Your reviews on the ARANUI 5 cruise to the Marquesas Islands

Hello,

My husband and I are heading to French Polynesia on August 21st for a cruise on the ARANUI 5 to the Marquesas Islands. If anyone has taken this cruise recently or during the late August/early September period, I’d love to hear your impressions and any practical details. Thanks for your feedback! Elettra69

Hi there, I’m struggling to understand how people ask for printouts and details about a trip when it’s so close to departure. Logically, you’d ask for info about a destination *before* planning to go there!

Hello, This trip has been meticulously planned. It’s a childhood dream. We’ve read everything about it and are really excited. But we’d love some practical details for packing, and I think I didn’t explain myself well in my request. (Like what shoes to wear when disembarking with the barges? ... that kind of everyday detail.) I really appreciated those kinds of tips from a VoyageForum user before my trip to Norway with Hurtigruten. Have a great day! Elettra69

Hi there, I looked into the ARANUI 5 cruises out of curiosity— 230 passengers, various cabin categories, and even dorms. I’ve seen quite a few reviews, and pretty much everyone’s happy with it. Had a great cruise!

Hello Marie Christine, We took this cruise 4 years ago. It was in July 2021. French Polynesia had just reopened after the lockdown that had halted navigation open to tourists. Passengers were roughly divided into three groups: 1/3 Polynesians or residents, 1/3 from mainland France, and 1/3 foreigners. The atmosphere was very relaxed and warm. In French Polynesia, using first names ("tu") is the norm. We took part in all the excursions and hikes and had packed the right shoes for them. For landings, we usually docked directly, but we also used longboats and once a barge to reach a beach. For that outing, we had water-friendly shoes. I’m happy to share more details, even though our trip took place during a unique time. Best regards, Aline

Hi Aline, Thanks for your reply. That’s exactly the kind of details I was looking for. I didn’t take the "diving" excursion, but I’d love to see the fish while swimming. Should I bring a mask, or can we find them on-site for loan or rental? Otherwise, we took almost all the excursions (4/4, outrigger canoe, etc.). Have a good evening, Elettra

Hi Marie-Chrisine, We had our own masks and snorkels. But I think it was possible to borrow them on the boat. As for the excursions, we only took part in the ones included in the package—nothing optional was offered, as far as I remember. There were only about a hundred passengers. Best regards, Aline

Hi, Thanks Aline for this info. We’ll bring our masks.

To extend the cruise, we’re spending 3 nights in Moorea before heading back to France. Have a great day! Elettra69

Hello, What a wonderful discovery your trip on the Aranui will be, especially to the Marquesas. We’ve been incredibly lucky to do this trip twice, then the Gambier Islands, and on September 6th, we’ll board the Aranui again to head to the Australs. As a result, you’ll be returning from the Marquesas and bringing the boat back for us so we can enjoy it again. You’ll see—you’ll be filled with happiness and discoveries. On board, everything is, as they say, "casual and unpretentious." The staff is attentive, the meals are excellent, and there’s a relaxed atmosphere. For the stops, they’re either by whaleboat or at the dock. Don’t worry about the whaleboats—even if the waves are strong, the sailors are there to keep you safe. You just have to trust them completely and hold out your forearms, not your hands... and they’ll propel you right in! For the record, we’ve never jumped so high!!! When you’re ashore, everything is perfectly organized. Sometimes, meals are planned at local restaurants, and you’ll love them. Good luck, and savor the Marquesas. Best regards, (We could’ve met in Papeete since we’ll be there from the 3rd to the 6th of September)

Hi Touran123

Thanks for your warm message. This bodes well for our trip. I wish you all the best for your new adventure discovering Polynesia on the Aranui. Yes, we could’ve met! Have a great day Elettra69

Hi Touran123

I’m sticking to practical details and also addressing Aline (thanks to both of you for your messages). We’ve considered using patches for seasickness since it’s said to be pretty rough. What do you think, and what did you do? Thanks for your reply and your opinion! Have a great day Elettra69

Hello Marie-Chrisine, We had acupuncture-point bracelets. We didn’t get sick. It’s true that sometimes things move around. One evening at dinner, our table was "cleared" in the blink of an eye, and the bottles from the refrigerated cellar turned into bowling pins. Best regards, Aline

Hi "Elettra69", Indeed, the sea can be rough, but it all depends on the currents.... It’s always wise not to stray too far from the handrails in the corridors. Out of three trips on the Aranui, I only got seasick once. The homeopathic Cocculine tablets didn’t help me much, so the ship’s doctor gave me Scopoderm patches. You need a prescription to get them. Those patches were my lifesaver!!! I’ve heard that eating apples can be a great remedy! But I haven’t tried it. In any case, try to stay as relaxed as possible and, above all, enjoy the stunning landscapes and the unique atmosphere of the Aranui—you’ll have a wonderful trip. Best regards, Touran

Good evening Michel

Thanks for those details about the rough sea! We’ll ask our doctor for a prescription for the patches! That won’t stop us (the rough sea) from enjoying this trip! We had this experience in Norway. Three-quarters of the passengers were seasick, not leaving their cabins, and thanks to the patches, we were learning to dance the tango (it was certainly bumpy, but we had a good laugh) Have a good evening Marie-Christine

Hi Michel,

What’s the best place to exchange our euros for the local currency?

We’re also wondering about tipping. Is there a recommended guideline? Do we tip the whole crew (in a box, it seems) or both the crew and the person in charge of our cabin?

Thanks for your reply! Have a great evening, Marie-Christine

Good evening Michel,

What’s the best place to exchange our euros for the local currency?

We’re also wondering about tips. Is there a recommended guideline? Do we tip the whole crew (in a box, it seems) or both the crew and the person in charge of our cabin?

Thanks for your reply. Have a good evening, Marie-Christine

Hello Marie-Christine, When you arrive at Papeete Airport, there’s a currency exchange office. But there’s a limit—500 € per person (if I remember correctly). Otherwise, if you’re staying at a hotel before the Aranui, that should be possible too, and as a last resort, on the Aranui itself. As for tips, it’s always a tricky question. I think there’s a common box for all the staff and crew. You can also tip the person in charge of your cabin directly. For the amount, it’s really up to you... I assume you’ve already applied for your US visa since the flight stops in Los Angeles. With Trump in office, it’s best to get it done early—you never know what to expect!

Have a great day—it’s probably still pretty hot! Best regards, Michel

Good evening Michel,

Where’s the best place to exchange our euros for the local currency?

We’re also wondering about tips. Is there a recommended guideline? Do we tip the whole crew (in a box, it seems) or both the crew and the person in charge of our cabin?

Thanks for your reply. Have a good evening, Marie-Christine

Hello Marie-Christine, When you arrive at Papeete Airport, there’s a currency exchange office. But there’s a limit—500 € per person (if I remember correctly). Otherwise, if you’re at a hotel before boarding the Aranui, that should be possible too, and as a last resort, on the Aranui itself. As for tips, it’s always a tricky question. I think there’s a common box for all the staff and crew. You can also tip the person in charge of your cabin directly. For the amount, it’s really up to you... I assume you’ve already applied for your US visa since the flight stops in Los Angeles. With Trump, it’s best to get it done early—you never know what to expect! Hope you’re having a nice (and still hot) day. Best regards, Michel

Hello, Just a quick reminder: It wasn’t TRUMP who imposed the US visa requirement for foreigners making a stopover in the USA. That’s been in place for over twenty years.

Hi Michel,

On the way out, our stopover in the USA is in Seattle-Tacoma, and on the way back, it’s in Los Angeles. We applied for the ESTA in February and got it. I think you meant that the price of the ESTA might go up. Thanks for the clarification!

Best regards, Marie-Christine

Hello, Could you tell me about internet on the Aranui? I think they sell a connection on the boat. Is it good for receiving and sending emails? We were thinking of buying a Polynesia plan from our phone provider, which we’ve been doing before trips in case of issues (the plan pays for itself quickly if we need to make calls, for example, in case of a lost credit card or ID). Thanks! Best regards, marie-christine

Hello there,

Regarding the internet on the Aranui, there is a free connection (at least there was three years ago). Now, I don’t know... Obviously, it’s best to avoid the so-called "peak hours" when many people are connected. We never had any issues sending or receiving emails. However, sending photos might be a bit more complicated. Generally, during stops, if you go to a bar for a drink, for example, ask if you can connect to the internet. Often, we prepared our emails to send and once ashore, we sent them when there was a connection. Obviously, for urgent messages, the Aranui works perfectly. If there’s a problem, you can always ask for help at the boat’s reception, where everyone is very friendly. Otherwise, once you’re back from the Aranui, you can check your emails as much as you want, especially if you’re staying in a hotel in Papeete before returning to France. We’re used to traveling and have never had internet issues. If you want to buy a plan from your operator, make sure to ask about the price—once abroad, you might get some surprises! I also think you’ve already taken care of the USA ESTA by using the official site (US$21). Other sites charge up to US$70!!! Good luck and have an excellent trip! Touran

Hi Michel, We’ve received our travel journal, and we see that both on the way there and back, our layover is in Los Angeles. I think I understand that it’s the same plane between Roissy/Los Angeles and Los Angeles/Papeete (a 2-hour layover), but we have to get off during this layover since we have "ESTAs"? Can you confirm this for me, since you’ve already done the route? Thanks, Marie-Christine

Hi Michel, We’ve received our travel journal, and we see that both on the way there and back, our layover is in Los Angeles. I think I understand that it’s the same plane between Roissy/Los Angeles and Los Angeles/Papeete (a 2-hour layover), but we have to get off during this layover since we have "ESTAs"? Could you confirm this for me, since you’ve already done the trip? Thanks, Marie-Christine

Hello there,

Thanks for your message. Indeed, during the layover in Los Angeles, you’ll need to disembark with all your luggage/bags, etc., because the plane has to be cleaned before departing for Papeete. The formalities go smoothly. Are you flying with Air France or Air Tahiti Nui? As for us, we prefer Air Tahiti Nui because the flight attendants are almost all Polynesian, and they already wear their traditional costumes—unlike Air France’s attendants, who only put on the Polynesian outfit during the Los Angeles layover. It’s a small detail, but it can make a difference in getting into the vibe right away! We’ve also received the program for the Australs as well as the optional excursions. The tickets and other documents will arrive soon. Best regards, Touran

Good evening Michel,

Yes, we’re flying with AIR TAHITI NUI. It’s true that having a Polynesian crew really gets us in the travel mood! You mentioned that we get off the plane during the layover in LA with our bags—does that mean just our carry-ons? (Do the suitcases stay in the hold?) We’d love to hear your impressions after your cruise in the Australs. We saw a documentary about it online. Have a great evening! Best regards, marie-christine

Hi Michel,

We had a fantastic cruise, full of great encounters and wonderful discoveries. Could you tell us how your cruise to the Austral Islands went? Best,

Marie-Christine