Aranui Cruises is adding a special cruise to one of the most remote destinations in the world, Pitcairn Island, as part of its bumper 2019 cruise program of 20 voyages in the South Pacific.
It’s the first time the Tahitian adventure cruise line has offered a different itinerary from its regular roundtrip voyage from Papeete to the Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu islands, and marks the first new destinations added to the program since Bora Bora was introduced in 2015.
The line’s 125-metre long mixed cargo and passenger vessel Aranui 5 will start the year with a new 13-day roundtrip cruise from Papeete to Pitcairn Island departing on January 10, 2019 and priced from $7280* per person twin share for an ocean view Stateroom and $9940* for a Premium Suite with a balcony.
The one-off voyage includes the cruise line’s inaugural calls to the palm-fringed crystal-clear lagoons of Anaa and Amanu in the Tuamotus; Mangareva and Aukena in the Gambiers, which both offer pristine lagoons perfect for black pearls; and Raivave and Rapa in the Austral Islands, known for their intricate weavings.
More than 230 years after the Bounty arrived, Aranui 5 is scheduled to make the cruise line’s maiden call to Pitcairn on January 14, 2019, offering guests the chance to see the grave of Mutineer John Adams, hand feed the Island’s only Galapagos tortoise, browse Pitcairn’s local Curio and Craft market, sample the island’s unique organic honey, purchase a rare stamp from the Post Office which opens especially for guests, explore the island’s Museum including the Bounty Cannon and walk to Christian’s Cave, where the founder of modern day Pitcairn, Fletcher Christian, would climb to watch for passing ships – in particular a British search party manned by Captain Bligh.
All guests will also receive a highly sought-after Pitcairn stamp in their passport and will be guided around the island by descendants of Fletcher Christian and John Adams.
Aranui’s Regional Representative Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong said it was exciting to be retracing the famous journey of the Bounty mutineers while taking Aranui 5 to some beautiful new French Polynesian islands.
“As a working ship, Aranui 5 offers a truly unique experience and we can’t think of anything more thrilling than taking our guests on the ultimate seafaring adventure to remote Pitcairn Island to discover the natural beauty and preserved culture of a community far removed from modern civilisation. Located thousands of kilometres from the nearest continent, Pitcairn is so isolated it’s only accessible by sea and with all the mod cons of a new freighter, Aranui 5 will offer a stylish and comfortable new way to visit the island,” Mr Wong said.
“We know our guests love our tried and tested route to the Marquesas Islands but we also know that some of our guests enjoy the Aranui experience and want to return to spend more time onboard exploring different destinations so we’re delighted to be able to offer an exciting, new itinerary.”
Mr Wong said the cruise line would also offer a cruise to coincide with the spectacular Marquesas Arts Festival. Held every four years in the far-flung Marquesas Islands, the northernmost of Tahiti’s five archipelagoes, the festival showcases the vibrant culture of the remote island group with visitors treated to a fiesta of Polynesian music, food, dance, tattoos and traditions.
Departing December 14, 2019, the 14-day cruise will include an extended visit to Ua Pou to take in the cultural festivities and is priced from $6975* for an ocean view Stateroom.
To launch the exciting 2019 program, the Tahitian adventure cruise line is providing a 10 per cent discount across all cabin categories on Aranui 5’s first four regular departures with discounted ocean view Staterooms starting from $5750* per person twin share for voyages departing on January 26, February 14, March 2 and 21, 2019. A 10 per cent senior’s discount is also available on the voyage departing September 14, 2019.
In 2019, Aranui 5’s regular 13-day roundtrip itinerary from Papeete will include Bora Bora and its famed blue lagoon; the chance to walk in the footsteps of great artists and authors including Robert Louis Stevenson, Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa, Nuka Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas; and the Tuamotu ports of Rangiroa and Fakarava with picturesque white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
At the 15 scheduled ports of call, the freighter line dispenses cargo while guests disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, visits to archaeological sites and a picnic on a private island in Bora Bora.
Packed with value, an Aranui 5 cruise includes shore excursions, a weekly laundry service, three meals per day and complimentary French wine with onboard lunches and dinners.
Aranui 5 features a restaurant, two conference rooms, lounges, a library, a boutique, a swimming pool, a fitness room, a spa and four bars including the popular Sky bar.
For more information visit www.aranuicruises.com.au or call 03 9449 3778
*Subject to availability, conditions apply
SOURCE: Aranui Cruises