Aranui Cruises offers an unparalleled adventure, combining a comfortable passenger voyage with the vital work of a supply freighter serving the remote islands of French Polynesia. Discover the UNESCO-designated Marquesas and the untouched Austral Islands on an all-inclusive journey of genuine cultural immersion.
For over 40 years, Aranui Cruises has offered travelers one of the most unique and authentic voyages in the world, combining the essential operations of a working freighter with the comfortable amenities of a passenger ship. This third-generation, family-operated maritime company, staffed by a proud Polynesian crew, has built its reputation on embracing the road less traveled, inspiring genuine cultural immersion across the heart and soul of Polynesia.
The Flagship: Aranui 5 and the All-Inclusive Experience
The core of the experience lies with the Aranui 5, a custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu, and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 12-day all-inclusive cruise. Classified as a small vessel, the Aranui 5 is designed to offer all the comforts of a cruise liner while operating as a vital supply ship, accommodating approximately 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
The all-inclusive nature of the Aranui 5 ensures a seamless and enriching voyage. The rates include comprehensive coverage such as the cruise transportation, related taxes (including tourist, port, fuel, and TDC), and shipboard accommodation. When it comes to dining, guests receive three meals per day, a bottle of wine to share among four passengers for scheduled onboard meals, and authentic lunches in local restaurants during shore excursions. Furthermore, the rate covers all immersive activities, including planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and significant archaeological sites, engaging cultural dance shows, and insightful lecturers both onsite and onboard, allowing guests to delve deep into Polynesian history.
The Historic Route to the UNESCO Marquesas
The flagship itinerary sails from Tahiti to the majestic Marquesas Islands, exploring their traditional history and breathtaking beauty. The significance of this route was permanently enshrined in 2024 when the Marquesas were officially designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Guests on the Aranui 5 witness the dual-purpose operation firsthand, observing the delivery of essential goods and services to tiny island communities while simultaneously exploring the stunning archipelagos. This process, seamlessly integrated into the voyage, provides an unparalleled, unscripted connection with the local culture and way of life, moving far beyond typical tourist stops.
The Dawn of a New Adventure: Introducing Aranoa
Looking forward, Aranui Cruises is marking a significant milestone with the introduction of its second ship, the Aranoa, known in Tahitian as a “great awakening.” Set to sail the waters of the South Pacific beginning in March 2027, the Aranoa embarks on its primary mission: supplying the remote Austral Islands and their residents with much-needed provisions. This new itinerary showcases a magnificent, untouched, and breathtaking destination – an off-the-beaten-track archipelago where white sand beaches meet intense blue lagoons. Passengers will have the chance to explore colorful, picturesque villages, discover the creativity of local artisans who thrive on their artwork, and visit several archaeological sites highlighting a rich, pre-European cultural history.
Like the Aranui 5, which will continue its ongoing schedule serving the Marquesas Islands, the new Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, equipped with the latest technology to minimize its environmental impact. Poised to accommodate 198 passengers in 93 total cabins – of which 62 feature a private balcony – the Aranoa promises modern comfort with a host of amenities, including two restaurants, two bars, two whirlpools, a boutique, a spa, a fitness center, and even a traditional Polynesian Tattoo salon. This unique model of inclusive tourism is a key commitment for Aranui, offering new economic opportunities and promoting inter-island exchanges across the Austral archipelago. Sailing with Aranui is not merely a vacation; it is an invitation to become a temporary part of the cultural and economic lifeline that sustains these distant, beautiful communities.
Pictures © Aranui Cruises
Updated: November 10, 2025