Aranui Cruises celebrates its 40th anniversary

Aranui Cruises, the original cruise company in French Polynesia that started as a freight line, marks its 40th anniversary with a limited-time birthday cruise from 16-27 November.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Aranui Cruises.

They offer a dazzling Polynesian night at Nuku Hiva complete with a Marquesan show, fireworks, a local feast and official ceremony including partners and mayors from the Marquesas Islands. Guests on the birthday cruise will also receive unique souvenirs, enjoy special entertainment from local bands, and will all go in the draw to win a free cruise.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the Aranui 5.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 – Departure from Tahiti
Embark aboard the Aranui 5 between 7am-9am with a departure to the Tuamotu archipelago at around 12pm.
Day 2 – Explore Fakarava
Disembark at the Rotoava pier and discover the small village, the church built out of coral, and a local handicraft display. Relax at the beach, go snorkeling among tropical fish, and optional activities such as biking and certified diving. Have lunch back on board and depart for the Marquesas Islands.
Have delicious meals aboard the ship.
Day 3 – Sail to the Marquesas Islands
Spend a day aboard and enjoy the Pool Deck or the air-conditioned lounge. Guests can attend lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas Islands and get the opportunity to learn how to dance like a true Tahitian.
Day 4 – Explore Taiohae
After breakfast, disembark for the excursion to the Taiohae Cathedral, visit the market to buy handicrafts, and head to the archaeological site of Tohua Kamuihei. Have some traditional cuisine for lunch and visit the museum in the small village of Hatiheu.
Shake your hips like a true Tahitian.
Day 5 – Explore Ua Pou (Hakahau)
See the unique mountain spires of Ua Pou from the ship’s decks before exploring the picturesque village of Hakahau. Meet the island’s talented carvers and artists and climb to the Cross for even more breathtaking views.
Day 6 – Explore Ua Huka
Head to the small museum with replicas of Marquesan art with a guide then continue on a 4×4 to explore the island. Lunch is served at a local restaurant then return to the boat to sail along the coast for even more great views.
Visit beautiful island on this multi-day excursion.
Day 7 – Tahuata (Vaitahu) – Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Visit the small bay of Tahuata, the site of the first French colony in the Marquesas. See the large church built by the Vatican, decorated with beautiful Marquesan sculptures and stained-glass windows. Have lunch back on board and head to Hiva Oa. Spend time exploring Atuona, the second largest village in the Marquesas.
Day 8 – Explore Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)
Visit the village and watch women demonstrate how to make tapa by crushing the bark from mulberry, banyan, or breadfruit trees. Guests can opt for a 10-mile hike with a picnic lunch at the mountain top or sail aboard the Aranui to Hanavavae of the Bay of Virgins.
Relax on board and participate on various lectures and activities.
Day 9 – Sail back from the Marquesas archipelago
Recover from the activities back aboard the ship and attend conferences and activities throughout the day.
Day 10 – Rangiroa or Makatea
(Rangiroa) Watch from the open decks as the ship enters the largest atoll in French Polynesia. There will be glass bottom boats and scuba diving excursions available. You can also relax at Rangiroa’s white sand beach and translucent lagoon. Depart at lunchtime and sail to the island of Bora Bora (Makatea). Visit the remains of Makatea’s past and the phosphate exploitation. Disembark by tender at the Temao pier and begin a journey across the atoll on foot or by car to visit sacred caves and have a picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.
See the beauty of the Marquesas on this multi-day cruise.
Day 11 – Explore Bora Bora
Enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters. Choose from a variety of optional excursions at an additional cost before departing for Papeete in the evening.
Day 12 – Return to Tahiti (Papeete)
Aside from this, guests who cruise on mixed freight and passenger vessel Aranui 5 will take part in birthday celebrations during every Polynesian Night and receive limited edition gifts.

Aranui Cruises worked with Australian-based filmmaker Guido Pezzimenti to create a short film which captures the spirit of the people who call the islands home to mark this occasion.

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Aranui Cruises celebrates its 40th anniversary