Aranui 5

The 2015-built MV Aranui 5 is a cargo cruise ship (freight and passenger vessel) that began operations on December 12, 2015. Its roundtrip "cargo cruise" itinerary between Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands is homeported in Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia's capital). Aranui 5 replaced Aranui 3 (built in 2002).

The Aranui 5 (IMO number 9677492), like her fleetmate Aranoa/Aranui 6, is flagged in French Polynesia (MMSI 546018800) and registered as a "passenger vessel" under the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea), allowing her to operate international passenger services.

The shipowner, CPTM, is a third-generation maritime company operating exclusively in French Polynesia. Established in 1954 by the Wong family of Tahiti, the company was originally named "Wing Man Hing." Its cargo vessels have been serving the region for over six decades. Initially, CPTM serviced the Tuamotus and Gambier archipelagos, transporting freight between the islands and Tahiti.

In 2016, CPTM officially replaced the aging Aranui 3 with the new Aranui 5. The larger Aranui 6/Aranoa was ordered in 2019 and scheduled for completion in 2021. The names "Aranui 2" and "Aranui 4" were never used due to superstitions. The newer Aranui ships are larger than Aranui 3, featuring two additional decks with more staterooms and public spaces. Their smaller draft (5.2 m / 17 ft) allows safe navigation into the shallow harbors and small ports of the South Pacific.

Built in China, Aranui 5 arrived in her homeport Papeete, Tahiti, on November 9, 2015. Besides delivering cargo to six ports in the Marquesas Islands, she also provides a 14-day roundtrip passenger cruise service from Papeete. Aranui 5 also visits Takapoto and Rangiroa (Tuamotus), concluding with a call at Bora Bora Island on day 13.

Aranui passengers have the opportunity to receive traditional Polynesian tattoos by local artists. Tattoos play an important role in the local culture, symbolizing life milestones, social status, achievements, and family identity. While the traditional method uses wooden tools and fishbone combs, Aranui's onboard tattoo services use modern equipment and follow strict safety standards.

Shore excursions include scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, beach picnics, visits to sacred sites, local artisans and pearl farms, and the grave of French painter Paul Gauguin (1848–1903) in Atuona, Hiva Oa.

Drydock Refurbishment 2025 Review

The ship was last drydocked in early 2025 (January–February) at the Sociber floating drydock facility in Port Valparaiso, Chile.

The project included routine maintenance and classification inspections (safety and system checks), technical overhauls, hull cleaning and repainting, as well as minor repairs.

Itineraries

Below is a map of Aranui 5's 14-day roundtrip cruise itinerary from Tahiti.

Here is the list of scheduled ports of call for the 14-day roundtrip voyage:

• DAY 1 – Embarkation at Papeete (~10 am). Welcome party with fruit punch and Marquesan dance show by the pool.
• DAY 2 – Takapoto Atoll (Tuamotus): swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving.
• DAY 3 – At Sea
• DAY 4 – Nuku Hiva: ports Taiohae and Hatiheu, cathedral tour, Kamuihei site visit, dance performance, lunch at Yvonne's, sacred sites and optional hike to Paeke.
• DAY 5 – Ua Pou: Hakahau port, cargo unloading/loading, town exploration, lunch at Rosalie's, traditional dance performance.
• DAY 6 – Tahuata and Hiva Oa: Vaitahu visit, crafts center, Atuona visit, Gauguin's grave, lunch, museum tour, hiking.
• DAY 7 – Fatu Hiva: Omoa and Hanavave ports, tapa and kumuhei demos, crafts center, optional 16 km hike, lunch.
• DAY 8 – Hiva Oa: Puamau and Hanaiapa ports, Meae Ipona tour and ruins visit.
• DAY 9 – Ua Huka: Vaipaee, Hane, Hokatu ports, optional 4x4/horseback tour, museum and gardens visit, lunch, carving workshops, "Polynesian Night" onboard celebration.
• DAY 10 – Nuku Hiva: morning in Taiohae, afternoon in Hakahau for souvenir shopping.
• DAY 11 – At Sea
• DAY 12 – Rangiroa Atoll: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, pearl and shell shopping.
• DAY 13 – Bora Bora: beach, snorkeling, picnic lunch, optional excursions (diving, outrigger boat, swimming with sharks and rays, helicopter tour).
• DAY 14 – Disembarkation at Papeete (~9:30 am).

Prices for the 14-day itinerary start at EUR 2,530 (Class C cabin, no children under 16) and from EUR 3,890 (standard double cabin, double occupancy). Fares include taxes, all meals, wine during onboard meals, pre-scheduled shore excursions, and onboard enrichment programs with expert lecturers and guides.

Aranui 5's 2020 schedule included the following departure dates: Feb 6–18, Feb 22–Mar 5, Mar 12–24, Mar 28–Apr 9, Apr 11–23, Apr 30–May 12, May 16–28, Jun 4–16, Jun 20–Jul 2, Jul 9–21, Jul 25–Aug 6, Aug 8–20, Aug 22–Sept 3, Sept 10–22, Sept 26–Oct 8, Oct 15–27, Oct 31–Nov 12, Nov 14–26, Nov 28–Dec 10, Dec 17–29. Most voyages were later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic (March–September).

In 2021, Aranui 5 introduced new itineraries to the Cook Islands, Society Islands, and an expanded Pitcairn itinerary (now including the Marquesas). These voyages were also added to the Aranui 6/Aranoa schedule.

• The 13-day Cook Islands itinerary (roundtrip from Papeete, departing September 4, 2021) visited Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Rurutu, Rapa, Raivavae, and Anaa. The revised Pitcairn itinerary included Hikueru Atoll, overnight in Adamstown (Pitcairn Island), and Oeno Island.
• The 12-day Society Islands itinerary (roundtrip from Papeete, departing May 8, 2021) visited Rangiroa, Fakarava, Makatea (Tuamotus), and Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti, Huahine, Moorea, and Bora Bora (Society Islands).

Aranui 5's 2021 schedule included the following departure dates: Jan 9–21, Jan 28–Feb 9, Feb 13–25, Mar 4–16, Mar 20–Apr 1, Apr 8–20, Apr 24–May 6, May 8–19, May 22–Jun 3, Jun 10–22, Jun 26–Jul 8, Jul 15–27, Aug 5–17, Aug 21–Sept 2, Sept 4–16, Sept 18–30, Oct 7–19, Oct 23–Nov 4, Nov 6–18, Nov 27–Dec 9, Dec 16–28.

In mid-December 2021, Aranui Cruises announced the addition of a new destination to Aranui 5’s itinerary program for 2022 — the Australes/Austral Islands. The new 13-day roundtrip voyage visits the Australs archipelago, located approximately 600 km (370 mi) south of Papeete, consisting of seven islands, five of which are inhabited (Rimatara, Rurutu, Raivavae, Rapa, Tubuai), and four have airports.