The Marquesas By Passenger Freighter – August 2025 – CONFIRMED DEPARTURE
Confirmed Departure
15 Nights: Friday 8 August - Saturday 23 August 2025
Standard Cabin - twin share per person - ($1,000 deposit per person) | NZD$13,990 |
Superior Deluxe Cabin - twin share per person - ($2,500 deposit per person) | NZD$15,890 |
Premium Suite with balcony - twin share per person ($2,500 deposit per person) | NZD$16,990 |
Cruise in comfort among some of the most remote islands on earth, with spectacular volcanic landscapes and a rich Polynesian culture that has ancient connections to New Zealand. For decades a Tahitian family business has provided a lifeline for these islands, and now its latest, modern ship conveys adventurous travellers as well as vital supplies and traded goods. The crew, mostly Polynesian and many from the Marquesas, are proud of their culture and history and keen to share it with you.
This cruise takes you to most of the inhabited islands in the Marquesas, sometimes more than once, as well as two different atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago. The contrasts are great. The Tuamotu atolls rise just a couple of metres above sea level, and encompass tranquil lagoons. On other islands craggy cliffs rear out of the deep ocean, and the centre of these small islands might be 1,000 metres or more high. Small villages nestle in sheltered bays, some so narrow that entering by ship requires impressive feats of navigation. The Aranui's arrival is a red-letter day for each community it visits. The crew go to work unloading goods ranging from groceries to motor vehicles, and collect produce for transport to market or supplies going to another island. Watching the unloading and loading, sometimes onto a wharf and sometimes onto tenders, is part of the adventure.
The locals also come out in force with their 4WD vehicles to take you to sites of interest - ancient archaeological sites almost reclaimed by the jungle, impressive churches that indicate the influence of missionaries, and spectacular viewpoints. The islanders also put a lot of effort into cooking meals and performing traditional music and dance. You will have time to stroll around the small villages, meeting locals and shopping for unusual souvenirs.
Life on board is really comfortable. The Aranui 5 entered service in 2015 and designed so the rear half is a cruise liner and the front half a freighter. With only 103 cabins spread over eight decks, it feels compact. It has a restaurant where the meals are served in a casual setting, lounges, conference rooms where guest lecturers provide presentations on topics related to the Marquesas, bars with sweeping panoramic views, an outdoor pool, a shop, fitness room and spa. Excursions are well organised, and on-board activities are also offered. The owners and crew take pride in providing a vital link for the Marquesan people, and showing travellers from around the world this unique part of the Pacific. Before boarding the Aranui, you will spend three nights in Papeete with time to explore Tahiti.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- The services of an experienced Calder & Lawson Tours tour manager
- Local guides
- All group transfers
- Admissions as detailed in the itinerary
- Pre-tour material
- 4 nights accommodation in Papeete
- 11 nights accommodation board Aranui 5
- All tips for local guides
- All tourist, cruise and port taxes
- All meals on board the Aranui 5, other meals as specified in the itinerary
- Economy class airfares ex Auckland
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages during included meals, unless specified
- Airline taxes
- Personal expenses
- Hotel porterage
- Surcharge of 1.5% on visa/master card payments, 3% Amex
TOUR PRICE
Standard Cabin - twin share per person - ($1,000 deposit per person) | NZD$13,990 |
Superior Deluxe Cabin - twin share per person - ($2,500 deposit per person) | NZD$15,890 |
Premium Suite with balcony - twin share per person ($2,500 deposit per person) | NZD$16,990 |
Please contact Calder & Lawson Tours if you are interested in a single occupancy place.
GROUP SIZE Minimum 10, maximum 18
PRICES FROM
$13,990NZD
PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
TRAVEL DATES
Duration: 15 Nights
Depart: Fri 8 Aug 2025
Return: Sat 23 Aug 2025
Need help? Call us on: