With its fully custom-built, dual-purpose passenger and freighter ship, Aranui Cruises brings avid adventurers to the remote islands of Tahiti from its home port in Papeete on the main Island of Tahiti, to the Marquesas, Society Islands and beyond, says Aranui Cruises’ Sales Manager, Dave Mackay, in this edition of Take 5.

1. For agents who aren’t familiar with the brand, can you briefly tell us about Aranui Cruises?

“Founded in Papeete in the Islands of Tahiti in 1954, Aranui Cruises has evolved from a freighter shipping line to the remote Marquesas Islands, providing goods and services to the people of the Marquesas, to what it is today: a fully custom-built, dual-purpose passenger and freighter ship bringing avid adventurers to the remote islands of Tahiti from our home port in Papeete on the main Island of Tahiti, to the Marquesas, Society Islands and beyond. The experience, which accommodates approximately 200 guests per sailing, highlights the rich culture and history of the heart and soul of Polynesia.”

2. How would you describe an Aranui cruise? What can passengers expect from the onboard experience?

“Aranui Cruises is a culture-rich, truly unique adventure cruise for those guests seeking the road less travelled. Located 1,600 km from Papeete, the Marquesas are some of the most isolated Islands in the world. Although part of French Polynesia, their culture and language are distinctly different. In fact, just this summer the Marquesas Islands was named among UNESCO’s newest World Heritage regions.

“Our ship combines the comforts and conveniences of a modern cruise ship including balcony cabins, family-style dinning in our restaurant, two bars and our two crews (the seamen who manage the freight, and the hotel staff), the majority of whom are from the five archipelagoes of the Tahitian Islands who also provide all the entertainment onboard.

“Our primary mission has not changed: to provide goods and services to the people of these remote Islands which adds to the unique guest experience that includes the opportunity for guests to explore and emerge themselves in the unique culture of these Islands.”

Aranui Cruises in Tahuata

3. What are some of your best-selling cruises? And are there any new cruises for 2024-2025?

“The 12-day, 11-night Marquesas itinerary is our best-selling cruise.

“In 2025 we will have added a select number of cruises to the Austral Islands. Located just a little over 480 kilometres south of Tahiti, yet so often overlooked and seldom visited, the Austral Islands opens a new perspective on the evolution of Polynesia. Made up of five inhabited islands, each one offers a unique experience, from its diverse topographies, its distinct culture and languages to its historical significance in the development of the Polynesian Triangle.”

4. How are you working with travel agents? How important are they to your business?

“We work with our travel advisor partners directly or via their preferred tour operator.  They play an important role in helping us create awareness of our unique cruise experience via their consumer distribution channels.

“We understand that our cruise experiences are not well known among the Canadian travel advisor community and as such can provide support, and various assets to assist them in closing sales for our very unique cruise experience.”

5. Do you have any promotions right now, either for travel advisors or their clients?

“We recently announced our new ‘Canadian Resident Discount’, which provides an exclusive 10% discount off all Aranui Cruises’ voyages. At the time of booking, simply provide the guest’s proof of residency to receive the discount off any sailing. This new discount is also combinable with other, limited availability special offers and promotions that Aranui Cruises announces occasionally. More information about the Canadian Resident Discount can be found here: https://www.aranui.com/us/canadianresident

“And currently, Aranui Cruises is celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary with another special sale, up to 20% off 2025 sailings. More information is available here: https://www.aranui.com/us/special-offers.”

For more information see https://www.aranui.com/en.