiohae stretches along the beach, which is like a magnificent amphitheatre created by the successive eruptions of three concentric volcanoes and dominated by towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. In the small village, all of the government services and residences, the hospital, bank and schools, are close by. A lovely handicraft centre is located on the beach road. Your adventure in Nuku Hiva will include a tour of the Cathedral Notre Dame, famed for its stonework and wood sculptures. In Hatiheu, you will visit the archaeological site known as Tohua Kamuihei, where public festivities once took place. Here you will see the paepae, immense stone platforms on which houses were built, and huge boulders carved with enigmatic petroglyphs. Under a giant banyan tree, enjoy a performance of traditional songs and dances, including the “Pig Dance”, which originated in Nuku Hiva. For lunch, try a traditional “Umu”, a Marquesan specialty where food is cooked in an underground oven.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
DAY 7 UA HUKA (Vaipe’e/Hane/Hokatu)
This island, the least inhabited of the Marquesas, is largely arid and home to many wild horses, goats and pigs. It is also a refuge for two endemic birds: the pati’oti’o and the pihiti, which are only found here. In the early morning, the Aranui will execute a point-to-point 180-degree turn in the narrow mouth of Vaipaee’s Invisible Bay. With only metres to spare on either side, it is a skillful operation undertaken by the captain and the crew and is not to be missed. From the dock, travel by 4WD to the village of Hane. Along the way, you will stop to explore the Botanical Garden, the cultural centre Te Tumu, featuring a small museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan artifacts, and a petroglyph museum and local woodcarvers’ studios in the fishing village of Hokatu. Look for the unusual carved black and white coconuts. In Hane, where a Marquesan lunch will be served, visit the Marine Museum beforehand and in the afternoon, hike to view red tuff tikis overlooking the bay.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
DAY 8 HIVA OA (Atuona) – TAHUATA (Kokuu)
Atuona, principal village of Hiva Oa and the second largest in the Marquesas, was once the capital of this archipelago. Sweeping views of the harbour can be seen after a walk up the hill to the cemetery where Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel are buried. Explore the Gauguin Museum, a replica of his “House of Pleasure”, and the Brel Museum, which showcases his plane JoJo, which was often used for medical emergencies. After lunch onboard, enjoy a lazy afternoon on a beautiful white sand beach or take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
DAY 9 HIVA OA (Puamau) – TAHUATA (Vaitahu)
A morning drive by 4WD takes you to Puamau to visit the most important local archeological site for tikis in French Polynesia. Our guides will show you through the mysterious ruins at Mea’e Iipona and share stories of these haunting statues and an ancient civilisation. In the afternoon, you will visit the impressive church of Tahuata which was built by the Vatican and decorated with beautiful carvings and a stained glass window featuring the Marquesan cross. Though the smallest of the inhabited Marquesan islands, it is historically one of the richest. Tahuata has experienced it all — it was the first island in the archipelago to be discovered by Spanish explorers, who opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders in 1595, saw the arrival of missionaries in 1797 and then became the first French settlement in the Marquesas in 1842. The locals carve exquisite tikis, sea creatures, bracelets, necklaces and more from horse and cow bone, fossilised bone, tusks and pink helmet shell.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
DAY 10 FATU HIVA (Omoa – Hanavave)
Fatu Hiva is the most lush and remote island in the archipelago, and is also a centre of Marquesan crafts. In the village of Omoa, women will demonstrate the making of tapa by hammering mulberry, banyan or breadfruit bark on a log. It is then dried and painted with traditional designs. Another demonstration will show the making of the kumuhei, a bouquet used by the local women to perfume their hair. The adjacent craft centre offers tapa, carvings, hand-dyed pareo and some of the finest monoi coconut oil found in these islands. Following the visit of the village, active passengers may choose to hike from Omoa to Hanavave, a 16 km hike offering spectacular views of towering cliffs. A picnic lunch will be served at the summit. Non-hikers will sail on the Aranui to Hanavave’s Bay of Virgins, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Go ashore for a visit of the village and to welcome the hikers.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11
DAY 11 AT SEA
Enjoy a day at sea to relax by the pool and participate in one of the lectures or activities offered by our guides.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12
DAY 12 RANGIROA
Rangiroa or “huge sky” is the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. The seemingly endless blue lagoon attracts divers to snorkel, scuba or shoot the pass surrounded by fish of every size, colour and shape. Rangiroa is famous for its majestic manta rays. It is also home to stunning pearls in all shades and local artisans known for their fine shell jewellery. While in Rangiroa, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent lagoon on a glass bottom boat tour or swimming, snorkelling or diving. You can also visit one of the finest pearl farms in the Tuamotus to learn about these rare gems and see how they are grown.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13
DAY 13 TAHITI
After disembarking, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Tahiti Nui Hotel (or similar)
14
DAY 14 TAHITI
Your French Polynesian experience comes to a close today as you transfer to the airport for your flight home.
| Rates per person, in CA$, starting from, Double Occupancy | |||
| Departures 2023 |
|||
| January 20, February 3, March 3,17, 30, May 5, 19, June 2,16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25, September 22, October 20, November 3, 17, December 1st |
|||
| Class C (Dorm) | 5999 | ||
| Standard room | 9149 | ||
| Deluxe | 10799 | ||
| Superior deluxe | 11599 | ||
| Junior suite | 12179 | ||
| Premium suite | 12759 | ||
| Royal suite | 13899 | ||
| Presidential suite | 17339 | ||
| Single supplement | On request | ||
Deposit of 25% is required at time of confirmation to secure the cabin.
Rates for other itineraries are available.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.
ARANUI 5
Aranui 5 is a custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship designed to offer all of comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship. Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
With eight different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting; one lounge; two conference rooms, where guest lecturers will offer presentations on various topics related to Marquesas three bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views, an outdoor swimming-pool, a boutique, a spa, a gym and the first tattoo studio at sea.
Passenger accommodations range from Premium exterior staterooms, of which more than 90% have a private balcony; to standard exterior staterooms with a picture window or porthole; and Class C, shared dormitory style cabins with occupancy for four or eight people. Aranui 5’s registry is France and thus sails under French pavilion. As such, she operates under the strictest building and safety guidelines, including the requirements of international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and the French Coast Guard (CCS).
Ship Stats
Vessel particulars:
Flag: France
Length: 126 m. Breadth: 22 m. Draught: 5.2 m.
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Propellers: 2
Freight: 3000 tons
Capacity: 230 passengers – 103 cabins
Facilities:
1 dining room
1 spacious lounge and 2 conference rooms
3 bars including 1 panoramic bar (Skybar)
1 fitness room/gym
1 outdoor swimming-pool
1 shop, 1 library, 1 spa, 1 tattoo studio
2 elevators
Cabins and Suites:
38 Staterooms with porthole including 30 Double Staterooms of 11 sqm, 2 Single Staterooms and 6 Quadruple Staterooms.
28 Deluxe and Superior Deluxe from 13 to 14.5 sqm with a 4 sqm balcony. Capacity of two adults.
31 Suites from 18 to 22 sqm + balcony from 4 to 12 sqm (including 2 Junior Suites without balcony and 1 Junior Suite with balcony). Capacity for up to three adults.
1 Presidential Suite of 41 sqm with a 12 sqm balcony. Capacity for two to three adults.
Dormitories:
4 dormitories of 4 persons with porthole
1 dormitory of 8 persons with porthole
DOUBLE STATEROOM
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5, Lower Deck 2, Main Deck 3.
Area : 11 m²
Capacity : 2 people
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a porthole or a picture window, this exterior cabin offers, either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
QUADRUPLE STATEROOM
Cabin located on Lower Deck 2.
Area : 180 sq.ft (17 sq.m)
Capacity : 4 people
The four-passenger staterooms, with approximately 180 sq. ft. (17 sq.m), are equipped with a queen size bed and two single bunk beds. The published rate applies to the first two occupants of the cabin. The third and fourth occupants receive a 25% discount.
SINGLE STATEROOM
Cabin located on Lower Deck 2.
Area : 100 sq.ft (9 sq.m)
Capacity : 1 person
The Single Stateroom has 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
DOUBLE STATEROOM WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5.
Area : 120 sq.ft (11 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 adults
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a picture window with an obstructed view, this exterior cabin offers either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
DELUXE
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Sky Deck 9, Sun Deck 8.
Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 m²) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 m²) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
SUPERIOR DELUXE
Cabin located Sky Deck 9, Sun Deck 8.
Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
JUNIOR SUITE WITH BALCONY
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7.
With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a balcony of 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m), this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 adults
JUNIOR SUITE WITHOUT BALCONY
Cabin located on Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space, without balcony but with picture windows, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
PREMIUM SUITE
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
With approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
ROYAL SUITE
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Sun Deck 8, Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
ROYAL SUITE WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5.
With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe. In this category, the view of the windows is obstructed.Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
Cabin located on Sky Deck 9.
Area : 440 sq.ft (41 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Consisting of 3 individual rooms, approximately 440 sq. ft. (41 sq.m) of interior space and a 130 sq. ft. (12 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, refrigerator and safe.
Aranui Marquesas Adventure Cruise – Promotional flyer
Aranui Marquesas Adventure Cruise – Promotional flyer
