Travelers Celebrate Culture at Marquesan Festival 2017 as part of the Aranui 5 Journey
Travelers aboard the one-of-a-kind passenger-freighter vessel, the Aranui, will have the opportunity to attend the Marquesan Festival as part of voyage 19 (departing Dec. 14, 2017).
Taking place on the island of Tahuata Dec. 18 – 21, 2017, the Marquesan Festival features live performances, customary dances, games, contests and handmade crafts from inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands. Aranui passengers will attend the festival on Dec. 20 where they can revel in the vibrant cultural experience and enjoy a communal meal with the locals.
Like the Marquesan Festival, the 14-day Aranui 5 voyage provides an introspective window into the heritage of the Marquesas Islands and its colorful history. The cruise follows an itinerary filled with onboard activities and offshore expeditions where passengers become fully immersed in Polynesian culture from the moment of embarkation. The Aranui 5 visits all six inhabited islands in the Marquesas – Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Ua Huka and Tahuata – as well as Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Bora Bora in the Society Islands.
“The Aranui 5 journey offers travelers the chance to discover and embrace the way of life in the Marquesas,” said Eric Wong, Executive Vice President, Americas for the Aranui 5. “Passengers will explore the beautiful region while connecting with inhabitants of the islands to learn about the traditions that have been passed on through centuries.”
The Marquesan culture is perhaps the most unique lifestyle travelers are likely to come across. Its origins can be traced back to an ancient civilization of navigators and warriors that dominated the French Polynesian seas long before the area became known as French Polynesia.
Interestingly, the Marquesan civilization’s closest living relatives, culturally speaking, are the indigenous Maori tribes of New Zealand. Aside from a few passing similarities, however, the Marquesan culture independently evolved due to its isolation from the rest of the South Pacific.
While the ship serves dual purposes as a 254-passenger cruise and cargo freighter, it is designed for passenger comfort with 103 cabins, a reception area, casual restaurant, four bars, two conference rooms, two lounges, library, boutique, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and a full-service spa.
Travelers booking a stay aboard the Aranui 5 can choose from eight different cabin categories including Presidential Suite, Royal Suite, Premium Suite, Junior Suite (with or without a balcony), Superior Deluxe, Deluxe, Stateroom and Class C – each providing diverse room configurations.
Prices for the 14-day journey aboard the Aranui 5 range from $3,168 – $9,863 per person, based on double occupancy, and include all taxes.
The cruise includes three meals daily with complimentary wine for onboard lunches and dinners, guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary, picnics and meals on shore, cultural activities and Polynesian entertainment. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing are available for an additional charge.
(Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime – Aranui)
