DISCOVER THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS THE ARANUI WAY THE JOURNEY OF A lif etime2016/2017 Contents Where in the world is the Marquesas Archipelago? ..........................3 Welcome aboard Aranui 5. Let us take you on a journey to some of the most remote islands in the world ..............................4 Uncover local treasures .....................................................................9 Discover Aranui 5 - your ‘home in the islands’ ................................10 Choose your comfortable accommodation .....................................14 Deck plans for ease of cabin selection ...........................................17 Need to know about the voyage .....................................................18 Ship logistics takes a look ‘under the bonnet’ of Aranui 5 .............20 General Information and Conditions ...............................................21 TheA voyage g ofreat discovery onhig the hwayworld’s most luxurious freighter The Marquesas Archipelago is one of the most Today the archipelago of 12 volcanic islands is an Thirty years on, passengers can experience the remote island groups in the world, lying 1,400 overseas collectivity of France with a population 14-day round trip from Tahiti in comfort onboard kilometres northeast of Tahiti in the Pacifi c Ocean of around 10,000, and still captures the interest the modern, custom designed Aranui 5 freighter and around 4,800 kilometres away from the west of historians, artists and archeologists due to its cruise ship. coast of Mexico, the nearest continental land mass. impressive collection of petroglyphs, stone tiki gods, Equipped with state of the art technology, from sacred ritual sites (me’ae) and limestone platforms. Believed to have been the home of Polynesian the bridge right through to the well-appointed people for almost 2000 years, the Marquesas For the last 60 years Aranui’s freighter ships have suites and cabins, Aranui 5 accommodates just Islands were discovered and named by Spanish maintained a vital lifeline between the Marquesas 254 guests who are looking for a once in a navigator Álvaro de Mendaña in 1595. Since and the outside world. In 1985, Aranui, which lifetime adventure. then, the isolated island group has fascinated and translates as The Great Highway in Maori, intrigued European explorers, including Captain introduced the fi rst comfortable passenger/freighter James Cook, with its dramatic beauty and the rich hybrid, offering travellers an opportunity to explore and turbulent history of the Marquesan people. the six inhabited islands of this remote archipelago. 1 SoftSoft AdventureAdventure IN PreciousFrenchFrench PolynesiaPolyn esCargia o During the two-week, 3800 kilometre round-trip at local restaurants, a French and Polynesian menu and with a perspective only they can offer. You voyage, Aranui 5 visits the Marquesan Islands of and some of the fi nest cultural performances in the will gain access to villages no other ships visit and Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa South Pacifi c. learn about a civilisation who are passionate about and Ua Huka as well as Takapoto and Rangiroa Deep-sea fi shing, horse riding and scuba diving are their heritage. in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Bora Bora in offered as optional activities. NO, WE ARE NOT Tahitian the Society Islands. On shore we follow in the But, while her passengers relax Aranui’s muscular footsteps of artist Paul Gauguin, novelist Robert While there is a cultural unity between the Pacifi c and profi cient sailors take control of the freight. Islands, the isolation of the groups dictated a Louis Stevenson, adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and With skillful precision they unload and load cargo different evolution. The volcanic structure, rough poet Jacques Brel and discover why they were so at remote docks to an audience of waiting villagers. coast and deep valleys of the Marquesas created captivated by these islands. The precious cargo of food, fi shing equipment, a tribal society, with each valley sheltering distinct The itinerary includes excursions by 4WD, travelling building materials, and vehicles is replaced with tribes divided between aristocrats, priests, artisans on winding mountain tracks through jungle like limes and coconuts, tonnes of copra (dried and laborers. The Marquesan language, which valleys; guided hikes to sacred ritual sites and coconut), fruit, meat and fi sh for the return includes different dialects, and while related to churches; a visit to the fi nal resting place of Paul journey to Tahiti. other areas of the Pacifi c, is unique, even from the Gauguin and Jacques Brel in Hiva Oa, plus plenty Many of Aranui’s Polynesian crew call the other islands of French Polynesia. Constant confl ict of time to explore villages, artisan markets and Marquesas Islands home and during the journey between the tribes was inevitable, creating a nation museums. Enjoy beach picnics, traditional feasts they will introduce you to their land in a manner of formidable warriors. 2 The art of Tattoo The modern word Nuku Hiva Ua Huka tattoo originates in early Polynesian history. Ua Pou Hiva Oa Practiced throughout all the island groups, Tahuata the Marquesan designs represent gods, mythology Takapoto Fatu Hiva and nature. Traditionally, tattooing began shortly Rangiroa after birth and continued Bora Bora to mark rites of passage and for decoration. Men Tahiti were generally heavily covered, with women tattooed on the hands, arms, lower body and behind the ear. A man’s Day 1 Depart Papeete, Tahiti at 9.30am Day 8 Tahuata: Vaitahu 126km position and wealth (Tahuata – Ua Huka) Day 2 Tuamotu Archipelago: Takapoto 563km could be read from his (Papeete – Takapoto) Day 9 Ua Huka: Vaipaee/Hane/Hokatu 65km tattoos. Tattooing was (Ua Huka – Nuku Hiva) Day 3 At Sea 855km banned by the French (Takapoto – Nuku Hiva) Day 10 Nuku Hiva: Taiohae – Ua Pou: Hakakau 61km from 1858 until 1985, (Nuku Hiva – Ua Pou) Day 4 Nuku Hiva: Taiohae/Hatiheu/Taipivai 61km but is now fl ourishing and (Nuku Hiva – Ua Pou) Day 11 At Sea 1037km infl uencing art worldwide. (Ua Pou – Rangiroa) Day 5 Up Pou: Hakakau 122km The customary bird and (Ua Pou – Hiva Oa) Day 12 Tuamotu Archipelago: Rangiroa 469km fi sh bone and mother of (Rangiroa – Bora Bora) Day 6 Hiva Oa: Puamau/Atuona 91km pearl needles tapped by (Hiva Oa – Fatu Hiva) Day 13 Society Islands: Bora Bora 260km a mallet are rarely seen (Bora Bora – Papeete) Day 7 Fatu Hiva: Omoa/Hanavave 77km today and the many fi ne (Fatu Hiva – Tahuata) Day 14 Arrive Papeete, Tahiti at 9am Marquesan artists use IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is indicative of the current (July 2016) daily itinerary with set excursions for the scheduled 14 day cruise. It may change at any time depending on modern equipment. the freight requirement on any particular voyage; with or without notice. 3 Day 1 Depart Papeete, Tahiti (9.30am) Embarkation commences from 7.30am at the passenger wharf in downtown Papeete. Be welcomed onboard to the Polynesian sounds from the Aranui band and watch Tahiti fade into the distance as Aranui 5 heads northeast to the Tuamotu Archipelago. Settle in and explore the vessel that will be ‘home’ for the next 14 days. Try the local greeting – Ia Orana WELCOME ABOARD (Tahitian), Bonjour (French) and Ka’Oha (Marquesan). Day 2 Takapoto, Tuamotu Archipelago Ka’ Oha Nui After breakfast Aranui 5 anchors in the turquoise lagoon of the Set sail on Aranui 5 for an Takapoto atoll. Today we go ashore by barge for a day at the adventure to the South beach and a barbecue picnic lunch. We wander through the village to arrive at an exceptionally beautiful white sandy beach Seas. Become immersed in fringed by swaying coconut palms and a coral rimmed lagoon. all things Polynesian, The calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling or from the multi talented just fi nd a palm tree to relax under. Local musicians provide the soundtrack of the South Pacifi c on ukulele and guitar, while crew, to the welcoming the crew proudly shows off their cooking prowess. locals and the rich history and culture of Day 3 the Marquesas Islands. At Sea You only need to Unpack once as you visit It’s a great day to be pampered by our wellness / massage numerous islands and see therapist in the spa; sunbath on one of the decks, take a dip in the pool or attend a lecture. There is also a exceptionally beautiful library, gym equipped with spin bikes and weights, scenery. a well-stocked boutique and four bars to explore. Welcome aboard Keep a look out for dolphins, whales and at dusk, fl ying fi sh. 4 Day 4 Day 5 The Marquesas Islands Ua Pou: Hakahau Nuku Hiva: Taiohae, Hatiheu After a short overnight voyage, dawn reveals the extraordinary and Taipivai jagged pinnacles that have given Ua Pou the name ‘Cathedral Island’. Docking in the small town of Hakahau, locals turn The Marquesas Archipelago comes into view at sunrise and out to greet Aranui 5 and while the crew set about unloading Aranui sails into Taiohae Bay, a volcanic crater surrounded cargo, passengers can take the 40-minute walk to the ‘hill with by towering cliffs. Docking at the wharf, passengers have the stone cross’. Commanding 360° views of Hakahau and the chance to explore the small administrative capital of the its 12 surrounding peaks, it’s a great opportunity to take in the Marquesas. Taiohae houses a bank, post offi ce, handicraft spectacular scenery. Hiva Oa Tikis centre, yacht club, grocery stores, court house, gaol, and Before the traditional buffet lunch, enjoy a performance by café on the wharf with internet. some of the fi nest dancers in the Marquesas, including the After a tour of the Cathedral Notre Dame, famed for its traditional Bird Dance for which Ua Pou is famed for. Day 6 stonework and wood sculptures, we get into 4WDs and Wander the handicraft stalls, where artisans carve precious head inland.