The 254-passenger cargo cruise ship Aranui 5 released its 2021 cruise schedule, offering a total of 21 departures. In addition to the traditional Marquesas Islands route, Aranui added 3 new discovery cruises, including expeditions to Gambier-Pitcairn, Austral-Cook, and Society-Tuamotu Islands.
Starting 2021 with a 13-day speciality voyage from January 9-21, 2021, Aranui is scheduled to depart from Papeete, Tahiti and visit Rikitea and Aukena in Gambiers Islands, Oeno and Adamstown in Pitcairn Islands, Amanu, Anaa and Hikueru in Tuamotu Archipelago. Fares for the Pitcairn-Gambiers sailing start at US$3,830 per person.
The next itinerary is May 8-19, 2021, which follows a route from Papeete to Makatea, Fakarava, and Rangiroa in Tuamotu Islands, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Maupiti, Raiatea, Tahaa in Society Islands. Rates for this voyage start at $3,220 per person.
The 3rd exclusive trip takes place September 4-16, 2021, sailing throughout Aitutaki and Rarotonga in Cook Islands, Raivavae, Rapa and Rurutu in Austral Islands, Anna in Tuamotu Archipelago. Fares for the sailing start at US$3,670 per person.
The remaining 2021 sailings follow a 13-day, all-inclusive itinerary from Papeete, Tahiti, sailing to Rangiroa and Fakarava in Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in Society Islands, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Ua Huka, and Fatu Hiva in Marquesas Islands.
For added value, Aranui offers a 10% seasonal discount on select cruises throughout the year. A senior discount for travellers aged 60 and above is offered for the February 13, 2021 departure. Marquesan Arts Festival is to be held in Fatu Hiva in December 2021 during the last sailing of the year.
The ship's 2021 schedule includes the following dates:
- January 9-21, May 8-19, September 4-16
- January 28-February 9, May 22-June 3, September 18-30
- February 13-February 25, June 10-22, October 7-19
- March 4-16, June 26-July 8, October 23-November 4
- March 20-April 1, July 15-27, November 6-18
- April 8-20, August 5-17, November 27-December 9
- April 24-May 6, August 21-September 2, December 16-28
The voyage includes 3 meals per day with complimentary wine for lunch and dinner, guided shore excursions, meals and picnics onshore, Polynesian entertainment and cultural activities. Optional excursions like scuba diving, fishing, helicopter tours, and horseback riding, are available for an additional charge.
Fares for a 2021 Aranui 5 voyage start at US$3,200 per person (not including a 10% discount) and don't include port, cruise, and tourism taxes.