Aranui 5 Offers One-Of-A-Kind Excursion In Birthplace Of Tattoo Art
The 254-passenger Aranui 5 offers ample opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture. Among the shore experiences offered throughout the voyage is the once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a traditional Polynesian tattoo by a native artist in the region known as the birthplace of tattooing.
“The best vacations leave lasting impressions, but some of our passengers go a step further and opt to imprint a symbol of their experience directly on their skin,” said Jules Wong, marketing director for Aranui. “We aim for full cultural immersion and this is one of the many ways travelers can take a piece of the Marquesas home with them.”
In traditional Polynesian culture, tatau (tattoos) play an important role in society, symbolizing major life events, rites of passage, social status, heroism, hunting and fishing prowess, family identity and religious power.
After a long prohibition period enforced by the missionaries, the Polynesian art of tattooing was revived in the 1980s and has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its unique aesthetic and rich history. Polynesian tattooists have rediscovered ancient motifs and have also created new ones inspired by tradition.
The ancient tattoo process involved the use of wooden tools and a serrated comb made of bone, and takes an extensive amount of time to complete. Today, many Polynesian tattoo artists are trained in both traditional and western techniques, and strictly adhere to modern standards for safety and cleanliness. Since there is limited time offshore, passengers’ tattoos will be applied with modern equipment; however, this will not compromise the artistic Polynesian look. The Aranui 5 has an on-board physician who can assist in the care of guest’s new tattoo.
Passengers can enjoy additional offshore experiences including awe-inspiring hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites, encounters with local artisans, a visit to French artist Paul Gauguin’s grave, snorkeling in the translucent waters of the atolls, on-island picnics and a visit to a pearl farm and more.
On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, passengers board the ship in Papeete, Tahiti for a 14-day complete vacation experience sailing 800 miles north to some of most spectacular and remote islands in the world, where they will be fully immersed in the Polynesian culture. The Aranui 5 will regularly visit Takapoto and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, as well as Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Ua Huka in the Marquesas Islands.
The Aranui 5 features 103 cabins with eight different categories, and public areas such as a reception area, casual restaurant, four bars, two conference rooms, two lounges, library, video and computer room, boutique, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and full-service spa. The ship also has air conditioning in all passenger areas and indoor public spaces as well as two elevators onboard.
Featuring a primarily Polynesian crew composed of sailors from the Marquesas and Tahitian Islands, and with expert lecturers and guides, the Aranui 5 provides a unique spin on hospitality which combines with mesmerizing scenery to create an unforgettable soft-adventure and cultural experience.
(Aranui – Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime)
