Where to book and travel to

Our People

Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Aranui 5

Expeditionary Ship

Aranui 5 is a mixed cargo and passenger vessel which operates between Tahiti and the Marquesas’ delivering much needed everyday goods to several islands.

While very much a working ship, she has additional space for over 250 passengers in 103 air-conditioned cabins, all of which have an outside view and most with private balconies. The interior decor features Marquesan designs, Paul Gauguin prints and original paintings by German artist and island resident, Erhard Lux. Additional leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym and massage room.

Why we like Aranui 5

Although not the prettiest of ships to look at Aranui 5 is regarded by the locals as their lifeline and window into the outside world. As such it is met with great warmth and enthusiasm by the local communities. The crew are incredibly knowledgeable on the Marquesas Islands; many have ancestry rooted in the islands and have been the company for over thirty years.

Facilities

Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Two lounges
Four bars including the sky bar with panoramic views
Massage room
Dining room

Activities

As well as the daily shore excursions included there is also plenty of time to relax on board. Attend one of the daily presentations on a range of subjects from the local history, wildlife and traditions of the local Marquesan communities. Activities such as scuba diving and parasailing are possible at some of the ports at an additional cost.

Fishing
Walking and Strolling
Hiking and Climbing
Diving
Snorkelling

Couples
Romantic/Honeymoon
Solo Traveller

Cabins:	103
Passengers:	254
Crew:	103
Decks:	8
Length:	125 metres
Cruising Speed:	15 knots

Download Deck Plan

Aranui 5, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Idea

Polynesia and South Pacific

Polynesian Cruise with Aranui 5

Cruise the remote and little visited Marquesan Islands where little has changed in thousands of years and few roads or cars exist. Visitors are rare and joyfully welcomed by the friendly Polynesian people.

14 days from £4,000pp

View Cruise

Idea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea – Sepik River Adventure Cruise

This 11-day expedition cruise around PNG offers the chance to access secluded islands for world-class snorkelling and diving, as well as experiencing ancient tribal cultures and spectacular scenery. All from the comfort of the exceptional True…

12 days from £13,600pp

True North, The Sepik River Tribes, Papua New Guinea

View Cruise

Idea

New Zealand

New Zealand Cruise – Auckland to Milford Sound

Over 13 days cruise from Auckland on the North Island to the dramatic beauty of Fiordland on the South Island. Access remote and pristine wilderness areas in search of culture and wildlife, unique to New Zealand.

13 days from £6,400pp

Coastal View, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

View Cruise

Idea

Australia

Cruise Western Australia

This expedition cruise explores the magnificent Kimberley coast of Australia with its wild and rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and waterfalls, ancient rock-art and unique wildlife.

13 days from £4,795pp

Mitchell Falls & Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia

View Cruise

Need Inspiration?
Browse our holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Polynesia and South Pacific

Polynesian Cruise with Aranui 5

Cruise the remote and little visited Marquesan Islands where little has changed in thousands of years…

14 days from £4,000pp

View Cruise

Idea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea – Sepik River Adventure Cruise

This 11-day expedition cruise around PNG offers the chance to access secluded islands for world-class snorkelling…

12 days from £13,600pp

View Cruise

Idea

New Zealand

New Zealand Cruise – Auckland to Milford Sound

Over 13 days cruise from Auckland on the North Island to the dramatic beauty of Fiordland…

13 days from £6,400pp

View Cruise

Idea

Australia

Cruise Western Australia

This expedition cruise explores the magnificent Kimberley coast of Australia with its wild and rugged mountains,…

13 days from £4,795pp

View Cruise

View all cruises

Let’s chat

01285 880 980

Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Enquire

Very satisfied with all aspects of our trip. Steppes kept us fully informed of the progress of the arrangements and gave us various choices of hotels.

Nick

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Llyod Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

Mame / Country of Register

Ice thickness (cm)

10 15 30 50

Ice thickness (cm)

lowest highest

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Finland / Sweden

Category II

IA Super

Your Wishlist Account

Sign up and take advantage of our Wishlist if you would like to create your own holiday boards. You can click on the heart across our website and curate destinations, holidays, properties and experiences that you would like us to build your future holidays around.

Your Wishlist Account

Account Created

All you need to do now is activate this account by clicking on the link we’ve just sent you via email to the address you’ve just provided or log in below.

Reset your password

Enter your email below.

We've sent you an email to reset your password

you will receive an email from us in the next few minutes. Click in the link in the email to change your password.

if you can't see an email from us in your inbox, please check your junk mail folder as it may have been mistakenly categorised as spam or try a different email address.