Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

Compagnie Polynésienne de Transport Maritime, operators of the Marquesas Island adventure cruises, has announced the commissioning of a new ship, to be named Aranui 5. The new 254 passenger ship, scheduled to launch in September 2015 will replace the current 200 passenger Aranui 3 and will continue the company’s successful island cruises, which operate between Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

Offering 30 Suites with balconies, 32 Superior Deluxe rooms with balconies 2 without balconies), 40 staterooms and berths for 24 passengers in class C cabins, the Aranui 5 can accommodate up to 254 cruising guests. Beautifully designed and tastefully decorated public areas will include a sky bar, ball room, two conference suites, lounges, library, video and computer room, shopping centre, swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness room and spa. The décor will include local Marquesan designs, Paul Gauguin prints and original paintings by German artist and island resident, Erhard Lux.

“We’ll still be providing passengers with the same great scenery and service,” comments Vaima Devimeux, Aranui’s European representative, “but, as with everything, levels of comfort, available materials and technology progress quickly and the Aranui 5 will incorporate all of these to provide our valued passengers with even more comfort and enhanced facilities.”

Aranui 5’s maiden voyage is scheduled to depart from Papeete, Tahiti, on 19 September 2015 and will continue to take passengers on a breathtaking 14-day tour around the French Polynesian Marquesas islands, just as the Aranui 3 does today.

“And in case you are wondering,” adds Vaima Devimeux, “there were two Aranui 2’s, so we are just putting the record straight by going from the Aranui 3 to the Aranui 5!”

The cruise offers passengers many varied shore excursions across the 10 stops. A mixture of scheduled trips and free time to explore, shop and eat great local delicacies are available. Planned excursions include snorkelling in the lagoons of Tuamotu; a visit to the towering cliffs and waterfalls of Nuku Hiva; a trip to Gauguin’s former home and grave on Hiva Oa; jeep trips to explore mysterious unspoiled jungles, mountain villages and significant ancient temples; local galleries, museums and much more.

In addition to shore trips, the sailing route takes passengers passed a range of extraordinarily wild and rugged scenery as the ship operates a dual role as passenger cruiser and essential supply cargo ship for the residents of the Marquesas’ remote villages and valleys.

For more information visit www.aranui.com