The Aranui is known for its adventure cruises showcasing the rugged and undiscovered Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas Islands are located 1,500 km northeast of Papeete, the ship’s homeport. Once every three weeks (17 times a year) the Aranui sails out of Papeete harbor on a 14-day journey to take passengers and cargo to the Marquesas, the most remote archipelago in the world. Aranui means “The Great Highway” in the Tahitian language and the ship serves as a lifeline to the Marquesas Islanders, bringing supplies to each principal village and several remote valleys. The local villagers always give a warm welcome to the Aranui guests. During the 14-day voyage, the Aranui will visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva and Ua Huka as well as Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Bora Bora in the Society Islands. Guided shore excursions include hikes to the waterfalls of Nuku Hiva ; a trip to Gaugin’s former home and grave on Hiva Oa ; jeep trips to explore mysterious unspoiled jungles, mountain villages and signficant ancient temples; local galleries, museums and much more. Picnics and restaurant lunches ashore feature local food. And there are opportunities to snorkel in the translucent waters of the atolls on the more traditional palm fringed French Polynesian islands of Tuamotu and Bora Bora. A project is underway to classify some of the cultural and natural sites in the Marquesas Islands as UNESCO World Heritage Properties. 

The Aranui 5 has been specially designed with added space for passenger comfort and pleasure offering suites, deluxe staterooms with balconies. 

 The ship will be capable of carrying 254 passengers. There are a total of 103 cabins including 32 Suites, 31 Superior Deluxe staterooms and 40 standard staterooms. The Suites have a king size bed and a sofa bed. All guest rooms will have a private bathroom with shower. There will be berths for 24 passengers in the Class C dormitory, and these five rooms will each have a bathroom and shower. The Aranui 5 has air conditioning in all passenger areas and indoor public spaces, which are beautifully designed. The interior decor features Marquesan designs, Paul Gauguin prints and original paintings by German artist and island resident, Erhard Lux. The Aranui 5 is programmed to begin service in winter 2015 and will follow the same 14-day itinerary as the Aranui 3. A stop will be made in Bora Bora after Rangiroa on the return trip. The cruise includes three meals with complementary wine daily, guided excursions, pic-nics, and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing are an additional cost.