Aranui Adventure Cruises

Expedition Cruises

Tahiti (Papeete)

South Pacific

French Polynesia

Excellent

Very Good

Terrible

Average

Aranui 5

Great vacation to the Marquesas

Pago Pago

July 15, 2023 sailing from Papeete to Marquesas,  on deck 9 starboard in Superior Deluxe room: great. Breakfast buffet, 12 or 12:30 lunch, 7 or 7:30pm dinner. 97 passengers (very much less than capacity) about 65% French speaking and 35% English/Deutch. 

Liked:  

Food was wonderful, fixed menus but well prepared and interesting.  Red or white wine at lunch/dinner, and changes from one to other were usually accommodated (one needs to REALLY like wine to appreciate Malbec.....). 

Excursions interesting, (mostly) well managed (see dislikes below) with local drivers who often provided local input/information. Guide (Mana) gave informative briefings daily prior to each outing, was  charming, knowledgeable and very approachable. 

Entertainment: Dance at embarkation, band in bar at happy hour each evening

Activities: karaoke, happy hour, dance lessons, ukulele lessons with "talent show" at end of cruise

Disliked:

Lunch and Dinner you got (1) pitcher of water and (1) bottle of wine for 4. No refills (on either), no coffee/tea or other liquids available. It would be nice to have a self-serve carafe of cold-hot water/coffee available (it WAS at breakfast)

Excursions: groups were divided by language. At one restaurant gathering, one group arrived a full hour before the other, but couldn't eat, apparently because opening the underground oven was to be seen by all. But NONE of this was explained, and the early arrival group just.....sat.....for an hour.  Local driver on one outing dropped us off, but was not found at end of tour (he had gone home to eat and had to be called back). Local driver on another outing would not let us roll down windows because he had a new truck and didn't want our filthy fingerprints on the paint and insisted on having his radio on at full blast so no conversation was possible.....

Overall Amazing

I am not a fan of big cruise ships..never had much interest in them as I prefer more intimate travel with few people along and more independent sightseeing. I had read about and followed the Aranui for over 40 years and having traveled by freighter as a small child wanted to experience the sea in this way once again.  This trip exceeded all my very high expectations.  The Marquesas islands are amazing, the last (perhaps) unspoiled incredible vista's on the planet. My camera just didn't do the islands justice so beautiful and mesmerizing. I did over the last year read and re-read all the reviews and thought the "Hamiltonlovebirds" did a great job in suggesting items to bring...I would add a couple, binoculars which I brought and used daily.  I would also bring dog treats as the dogs on some of the islands were very skinny and looked like they would appreciate a treat!

I love the ship and the trip...every moment I relished and enjoyed.  I am also in my 70's however I as well as 2 other 70's women made the trek from Omoa to Hanaveve on Fatu Hiva (not Nuku Hiva) and were richly rewarded with priceless views.  However I did train by hiking at home in Colorado at altitude.  Even so it was steep...very steep up and steeper down. Very few N American's on the trip but all passengers were great and with great attitudes, met some really nice and very fun people. I thought the entertainment was fun and everyone seemed to enjoy...the Passengers put on a show which was great. Glad we did a last minute upgrade to superior deluxe as the comfortable chair gave my husband a nice place to read in the Cabin.  Don't expect much wifi ...no reliable wifi on ship and had to go to wifi "cafe"'s on some of the Islands to check email.  Be prepared to unplug for your trip and enjoy the ocean and Islands.

Even though we went in the "rainy" season our weather was actually quite nice.  Warm and humid but not intolerable and on the hike as soon as you get about 500 ft up the weather was cooler and breezy so that was not the problem I thought it would be.  The hike to the cross on another Island was a bit more humid but it wasn't that long.  Although we did have a couple of beach/snorkling days they were on the Tuamoto islands.  The Marquesas do have some diving but not really good beaches for swimming/snorkling.  Best for hiking and visiting the villages...views are just amazing.

Overall the best trip of my lifetime...........................................so far :)

Amazing

We had picked this cruise for 2020 as a way to see an interesting, somewhat remote part of the world that we only knew about from Melville's book "Typee." Covid had other ideas, requiring rebooking twice. Because of Covid everyone had to be vaccinated and boosted and have an negative antigen test before boarding. There were 30 english speakers out of 180 passengers, ranging in age from 55 to 89. 

We liked that it was a small ship and a casual atmosphere. We chose a standard room on level 3 because it was a bit more stable (the ship, being also a freighter, rocks more than a regular cruise ship). It was small but worked for us. There were two seatings for lunch (12 and 12:30) and two for dinner (7:30 and 8 pm). The food was excellent, varied and 3 courses (appetizer, entree and dessert). Red and white wine on the tables at lunch and dinner. There was only assigned seating for a couple of groups. Breakfast was a self-serve buffet with eggs, bacon, sausage, lots of fruit, pastries, cereal, etc. Coffee and tea were available throughout the day.

We were divided by language for each day's itinerary and we were very lucky to have Mila and Spencer as our excursion coordinators. Each day they described the upcoming excursion so we would know what to expect the next day. They were also with us on the excursions to give in-depth information on the history, etc. Most of the excursions were included. We did purchase a glass bottom boat trip and a 4-wheel drive excursion that followed the route of the 10-11 mile hike, which our daughter did (she stayed in a 4 person dormitory, with just one other woman).

Besides the excursions to archaeological sites, the on-board entertainment consisted of watching the freight being unloaded in the early mornings and a couple of nights of Marquesan dancing on the pool deck and ukelele/singing in the pub.

It was a great trip. One that few people have an opportunity to make.

All of the staff were helpful, smiling and a delight to get to know.

Excellent experience in the Marquesan islands

We were for the second time on the Aranui 5 after a very nice trip to the Marquesan Islands in 2017. Our 2nd trip to Australis, on the other hand, was not enjoyable and a big disappointment. First the positive: the cabin (suite) was very good, but also cost € 15,600 for a double cabin with 12 days. Now everything else is to forget. The food on the ship was minimalistic. Breakfast was only from 07:00 to 08:30h. Dry baguettes, cheap cold cuts, no variety all the time. The egg cooker was still the best. With a daily price of € 1'300.-- per cabin this is not reasonable. Lunch and dinner (19:00 - 20:00 a fixed menu with the same table wine, every day. The food was very fish heavy and only cheap ingredients. After that, nothing ran on the whole ship, you could go to bed, like in an old people's home. Only on the farewell evening there was a festive menu. I lost 5 kilos in that time. The service a mass processing in canteen style. Ordering soft drinks was hopeless. Treated water undrinkable. Dessert was the best part of the menu but with no alternative and mostly cake. The best of the whole trip was the local lecturer, but unfortunately there was only 3 x a lecture of 1 hour. The entire timing was an imposition and without reason, because on the islands, there was only nature to admire. The local people were always very warm, but that was all the entertainment throughout the trip. On the ship there is only one solo entertainer musician/dancer who brings the same every day. He is not to blame for this, it is about economy measures. Of course the islands in Australis are beautiful, the people there too and the South Seas are gorgeous. But the company of Aranui is only after profit. It is only about profit maximization. At such prices you can expect something more and not just the cheapest. There are much better shipping companies that sail here, offer more comfort and professionalism. Audience 50% American, 50% French, majority seniors and many with limited mobility. It is irresponsible to expose such people to dangers when there is not even a proper tender boat. No goods were transported on this trip, so the crew would have had plenty of time to perform. I know, of course, the Aranui is not a luxury ship and did not expect such. I also like to pay more if I know that the locals benefit from it. But I am absolutely not convinced of that when I see the motivation of the crew. I expect only a fair service and emphatic handling as well as dishes that correspond to the price. Please avoid the Aranui, they will only be disappointed.

Aranui 5 - Not recommended - No pleasure - Inedible food - Expensive

We read about this half freighter/half cruiser about 20 years ago for the first time and always said we would do it one day.  Well, when our Wind Spirit cruise in the South Pacific was cancelled, we were looking for another alternative and this was it!

Wow, what an experience.  This ship takes everything from baby food to cars to these remote islands every two weeks or so.  The Marquesas are located about 1400 miles northeast of Tahiti and there are 6 inhabited islands.  Some have only 500-600 people.  They are "younger" islands and are very dramatic looking, rising directly out of the sea.  The northern three were experiencing drought and were dry.  Southern three were green and all of them were hot and humid, but beautiful.  

The ship was comfortable, we had a deluxe cabin which was small, but did have a small balcony.  Meals were delicious,  three courses with good wine at lunch and dinner. 

Most of the crew were either Tahitian or Marquesan, and we had excellent guides and lectures about the history and culture.

I booked this cruise in late 2020 after nearly a year spent at home during the pandemic.  It looked like a perfect escape and an email promised great discounts for early 2021.  Voyage 9 was to depart in late May, and we chose that trip.  It turned out to be a good decision.  Aranui paid for our flights between Tahiti and LAX, our 5 days total pre and post cruise at the Pearl Beach resort, and gave a discount on our suite.  

We had sailed on this itinerary about ten years before on the Aranui 3, but I had forgotten how beautiful the islands were.  

The Aranui 5 is bigger and more comfortable, and due to the pandemic we had only about 70 passengers, 24 Americans and 46 French Polynesians including a number of children.  There were no Europeans due to COVID restrictions.  Reviews talked about some minor tensions between French, Germman, and English speaking passengers, but we all got along well together.  We had assigned seating at tables based on language, but we still mixed well.  The meals were great, the crew shared the bar, and the whole crew were glad to be back at work.  In all the islands the people were glad to see the tourists return, they had a lot of beautiful hand made souvenirs to sell!  The ten mile walk on Naku Hiva was too difficult for us, I recommend the 4WD  trip over the mountains.

There was a lot of paperwork to get permission to enter French Polynesia, and having a vaccination certificate was a big advantage.  But aside from PCR Covid testing before and after the flights, it was no problem.  It was well worth the effort.  I think the trip would have been different if we had had a much larger group of passengers, but for me it couldn't have been better.

A Perfect Cruise post COVID

We chose this cruise for 2 reasons: the exotic ports it was calling on AND the unusual design of the ship- 1/2 Cargo and  1/2 Cruise ship.  

The food, was always flavorful. Everyone receives the same entree. Unless one has food allergies.

The guides, were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.

The shore activities were very interesting AND are included in the price of the cruise.

On board entertainment was incredible. Polynesian night, included dancing and a typical Polynesian cook out food.

They have an appointed guest speaker that travels with the cruise, holding talks 3- 4 times a week, explaining the legacy and history of the Polynesian Triangle, their traditions, etc.

They have classes on Polynesian dancing and learning the various ways of trying a "pareo".

I considered it a privilege to be able to learn, visit and partake in the Marquesan and French Polynesian culture.Thank you Aranui for making this cruise available to passengers!

Chance of a lifetime

The price was considerable compared to the value. The food was always cold with only one choice smothered in French creamy Sauces. Plaster was the only offering six days in a row. Eggs were not available every second day. The Scranbled eggs was like sloppy porridge..

The Marquaseas offered no Swimming or Snorkeling opportunities. The Islands were dry and Barron and uninteresting. 

The staff were very patronising to the point of rudeness when asked for something different. Asked for Playing Cards and received a pack with multiple of one cards and deficient others.  

We sat in an open area on the Veranda for dinner one night and were asked to move because the French wanted our spot out of the wind. We refused to move and the next night the staff refused to serve us at dinner. When we complained the Supervisor sided with the stars. Surprise surprise. 

Avoid at all cost. Take Windstar Wind Spirit instead. We have done it twice and it’s amazing.

Over priced and food terrible

Aranui 5-February 14-26, 2019.

Papeete was a bustling hub of activity. The night before our Aranui 5 cruise, we lodged at the Hotel Tiare Tahiti on the Main Street (Boulevard Pomare) facing the harbour: reasonable rates, pristine but very clean, staff accommodating. Check-in was 2:00 pm. but the hotel desk lady got us in earlier. The only downside was no bottled water in the room. If you arrive late, try to refill a water bottle on the plane. Highlight, with a room facing the harbour, was an outstanding balcony view of the Aranui 5 docking the night before our trip.

Aranui 5 deluxe balcony accommodations were excellent. Picking a cabin on the port side, rear section was the right choice. Most of the harbour docking views were on that side of the ship. One morning, we were treated with a view of a group of sting rays frolicking in the bay and mountain goats climbing the huge cliffs on another occasion. Cabin has the usual amenities such as shampoo, shower gel, bar soap, body lotion, robe, slippers, refrigerator, ice bucket, TV, and Kleenex. Motion of the ship was a surprising treat for me. Unlike large ocean ships who attempt to control movement, this ship offered a cradle like rocking at night as it moved along. I always fell asleep like a baby.

Meals are all served except breakfast which is buffet fashion. The staff is out of this world friendly, attentive and helpful. My husband has mobility issues and uses a cane. The muscular, hardy crew were always there to give a helping hand to everyone. Orientation meetings were thorough but sometimes difficult to understand in English. Raimana, Valentina, George and Pearl, who spoke perfect English, were the only guides we really understood. Also, we really appreciated all the help and Tahitian dance classes that were facilitated by Pearl, the entertainment director. The French and German interpreters were very good because they were either French or German nationality. The majority of the passengers were Parisian French (103), next in equal parts were English speaking and German (106) and eleven local Polynesians.

I have to make mention of the weather. It is very hot and humid with the emphasis on the humidity. My husband and I, who are seniors, found the heat hard to survive at times but the Aranui staff were very accommodating as far as leaving a tour early to go back to the air conditioned ship. We were very fortunate on this trip because we did not have any rain. 

The itinerary, during the course of the trip, was interesting but the true highlight is the feast for your eyes and imagination. Entertainment in the evening is limited but we were so exhausted after a day of touring that a relaxing moment on the balcony with a Hinano beer, revelling in the beautiful scenery, was enough for us. Never watched TV or bought internet time. It was true freedom from our high tech. world. Hinano and Heineken beer had a “bucket” package. If you bought 5 beers, the 6th one was free. (2000 francs or $20.00 U.S.) Their Hinano beer was excellent and we are not real beer drinkers. Gratuities are collected at the end if you wish to give extra for the staff. The staff is so great you will want to tip extra. Red and white wine were French in origin. Red Malbec is good and both medium dry, white wines were quite palatable.

Tips for the first time traveller on the Aranui 5:

-Bring a refillable water bottle or keep the two free bottles they provide in your refrigerator at the beginning of your trip because they have water stations throughout the ship. We were on deck 8 near the elevators and one was located there. They are located on other alternate decks as well. Also a water truck followed us for some tours and we could refill them.

-Bring a light weight backpack or wear a Fanny Pack like me because I detest backpacks that bump into everyone on a tour. Fanny Pack should be able to fit lengthwise, a 16 oz. water bottle. I also have an over the shoulder strap with a water holder device at the end for short jaunts into a village.

-I found a hand, fabric fan was handy in my Fanny Pack to fan myself while stopped for tour descriptions. I also put a small cloth for face wiping in my pack as well.

-Bring Deet bug spray to defend against nonos and mosquitos. I usually have a problem with the critters but not with the spray on. Had no problems with bugs whatsoever!

-Bring strong suntan lotion as the sun is intense. Fair skinned me was all right with Neutrogena 60 SPF-FPS.

-Bring aqua shoes if you are squeamish about venturing into unfamiliar waters for a swim. Also the Aranui has their own very unique WW 2 like barges that land on the swimming beach for you to disembark. The front of the barge drops down on shore and you walk onto the beach area.

-Pick a balcony cabin if you can. Why a balcony cabin? You get two free laundries with Aranui but it was our experience we were rinsing out sweaty things after each tour and hanging them on the balcony chairs. Dried in a matter of hours. Buy some Dollar Store lounge chair clips to hold them on the chairs because there are strong winds while sailing.

-Pack some Dollar Store wire hangers in your outer suitcase pocket for the closet and the clips to attach skirts and pants. Also, I packed my clothes in the fabric, mesh packing cases I purchased from our Dollar Store. Much easier to access and items of clothing are relegated to individual containers. Ready to go home, you just throw them into your suitcase.

-Bring a hat with a neck strap as there is a lot of barge tendering from ship to shore.

-Bring your own decaffeinated tea. I made a suggestion on the mid-sailing questionnaire to provide it but to be safe, pack your own. They have “instant” decaffeinated coffee only at the stations for breakfast and in the lounge.

-Clothing is very casual but some people, like myself, like to wear something a little dressier at dinner time but not formal or not even semi-formal. My husband would wear casual dress pants to compliment my attire which was dressy casual.

-As expected, they have a dress-up Polynesian Night so throw in an Hawaiian flowered shirt or pareo into your luggage or buy one before you leave Papeete. Store on board provides these items as well. 

-Take a picture of your daily itinerary before you set out each day then you will have each place downloaded with your daily pictures as the names of the islands are difficult to remember.n 

We thoroughly enjoyed the Aranui 5 experience and the people we met but wished we had been 30 years younger in order to participate in the unique, exploratory hikes offered for the individual islands.

Polynesian Heaven

Interesting concept of a combo freighter/cruise ship sailing to beautiful and remote Pacific islands. Unfortunately, the sevice and execution was lacking. 

Food: The food was okay but, except for two of the dinners, there was no variety and it is not recommended for those with special dietary needs. The table wine was okay. 

Service: Poor. Our first impression was bad when the room keys did not work and it took maintenance to finally get us into our room. The person who escorted us to our cabin was quite rude on several occasions as were others working on the ship. 

Fellow Passengers: 50% French, 25% German and 25% English speaking passengers were a well traveled, elderly lot. Most were pleasant, some were pushy.. Naturally, pacts formed based on languages spoken. 

Tours: Ship run tours were not very good. The guides were not knowledgeable and/or well trained. A lot of time was wasted. We did have a great optional motorized canoe tour in Bora Bora. There was the feeling that the agenda and tours favored the French group. They were offered a tour the other groups were not. Most briefings were held inside during sunset, which was disappointing.

Itinerary: Excellent. The Marquesas,  Tuamotus, and Society Islands make for a good mix and variety.

Weather: Hot and humid. We did not have much rain at all despite it being labeled 'rainy season'.

The ship: Excellent. The ARANUI 5 is well designed, especially given the dual purpose design requirements. Common rooms were clean and functional. The gym was small and uninspired with no windows. Nice to have access to the bridge and the Officers there were all very nice.

Intangibles: High. There were moments of magic and the experience factor was quite cool.

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