Meeting the descendants of the bounty mutineers
Located in the dazzling blue Pacific waters between Tahiti and Easter Island, the tiny, remote island of Pitcairn is thousands of kilometres from the nearest continent and so isolated that it is only accessible by sea.
It all started in 1767. Two Englishmen called Wallis and Carteret were commissioned by the Admiralty to ‘discover’ the southern continent in the vast Pacific Ocean and became the first Europeans to reach the island of Tahiti. Later the same year, as they rounded Cape Horn, a storm separated Wallis’ ship, ‘the Dolphin’, from commander Philip Carteret’s ship, the Swallow. As the ‘Swallow’ headed north, on July 2nd, 1767, seaman Robert Pitcairn spotted a high island. But the swell was too strong, the sky too dark, and the English ship couldn’t get close. Even the position Carteret recorded for the island wasn’t accurate. The name of its “discoverer”, Pitcairn, was nevertheless given to the island, as tradition required. 20 years went by before it gained lasting notoriety in the story of the mutineers of the Bounty.
With all the capabilities of a freighter, the Aranui 5 offers a new, elegant and comfortable way to visit the island. Located on the smallest British territory, Pitcairn has a population of just 50 people. These are the descendants of the first European settlers on Pitcairn, the mutineers of HMS Bounty and their Polynesian companions. Visitors to this isolated island at the edge of the world can mingle with these local families and discover the culture and history of the island as it is lived today.
If you are looking for an adventure that gives meaning to the expression “off the beaten path”, this is the faraway paradise you might be seeking.
- Amanu Atoll is a hidden gem of French Polynesia, with crystal-clear lagoons, coconut-fringed motus, and the charming village of Ikitake. Remote and untouched, it offers visitors authentic island life, rich marine beauty, and a peaceful escape.
- Pitcairn Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Pacific, is famous as the home of the Bounty mutineers and their descendants. With rugged cliffs, rich history, and unspoiled natural beauty, it offers a truly unique and isolated adventure.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Aranoa
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 116 m
Passenger Capacity: 198
Built: 2026
Launching in 2027, Aranoa marks an exciting new chapter for Aranui Cruises, extending its legacy of authentic and sustainable Polynesian voyages. This innovative mixed passenger–freighter vessel will journey through the remote Austral Islands—Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, and Rapa—offering guests an intimate connection to some of French Polynesia’s most unspoiled destinations. With capacity for just 198 passengers across 93 cabins, including 62 with private balconies, Aranoa promises a boutique cruising experience complemented by Polynesian warmth and hospitality. Onboard amenities include two restaurants, two bars, whirlpools, a spa and tattoo area, a boutique, and a fitness centre, ensuring both comfort and cultural immersion as guests explore the lush mountains, turquoise lagoons, and white-sand beaches of the Australs.
True to Aranui’s pioneering spirit, Aranoa combines tradition with forward-thinking sustainability. The ship features a diesel-electric propulsion system with azimuth thrusters, an eco-friendly antifouling hull coating, and technology designed to reduce noise and emissions while enhancing fuel efficiency. Continuing the company’s 40-year commitment to inclusive tourism, Aranoa will work closely with local communities to promote inter-island trade and cultural exchange, creating meaningful connections between travellers and the islands. Blending discovery, comfort, and responsibility, Aranoa invites guests to experience a slower, more authentic Polynesia—where every voyage tells a story.





