To reward its returning passengers and as part of the celebrations for its 40th anniversary as a passenger carrying company, Aranui Cruises has launched a new ‘Tiki Club’ loyalty programme.
Affectionately known by its loyal fans as the Freighter to Paradise, the new programme aboard the unique passenger/cargo ship, Aranui 5 will apply to cruises booked for travel from the start of 2025 onwards, to either the remote French Polynesian islands of the Marquesas or the recently added cruise to the far-flung Austral Islands, a mysterious land where white sand beaches meet intense blue lagoons in the South Pacific.
Depending on the number of times a passenger has travelled with Aranui Cruises there are four tiers of rewards – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Pearl – with an increasing scale of exclusive benefits. Discounts range from 5% – 12.5 % on future cruises and 20% – 25% disounts for onboard expenses. Additional benefits include complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), wifi credits, free modifications to bookings and a ‘welcome back’ cocktail with other members of the Tiki Club. T&Cs apply*.
The club discounts are applicable to all returning guests whatever their mode of reservation, either directly with the company or via a travel agent.
Commenting on the news Vaima Devimeux, European Sales and Marketing Director for Aranui Cruises said “We are delighted to be able to recognise our many loyal returning passengers with this new reward programme. Across the European markets we have a couple from the UK who has travelled with us on four different voyages, a German couple on their fifth voyage and one gentleman from France who has returned six times to sail with us. They say they enjoy the fact that the route of the cruise is determined by the cargo ship rather than the passengers’ needs, allowing them to see the real Polynesia and meet genuine islanders. They also love that fact that the ship feels like one big family, with the crew creating a great atmosphere and caring for everyone”.
Whilst some passengers might wish to return to The Marquesas for its mysterious unspoiled beauty and wild coasts, the recently added Austral Islands is newer option.
Located 300 miles south of Tahiti, the Austral islands are off the beaten track and rarely visited by most passenger cruise vessels meaning that few people have up to now seen these untouched lands where breathtaking landscapes range from sheer mountains to deep valleys.
Departing Papeete in Tahiti on three dates during 2025:
- 5-17 April 2025
- 6-18 September 2025
- 1-13 November 2025
The new 13-day cruise will visit the five inhabited raised atolls in the Australs islands, with the addition of a brand-new call at the Society islands of Raiatea and a day at Bora Bora – the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’.
In 2025 the 13-day Austral Islands cruise on board Aranui 5 costs from 5,281 Euros pp. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with obstructed view, (based on two sharing), all meals (incl. wine with meals taken on board), taxes and scheduled excursions. Excludes international flights.
Alternatively, those returning to the Marquesas Islands will be able to join one of the regular sailings to the islands including a special cruise over Christmas 2025 to join the spectacular Marquesas Islands Arts Festival.
Club discounts will also be available on two early bird departures to the Marquesas Islands in 2025 with a low season saving of 10% for those choosing to travel from 22 February – 5th March 2025 (Voyage #1) and a 10% senior’s discount for those aged over 60 when travelling on voyage #8 departing 31 May – 11 June 2025.
En route to the Marquesas the cruise weaves its way through the Tuamotu archipelago with a stop at either the UNESCO ‘biosphere reserve’ of Fakarava, or the flora and fauna rich island of Kauehi, depending on the voyage.
In 2025 the 12-day Discover the Marquesas Cruise on board Aranui 5 costs from 5,012 Euros pp. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with obstructed view, all meals (incl. wine with meals taken on board), taxes and scheduled excursions. Excludes international flights.
On board the Ship
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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