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Preview of Tahiti's Aranui 5

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A superior deluxe cabin aboard Aranui 5
Laurent Wong, regional representative Australia and New Zealand for Aranui Cruises, has unveiled more details of Aranui 5 under construction at Huanghai Shipbuilding in China’s northeastern Shandong province.

The 125mtr long passenger-freighter  will now launch in 2016, replacing Aranui 3 which will be retired after more than 12 years servicing the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas archipelagoes.

There will be no Aranui 4 as the number is considered unlucky by the owners, the third generation Tahitian-Chinese Wong family.

Aranui 5 will have capacity for 260 passengers in a range of accommodation options, from the operator’s first single staterooms to new premium and deluxe categories.

The new cruise freighter will have a Marquesan-inspired decor, with Paul Gauguin prints and original paintings by Erhard Lux, a German artist who lives part-time in Moorea.

Air-conditioned public areas include a restaurant, disco, conference rooms, lounges, library, fitness room, spa, a video and computer room and a boutique.

There will be a swimming pool with a whirlpool and four bars, including the Sky bar on an open deck.

The 14-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete visit Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Huka in the Marquesas and Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, as well as the Society Island of Bora Bora. The ship delivers food, fuel and other staples to the remote ports while passengers disembark for a range of complimentary excursions, including hikes, 4WD tours, a visit to the Paul Gauguin museum and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora.

‘With the introduction of Aranui 5 in 2016 we will offer a more comfortable and luxurious way for cruisers to discover a vast area of French Polynesia,’ Wong said.

Fares include complimentary wine with lunch and dinner and introductory discounts are available until August 31 for the first five voyages of 2016, with a superior deluxe balcony cabin priced from A$7,397 per person twin-share. A premium balcony suite starts from A$8,506.