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PITCAIRN & GAMBIER - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS – 2024

From Saturday, February 17 2024 to Tuesday, February 27 2024

11 days / 10 nights

Tuamotu, Gambier and Pitcairn Islands


This special cruise will head south to Pitcairn Island via the Gambier Islands. Following in the footsteps of the famous Bounty Mutineers, the Aranui 5 will take you to the most beautiful and unspoiled islands of the region, via three Polynesian archipelagos.

Day 1

SATURDAY – Departure from Tahiti (Papeete) 

You will embark on the Aranui between 7:00 and 9:00 am. Departure at 12:00 pm. You will be warmly welcomed by our Polynesian staff and settle in on the ship before the big trip to Anaa.

Day 2

SUNDAY – Anaa, Tuamotu

A small atoll with less than 500 inhabitants, Anaa wrote its way into the history books as the birthplace of Tahiti’s royal family — the Pomare Dynasty. These days it’s best known for its luminous jade lagoon with green clouds above from the sun rays reflecting off the water and picturesque motus with no less than eleven little islands scattered around the atoll. Most of the population is involved in copra or fishing, leading to the island’s landmark sustainable fishing programme. Guests can explore the village of Tukuhora and try traditional javelin throwing and handicrafts. Look out for ‘feo’, giant fossilized blocks of coral which are characteristic of the atoll. The shallow clear lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an optional activity offered in Anaa.

Day 3

MONDAY – Amanu, Tuamotu

Located 900km east of Tahiti, Amanu is an idyllic atoll with palm-fringed crystal-clear lagoons and a charming island village. During a visit to Ikitake, guests can see local handicrafts and explore the village’s old lighthouse, church and the 19th century building with walls made of coral stones that doubles as the town hall and a shelter during cyclones. Under a century-old tree known as “tau”, a buffet of local specialties will be served and a group of local singers and musicians will perform.

Day 4

TUESDAY – At Sea

Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the boat’s pool, to participate in one of our conferences or activities organized by our guides.

Day 5

WEDNESDAY – Mangareva, Gambier

Mangareva is the largest island in the Gambier and its main village, Rikitea, is the chief town of the archipelago. The island has a large lagoon with striking blue and green hues and is also famous for its Tahitian black pearls, which are cultivated in the pristine waters around the island. Once the cradle of Catholicism in Polynesia, a visit to the renovated St Michael’s Catholic Church, where the altar is inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl shell, is a must.

Day 6

THURSDAY – Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands

More than 200 years after the Bounty arrived, Aranui 5 will call at Pitcairn. The tale of the mutiny of His Majesty’s Armed Vessel Bounty is one of the best known in history. After the master’s Mate Fletcher Christian cast adrift Commander Lieutenant William Bligh in the ship’s boat, the mutineers sailed the Bounty back to Tahiti then onwards to the Austral Islands, eventually seeking refuge on an uninhabited island, secure from the outside world. Pitcairn. As part of their crew, they took with them six Polynesian men and twelve women, the beginnings of the current Pitcairn community. Upon their arrival on January 17, 1790, the crew found Pitcairn to be an inaccessible and uninhabited place with fertile and warm conditions. After removing their possessions and lugging everything up the aptly named Hill Of Difficulty, the Bounty was run ashore and set alight so that no trace of her would remain visible from the sea. A village was established on the lower plateau, situated above Bounty Bay, where the village of Adamstown still stands. Although he lived in this isolated sanctuary only a few years, Fletcher Christian is fondly remembered as the founder and first leader of modern-day Pitcairn.

Day 7

FRIDAY – Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands

Home to just 50 people, Pitcairn is one of the most isolated islands in the world. During their visit, guests can immerse themselves in the living history and culture of the island, walking in the footsteps of the Bounty settlers from the landing at Bounty Bay to Adamstown; meeting the descendants of the mutineers at the curio market; visiting the grave of the last surviving mutineer John Adams; learning about an earlier Polynesian civilisation and viewing artefacts from the Bounty at the Museum.

Day 8

SATURDAY – Mangareva, Gambier

Back at the Mangareva anchorage, a Mangarevan dance show, the “PE’I”, will welcome you on the Karorua pier. On foot or by truck, visit the strategic sites of the island. The Saint-Raphaël school is an educational development center (CED) which trains the children of Mangareva in the engraving on
mother-of-pearl, giving them the opportunity to continue on at the trade center for the arts located in Tahiti. For the more adventurous, take a one-and-a-half-hour hike to the lookout and the kings’ tomb. Lunch will be served on board. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and swimming at the beach of Teauopapa.

Day 9

SUNDAY – At Sea

Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the boat’s pool, to participate in one of our conferences or activities organized by our guides.

Day 10

MONDAY –  Hikueru, Tuamotu

Hikueru, a central Tuamotu atoll, was once a large natural pearl oyster reserve. But the 1903 cyclone wreaked considerable havoc, which Jacques London recounted in detail in “South Sea Tales”.
The first pearl farm to produce high quality Tahitian pearls was established here in the 1960s. Today, the population depends on copra production.
Passengers will be greeted by a local band at the marina with flower wreaths. Passengers will visit on foot or by truck, the village and the Saint-Michel church. It is the tallest church in the Tuamotu Islands. This building has been
totally abandoned for the last ten years. Bicycle rental is available on the island. Listen carefully as the island’s legends are recounted by the locals. Lunch will be served on board as we sail back to the Society Archipelago.

Day 11

TUESDAY – Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

 This is the end of our journey. It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.

Choose your base fare :

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Area : 440 sq.ft (41 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 to 3 adults

Situation : Sky Deck - 9.

Consisting of 3 individual rooms, approximately 440 sq. ft. (41 sq.m) of interior space and a 130 sq. ft. (12 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, refrigerator and safe.

FULLY BOOKED

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

14 518 USD
Price per person

ROYAL SUITE

Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 to 3 adults

Situation : Sun Deck - 8, Pool Deck - 7, Veranda Deck - 6.

With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.

LAST CABINS AVAILABLE

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

11 482 USD
Price per person

ROYAL SUITE WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW

Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 to 3 adults

Situation : Boat Deck - 5.

With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe. In this category, the view of the windows is obstructed.

FULLY BOOKED

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

11 000 USD
Price per person

PREMIUM SUITE

Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 to 3 adults

Situation : Pool Deck - 7, Veranda Deck - 6.

With approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.

AVAILABLE CABINS

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

10 519 USD
Price per person

JUNIOR SUITE WITHOUT BALCONY

Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 persons

Situation : Veranda Deck - 6.

With 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space, without balcony but with picture windows, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.

LAST CABINS AVAILABLE

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

10 094 USD
Price per person

SUPERIOR DELUXE

Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 persons

Situation : Sky Deck - 9, Sun Deck - 8.

With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.

AVAILABLE CABINS

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

9 557 USD
Price per person

DELUXE

Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 persons

Situation : Sky Deck - 9, Sun Deck - 8, Pool Deck - 7.

With approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 m²) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 m²) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.

FULLY BOOKED

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

8 858 USD
Price per person

DOUBLE STATEROOM

Area : 11 m²

Capacity : 2 people

Situation : Boat Deck - 5, Main Deck - 3, Lower Deck - 2.

With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a porthole or a picture window, this exterior cabin offers, either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

LAST CABINS AVAILABLE

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

7 223 USD
Price per person

DOUBLE STATEROOM WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW

Area : 120 sq.ft (11 sq.m)

Capacity : 2 adults

Situation : Boat Deck - 5.

With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a picture window with an obstructed view, this exterior cabin offers either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

FULLY BOOKED

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

6 875 USD
Price per person

SINGLE STATEROOM

Area : 100 sq.ft (9 sq.m)

Capacity : 1 person

Situation : Lower Deck - 2.

The Single Stateroom has 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

FULLY BOOKED

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

9 961 USD
Price per person

DORMITORY

Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m) to 285 sq.ft (27 sq.m)

Capacity : 4 to 8 persons

Situation : Upper Deck - 4.

The dormitory has 5 units: four units of 140 sq. ft. (13 sq.m) each which can accommodate four passengers per unit with two lower and two upper berths, one bathroom with shower and hair dryer and a unit of 285 sq. ft. (27 sq.m) of shared interior space with four lower and four upper berths, a sitting area, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer. This category can be mixed.

LAST CABINS AVAILABLE

Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department

4 657 USD
Price per person

What's included

RATES INCLUDE

Cruise transportation and related taxes (tourist tax, port tax, fuel, TDC), shipboard accommodation, 3 meals per day, a bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals, lunches in local restaurants, planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites, cultural dance shows, lecturers onsite and onboard.  Rates are per adult, in double or single occupancy. These fares are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change; with or without notice.

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE

Shipboard purchases, liquor, gratuities, port taxes other than those specifically provided for, and other personal items. Rates quoted at the time of printing are based on current costs and are subject to change up to and including the date of sailing.

SCHEDULE & EXTRA COST PROVISION

If, due to weather or other uncontrollable reasons, you are required to spend one or more additional nights, you will be responsible for your own hotel and meal costs. In addition, because the primary function of vessels in the service of Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime is to carry freight, the departure dates, ports of call, and duration of cruises may be subject to variation both prior to departure and en route. Freighter passengers should have a flexible time schedule and anticipate the foregoing possibilities. While we do everything possible to inform and assist our clients, neither CPTM nor its agents will assume additional expenses, hotel or meal costs associated with delays or changes in itinerary and schedules.

ITINERARY CHANGES

Routes and activities are indicative and can be modified according to weather conditions or availability. CPTM pledges to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. CPTM reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, ports of call or conveyances as deemed necessary.

Speakers

Guest lecturers who specialise in the Marquesas and other fields related to French Polynesia such as history, culture, art or archaeology, will share their knowledge and insights as part of a series of onboard lectures throughout the year. Lectures are held in conference rooms.

Optional excursions

At every port, guests can enjoy included excursions.  For a bit more adventure, there are optional activities to choose from. The optional activities can be booked onboard, at an additional cost.