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Aranui 5, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Home Our Vessels Aranui 5

Polynesia and South Pacific

Aranui 5

  • Expeditionary Ship
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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.

Onboard experiences

  • Fishing
  • Walking and Strolling
  • Hiking and Climbing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling

Ideally suited for

  • Couples
  • Romantic/Honeymoon
  • Solo Traveller

Ship Information

Cabins: 103
Passengers: 254
Crew: 103
Decks: 8
Length: 125 metres
Cruising Speed: 15 knots
Download Deck Plan
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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 and few roads or cars exist. Visitors are rare and joyfully welcomed by the friendly Polynesian people.
14 days from £4,000pp
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
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 North Boat.
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
View all cruises

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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

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Featured in the press

Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Lloyd 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
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super