Price clash in paradise: Paul Gauguin and Aranui go head to head in French Polynesia
NewsA price war has broken out in the beautiful lagoons and reefs of French Polynesia. Paul Gauguin Cruises and hybrid cargo cruise line Aranui have slashed fares by up to 30 per cent to entice more holiday makers to sail the turquoise waters of French Polynesia and South Pacific.
The luxury, Ponant-owned Paul Gauguin Cruises have just cut prices by up to 30 per cent for 26 voyages in 2025, with the cost of an 8-day itinerary cruising Tahiti and the Society Islands starting from $5980 per person. There is also 30% off for early booking of other voyages.
If you pick a longer Paul Gauguin cruise of 16 days sailing in Fiji, Tonga, Cook and Society Islands, the price is reduced to $10,330 per person for departures in January and May 2025.
Aranui Cruises have shaved off thousands of dollars for a number of sailings in July and August this year. Prices for 12-day roundtrip from Papeete to the Marquesas Islands on the 125-metre freight and passenger ship, Aranui 5 are now $5596 per person twin share. And if you are planning to take your kids on this cargo cruise experience, take advantage of the line’s special children fare for sailings in July/August this year. Children aged from 3-17 years need only pay a set price of $1982 in any cabin with their family.
Aranui is also offering 20 per cent discount on its 12-day Austral Archipelago cruise, the southernmost in French Polynesia, known for whale watching which departs Papeete on September 9 this year. Prices start from $7292 pp twin share, a saving of more than $1600.
There is also a 15-day sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands onboard MS Paul Gauguin with prices reduced by up to 30 per cent to $10,330 per person with four departures between June and October 2025.
Paul Gauguin Cruises have been sailing the pristine waters of French Polynesia, Tahiti and South Pacific for 25 years. Designed to sail through shallow lagoons, MS Paul Gauguin is an elegant ship offering its 330 guests a truly Polynesian experience. Itineraries have been specially designed to allow guests to discover the traditional way of life and customs of Polynesia and South Pacific.
Onboard, guests can dine alfresco at Le Grill or enjoy a more sophisticated meal at La Veranda or L’Etoile with signature menus fusing French cuisine with local Polynesian flavours. There’s also a lounge bar, La Palette, a piano bar and a swimming pool and bar. Guests can also learn the art of Polynesian braiding or dance with the local islanders.
Aranui has been sailing the region for 40 years, while Aranui 5 has a restaurant, conference rooms, lounges, two bars and a tattoo studio, the line also offers onboard Polynesian experiences such as learning the local language, cooking, dancing, art/history lectures and music. Aranui’s crew is mostly made up of French Polynesians, offering an authentic way of cruising the area.
