Aranui Cruises
The Marquesas specialist — cargo ship + 254-passenger cruiser
Aranui 5 is a unique passenger-cargo hybrid that serves the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia from Papeete (Tahiti). She brings essential supplies to the most remote populated islands in the world and carries 254 passengers in dual-purpose accommodation. The only way to genuinely see the Marquesas in a single voyage.
Where Aranui Cruises sails from
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Find a Aranui Cruises voyage
Real itineraries, real prices — sourced live. Use the filter inside the widget for dates and length.
Why a Aranui Cruises voyage?
Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.
Six Marquesas islands on one voyage
Aranui 5 calls at all six inhabited Marquesas islands — Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva. The only commercial way to see this archipelago — there are essentially no flights between these islands.
Cargo-passenger hybrid
The Aranui 5 is a working cargo ship — bringing supplies to the islands and taking copra and produce back to Papeete. Watching cargo operations is part of the experience. The islanders depend on her arrivals.
Polynesian cultural depth
The Marquesas are the ancestral home of Polynesian culture, with traditions distinct from Tahiti. Tiki carvings, archaeological sites, traditional dances, Marquesan tattooing heritage. Cultural guides and shore programmes go deep.
Owned by a Tahitian family since 1984
The Wong family has operated the Aranui service for 40 years. The ship is Tahitian-flagged, the crew is largely Marquesan or Tahitian, the cultural authenticity is real.
Might not be for you if…
No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Aranui Cruises might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.
You want luxury cruise standards
The Aranui 5 is a working ship — comfortable but not luxurious. Cabins are well-equipped (a-c, private bathrooms) but functional. The cargo-handling is visible.
You're on a budget
The Aranui is genuinely the only way to see the Marquesas — and the pricing reflects that there's no competition. Plus the round-trip flight from the UK to Tahiti is expensive in its own right.
You want fast pace
The Aranui is slow by design — she's a cargo ship that stops at every island for half a day or more. The pace is the point.
Meet the Aranui Cruises ships
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What you actually do all day
What's included in your fare
Every Aranui Cruises fare bakes these in.
All meals
Polynesian-influenced cuisine, fresh local produce
Drinks with meals
Wine, beer, soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Island excursions
Cultural and natural guided excursions at every island
Onboard lectures and demonstrations
Polynesian culture, tattooing, dance, language
Polynesian Night barbecue
Traditional beachside event mid-voyage
Good to know
Quick answers about Aranui Cruises
Are the Marquesas worth a long-haul trip?
How do I get from the UK to Tahiti?
Aranui vs. Paul Gauguin Cruises?
Ready to sail with Aranui Cruises?
A Travel Designer who knows Aranui Cruises will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.