Aranui Launches Aranui 5 Website Ahead of New Ship Arrival

In the lead up to the arrival of Aranui 5, Aranui Cruises has unveiled a new website packed with information about its next freighter.

Featuring renderings of the ship, deck plans, cabin information, a day-by-day itinerary with images of the stunning French Polynesian islands it visits and bios for onboard speakers, the new website is a one-stop-shop for potential cruisers. 

Aranui 5 is due to commence sailing the picturesque waters of the South Pacific in early 2016, replacing Aranui 3 which will retire after more than 12 years servicing the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas archipelagoes.

With capacity for 254 passengers, the modern 126-metre long Aranui 5 will offer a range of stylish and comfortable accommodation options, from the operator’s first single staterooms to balconies on half the rooms and new premium and deluxe categories.

Aranui’s Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said interest in Aranui 5 was heating up as the ship’s arrival neared, with the new website providing a great way to stay up to date with developments.

“We’ve filled the website with information and images that we hope will inspire New Zealanders to join Aranui 5 on the trip of a lifetime in the South Pacific,” Mr Wong said.

“While offering a more modern and comfortable experience, Aranui 5 will continue to operate as a cargo freighter linking the remote Marquesas and Tuamotus with Tahiti, providing one of the few remaining authentic cargo cruise experiences.”

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 local-guided excursions including hikes, 4WD sightseeing tours to main archaeological sites with lecturers, a visit to the Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

The cruise line is offering a 10 per cent discount providing savings of up to $1500 per couple on Aranui 5’s June 11 and September 3, 2016, departures with packages now priced from $8999* per person twin share in a stateroom accommodation including return economy airfares from Auckland with Air Tahiti Nui, four nights’ accommodation at Manava Suite Tahiti with breakfast pre and post cruise, taxes and all transfers in Tahiti plus to and from home within 35km of the airport.

Aranui is also offering past passengers a 10 per cent discount on other 2016 departures.

Find out more about Aranui 5 at www.aranuicruises.com.au or call +613 9449 3778. To book the package call Ultimate Cruising on 0800 485 846.


Editor’s note: 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.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply. Prices are in $NZD per person twin share. Single occupancy attracts a 50 per cent surcharge. Add $300 for return flights from Wellington and Christchurch.