If you have always yearned to explore the remote southern Austral Islands and French Polynesia’s stunning southern archipelago, then Aranui 5, will deliver a very different and authentic experience.

And you will get a 15 per cent earlybird discount on the Austral Islands voyages, provided you book before 31 December this year. And if you book back-to-back cruises, you will get another 15 per cent discount.

Aerial shot of Aranui 5
Ariel shot of Aranui 5 in French Polynesia

The mixed freight and passenger vessel will take you to five untouched islands including Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae and Rapa. Island-hopping is the only way to see and experience all five islands. On its return leg, Aranui 5 will also call on Raiatea and Bora Bora.

The 13-day Austral island odyssey cruise can only accommodate 250 guests who will be able to see how freight, mail and essential goods are delivered to the islands. At the same time, they will be able to go on excursions, immerse themselves in the local culture and get up-close-and-personal with islanders who over the years, have become increasingly dependant on the tourism dollar.

“It’s a sustainable way to introduce these remote islands to tourism,” said Aranui Cruises regional representative for Australia and New Zealand, Laurent Wong.

Aranui 5 will also offer a short five-day cruise to picturesque Tuamotu atolls Mataiva, Makatea and Anaa for adventure seekers wanting to add a shorter cruise to the 13-day Austral island cruise.

French Polynesia at its best
French Polynesia

The line celebrated its 40th anniversary of cargo cruising in the Marquesas this year.

In addition, Aranui will continue to offer 12-day roundtrip cruises from Papeete to six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva with picturesque pitstops at Tuamotu atolls Fakarava, Rangiroa and Makatea as well as Bora Bora.

Aranui 5 has a restaurant, conference room, lounge, library, swimming pool, gym, spa and the first tattoo studio at sea, a panoramic Sky Bar and Veranda bar.

For more information click here.