The 14 day round trip voyages of the ARANUI out of Papeete to the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands are possibly the most unusual voyages that a passenger-carrying cargo ship of this generation makes. Since 1984, the previous two Aranuis have been taking passengers on this journey to these enchanting Polynesian islands which are accessible by few other means. These are the same islands that inspired Paul Gaughuin, Herman Melville, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Thor Heyerdahl, among others, in the past.
The new 386-foot Aranui 3 has replaced the Aranui II, carrying up to 200 passengers per trip. All passenger cabins are outside with private facilities. 63 cabins are standard Category A cabins with twin lower beds. The Suites and Deluxe A cabins have a queen-sized bed, small refrigerator, and bathtub. Additionally, most of the suites have a private balcony. There are also two dormitory-style areas that are co-ed. Both rooms are inside, and outside each room are public bathrooms.
The name "Aranui" means "the great highway" in Maori. The passenger areas include comfortable air-conditioned cabins, dining room, two lounges, library, outdoor swimming pool, covered outdoor bar and grill area, and spacious outdoor deck with chairs. Washing and drying machines are available on board. The Aranui is registered in France and is owned and operated by Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime.
Unlike most passenger-carrying freighter routes of today, this unusual itinerary has only two days at sea. Also, with the exception of a few sightseeing options, the majority of the shore excursion activities are provided to passengers at no additional charge. Here is a day by day account of a typical Aranui passenger's ship and shore experience:
Day 1 - Morning departure from Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands - Fakarava is the second largest atoll in the Tuamotu. There is snorkeling and scuba diving for people of all levels. You can swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon to watch the colorful ballet of tropical lagoon fish. The entire morning will be spent on shore. Lunch will be served on board while you set sail for Marquesas.
Day 3 - At sea - Relax with a book on one of the sun decks, swim in the small pool, or enjoy the immense South Pacific. Balmy evenings mean reading in the lounge/library or chatting with an authority on Marquesan culture or archeology. You'll probably spend many evenings socializing on the upstairs deck/bar with your fellow adventurers from around the world. The spirited Polynesian crew treat you like welcomed guests and proudly introduce you to their rich culture. Almost every night, they sing and strum hypnotic Polynesian rhythms on their ukuleles.
Day 4 - Ua Pou, Marquesas - From the deck, you'll see the soaring mountain spires of Ua Pou. Whenever the Aranui stops, villagers greet it. As the muscular crew unload supplies - from cements to sugar - an loads of copra (dried coconut meat), you'll enjoy the tiny town of Hakahau with its church with a hand-carved wooden dais. You can meet some talented woodcarvers and hike up a hill for a breathtaking view of the distant cloud-covered mountains. At Rosalie's Restaurant, you'll taste your first Marquesan lunch: breadfruit, a Marquesan staple, along with curried goat, barbecued rock lobster, poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and soaked in coconut milk), taro and sweet red bananas.
Day 5 - Nuku Hiva - Sail into Taoihae's spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. As the Aranui unloads, you can explore Taiohae, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where a 23-year-old sailor, Herman Melville and a buddy jumped a whaling ship in 1842. Follow their escape route by jeep along steep, winding dirt mountain roads to Taipivai (Typee) Valley. In his autobiographical first novel, Typee, Melville described his capture and idyllic sojourn among the hospitable cannibals, the Taipi. Hidden amidst the bamboo and vanilla vines are undiscovered archaeological treasures. The area is dotted with stone tiki gods and sacred ritual sites (me'ae) and immense stone platforms (paepae) where the Taipi built their houses. Enigmatic petroglyphs of birds, sacred turtles and fish are carved on huge boulders. The Aranui's two whaleboats sails down the river to return you to the Aranui, which is anchored in the bay.
Day 6 - Hiva Oa - You have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and did some of his best work. You can visit the coloniaal store where Gauguin shopped and go into a replica of the Impressionist's infamous "House of Pleasure." As you walk up a hill to the cemetery, you'll have sweeping views of the harbor. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also was seduced by Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, who died in 1978. Enjoy another lavish Marquesan lunch at Hoa Nui restaurant.
Day 7 - Fatu Hiva - This is the most lush and remote island of the Marquesas. It's also a center of Marquesan crafts. Guides lead you through the village of Omoa; see women hammering mulberry, banyan or breadfruit bark on logs. They dry it, and then paint ancient Marquesan designs on their famous tapa cloth. Fatu Hiva is also well kown for its hand-painted pareus (sarongs) and monoi, a perfumed coconut oil scented with tiare blossoms and sandalwood. Skilled woodcarvers will invite you into their home/studios. The Aranui sails to the other inhabited village. Hanavave is on the Bay of the Virgins, which is one of the world's most beautiful bays. Some athletic passengers may choose to make the trip by foot. On this ten mile hike you'll have unforgettable views of towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls.
Day 8 - Hiva Oa - Travel by foot or jeep to the most important archeological sites for tikis (ancient, human-like religious sculptures) other than Easter Island. Trained guides will show you the mysterious jungle ruins of Puamau and tell the stories of these haunting statues of an ancient civilization.
Day 9 - Tahuata - On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with fragrant scent of tiare, frangipani and history. In the tiny village of Vaitahu, Spanish explorers landed in 1595 and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing about 200. When the first missionaries came in 1797, the generous local chief left his wife with missionary John Harris, with instruction that he treat her as his own wife. Harris fled the next day. Tahuata is also the site of the first French settlement in the Marquesas in 1842. The huge church, built by the Vatican, is decorated with beautiful Marquesan carvings. Picnic in the Valley of Apatoui and swim and snorkel at a nearby beach.
Day 10 - Ua Huka - Visit a museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art. Some will explore the island by four-wheel drive, others can ride the famed Marquesan horses. Explore the mountain landscape with heart-stopping views of the Pacific. Wild horses brought from Chile in 1856 thrive there, outnumbering the islands 476 residents. Have a Marquesan lunch at a local restaurant and visit studios of wood carvers. Back on the Aranui, it's Polynesian night with dancing and buffet dinner on the decks.
Days 11 - Nuku Hiva - Ua Pou - The beautiful sea-walled village of Hatiheu has a wonderfully restored ancient archeological site (tohua) where the famed local dance troupe will perform traditional Marquesan dances specially for Aranui passengers. Guides will lead you through the jungle to an ancient Marquesan temple to see ancient petroglyphs. Have lunch at Yvonne's Restaurant where the specialty is pig baked in an underground oven. Meet the owner-chef, Yvonne, who also happens to be the town's energetic mayor. Return to the first stop in the Marquesas, Hakahau. Last chance to buy Marquesan crafts.
Day 12 - At Sea
Day 13 - Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands - On lovely Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the world, picnic on a golden beach; swim and snorkel in a translucent lagoon. "Rangi" is an underwater jewel box with stunning colors of coral and clouds of tropical fishes. You'll have the opportunity to purchase black pearls from local black pearl farmers. These rare black pearls are French Polynesia's main economic resource.
Day 14 - Morning Arrival in Papeete, Tahiti.
The overwhelming majority of Aranui passengers that write to us after their return tell us that they were "more than satisfied" with their voyage. Some are quite enthusiastic in their comments:
We know, however, that the Aranui is not ideal for all travelers. The ship is extremely casual with no glamour or glitz to be found. Some passengers have commented that excursions were "rugged," and that the meals are "not gourmet". Yet some of the same passengers that have written to us confirming these facts have also said that they would not have missed the experience for the world.
2008 is our 13th year of operating this popular program. While the Aranui's unique itinerary is appealing to many, the uncertainties of arranging air transportation to and from Papeete and hotel accommodations can be a hassle as well as expensive. Our inclusive package arranges everything for you except for your travel to and from Los Angeles airport.
The package includes round trip air from Los Angeles via Air Tahiti Nui, a three-night hotel stay in Papeete, and all transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship in Papeete. Additional hotel nights and add-on excursions to Moorea and Bora-Bora can easily be added if desired.
2008 Aranui Air-Sea-Land Package - also features direct non-stop service from New York JFK. Call for brochure and details: (800) 872-8584
Prices are for a Category A cabin (outside with two lower beds and private facilities) and a standard category hotel in Papeete. Air taxes, port charges, Tahiti VAT, and tourism taxes are in addition to above rates.
Package prices are subject to change without advance notice. Your package price will be confirmed once air reservations are booked and confirmed to you. Because air flights can often be sold out far in advance of a departure date, it is important that interested clients book as early as possible.
The package price includes a total of three pre- and post-voyage hotel nights at the LeMandarin, a moderate category hotel in Papeete. For an additional cost, you can upgrade to the Sofitel Maeva Beach Hotel - a superior category resort hotel.
= Price for double occupancy sharing cabin and hotel room.
== Price for single occupant.
E-mail: info@travltips.com
Due to technical problems the rear watersport platform is not currently operational.
4/7/08
Not responsible for typographical errors or for changes that may occur in any program listed.