Aranui III, a working passenger ship from Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, provides essential cargo and passenger service in the South Pacific and a high standard of cruise accommodations for international visitors. The crew is mostly Marquesan (Polynesian).
In 2003, this 200-passenger cargo ship, built in a Danube River Romanian shipyard, replaced the smaller, less-well-appointed 100-passenger Aranui II for the 16-day inter-island cruises from Papeete, Tahiti. The new ship carries all manner of cargo, including up to 130 20-ft containers, and local passengers to and between the remote Marquesas and Tuomotu islands. Few ports have docks, hence passengers clamber down ladders into tenders to go ashore, often through the surf. Powerful dock hands assist.
French passengers make up 50% of the Aranui III's manifest on average, and Americans, other Europeans and Australians most of the rest. The wide range of accommodations and prices draws passengers from the backpacker set to the well-heeled.
Time in port varies from a few hours to a full day. Shore excursions, included in the fares, see passengers swimming, snorkeling, parasailing and enjoying the beach and a barbecue, observing how black pearls are harvested, driving up into the mountains to see collections of stone tiki gods (religious sculptures), encountering free-range horses and buying Marquesan handicrafts. The Aranui’s arrival provides a major event for the islanders and a warm welcome for the visitors. On many voyages, lecturers provide an enrichment program in both English and French and sometimes German. If not, a member of the staff steps in. Half-hour briefings describe the next day's activities.
The passenger accommodations are of a high standard and include a main lounge with a small band, bar, library, gym, hairdresser, small shop, laundry, and an outdoor bar and lounge area by the swimming pool. A video room has a TV and video player. An after platform provides a landing for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
The dining room seats up to 168, and normally there are two sittings, with the French nabbing the second, so be quick about it if you want the late dinnertime. The food may be described as a Westernized version of Polynesian fare prepared with local fish, pork, poultry, fruit and vegetables. French table wines are included with lunch and dinner.
Cabins range from mostly standard twins with porthole, toilet and toilet; to deluxe cabins with windows, queen bed, refrigerator and bath tub; and suites, all but two with private balconies. Two dormitories provide cheap berths for local and inter-island passengers and the backpacker set.
The Aranui III ("great highway" in Maori) provides a soft adventure cruise to one of the most scenically beautiful, remote and culturally rich regions of the world. The sole parallel is the RMS St. Helena, who sails to her remote namesake island.
