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Aranui Cruise —
Prices, Itineraries
& Honest Review 2026
The Aranui cruise is unlike any other cruise in French Polynesia — and unlike any other cruise in the world. The Aranui 5 is a working cargo ship that supplies remote Marquesan communities with food, fuel and goods, and carries up to 230 passengers alongside the freight. This is not a luxury cruise that visits postcard beaches. It is a genuine immersion in maritime Polynesia — cranes unloading pallets at dawn, villagers gathering at the dock, guides from the islands themselves. This guide covers everything you need to know: how it works, the 2026 itineraries, exact cabin prices, what's included, and how it compares to other cruise options in French Polynesia.
What is the Aranui cruise? The cargo-passenger concept explained
The Aranui is a mixed cargo-passenger vessel — the only one of its kind in French Polynesia. It performs two roles simultaneously: it supplies remote Marquesan communities with everything they cannot produce locally (food, medicines, building materials, vehicles, fuel), and it carries paying passengers who observe and participate in this logistical reality as part of the experience.
This dual function is what makes the Aranui unique. At each island stop, the ship's Polynesian crew unloads pallets and loads copra (dried coconut) using the ship's own cranes — a spectacle passengers watch from the Sky Bar. Villagers who have waited weeks for supplies gather at the dock. Local guides, all from the islands themselves, lead shore excursions to archaeological sites, dance performances, artisan workshops and local lunches.
The Aranui is not a floating hotel. There is no casino, no formal dress code, no entertainment director. What there is: a genuinely Polynesian atmosphere, crew members who sing and play ukulele in the evenings, guest lecturers on Marquesan culture and history, and the profound satisfaction of seeing islands that most visitors to French Polynesia never reach.
Culturally curious travelers, adventure seekers comfortable with an authentic (not luxury) atmosphere, those who want to reach the Marquesas, Australes or remote Tuamotu atolls without planning complex multi-flight itineraries. The typical passenger is an active couple aged 50–70, but solo travelers, families and younger passengers sailing in the dormitory categories are increasingly common. The majority of passengers come from France, Germany, Australia and the USA.
The Bay of Virgins in Fatu Hiva — one of the most dramatic landscapes in French Polynesia, accessible almost exclusively via the Aranui
Aranui 5 itineraries 2026 — Marquesas, Australes & Tuamotu
All Aranui cruises depart from and return to Papeete (Tahiti). The ship operates three main itinerary types in 2026, with 20 departures on the flagship Marquesas route alone.
Marquesas Islands cruise — 12 nights (the classic)
The most popular and most frequent itinerary. The ship heads north-west through the Tuamotu (stopping at Fakarava), then spends five days in the Marquesas before returning via Rangiroa or Makatea and a final stop at Bora Bora. 20 departures in 2026, departing every other Saturday from Papeete.
| Day | Port of call | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Papeete — departure 12:00 | Welcome party, Marquesan dance show |
| Day 2 | Fakarava (Tuamotu) | Snorkeling, coral church, village visit |
| Day 3 | At sea | Guest lectures, sky bar, relaxation |
| Day 4 | Nuku Hiva | 4x4 to cathedral & Kamuihei archaeological site, Taipivai valley lunch |
| Day 5 | Ua Pou | Hakahau village, cargo operations, Bird Dance, local lunch |
| Day 6 | Ua Huka | 4x4 to Hokatu & Hane, museums, woodcarvers, botanical garden |
| Day 7 | Tahuata + Hiva Oa | Vatican-built church, bone carvings / Gauguin & Brel graves, museum |
| Day 8 | Fatu Hiva | Tapa & kumuhei demos; optional 16km hike to Bay of Virgins |
| Day 9 | At sea | Return journey |
| Day 10 | Rangiroa or Makatea | Blue lagoon beach, glass-bottom boat, snorkeling |
| Day 11 | Bora Bora | Motu Tapu beach & barbecue, lagoon |
| Day 12 | Papeete — arrival 07:00 | Disembarkation |
Australes Islands cruise — 13 nights (rare & wild)
A more contemplative, less-visited itinerary heading south to Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara and Raivavae — islands almost unknown to international tourism. No freight delivery on this route (passenger-only), which makes the stops longer and more relaxed. Between August and October, humpback whales are regularly spotted from the ship and from shore, particularly around Rurutu. Fewer departures — typically 4 per year on the Aranui 5, with significantly more planned on the Aranoa from 2027.
Austral islands Rurutu — Top 5 Things to Do (Whale Watching & Wild Nature) Rurutu is one of the highlights of the Australes cruise — wild cliffs, prehistoric marae and humpback whales offshore.Tuamotu mini-cruise — 5 nights
A shorter itinerary visiting the crystalline atolls of the Tuamotu (Fakarava, Rangiroa, Makatea) — perfect for those whose land itinerary is already full but who want to experience the ship. Snorkeling, beaches, diving. Fewer cultural stops than the Marquesas route, but extraordinary lagoon scenery.
Rangiroa's blue lagoon — a stop on both the Marquesas and Tuamotu Aranui itineraries
Tuamotu guide Best Things to Do in Rangiroa — Dives, Lagoons & Blue Lagoon Rangiroa is one of the world's top dive destinations and a regular Aranui stop — our complete guide to making the most of your time there.The Aranoa — Aranui's second ship, launching in 2027
Aranui Cruises is expanding its fleet with a second mixed cargo-passenger vessel, the Aranoa, which will begin sailing in 2027. Reservations are already open. The Aranui 5 will continue to serve the Marquesas Islands and will keep operating some Austral Islands cruises. The Aranoa will be dedicated exclusively to the Austral Islands, significantly increasing the number of annual departures to this remote archipelago and opening access to rarely visited destinations like Rapa.
The Aranoa at a glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| First sailing | 2027 (reservations now open) |
| Flag | France |
| Length | 116m / 381ft |
| Width | 21m / 69ft |
| Capacity | 198 passengers |
| Cabins | 91 cabins — 62 with private balcony |
| Facilities | 2 restaurants, 2 bars, gym, spa, tattoo area, 2 jacuzzis |
| Main itinerary | 13-night Austral Islands cruise |
Austral Islands itinerary — what to expect
The Aranoa's 13-night itinerary focuses on the Austral Islands: Tubuai, Raivavae, Rimatara and, on select departures, the exceptionally remote Rapa (included in 6 cruises in 2027 — one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the Pacific). Cruises that omit Rapa include an additional stop at Maupiti or Huahine instead. The itinerary also includes Moorea, Raiatea and its UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, before ending at Bora Bora.
The Austral Islands are a land of traditions — turquoise lagoons (Tubuai, Raivavae), fjord-like coastlines (Rapa), endemic birds (Rimatara), exceptional craftsmanship and a way of life almost untouched by mass tourism. Between August and October, humpback whales are a near-constant presence offshore, particularly around Rurutu where they come to mate and give birth.
Cabin categories on the Aranoa
The Aranoa offers a more refined cabin selection than the Aranui 5, with a higher proportion of balcony cabins (62 out of 91). Categories range from dormitory (Class C) through Standard, Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, Junior Suite, Premium Suite, Royal Suite, Grand Royal Suite, Owner Suite and Presidential Suite (40.5m² with balcony). Prices for 2027 sailings are available directly from Aranui on request.
If your priority is the Marquesas and cultural immersion with the cargo experience, the Aranui 5 remains the reference. If you want the Austral Islands — wilder, more remote, with whale-watching potential and visits to Rapa — the Aranoa is the only way to do it comfortably. Both ships share the same Polynesian philosophy: authentic, crew-led, all-inclusive.
Aranui cruise cost — cabin prices & categories 2026
The prices below are the official Aranui 2026 rates in euros for the 12-night Marquesas cruise, per person twin-share, all taxes and port charges included. Prices already include all shore excursions, three meals per day and house wine at lunch and dinner.
Three meals per day (buffet breakfast, plated lunch & dinner) · House wine between 4 passengers at lunch & dinner · All planned shore excursions with multilingual guides · One included excursion per port · Laundry service (3 times during a 12-night cruise) · Port and tourism taxes
Class C — Dormitory
€3,314 per person, all-in4 or 8-person mixed dormitory with porthole. Own private bathroom per unit (4-person dorm). Not accessible to children under 16. The most popular choice for younger travelers and solo backpackers. The social atmosphere is often the best on the ship.
Standard Stateroom
€5,257 per person, all-in11m² outside cabin with porthole (or window). Double bed (180×200) or two singles. Private bathroom with shower, TV, safe. No balcony. 8 obstructed-view cabins available from €5,012/pp. The most popular category overall.
Deluxe (with balcony)
€6,529 per person, all-inPrivate balcony (4m²), fridge, hairdryer. A significant upgrade from Standard — the balcony makes the at-sea days and archipelago arrivals considerably more enjoyable. Good value relative to the suites.
Superior Deluxe (with balcony)
€7,042 per person, all-in14.5m² with 4m² balcony. Slightly larger than Deluxe, positioned on higher decks (Skybar Bridge, Sun Deck, Upper Deck). Fridge, safe, hairdryer. The sweet spot between value and comfort for most travelers.
Premium Suite (with balcony)
€7,239 per person, all-inThe most widely available suite category. Balcony, all amenities. Recommended for those who want a genuine suite experience without the Royal or Presidential price tag. 10% discounts available in low season.
Royal Suite (with balcony)
€7,897 per person, all-in6 Royal suites + 1 Presidential suite (€9,973/pp). The Presidential suite — 41m² with 12m² balcony — is the largest cabin on the ship. For those for whom the Aranui is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and comfort is the priority.
Supplements & discounts to know
| Situation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Solo traveler (single supplement) | +50% on base fare (all categories) |
| Children aged 3–15 | 50% of adult base fare |
| Children under 3 | Taxes and charges only |
| Third adult sharing cabin | −25% on base fare |
| Low season discount (Jan–Feb departures) | −10% on base fare |
| Senior discount (60+, select departures) | −10% on base fare |
| Early bird (book before Dec 31, 2024) | −10% on base fare |
| Back-to-back (2 consecutive voyages) | −15% on both base fares |
International flights to Papeete · Optional excursions (diving, private 4x4 tours, glass-bottom boat) · Bar purchases and spa treatments · WiFi (sold by the GB at the boutique) · Travel insurance (mandatory, must be declared at booking) · Gratuities (not customary in French Polynesia but at your discretion)
What's included in your Aranui fare
The Aranui is an all-inclusive cruise in the most meaningful sense: meals, excursions and guides are all covered. Here's the breakdown.
Meals & drinks
Three meals per day — buffet breakfast, plated lunch and plated dinner — prepared by mostly Marquesan chefs trained in French cuisine. At sea days, all meals are served in the main restaurant. At anchor, lunches are often held ashore (local restaurants or picnics on the islands). House wine is provided between four passengers at both lunch and dinner. Filtered water is available at meals and from dispensers on each cabin deck.
Shore excursions
One included excursion per port of call — designed in collaboration with the local communities. At Nuku Hiva: 4x4 to the archaeological sites of Kamuihei and the Taipivai valley. At Ua Huka: botanic garden, museums, woodcarvers. At Fatu Hiva: tapa demonstrations, optional 16km hike to the Bay of Virgins. At Hiva Oa: Gauguin and Brel graves, arts center. All excursions include multilingual guides (French, English, German).
On board facilities
Sky Bar (panoramic, highest deck), Veranda Bar (main social space, evening entertainment), Lounge (guest lectures, library), boutique, spa, pool, laundromat. The Aranui Band — composed of crew members — performs local music on multiple evenings. A licensed Marquesan tattoo artist is available by appointment throughout the cruise.
Sunset at Fatu Hiva — the southernmost Marquesan island and the most isolated stop on the Aranui itinerary
Aranui vs Paul Gauguin vs Catamaran — which cruise suits you?
French Polynesia offers three very different cruise experiences. Choosing the right one depends entirely on what you're looking for.
| Aranui 5 | Paul Gauguin | Catamaran charter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Authentic, cargo-ship, Polynesian crew | Luxury, formal, international | Intimate, flexible, adventurous |
| Destinations | Marquesas, Australes, remote Tuamotu | Society Islands, Tuamotu, Cook Islands | Leeward Islands (Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a) |
| Duration | 12–13 nights | 7–14 nights | 7–14 nights |
| Price range | From ~€3,300/pp | From ~€5,000/pp | From ~€2,000/pp (cabin cruise) |
| Best for | Culture, remote islands, authenticity | Luxury, lagoon, romance | Snorkeling, flexibility, small groups |
| Lagoon access | Limited (Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora) | Excellent | Excellent — the whole point |
Booking tips for the Aranui 2026
Book as early as possible
The Aranui is not a large ship — 230 passengers maximum — and the best cabin categories in peak season (July–August) sell out 6 to 12 months in advance. Standard staterooms book out faster than you'd expect because they represent the best value. If you have a specific departure date in mind, book the moment you're certain.
Fly in the day before departure
The ship departs Papeete at 12:00 on Saturday. International flights from Europe, the USA or Australia often arrive in the early hours of the morning (Papeete is a notorious red-eye destination). Allow at least one buffer night in Tahiti before boarding — a hotel near Faa'a airport avoids any stress. This night also lets you buy forgotten items, activate a local SIM and get your bearings.
Consider the Marquesas fly-in option
Passengers who prefer to skip the two sea days at the beginning can fly directly to Nuku Hiva (the first Marquesas stop, Day 4) and join the ship there for the archipelago portion, then cruise back through Rangiroa and Bora Bora to Papeete. This option shortens the cruise and reduces the at-sea time, but costs more due to the Air Tahiti flight.
Low season vs high season
January–February departures qualify for a 10% low-season discount. The weather in the Marquesas is good year-round (these islands sit outside the cyclone belt). July–August is whale season in the Australes and the most popular period overall — book accordingly.
The Aranui is best experienced as part of a longer French Polynesia trip. After a 12-night Marquesas cruise, a few days in Moorea or Bora Bora create a perfect contrast — from rugged volcanic peaks and Marquesan culture to the turquoise lagoons of the Society Islands. Our 10-day Society Islands itinerary pairs well with any Aranui cruise.
Ua Huka — one of the lesser-known Marquesan stops on the Aranui itinerary, famous for its woodcarvers and wild horses
FAQ — Aranui Cruise French Polynesia
Plan the rest of your French Polynesia trip
Marquesas guide 10 Days in the Marquesas — Complete Itinerary Our island-by-island guide to Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva — the four main Aranui stops in the Marquesas. Luxury cruise Paul Gauguin Cruise — Review & Guide 2026 The other major cruise option in French Polynesia — higher comfort, different destinations, different clientele. Our honest comparison. Catamaran cruises Catamaran Cruises in French Polynesia — Complete Guide Cabin cruises, private charters, Tuamotu loops — all catamaran options in French Polynesia explained and compared. Itinerary planning 10-Day French Polynesia Itinerary — Society Islands How to combine an Aranui cruise with a land stay in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora — day-by-day planning guide. 3-week itinerary 3 Weeks in French Polynesia — Society & Tuamotu Islands The ideal structure for combining an Aranui Tuamotu mini-cruise with a full land tour of the Society Islands. Getting around Getting Around French Polynesia — Inter-Island Flights & Passes Air Tahiti passes, ferry connections and how to combine an Aranui cruise with inter-island travel.
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