We chose this cruise for 2 reasons: the exotic ports it was calling on AND the unusual design of the ship- 1/2 Cargo and 1/2 Cruise ship. The food, was always flavorful. Everyone receives the same entree. Unless one has food allergies. The guides, were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The shore activities were very interesting AND are included in the price of the cruise. On ...

The Aranui ships are not like your normal cruise ship. They take passangers and have cruise like atmosphere but half the ship is a working freighter delivering goods, supplies and some locals between the islands and connecting them to Papeete. This is what makes Aranui so interesting and integeral to the local community. On our cruise the passanger mix was more English speakers than French and ...

The price was considerable compared to the value. The food was always cold with only one choice smothered in French creamy Sauces. Plaster was the only offering six days in a row. Eggs were not available every second day. The Scranbled eggs was like sloppy porridge.. The Marquaseas offered no Swimming or Snorkeling opportunities. The Islands were dry and Barron and uninteresting. The staff ...

Aranui 5-February 14-26, 2019. Papeete was a bustling hub of activity. The night before our Aranui 5 cruise, we lodged at the Hotel Tiare Tahiti on the Main Street (Boulevard Pomare) facing the harbour: reasonable rates, pristine but very clean, staff accommodating. Check-in was 2:00 pm. but the hotel desk lady got us in earlier. The only downside was no bottled water in the room. If you arrive ...

Interesting concept of a combo freighter/cruise ship sailing to beautiful and remote Pacific islands. Unfortunately, the sevice and execution was lacking. Food: The food was okay but, except for two of the dinners, there was no variety and it is not recommended for those with special dietary needs. The table wine was okay. Service: Poor. Our first impression was bad when the room keys did ...

I read about the Aranui 3 many years ago and had been intrigued by the Marquesas islands ever since. I generally hate cruises, but I was on a freighter cruise before and liked the experience. Also the Marquesas Islands are so remote that Aranui 5 is one of very few ways of getting there. I finally took the plunge this year. The cruise was part of my round-the-world trip. I could fly east (which ...

I had been to the Marquesas Islands on a sailboat in 2002 and wanted to share this unique part of the world with my wife. This cruise was an amazing two week trip and cultural immersion of French Polynesia and especially the Marquesas Islands. Having been here before, my wife and I really enjoy this part of the world, and especially the nice people. We have heard all of the complaints - it is ...

We had been to the South Pacific 4 times before. We love the blue water and the friendly people. My husband wanted to go back again, but I wanted to do something different. So when we saw to ad for the Aranui 5 we decided to give it a try. We had a wonderful time. The people are very proud of their villages and want to share what they have. They can not wait for you to get off the ship and ...