Aranui 5 is not your typical cruise ship. Launched in 2015, the front half carries shipping containers and miscellaneous cargo bound for the farthest reaches of French Polynesia. The rear is designed for passenger comfort, with many of the usual small ship accoutrements. I sailed on Aranui 5 to the distant Marquesas Islands and saw why it’s the perfect ship for visiting this South Pacific archipelago.
Overall score: 8/10
Style and Character 8/10
Aranui 5 can accommodate 230 passengers in its 103 cabins. There’s no grand foyer; a single-storey room houses a functional reception. Corridors are wide while muted colours and Polynesian patterns are a pleasant feature of the ship. With a small cruise ship feel – rather than that of an expedition vessel – there’s few flourishes, yet plenty of spots for perusing the view. Deck 9’s Sky Bar overlooks the cargo deck and is a comfy place to admire the constantly changing landscapes. Aranui 5’s cargo operations and its almost entirely Polynesian crew give it a unique feel – there’s no other ship like this sailing the seas.
Cabins 8/10
In contrast to the bright Polynesian days, the cabins are soothingly subdued in colour. In the suites, Polynesian-style fretwork separates the sleeping and seating areas. I found the long sofa (which folds out should a third person share the suite) to be a most comfortable place from which to watch the sea swish by. Quality comes in the form of real wood furniture, generous storage and a roomy bathroom with a large, curtained shower. Standard cabins are much more compact but no less comfortable. Those with tighter budgets have the option of simple but well-designed dormitories.
Apart from a small fridge, Nespresso machine and television showing mostly French channels (reflecting the predominant nationality on board) you’ll find no special technology. As balcony cabins go the suites feel spacious and on the edge of stylish.
Food and Drink 9/10
With mostly French passengers on board, you’d expect the food to be good – and it really is excellent. The one large dining room has two set times for lunch and dinner (but no set seating arrangements). Cuisine generally reflects the Polynesian diet – think lots of fresh fruit and fish – although my highlight was a Baked Alaska-style dessert served with vivid blue taro ice cream. A bottle of wine is included for each table of four at every meal. Should that not be sufficient, a discount of 20 percent is available if you buy three bottles.
Croissants are served early in the morning from the Sky Bar while paid-for hot snacks and meals (from £5) are available at the pool bar. You can also order room service (whatever is being served at breakfast, lunch or dinner) for free.
Service and Facilities 7/10
The outdoor pool is divine for lingering in on hot days. There’s also a tiny gym that’s adequate for the number of passengers, with one of each piece of equipment. Clothes are washed for free twice during a voyage – if you need further washes, there’s a generously equipped laundry room on the ship. Although the onboard shop is small it offers an impressive range of products, from tiki soaps to ice cream.
Staff were unfailingly smiley and attentive – you can tell they enjoy their work (many have been with the line for well over a decade). The onboard tattooist even sang sweetly as he inked my arm.
Entertainment and excursions 7/10
Shortly after boarding, my cruise began with a bang courtesy of a 30-minute “Tahitian spectacle” involving dozens of dancers and musicians. The Polynesian-themed entertainment continued throughout the cruise via Tahitian dance classes, palm leaf weaving and ukulele lessons, as well as a visit from a Marquesan dance troupe.
The standout, for me, however were the lectures conducted by local culture specialist Pascal Erhel Hatuuku who talked on everything from tattoos to celestial navigation.
Many excursions are included in the cruise fare: they aim to immerse you in Polynesian culture and tend to be active (scuba, snorkel, hiking, cycling options all feature), with a good mix of cultural inclusion that delve into the islands’ rich history. However they can feel hurried, sometimes skipping important historical and cultural detail. My favourite excursion was a visit to Kamuihei archaeological site, which alone justifies these islands’ recent inclusion as a Unesco natural and cultural treasure.
Value for Money 9/10
Fairly fast Wi-Fi is available for free in certain public areas between 3-9pm daily. If you need WiFi outside of these hours, you can buy a package for about £25. Prices for excursions begin at £22 for bike rental in Fakerava, but the water’s where you’ll most often want to be –a glass bottom boat excursion will set you back £130.
Considering the quality of the food and cabins and the remoteness of the islands, the fact that a slew of excursions are also included in the price represents excellent value.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Ramps are provided on board and there are lifts to all decks. However, while passengers are assisted by crew, disembarkation either involves stepping quickly onto a barge or down a steep staircase to the dock and most excursions are physically active. Blind or deaf guests will need to bring their own mobility aids.
Family-friendly?
This isn’t a ship designed for children: there were none on my sailing and babysitting isn’t offered. That being said, a staff member is made available to entertain children if there are sufficient numbers and premium category rooms can be connected via the balcony.
About our expert
Olly Beckett
While working for a major cruise line several decades ago, Olly discovered the delights of seeing the world by sea. He has since travelled on all manner of craft through all seven continents.