The passenger-freighter ship, Aranui 5, has released its 2018 sailing schedule with a total of 19 departures. Recently named one of the "21 Best Cruises in the World" by National Geographic Traveler, as well as one of the "World's Best Adventure Cruises" by Men's Journal, the Aranui 5 offers itineraries to some of the most remote islands in the world. Additionally, Aranui is offering a 10 percent discount on four select voyages throughout the year, marked below with an asterisk.
The Aranui 5 sails 14-day itineraries. The 2018 schedule includes the following travel dates:
- January 13 - January 26*
- February 1 - February 14
- February 20 - March 5
- March 10 - March 23
- March 29 - April 11
- April 17 - April 30
- May 24 - June 6
- June 16 - June 25*
- June 30 - July 13
- July 19 - August 1
- August 7 - August 20
- August 25 - September 7
- September 13 - September 26
- October 2 - October 15*
- October 20 - November 2
- November 8 - November 21
- November 27 - December 10
- December 15 - December 28
On the 14-day adventure, passengers board the ship in Papeete, Tahiti and visit Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelageo, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, as well as Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Ua Huka in the Marquesas Islands.
With an emphasis on soft adventure, history and culture, the Aranui 5 voyage includes onboard and offshore experience such as hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites and small museums, encounters with local inhabitants, a visit to French artist Paul Gauguin's grave, snorkeling, on-island picnics and restaurant lunches, a visit to pearl farm and more.
The fare includes three meals daily with complimentary wine for onboard lunches and dinners, guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary, picnics and meals on shore, cultural activities and Polynesian entertainment. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing are available for an additional charge. Travelers booking a stay aboard the Aranui 5 can choose from eight different cabin categories. Prices for a 2018 Aranui 5 vacation start at $2,920 per person (not including the 10 percent discount) and do not include port tax, cruise tax and tourism tax.