Located on the west coast of the island of Tahiti, Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and is the administrative hub for the five scattered islands in the archipelagos of French Polynesia (which has a nautical surface area the size of western Europe). Despite Papeete’s vast sphere of influence across the region of French …
Explore Atuona, a hidden gem in the heart of Hiva Oa. This unique village, a living museum, preserves and perpetuates the rich Marquesan culture. Here, the “paepae”, traditional dry-stone houses, are a living testimony to the craft expertise of the Marquesans of the past, and the ancient art of tatau (tattooing) is still very much …
The village of Atuona, cradle of the culture of the Marquesas Islands Read More »
Polynesia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its rich culture and tradition. One of Polynesia’s iconic cultural symbols is the tiki, a sculpture or statue found in many different styles on the various Polynesian islands. The tiki has a long and interesting history and still plays an important role in …
The Polynesian Tiki, a significant cultural symbol Read More »
Award winning journalist Chantal Cooke, from PASSION for the PLANET, joined one of our cruises to the Marquesas Islands in January 2023. Here are her tips to help you get the most from your trip. GENERAL TIPS: Phone/WiFi If you’d like to stay in touch with your family and friends, then you’ll need WiFi. Although …
Tips for Your Marquesas Islands Cruise by Chantal Cooke Read More »
In addition to the intangible memories of the sweet-smelling Tiare flower or the haunting sound of the ukelele there are numerous ways to remember a trip to French Polynesia. So be sure to leave plenty of room in your suitcase to pick up souvenirs and bring back some incredible Polynesian memories of a stay in …
What memories to bring back from your stay in Polynesia? Read More »
Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world, is located in the Tuamotu archipelago, and is definitely a dream destination. Thanks to the Aranui 5 cruise, travellers can discover this paradise island with its white sand beaches and multicoloured coral gardens. Its lagoon is an invitation to discover a …
Discover Rangiroa, a hidden gem of French Polynesia Read More »
A cruise is a comfortable sea voyage on a ship along fixed routes between different ports at attractive tourist destinations. In other words, it is a hotel on the move, with many amenities such as restaurants, evening entertainment and wellness. But the comfort of a cruise also lies in the fact that it is usually …
How much does a cruise cost: everything you need to know Read More »
A volcano set over one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora Bora is probably the most famous island in the Society Archipelago. More than Tahiti or any other island in French Polynesia, it is the source of the idyllic image that characterizes these islands. As a lover’s dream, it is the favourite …
Expedition cruises with Aranui offer adventure-seeking passengers a unique experience to discover the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia by the sea. The ship offers an authentic expedition to the mythical archipelago of the Marquesas, which it supplies with goods, but also to destinations such as the Tuamotu Islands, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, …
Adventure cruise: Discover the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia Read More »
Fakarava means “beautiful” or “making things excellent” and here the name really says it all, because Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a classified paradise. The small islands surrounding the Fakarava lagoon form the second largest atoll in French Polynesia and the third largest in the world. Two passes provide access to the sea, …
Originally called Havai’i Nui, the island of Raiatea in French Polynesia holds particular significance in the lives of all French Polynesians. Less known than Bora Bora, Raiatea is the second largest island in the group of Society Islands and is considered to be the cradle of the ancestors and the homeland of the Māori people, …
The Island of Fatu Hiva: The unknown paradise The remote islands of French Polynesia conjure up images of wild shores bathed in unspoilt beauty that are intoxicating and inspiring in equal measure. None more so than the enchanting Marquesas Islands, located 1000 miles northeast of Tahiti. Reaching them is a rare treat and one of …
If you have the chance to visit the Marquesas Islands, Nuku hiva is the island not to be missed. With its breathtaking scenery and unique culture, Nuku hiva is arguably one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Its white sandy beaches, lush jungle and friendly people make it a must-see destination. Where is …
The five island groups of French Polynesia (comprising 118 islands and atolls) have a total land area of only 3,827 square kilometres, but they cover an area of the Pacific equivalent to the size of Western Europe. Whether they’re rocky specks rising high out of the clear blue oceans or low-lying atolls with white sand …
What is the best time to visit French Polynesia? Read More »
Moorea – An ideal addition to your Aranui cruise Blue lagoons, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches – Moorea, “yellow lizard” in Tahitian, is a small paradise island in French Polynesia. Moorea is an ideal addition to your Aranui cruise, as it is the island most easily accessible from the port of Papeete (30 …
Moorea : one of the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia Read More »
Save 400 euros per person this summer during your cruise in Polynesia and discover the festival of the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas Islands Arts Festival is taking place on the French Polynesian island of Fatu Hiva from July 7 to 10, 2022. Passengers travelling aboard Aranui 5, the part cargo, part cruise ship on their …
Discover the Marquesas Islands Arts Festival on a special cruise aboard Aranui 5 Read More »
The origins of the Māori tattoo The word tattoo is derived from the Tahitian word Tatau, which means ‘to strike’ or ‘to hit’. Their precise origins are unknown, but Māori tattoos can be found all across the Polynesian Triangle, with examples ranging from the Cook Islands and French Polynesia (with the exclusion of numerous islands …
Māori tattoo : History and origins of an ancestral Polynesian art Read More »
Don’t just take our word for it… we were delighted to see that the voyages aboard Aranui 5 from Tahiti to Pitcairn is Conde Nast Traveller’s number one favourite in-the-know trip to plan for 2022. Read all about it here: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-trips There are two planned 12-day voyages in 2022 to the far-flung British outpost of Pitcairn, calling …
From Tahiti to the Pitcairn Islands a cruise that makes people talk Read More »
In a new travel documentary series for UK television the British actor Martin Clunes embarks on an epic 10,000-mile adventure in search of the real Pacific. In the first episode of the three-part series, which was broadcast on 13 January, Martin sails aboard Aranui 5 for a voyage to the enchanting Marquesas Islands. On board he meets …
See Aranui 5 on new UK TV travel series ‘Martin Clunes: Islands of the Pacific’ Read More »
many islands in the Pacific, navigation is set up as art – in particular via its “going” a ”with a characteristic profile and intended for different uses (travel, fishing or sport)…
r side of the world, French Polynesia opens its arms to you: in total, 118 islands sheltered from mass tourism, nearly 4,000 km away from the first land … And to allow you to discover them under the best conditions, embark on the Aranui, a mixed cargo ship that supplies the locals, while ensuring optimal comfort for an exceptional cruise in French Polynesia.
Among the 5 archipelagoes, the one of the Austral Islands is located 600 km south of the Polynesian capital, Tahiti. Why not explore them on a cruise to the Austral Islands in 2022 with Aranui?
Aboard the Aranui, in the heart of a cruise in French Polynesia, relive the adventures of the Bounty rebels, by approaching the mythical Pitcairn Island. This islet, one and a half miles long and one mile wide, is steeped in history and is still home to the descendants of the sailors of the famous ship, an object of fascination for decades…
A cruise in French Polynesia is an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of James Cook, the greatest navigator in Europe. During his three major expeditions, commissioned by the Admiralty, he made a major contribution to the knowledge of the Pacific.
Polynesian mythology speaks of black pearls as the first shards of light given by the Creator to Tāne, a deity who presided over the ten levels of the sacred heavens. Tāne made them into stars before sending them to Ruahatu, the god of the oceans, to illuminate his universe.
An essential element of a cruise in French Polynesia, the Society Islands owe their name to the Royal Society of London, which financed the first voyage of Captain Cook in 1769. There are two of them, the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, which can be visited on a dedicated 7-day cruise with Aranui.
Among the ancestral traditions to discover during your Tahiti cruise, the art of Polynesian weaving is materialized today through magnificent hats, baskets, ornaments, and other various objects, such as the pē’ue, a carpet of different sizes, made by Polynesian women…
Hop aboard Aranui 5 and sail 1,500 km northeast of Tahiti, for a cruise to the Marquesas Islands: composed of 12 islands, of which only 6 are inhabited, you will discover a land of stories and legends, as incredible as they are inspiring.
For two centuries the Marquesas have served as a refuge for writers, artists, explorers and adventurers. Beyond the fine sand of the beaches of Bora-Bora, a cruise to the Marquesas Islands offers a cultural immersion into the lives of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin.
Your cruise in the Marquesas Islands will have an exceptional flavour aboard this passenger/cargo ship, custom-built for your comfort. The Aranui experience is unique and is offered by Polynesians eager to show you their islands, marked by ancient traditions and authenticity.
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