Thirty two strapping Polynesian sailors work aboard the Aranui year-round as this 343-foot freighter steams across the South Pacific, delivering cargo to some of the most remote islands on earth. The Aranui is the lifeline that links the distant Marquesas in French Polynesia, 750 miles northeast of Tahiti, with the rest of the world. Their primitive beauty and erstwhile cannibalism have attracted writers, artists, and adventurers since the time of Captain Cook.

Explore French Polynesia's enchanting Marquesas Islands aboard the new freighter Aranui III. The 85 cabin Aranui III is custom designed with space and comfort in mind, but retains the friendly atmosphere and experienced crew that makes it half way between a modern-day cruise ship and an old island trader.

The ship's large, family-style dining room offers French and Polynesian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. On board, you can enjoy the swimming pool and gym, cocktails in the two bars, and a library. Special facilities are offered for fishing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You'll learn about Marquesan history, culture and art from the guest lecturers.

The passengers will be fascinated as they watch the tattooed crew sling sacks of copra (dried coconuts) by day and strum ukuleles by night. They will join-in with tropical flowers behind their ears and learn the Tahitian three-step in the Aranui's bar. They will be in awe of the lush landscape and wild stone spires of the islands. They will explore ancient ruins, discover overgrown tikis, visit the grave of Paul Gauguin, and roam the valley's that inspired tales by Herman Melville, Jack London, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Travelers go on the Aranui because it offers an authentic taste of Polynesian life at sea and a unique opportunity to come in contact with fascinating remote islands accessible by few other means.

The friendly multilingual staff will make you feel at home and will you take on exciting excursions on the 8 islands visited during the cruise. The best and most interesting features of each island and atoll will be explored or highlighted, such as black pearls farming in the atolls, archeological sites in the Marquesas and an introduction to the marvellous flowers, the perfumes, the music and dance and, of course, the culinary delights of Polynesia.

“Aranui III” Cruises Per Person, Share 15-Day Cruise—- Embark/Disembark Tahiti Suite $4,830 Deluxe A Cabin $4,410 Standard A Cabin $3,675 Class C Dormitory Cabin $2,079 8-Day Cruise—Embark/Disembark Nuku Hiva Suite $3,168 Deluxe A Cabin $2,688 Standard A Cabin $2,352

Cabins Descriptions Suite Large outside cabin, queen-size bed, refrigerator, private facilities with bathtub, balcony Deluxe A Cabin Large outside cabin, queen-size bed, private facilities with bathtub Standard A Cabin Outside cabin, two lower berths, private facilities. Class C Cabin 30 dormitory-style upper and lower berths, air conditioned, without private facilities. Located on restaurant deck.

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