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Aranui 5
Papeete to Papeete
Overview
Tua-motu, the "many islands" in Tahitian: they are indeed 76 low coral islands scattered on the surface of the Pacific. To discover them is to live a unique experience of communion with the marine environment and admiration for a population, the Paumotu, whose culture is born of a long negotiation of survival with the elements. Far from any continent, the jewel of French Polynesia: rings of coral barely emerging in the heart of the ocean, shimmering blue lagoons... More than any other, the Tuamotu atolls inspire dreams and wonder.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Aranui will follow the east coast of Tahiti for 1 hour and will set sail for the Tuamotu. A snack will be prepared by our on-board team followed by lectures on information on life on board and the stopovers of different islands.
Located 210 km northeast of Tahiti, this island has a special “at the edge of the world” atmosphere. Only accessible by sea, it reveals itself, like a fortress standing on the ocean and discovering Makatea aboard the ship Aranui 5 is a revelation. Following an exodus of people in the 20th century this raised atoll now has only 94 inhabitants, who remain on the island they love to continue its special story. This began at the end of the 19th century when large quantities of phosphate were discovered on the atoll and lead to Makatea’s unique industrial destiny in Polynesia. The island, forgotten up until then by the modern world, was equipped with schools, a cinema, religious centres, and various industrial installations, including a metal pier of 100 m and even a railway that is, still today, a silent testimonial to the singular history of the island.
Located 300 km north of Tahiti, Mataiva is the westernmost atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago. With nearly 300 inhabitants living in the village of Pahua, the atoll has preserved its authenticity and traditions. Its white sand beaches and its unique green lagoon with blue spots make Mataiva one of the most sumptuous atolls in Polynesia.
437 km away from Tahiti, Anaa has a magnificent coral ring that emits an oval jade coloured translucent and shallow lagoon, making it one of the most perfect atolls in the Pacific. Eleven small motu, with no passes and marked by the presence of feo, coral blocks emerges up to 3m high. It is home to just a 1000 people, mostly living in Tukuhora.
Last stop in Tautira (Tahiti island) where we will spend time on a white sandy motu. The Aranui will arrive in Papeete at the end of the afternoon (disembarkation around 6.00 pm). It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Aranui 5
Vessel Type: Passenger ship Length: 126 m Passenger Capacity: 260 Speed: 15 knots The Aranui is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between Tahiti and the Marquesas. It offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for about two hundred passengers. Passengers will be able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui wends her way among the islands of the Marquesas. Accommodations classes are Suites, Deluxe, Standard and C Class. The vessel operates under the French flag, and her crew are all Polynesian, primarily Marquesans. The name “Aranui” means “The Great Highway” in Maori, another great Polynesian culture. The first Aranui was purchased from a New Zealand ship owner in 1959. CPTM kept her original name, because it suited her. Serving as a link between the remote Marquesas and the rest of the world, she truly was a “Great Highway” on which cargo and passengers traveled. The original Aranui was too small to meet the needs of the islands as trade increased. CPTM therefore retired her, and purchased a new vessel, which was also named the Aranui. The second Aranui was originally built as a freighter for the Baltic trades, with unusually thick hull plates because of floating ice often found in that area. She was modified in Germany in 1990. After only a few years in service, it too was getting too small again to meet the islands growing trade needs as well as the increase in passenger travel. CPTM decided this time to built a new vessel in 2000, which was named the Aranui III. The Aranui III was built in Romania as a freighter and passenger vessel. Because of the number of passengers the vessel can carry, she was reclassifed as a passenger vessel. Thus, meeting the strict requirements of international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and many safety features including life boats and lifte rafts and fire safety systems. The vessel is French registry, and crewed primarily by Marquesans. They are extremely skillfull and very hospitable. It is often their custom to give an impromptu concert in the evenings, both for their own and our passengers pleasure. The ship features a small boutique where various sundries, clothing and souvenirs are available. There are washing machines and dryers aboard, but dry cleaning is not available. There is also 2 bars and video room, which has a television, VCR and a small collection of videotapes. She also has a swimming pool and sunbathing space. The electrical current in the cabins is 220 volt 50 cycle AC, using French-style plugs. If you have any small appliances, please make sure you have voltage converters and plug adapters needed to use the ship’s standard power. The vessel accepts traveler’s checks and credit cards for on-board purchases. We regret that we cannot honor personal checks. Lock boxes are available on board for passenger convenience. However, we do not accept custody or responsibility for passenger valuables or money. Facilities: * 1 dining room * 2 spacious lounges & 2 conference rooms * 4 bars including 1 panoramic bar (Skybar) * 1 fitness room * 1 outside swimming pool * 1 shop * 1 massage room * 2 lifts
Highlights
• Makatea • Mataiva • Anaa
Map
