Departing 30th March 2024 and 2 November 2024, passenger-freighter Aranui 5 has announced exceptional savings for its two Austral Islands cruise departures in 2024, with a 50% discount for the second passenger sharing a cabin or a no single supplement offer for solo travellers on these two voyages (N°6 and N°20)
Located 300 miles south of Tahiti, the Austral islands are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand beaches meet intense blue lagoons and the breath-taking landscapes of sheer mountain tops contrast with lush, verdant valleys and caves sheltering ancient burials sites.
Departing Papeete in Tahiti the 11-day cruise to this remote group of islands, visits the five inhabited raised atolls in the Austral’s rich and varied necklace of islands.
Whilst there is no freight carried on these two voyages, highlights of the cruise include the chance to explore the basalt and limestone cliffs of Rurutu, once occupied by early settlements and the breath-taking views of white sand beaches and bays. Passengers will see intricate ‘tifaifai’ patchwork quilts and be treated to a demonstration of the traditional custom of ‘stone lifting’ by some of Rurutu’s strongest islanders.
On Rimatara passengers will be welcomed with an ancient ceremonial walk through ‘purification smoke’ and watch the preparation of fara pae’ore leaves that are used to make cloth.
A huge emerald lagoon and white sand beaches await on nearby Raivavae whilst its southerly neighbour, Rapa, features a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays and is as remote as it gets. Passengers can join the islanders in the unique dances of Rapa and then opt to choose one of two different hikes, either around the beautiful bay or up to the remnant of an old mountain top fort.
The 11-day The AUSTRAL ISLANDS Cruise on board Aranui 5 costs from Euros 5,209.00pp with a 50% discount of the second passenger, based on two people sharing or no single supplement for solo travellers. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with obstructed view, all meals (incl. wine with meals taken on board the ship), taxes and scheduled excursions. Excludes international flights.
Life on board Aranui 5
Aranui 5 accommodates up to 230 guests in 103 comfortable and beautifully appointed suites, staterooms, many with balconies, plus some dormitory-style cabins. ‘Polynesian casual’ best describes the atmosphere on board as you leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind and join in a variety of cultural classes. Lessons include local dances or languages, the weaving of palm fronds, learning to play the ukulele, a cooking demonstration, and a class on how to wear and tie a local pareo dress.
French and Polynesian style cuisine is served in the dining room, after which passengers can retire to a choice of three bars, including the panoramic Skybar with its 180-degree views over to the cargo bay, or join the Aranui band of musicians in the Veranda bar to sing and dance the night away. There is also a fresh water outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, a boutique, a spa with a range of locally inspired treatments and an authentic tattoo parlour.
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