Aranui 5 to operate first five-day French Polynesia cruise in 2023Aranui 5 to operate first five-day French Polynesia cruise in 2023

The new programme features 25 scheduled cruises ranging from five- to 13-days, calling at 26 islands around the South Pacific.

Also for the first time, Aranui 5 will make a 12-day voyage to five Austral Islands on September 9, — calling at Raivavae, known as the Bora Bora of the south, Tubuai, Rurutu, Rapa and Rimatara.

Overnights on Pitcairn

A  nine-day Cook Islands cruise departing April 17 includes calls at Aitutaki, Rarotonga and Atiu and two 11-day Pitcairn Island voyages departing February 18 and October 7 feature overnights  on Pitcairn.

In 2023, the 125mtr mixed freight and passenger vessel will continue to offer its classic 12-day round trip to French Polynesia’s remote Marquesas and will deliver cargo to the six inhabited islands —Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa, where passengers will visit the Paul Gauguin Cultural Centre in Atuona.

Festival of Arts

A special extended 13-day cruise departing December 15 will take in the Marquesas Festival of Arts. 

Aranui Cruises regional representative Australia and New Zealand Laurent Wong said there is something for everyone in the diverse 2023 programme. 

‘In addition to enhanced health protocols on board, we are offering shorter and cheaper options to give more travellers the chance to enjoy a post-pandemic holiday in paradise,’ Wong said.