The year 2024 marks the company's 40th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Aranui Cruises unveils a magnificent video hat tells the story of the company and the Marquesas Islands.  Click here   to discover this never-before-seen documentary.

For 40 years, our ships have been taking avid adventurers on one of the most fascinating voyages anywhere on the planet. Aranui 5, the crown jewel in our pursuit of the ultimate passenger-freighter, will take you to far-flung corners of French Polynesia where we resupply tiny communities living far from civilisation. Home to unspoiled beauty, warm and hospitable people and a vibrant culture, the Marquesas are ancient and majestic islands.

During our 12-day cruise to the Marquesas, we provide all your meals and scheduled excursions, and our modern and comfortable vessel will be your home as you discover the magic that attracted Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel to this remote region. Our gracious staff and crew, many of whom have been with us for many years and are from the islands we visit, will welcome you as family and delight in introducing you to their centuries-old customs. They join our knowledgeable, multilingual lecturers and guides in sharing the French Polynesian culture with you as you explore these captivating islands.

Accommodating just 230 passengers, Aranui 5 offers the same relaxed and friendly atmosphere as her predecessors. Meet new friends at the bar, and relax on the deck, or by the pool as the islands float by. If you seek privacy, retreat to your balcony in a suite or deluxe stateroom. Every evening presents a new opportunity to watch the infinite colours of the sunset dance in the sky and reflect in the sea as another day draws to a close in the South Pacific. After a three-course dinner, the lively Aranui Band will introduce you to Polynesian rhythms and teach you to swivel your hips to the infectious beat of the Tamure.

CRUISE IN THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS

Come and explore  the enchanting Marquesas Islands  on the trip of a lifetime.

Mythical and mystical. A land that has beckoned explorers and inspired writers, painters and artists. A rugged and breath-taking landscape of peaks, valleys, plateaus, and cliffs. A nation of proud and formidable warriors long ago, distinct from Tahitians, with their own language and culture. A people where a simple smile will win them over. The Marquesas Islands is a world unto itself.

Located 1,500 km northeast of Tahiti, the  Marquesas archipel  ago consists of 12 islands, only 6 of which are inhabited.  The Marquesas Islands emerge from the Pacific Ocean, high and lush. Nature is raw and its charm powerful. It is a land of stories and legends, as fascinating as it is unforgettable. Welcome to the Marquesas, the “Land of Men”.

Henua Enana  should be the name one retains of the Marquesas. Each island of the archipelago is one of the foundation pillars of a divine house, built for mankind by Oatea and his wife Atanua.

The two large pillars are represented by the island of  Ua Pou; the ridge beam by  Hiva Oa; the other beams and rafters by  Nuku Hiva ; Fatu Hiva, representing the roof; and Tahuata the light at dawn; Mohotani, the song of a bird; and all the remains from the construction became the island of Ua Huka. After the era of the gods came the era of men. However, Spanish prowess, having launched its galleons all over the world as early as the 15th century, decided otherwise. Thus the name Marquesas was given by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana in 1595, while the four southern islands, observed or explored by sailors from the Spanish expedition, were given the names of saints: Santa Magdalena (Fatu Hiva), Santa Dominica (Hiva Oa), Santa Cristina (Tahuata) and San Pedro (the black rock of Mohotani). The Northern ones were given the honour by an American Joseph Ingraham, , in 1791, who renamed them: Ua Huka became Federal; Nuku Hiva, Washington and Ua Pou, Adams Island.

Posterity soon forgot those names which  the Marquesans  had always ignored. Meanwhile the Frenchman Etienne Marchand took possession of the archipelago in the name of France and its new regime. These now became the islands of the revolution. History takes a passing delight in these titbits, although only the name ‘Marquesas’ remains. From this administrative denomination, poetry took hold and finally we, the islanders, loved the gentleness of its name. But for you, visitors who wish to feel the history and emotional power of the Marquesas, remember this: these islands at the end of the world are called Henua Enana, the Land of Men.

THE ARANUI ATMOSPHERE: A POLYNESIAN CREW

From its inception to the present day, and through successive Aranui ships, the concept of   Aranui Polynesian Cruises  has remained the same: a traditional and authentic Polynesian offering by Polynesians for the benefit of Polynesia. In that spirit, nearly all the staff and crew are Polynesian, hailing from islands across the five archipelagos. It is their insider’s perspective and how openly they introduce their home to the outside world that creates an atmosphere unlike any other cruise line sailing these waters. Whether in the public spaces, at special dinner events, as part of the onboard entertainment or assisting you from ship to shore on our tenders, you will become well acquainted with our lively and talented crew members. Though some can be a little shy at first, once you strike up a conversation, you will discover why they are an integral part of the Aranui experience.

ENJOY EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR OUR MOST LOYAL PASSENGERS!

Bronze

Complete one voyage and become a Bronze Member

• Discount on the next cruise - 5%
• Discount on all onboard expenses - 20%
• Welcome cocktail with the members of the Tiki Club

Silver

Complete two voyages and become a Silver Member

• Discount on the next cruise - 7.5%
• Discount on all onboard expenses - 30%
• Modification without fees
• Wifi credit
• Welcome cocktail with the members of the Tiki Club

Gold

Complete three voyages and become a Gold Member

• Discount on the next cruise - 10%
• Discount on all onboard expenses - 40%
• Modification without fees
• Wifi credit
• Upgrade on board
• Welcome cocktail with the members of the Tiki Club

Pearl

Complete four voyages and become a Pearl Member

• Discount on the next cruise - 12.5%
• Discount on all onboard expenses - 50%
• Modification without fees
• Wifi credit
• Upgrade on board
• Welcome cocktail with the members of the Tiki Club

To see all benefits, click here to open up our Loyalty Program Chart

Terms & Conditions

The loyalty program is available to any adult guest 18 year or older. It is applicable to the guest whatever its mode of reservation, directly with the company or via its travel agency. The benefits and status are acquired upon confirmation of the reservation, unless it is cancelled prior to departure, and may be modified without notice. Free-of-charge or cancelled cruises are not taken into consideration when calculating loyalty status. Proof of previous sailings on a Aranui ship may be required.

• The Program is applicable on all departures from 2025 onwords
• The discount on your next cruise will apply to the base fare, and excludes taxes, personal expenses and transfers. This discount cannot be combined with any other discount except the “Early bird” discount.
• The discount for all onboard expenses may be used towards any purchases onboard the Aranui 5 at the Bars, Restaurants, Aranui articles at the Boutique, except jewelry, optional excursions and promotions made onboard.
• A Wifi credit of 1 Gb will be offered.
• Upgrade onboard will be provided to a higher cabin category depending on availability up to 48 hours after boarding.
• A member of the Tiki Club, the beneficiary agrees to receive newsletters and news from Aranui by email.