Aranui 5
Ship Overview
Operated by: Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime
Aranui 5 is a unique, custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 12-day all-inclusive cruise. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.
Redesigned and custom built with passenger comfort in mind, you will embark the Aranui 5 on a voyage of discovery following the paths of Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel. The Polynesian staff and crew will welcome you to these exotic, captivating islands they call home.
The Aranui 5 continues a relaxed, friendly tradition with space to meet new friends in the bars and lounge or while relaxing on the deck or by the pool, as the islands seem to float by. If you are looking for privacy or romance, retreat to your balcony in suites and deluxe staterooms. Watch the infinite colours of the sunset play in the sky and sea as another day draws to a close in the South Pacific.
After a three-course dinner, let the lively Aranui Band introduce you to Polynesian rhythms and teach you to swivel your hips to the infectious beat of the Tamure or the Tahitian Waltz.
Key Facts
Presidential Suite
SIZE:41m2 / 441sqftSLEEPS:3
Consisting of three individual rooms, 41 sqm. (440 sq. ft.) of interior space and a 12 sqm. private balcony, this exclusive suite offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a single sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, desk, two flat screen TVs, refrigerator and safe.
Royal Suite
SIZE:22m2 / 236sqftSLEEPS:3
Aranui 5's eight Royal Suites are a large 22 sqm. with with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony measuring 9.5 sqm. Royal Suites offer a bedroom with a king size bed and a sitting room with a single sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, wardrobe, flat screen TV, refrigerator and safe.
Premium Suite
SIZE:18m2 / 193sqftSLEEPS:3
Aranui 5's 21 Premium Suites are a spacious 18 sqm. with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.) and offer a bedroom with a king size bed and a sitting room with a single sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, wardrobe, desk, flat screenTV, refrigerator and safe.
Junior Suite
SIZE:18m2 / 193sqftSLEEPS:3
Located on the Veranda Deck, the two Junior Suites are 18 sqm. in size, with two non-opening windows. Junior Suites feature a separate sofa, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator. Note this room type does not feature a balcony.
Superior Deluxe
SIZE:14.50m2 / 156sqftSLEEPS:2
Superior Deluxe rooms offer 14.5 sqm. of interior space with glass sliding doors leading to a a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.) two armchairs, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator. Ask us about the handicapped accessible Superior Deluxe room located on the Main Deck.
Deluxe
SIZE:13m2 / 140sqftSLEEPS:2
Deluxe rooms offer 13 sqm. of interior space, with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.), two armchairs, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator.
Stateroom
SIZE:11m2 / 118sqftSLEEPS:2
Staterooms offer a compact 11 sqm. of living space with ocean views via a porthole (no balcony). Comforts include flat screen tv, safe and desk. Choose from locations on the Boat, Main or 2 decks.
Single Stateroom
SIZE:9m2 / 100sqftSLEEPS:1
Aranui 5's Single staterooms have 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
Class C
SIZE:12.50m2 / 134sqftSLEEPS:4
Ideally suited for those on a budget or single travellers who don't mind sharing, Class C offers dormitory style accommodation for up to four guests in bunk beds. A bathroom is shared between all four guests and other conveniences include a porthole, wardrobe and sitting area. Interconnecting Class C rooms are also available for larger groups.
Aranui 5’s restaurant offers the chance to taste the distinctive flavours of French Polynesia while getting to know fellow guests in a casual, communal setting. Three meals are served daily with the breakfast buffet boasting tropical fruit, pastries and a hot breakfast. Complimentary wine is served with lunch and dinner, which is always a three-course meal including crusty bread, salad, dessert and mains ranging from freshly caught Wahoo to local pork, New Zealand lamb to Chow Mein and even American spare ribs. During special Polynesian themed nights, a seafood barbeque is served on the pool deck. Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements are catered for.
The Aranui 5 voyage is as much about the experience of being on a cargo ship as the fascinating excursions ashore. There is nothing like watching the muscular Polynesian crew go about their daily tasks and witnessing the kaleidoscope of activity as the ship’s cranes swing into action unloading everything from sugar to cars, trucks and building materials, and loading fresh produce such as copra (dried coconut), citrus fruits, fish and noni juice to take back to Papeete. And because it is a working ship, methods of disembarking and embarking vary according to port access. At some islands the ship is able to tie up at the dock, while at others it has to drop anchor and ferry passengers and cargo ashore by barge. But this is all part of the adventure.
When you are tired of watching the cargo operations, there is a full program of activities including a series of lectures about the Marquesas and the part played by Europeans and Polynesians in shaping their history. There is also a range of Polynesian-themed classes at which you can pick up some new skills. Sign up for a ukulele or dance class and you may even find yourself performing alongside the crew members of the Aranui band after dinner! Or you might like to simply relax on one of the sundecks, take a dip in the pool, work out in the basic gym or indulge in a spa treatment. With four bars, a comfortable lounge and library, the ship never feels crowded.
The Aranui 5 has taken freighter cruising to a new level, offering more passenger space and facilities, a higher level of comfort and more balcony suites than its predecessor. All suites, staterooms and public areas are air-conditioned and there are two passenger lifts for easy access between decks. Accommodation includes 32 suites, ranging from the sprawling Presidential Suite to 8 Royal Suites, 21 Premium Suites and 2 Junior Suites.
A doctor travels on each voyage and the onboard infirmary is equipped to deal with most first-aid requests and emergencies. Guests can use the self-serve laundry and the onboard boutique has a wide range of books, souvenirs, toiletries, clothing, sweets and snacks.
Aranui 5 Expeditions
French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands
From AUD $5082.00 Per Person
DURATION:12 Days/ 11 Nights REGION:Australia, New Zealand & Pacific SHIP:Aranui 5
From Tahiti to the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia, this 12-day all-inclusive cruise aboard the "part freighter / part cruise ship" Aranui 5 is a trip for the bucket list!
Pitcairn Island & French Polynesia
From AUD $5705.00 Per Person
DURATION:11 Days/ 10 Nights REGION:Australia, New Zealand & Pacific SHIP:Aranui 5
SPECIAL OFFER | Second traveller SAVES 50% or no Single Supplement! | Join the Aranui 5 on an adventure of a lifetime from Tahiti to remote Pitcairn Island.
Austral Islands with Aranui
From AUD $5271.00 Per Person
DURATION:11 Days/ 10 Nights REGION:Australia, New Zealand & Pacific SHIP:Aranui 5
Located 600km south of Tahiti, the rarely-visited Australs are untouched and mysterious, where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons.