Austral Islands

12 nights on board

18 Days

PKG No. UC038-BB

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Exclusive Offer

Aranui Cruises

French Polynesia

12 night cruise

Return economy class airfares -2nd person flies half price!

Excursions throughout

Transfers throughout

All meals and wine with lunch and dinner

5 nights pre/post accommodation

Overview

An untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons, the Austral Islands will enchant you with their mythology, beauty and people. Book on the Balcony Bliss Special and the Second person flies for half price!

Discovered by Europeans in the 18th Century, the Austral islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti.

Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons. Breathtaking landscapes, from sheer mountains to valleys, these islands are famous for their farming activities.

Spend 12 nights aboard the Aranui 5 exploring, making memories and discovering a land far removed from hustle and bustle of large cities. Meet the local people and hear their stories, learn about their farming techniques and life on a remote archipelago.

Throughout the voyage you'll enjoy the friendly hospitality of the Aranui crew, included excursions and entertainment.

As flights don't coincide with the cruise departure dates, the Ultimate Cruising package includes 3 nights pre-cruise and 2 nights post-cruise at the beautiful Te Moana Resort in Tahiti.

Overview

Aranui 5

Aranui 5 is a custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship designed to offer all of comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship. Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
With eight different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting; one lounge; two conference rooms, where guest lecturers will offer presentations on various topics related to The Marquesas; three bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views; an outdoor swimming-pool; a boutique; a spa; a gym and the first tattoo studio at sea.
Passenger accommodations range from Premium exterior staterooms, of which more than 90% have a private balcony; to Standard exterior staterooms with a picture window or porthole; and Class C, shared dormitory style cabins with occupancy for four or eight people. Aranui 5’s registry is France and thus sails under French pavilion. As such, she operates under the strictest building and safety guidelines, including the requirements of international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and the French Coast Guard (CCS).

Features:

All meals provided on board
Wine with lunch and dinner (1 bottle per table)
Pool /or spa
Shore Excursions included
Fitness room/gym
Spa/Treatment room
Tattoo studio

Tonnage 10944

Build date 2013

Crew 140

Capacity 264

Length 126m

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Itinerary

Download full itinerary

Day 1 Papeete

Departure from Papeete in the afternoon, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.

Day 2 Rurutu

Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure which is surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basketry, such as beautiful hats, bags and baskets or rugs made of pandanus leaves and other natural materials. The Aranui at anchor, off Rurutu, passengers will disembark, after lunch on board, by tender on the “Moerai” dock where they will be welcomed with a performance of local songs. Enjoy some free time in the peaceful village of Moerai.

Day 3 Rurutu

The Aranui disembarks at the “Taanini” dock. A small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island of the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, has preserved its old traditions, including its own dialect. It is home to an endemic bird, the amazing and colorful Kuhl’s Lori, the “Ura”, which is also found in the Cook Islands.After passing through a purification smoke ceremony, an ancient tradition of welcome, discover the main villages, Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the old cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, lies the entire lineage of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An old legend says that you should never make faces in front of the royal tomb, otherwise you will remain disfigured for the rest of your life. A barbecue will be served on the beach of Motuaura. Its crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel. Covered with taro plants and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flower garden with a fresh water well. A bird watching excursion to discover the red parakeet “Ura” is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).

Day 4 Rimatara

Day 5 Tubuai

Tubuai is the most populated island of the Austral Islands. Arriving by tender at the landing stage of Bloody Bay, passengers are welcomed at the town hall with a wreath of flowers, to the sound of local music. You will be able to attend art and craft demonstrations of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, specific to the island. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Among the day’s activities: the visit of the cultural sites of the island by truck, the marae of “PO TUI TUI”, Fort George, the first refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty from July to September 1789 and Bloody Bay, witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch will be served on board. The beach of Bloody Bay invites you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel. Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).

Day 6 At Sea

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to Rimatara. Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands will give you a complete overview of this civilization. During the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars and drums.

Day 7 Rapa

As you approach Rapa, only accessible by sea, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica”. As the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia, this crescent shaped land mass — with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays —is as remote as it gets. Rapa is Easter Island’s little sister. It has a temperate climate, no coral or coconut trees, but fruits and vegetables other than tropical ones are plentiful here: apples, peaches, nectarines… The Aranui will disembark at the dock in Ahurei. Passengers will be greeted with flower wreaths, to the typical sounds and rhythms of Rapa. Trucks will be waiting for you, heading to the cultural center. You will discover how the “mamas” make local crafts: hats and baskets made of reed (a fragile material) and bamboo crafts. A local meal will be served on land. On Rapa, we propose a two and a half hour walk to Fort Morango Uta. Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or in the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on the weather conditions.

Day 8 Rapa

Day 9 Raivavae

It is said that Raivavae is the “Bora Bora of yesteryear” and that its lagoon is the most beautiful in Tahiti & her islands. A jewel preserved by its inhabitants; the island is a veritable garden of Eden where visitors fall under her spell. When the Aranui is at anchor, passengers disembark by tender onto Mahanatoa beach where they will be welcomed with wreaths of flowers, to the sound of Raivavae songs and rhythms. Departure by bus for a tour of the island. Do not miss the visit of the “Smiling Tiki” and the marae scattered around the island. Of course, its inhabitants will serve you a typical Raivavae buffet on Mahanatoa beach. Take advantage of the remaining time to walk around the village or to discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel. The discovery of Mount Hiro will be offered as an option (sign-up at the reception).

Day 10 At Sea

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean on our return to the Society Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the passenger-freighter Aranui 5 will give you a complete overview of the philosophy and valuable contributions made by the company. Faithful to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains traditional: initiation to Polynesian songs, Tahitian dance, without forgetting our shows and dances under the stars.

Day 11 Raiatea

In the Polynesian triangle, Raiatea, formerly known as Havai’i, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first Polynesian island to be populated by sailors and navigators, it is here that all migrations to the three points of the triangle, New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island, began. The Aranui will disembark at the dock, and passengers will be greeted, with a tiare flower, to the sounds of the “to’ere”. Buses will be waiting for you to visit the most spectacular marae in the Polynesian triangle, Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old open-air temple now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the religious and spiritual center of all Polynesia. After lunch, you will enjoy your afternoon visiting the town of Uturoa, its stores and crafts on the waterfront.

Day 12 Bora Bora

Arriving in the world famous lagoon of Bora Bora of blue and opalescent greens, you will be welcomed by the majestic «Mount Otemanu», the highest peak of the island. In this island paradise and perfect, you can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters, the «Motu Tapu». You can also choose from optional activities, a variety of excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, lagoon tour by boat and canoe, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the circuit. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

Day 13 Papeete

This is the end of our journey. It is time to say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff and the Aranui guides.

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Austral Islands 2025 - Aranui Cruises gallery

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Austral Islands 2025 - Aranui Cruises

Sailing Date from Papeete:

05 April 2025

06 September 2025

01 November 2025

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Austral Islands 2025 - Aranui Cruises gallery

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Austral Islands - Balcony Bliss Inclusions

* Return economy class airfares to Papeete ex SYD, MEL, BNE

* Transfer from Papeete Airport to hotel

* 3 nights accommodation pre-cruise at Te Moana Resort including breakfast daily

* Transfer from hotel to wharf

* 12 night cruise aboard Aranui 5

* All meals on board

* Wine with lunch and dinner (1 bottle per table)

* Excursions throughout

* Transfer from wharf to hotel

* 2 nights accommodation post-cruise at Te Moana Resort including breakfast daily

* Transfer from hotel to airport

PLUS Use Code ULTIMATE-BB25 and also Receive:

* Second Person Flies for Half Price

* Either a Circle Island Tour or Tahiti Food Tasting Tour (depending on schedules) per person

Austral Islands 2025 - Balcony Bliss

12 nights on board

18 Days

Departure dates

See Schedule

Starting from (AUD)

A$14,649

*pp twin share - Dlx Stateroom Balcony

Make an enquiry

Book this cruise

Special Information

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please contact us for the latest information on entry and visa requirements.

INOCULATIONS
At time of publishing, vaccinations were not required. Passengers should consult their travel agent for the latest requirements.

RATES
Rates are per adult, in double or single occupancy. These fares are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change; with or without notice.

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
Shipboard purchases, gratuities, port taxes other than those specifically provided for, and other personal items. Rates quoted at the time of printing are based on current costs and are subject to change up to and including the date of sailing.