The Earlybird Catches One of the First Cabins on Aranui 5

Aranui Cruises has announced earlybird fares for the first 2016 sailings of its new Aranui 5, offering savings of up to $1760 per cabin.

The new cruise freighter is due to commence sailing the picturesque waters of the South Pacific in late 2015, replacing Aranui 3 which will be retired after more than twelve years servicing the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas archipelagoes.

With capacity for 256 passengers, the modern Aranui 5 will offer a range of new accommodation options including the operator’s first single staterooms and new premium and deluxe cabins with balconies.

On sale until February 6, 2015, packages start from $9999* per person in a superior deluxe balcony cabin and $10,989* in a premium balcony suite including return economy airfares from Auckland with Air Tahiti Nui, luxury car transfers to the nearest international airport, four nights’ accommodation at Manava Suite Tahiti with continental breakfast, taxes and all transfers in Tahiti.

The earlybird fare represents a 10 per cent discount on the standard 2016 fares for suites, deluxe cabins and staterooms and is valid for the first three voyages of the year departing Papeete on January 16 and February 6 and 27, 2016.

Aranui’s Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said Aranui 5 was designed with new levels of accommodation to cater for travellers wanting more balcony options.

“With the introduction of Aranui 5 next year, the cruise line will offer a great way for adventurers to discover a vast area of French Polynesia from the comfort of a modern cruise freighter. With transport, meals, accommodation and tours included, an Aranui cruise is a great value option for Tahiti and these earlybirds make it that much more affordable for those wanting the adventure of a lifetime in the South Pacific’s fabled waters,” Mr Wong said.

“We will be sad to see the popular Aranui 3 go, but with all the extra comfort and Polynesian style we’ve added to Aranui 5, we’re looking forward to welcoming her to the family next year and enhancing our unique cruise freighter product.”

Aranui’s 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka in the Marquesas, Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus and the famed Society Island of Bora Bora. The freighter line dispenses a lifeline of food, fuel and other staples to remote island ports while passengers disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

There will not be an Aranui 4 as the number is considered bad luck by the third generation Tahitian-Chinese family who own the cruise company.

For more information on Aranui visit www.aranuicruises.com.au or call 03 9449 3778. To book the package, call Ultimate Cruising on 0800 485 846.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply. Prices are in $NZD, per person. Add $300 for flights from Wellington or Christchurch.