Home > Itineraries > PITCAIRN & GAMBIER - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS – 2023

PITCAIRN & GAMBIER - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BOUNTY MUTINEERS – 2023

From Saturday, October 7 2023 to Tuesday, October 17 2023

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 Mangarevian 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 College is an educational development center (CED) that initiates Mangareva’s children to mother-of-pearl engraving for an opening to the center of arts and crafts located on 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

Located in the Central Tuamotu Archipelago, Hikueru was once a large natural pearl oyster reserve. A cyclone in 1903 caused considerable damage to the atoll, which Jack London described in great detail in his South Sea Tales. The first pearl farm to produce high quality Tahitian pearls was established here in the 1960s. Today, the population relies on the production of copra. Following a tasting of local fruits, guests will visit the village and a church built of coral, including an explanation of the island’s legends by its inhabitants. A beach barbecue will be served for lunch with time to swim and snorkel.

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.

Information not available

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

13 092 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

10 331 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

9 894 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

9 458 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

9 070 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

8 583 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

7 947 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

6 635 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

6 310 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

9 188 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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.

Information not available

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

4 237 USD
Price per person

+ 140 USD
Fuel surcharge to be added

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

The fuel surcharge, per person, of 125€ / 140 $ US / 190 $ AUS / 200 $ NZD / 15 000 XPF.

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.

Moearii Darius (Author)

Moearii Darius is Polynesian. A graduate of a business school, she is an executive in a large local company dedicated to air transport and tourism. His profession and his curiosity led him to travel regularly the archipelagos of the Pacific. Highly invested in Polynesian culture, Moearii has danced for more than twenty years in groups of Ori Tahiti and followed a university training (Du) on Polynesian natural, cultural and historical heritage.