The Aranui 5 is the biggest seller for Ultimate Cruising therefore we receive a lot of calls asking just what this cruise is all about. It’s very different to your average cruise ship so we thought this might be a good opportunity to give you a bit of an insight into what the cruise entails and how it works.
First, a bit of background on the actual ship. The Aranui 5 is combination of a freighter and passenger ship – it’s not your traditional cruise ship that has all the bells and whistles of your larger liner. The Aranui 5 has a job to do; her primary role is delivering goods and supplies to the remote Marquesas Islands. Taking passengers along for the experience is a bonus. When Aranui Cruises first started taking passengers on their freighter, the guest services were very limited but as the ships have been replaced, the guest facilities have increased. The launch of the Aranui 5 in 2016 saw increased facilities, superior cabins and more passenger space.
The voyage, however, remains the same and guests get to experience a working ship and see the crew in action as they go about their jobs. It is a fascinating insight into the workings of a freighter ship and remote island life and completely different to your traditional cruising experience. It’s a down-to-earth voyage where guests interact with crew, the evening entertainment is a lively Polynesian beat by the crew’s band rather than highly polished theatre shows and there is not a tuxedo in sight.
The voyage is 12 days with organised shore excursions throughout. It’s your choice whether you participate in these or not and there are appropriate activities for varying fitness levels, although you will need to be relatively mobile in order to get on and off tenders.
Dress is casual and dining is family-style. The food is good, well-presented and accompanied by a glass of wine at lunch and dinner, but you won’t find any fine dining restaurants on-board.
The Aranui 5 is about experiencing the destination and the voyage more than glamorous cruising lifestyle. This is a relaxed, yet adventurous voyage taking you on a trip of a lifetime.
For more information, take a look at the package and inclusions here or have a chat with one of our consultants.
