Aranui Pitcairn and Gambier – In the Footsteps of the Bounty Mutineers Cruise

Country

French Polynesia

Duration

11 Days/10 Nights

Travel Type

Cruise

This special cruise will head south to Pitcairn Island via the Gambier Islands. Following in the footsteps of the famous Bounty Mutineers, the Aranui 5 will take you to the most beautiful and unspoiled islands of the region, via three Polynesian archipelagos.

Inclusions

10-night accommodation in the selected cabin
29 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners with complimentary wine (1 bottle for every 4 guests) onboard
Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
Excursions as per itinerary
Group transfers during the cruise
Shore excursions, these include meals, a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant will be provided
English-speaking guide
Landing fees and port taxes

Exclusions

International or domestic airfare and airport taxes – Beverages – Gratuities to hotel personnel and guides – Tourist taxes in Papeete – Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding, fishing and helicopter tours (with supplement $)

DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM PAPEETE (Tahiti)

You will embark on the Aranui and you will be warmly welcomed by our Polynesian staff and settle in on the ship before the big trip to Anaa.

Meals : Dinner

Accommodation : Selected cabin for 10 nights

DAY 2 ANAA, TUAMOTU

A small atoll with less than 500 inhabitants, Anaa wrote its way into the history books as the birthplace of Tahiti’s royal family — the Pomare Dynasty. These days it’s best known for its luminous jade lagoon with green clouds above from the sun rays reflecting off the water and picturesque motus with no less than eleven little islands scattered around the atoll. Most of the population is involved in copra or fishing, leading to the island’s landmark sustainable fishing programme. Guests can explore the village of Tukuhora and try traditional javelin throwing and handicrafts. Look out for ‘feo’, giant fossilized blocks of coral which are characteristic of the atoll. The shallow clear lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an optional activity offered in Anaa.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 AMANU, TUAMOTU

Located 900km east of Tahiti, Amanu is an idyllic atoll with palm-fringed crystal-clear lagoons and a charming island village. During a visit to Ikitake, guests can see local handicrafts and explore the village’s old lighthouse, church and the 19th century building with walls made of coral stones that doubles as the town hall and a shelter during cyclones. Under a century-old tree known as “tau”, a buffet of local specialties will be served and a group of local singers and musicians will perform.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 AT SEA

Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the boat’s pool, to participate in one of our conferences or activities organized by our guides.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 MANGAREVA, GAMBIER

Mangareva is the largest island in the Gambier and its main village, Rikitea, is the chief town of the archipelago. The island has a large lagoon with striking blue and green hues and is also famous for its Tahitian black pearls, which are cultivated in the pristine waters around the island. Once the cradle of Catholicism in Polynesia, a visit to the renovated St Michael’s Catholic Church, where the altar is inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl shell, is a must.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 PITCAIRN

More than 200 years after the Bounty arrived, Aranui 5 will call at Pitcairn. The tale of the mutiny of His Majesty’s Armed Vessel Bounty is one of the best known in history. After the master’s Mate Fletcher Christian cast adrift Commander Lieutenant William Bligh in the ship’s boat, the mutineers sailed the Bounty back to Tahiti then onwards to the Austral Islands, eventually seeking refuge on an uninhabited island, secure from the outside world, Pitcairn. As part of their crew, they took with them six Polynesian men and twelve women, the beginnings of the current Pitcairn community. Upon their arrival on January 17, 1790, the crew found Pitcairn to be an inaccessible and uninhabited place with fertile and warm conditions. After removing their possessions and lugging everything up the aptly named Hill Of Difficulty, the Bounty was run ashore and set alight so that no trace of her would remain visible from the sea. A village was established on the lower plateau, situated above Bounty Bay, where the village of Adamstown still stands. Although he lived in this isolated sanctuary only a few years, Fletcher Christian is fondly remembered as the founder and first leader of modern-day Pitcairn.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 PITCAIRN

Home to just 50 people, Pitcairn is one of the most isolated islands in the world. During their visit, guests can immerse themselves in the living history and culture of the island, walking in the footsteps of the Bounty settlers from the landing at Bounty Bay to Adamstown; meeting the descendants of the mutineers at the curio market; visiting the grave of the last surviving mutineer John Adams; learning about an earlier Polynesian civilisation and viewing artefacts from the Bounty at the Museum.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 MANGAREVA, GAMBIER

Back at the Mangareva anchorage, a Mangarevan dance show, the “PE’I”, will welcome you on the Karorua pier. On foot or by truck, visit the strategic sites of the island. The Saint-Raphaël school is an educational development center (CED) which trains the children of Mangareva in the engraving on mother-of-pearl, giving them the opportunity to continue on at the trade center for the arts located in Tahiti. For the more adventurous, take a one-and-a-half-hour hike to the lookout and the kings’ tomb. Lunch will be served on board. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and swimming at the beach of Teauopapa.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 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

DAY 10 HIKUERU, TUAMOTU

Hikueru, a central Tuamotu atoll, was once a large natural pearl oyster reserve. But the 1903 cyclone wreaked considerable havoc, which Jacques London recounted in detail in “South Sea Tales”. The first pearl farm to produce high quality Tahitian pearls was established here in the 1960s. Today, the population depends on copra production. Passengers will be greeted by a local band at the marina with flower wreaths. Passengers will visit on foot or by truck, the village and the Saint-Michel church. It is the tallest church in the Tuamotu Islands. This building has been totally abandoned for the last ten years. Bicycle rental is available on the island. Listen carefully as the island’s legends are recounted by the locals. Lunch will be served on board as we sail back to the Society Archipelago.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11 TAHITI - DEPARTURE

This is the end of our journey. It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.

Meals : Breakfast

Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy	Cruise only
February 17 to 27, 2024	Cruise only
Class C (Dorm)	6679
Standard Stateroom	10299
Deluxe	12599
Superior Deluxe	13599
Junior Suite	14359
Premium Suite	14969
Royal Suite	16329
Presidential Suite	20649
Single supplement	On request

Note

Rates for other itineraries are available.
The Aranui will not be transporting freight during this voyage.
Deposit of 25% is required at time of confirmation to secure the cabin.

**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. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.

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.

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

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 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 Pitcairn and Gambier – In the Footsteps of the Bounty Mutineers Cruise – Promotional flyer