Discover the Inspiration for Herman Melville’s Greatest Novels Aboard the Aranui 5
With towering cliffs, giant banyan trees and mountainous views of the ocean, it is no wonder Herman Melville was inspired to write about Nuku Hiva upon his return 175 years ago from a perilous and adventure-filled voyage, which included a stint living among a tribe of cannibals.
Aboard the deluxe passenger-freighter Aranui 5 vessel, guests can follow in the footsteps of the legendary author and experience their own awe-inspiring journey.
In 1841, Herman Melville found employment as a green hand on a ship, which brought him on a voyage around the world, arriving in the Marquesas archipelago in June 1842. In July, the future Moby Dick author jumped ship on the island of Nuka Hiva where he spent a month living as a guest among the Typee people.
Though cannibalism is no longer practiced, at the time the Typee were a cannibalistic tribe. He eventually escaped and sailed to Tahiti where he was able to book passage home to the U.S., reaching Hawaii in May 1843.
After returning from his inspirational whaling voyage 175 years ago, Melville went on to write Typee, Omoo and Moby Dick. Although somewhat romanticized, Typee recites Melville’s enjoyment of the idyllic paradise of Nuku Hiva, despite the author’s precarious situation.
Adventurous travelers can retrace the steps of Melville on a 14-day, all-inclusive Aranui 5 cruise, which makes two visits to the island of Nuku Hiva. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the remote island’s pristine landscapes, historical sites and way of life. Passengers can follow Melville’s escape route on a thrilling 4X4 adventure over the mountains to a jungle river valley where they will see stone tiki gods, majestic waterfalls, giant banyan trees, sacred ritual sites and enigmatic petroglyphs.
Guests can also delight in a traditional Marquesan lunch where local specialties are served. Inhabitants will perform traditional dances for island visitors and artisans will display their handmade crafts, providing guests with an authentic Marquesan experience.
“Our passengers love exploring the exotic islands that inspired the works of many great artists and novelists,” said Eric Wong, Executive Vice President, Americas for the Aranui 5. “We strive to provide guests with insight on Marquesan culture, history and way of life while also offering modern-day comforts and amenities.”
In addition to Nuku Hiva, the Aranui 5 visits Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Ua Huka and Tahuata in the Marquesas, as well as Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Bora Bora in the Society Islands. Travelers can enjoy numerous onboard and offshore excursions including breathtaking hikes, visits to sacred ritual sites and small museums, encounters with local inhabitants, snorkeling in the translucent waters of the atolls, on-island picnics and more.
2018 rates for the 14-day expedition start from $3,168 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes port tax, cruise tax and tourism tax.
The cruise includes three daily meals with complimentary wine, guided excursions outlined in the itinerary, picnic and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing tours are additional.
(Aranui – Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime)
