Tahitian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises has slashed 20 per cent off Austral Islands cruises for 2025 and 2026 when booked by 11 August 2025.
Cruises are now priced from $7,009, a savings of more than $1,600 and are available on 13-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete departing 1 November 2025, and 14 February, 28 March, 12 September and 24 October 2026.
The special voyage on Aranui 5 visits all five inhabited Austral Islands in the south of French Polynesia – Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, ‘Bora Bora of the south’ Raivavae, and Rapa Iti – with calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora in the Society Islands on the return leg.
At present, Aranui offers the only way to visit all five islands as Rapa Iti is only accessible by sea and Aranui 5 is currently the only local cruise ship permitted to call there.
“Like the Society Islands of yesteryear, the Austral Islands boast soaring mountains, pristine beaches, hidden caves, intense blue lagoons, unique local produce and picturesque villages, plus a colourful history including a link to the Bounty mutineers,” Aranui Cruises Australian representative, Laurent Wong, said. “It’s an exciting new corner of the Pacific to discover.”
With local crew, cuisine and culture, Aranui 5 is the most authentic way to explore French Polynesia. An Aranui 5 cruise includes more than $2,000 worth of shore excursions such as hikes, visits to archaeological sites and local feasts, a weekly laundry service, three meals per day and complimentary French wine with onboard lunches and dinners.
Aranui 5 features a restaurant, conference rooms, lounges, a library, a boutique, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, the first tattoo studio at sea and bars including the panoramic Sky bar and popular Veranda bar.
