Discovering the Marquesas Islands Cruise 2028

Boarding: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Anchored off the village of Rotoava, the Aranui invites you to discover the authentic charm of this atoll: its coral church, local crafts, and Polynesian traditions centered around coconuts.
Enjoy a day of sun, beach, and lagoon, swimming or snorkeling among colorful tropical fish. To explore the island at your own pace, bike rentals are also available as an option.
An authentic, unspoiled destination where the beauty of the lagoon blends with the laid-back Polynesian way of life.

Enjoy a relaxing day on board, on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned lounge, while admiring the endless vistas of the South Pacific Ocean.
Lectures will introduce you to the history, culture, and traditions of the Marquesas, while the Polynesian crew will share their passion with you through songs, ukuleles, guitars, and traditional rhythms. You can even try your hand at Polynesian dancing!
Before going to bed, don’t forget to set your watch forward 30 minutes: you’re now on Marquesas time.

After breakfast, set out to explore Taiohae, the administrative capital of the Marquesas, nestled in the heart of a spectacular bay—a true volcanic amphitheater surrounded by majestic cliffs and waterfalls.
By 4x4, you’ll visit Taiohae Cathedral, followed by the fascinating archaeological site of Tohua Kamuihei, with its giant banyan trees and mysterious petroglyphs. A lunch featuring Marquesan cuisine, accompanied by local music, will give you a taste of the archipelago’s authentic culture.
Back in the village, enjoy some free time to explore local crafts or stroll through the market.
Optional activity: certified exploration dive (sign up at the front desk).
7:00 p.m.: Polynesian evening with a buffet by the pool or in the restaurant, depending on weather conditions.

From the decks of the Aranui, admire the impressive volcanic peaks of Ua Pou, the iconic silhouettes of the Marquesas.
In Hakahau, discover the village’s charm, its church with its intricately carved wooden pulpit, and the craftsmanship of Marquesan artists and sculptors. The more adventurous can climb up to the Cross to enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lush valleys, and the village.
A lunch featuring authentic flavors of the Marquesas Islands will introduce you to breadfruit, goat cheese with curry, raw fish in coconut milk, taro, and red bananas, after you watch a lively demonstration of traditional dances, including the famous “bird dance” of Ua Pou.

In Hiva Oa, discover Atuona, the second-largest village in the Marquesas and the place that inspired Paul Gauguin. Visit the museum dedicated to him, the reconstruction of his house, and the old colonial store where he used to shop. At the cemetery, admire the view of Motu Hanakee and discover, beneath a massive frangipani tree, Gauguin’s grave, as well as that of Jacques Brel, another great artist who fell under the island’s spell.
The Aranui then sets sail for Tahuata, a small island accessible only by sea, renowned for its lush landscapes and the fragrance of its tiare and frangipani flowers. In Vaitahu, discover the majestic church adorned with Marquesan carvings and magnificent stained-glass windows, testaments to the archipelago’s history and craftsmanship.
Tahuata is also famous for its delicate handicrafts, particularly its bone and shell carvings, which you can admire and take home as a souvenir of this authentic stopover.

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is renowned for the spectacular beauty of its landscapes and its traditional crafts.
In Omoa, discover the ancestral skills of the Marquesan women: the making of tapa from plant bark and umuhei, a fragrant bouquet of plants used for the hair.
In the village, you can also learn about the traditional production of coconut oil and scented products. Then, to round out this magnificent stopover, join the warm farewell ceremony on Deck 7.
The more adventurous can set out on a 15-km hike to Hanavave, through spectacular scenery dominated by impressive cliffs. Others will travel to Hanavave aboard the Aranui to explore the legendary Baie des Vierges, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The first island in the Marquesas to have an airstrip, built in 1972, Ua Huka is known for its arid and wild landscapes, where horses, goats, and pigs roam freely.
In the early morning, don’t miss the Aranui’s impressive maneuver in the spectacular “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee. A 180° turn in the heart of this narrow bay, executed with precision by the captain and his crew: a unique moment in Marquesan sailing to be admired from the ship’s decks.
Hop aboard 4x4s, by bus or by truck to explore the wild landscapes of Ua Huka and its small museum, where guides will bring the history and art of the ancient Marquesan civilization to life.
Continue on to the arboretum, created with passion by the island’s former mayor, then head to the village of Hane for lunch with a local family and to discover Ua Huka’s specialties and crafts, including wood carvings.
Those who enjoy physical activity can opt for a 3-km walk on the way back. Then, from the decks of the Aranui, admire the magnificent coastal scenery as you sail around the island.

A relaxing day to recover from the excitement of your time in the Marquesas. Enjoy the crossing to the magnificent Tuamotu Islands and take part in the lectures and activities offered on board.
Before going to bed, don’t forget to set your watch back 30 minutes: you’ll be back on Tahiti time.

Watch the Aranui arrive in Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. As the ship passes through the famous Tiputa Pass, discover a lagoon with crystal-clear waters renowned for its exceptionally rich marine life.
Enjoy the activities on offer: glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving (for certified divers), or simply relaxing on the magnificent white-sand beaches. You can also stroll among the local craft stalls and pick up a few souvenirs from this paradise-like atoll.
After lunch, the Aranui will set sail again for the legendary Bora Bora.

Upon arrival at the legendary lagoon of Bora Bora, let yourself be enchanted by its waters in a thousand shades of blue and green, dominated by the majestic silhouette of Mount Otemanu.
Enjoy a relaxing day on Motu savoring a delicious barbecue in a paradise-like setting. The more adventurous can choose from several optional activities: diving, exploring the lagoon by boat or canoe, or swimming with stingrays and sharks.
Bora Bora also offers a glimpse into its history, with remnants of the U.S. military presence during World War II, including cannons and bunkers.

Arrival: 7:00 a.m.

Itineraries are subject to change.