Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, also known as C.P.T.M, is a third-generation maritime company that operates the Aranui, a passenger/freighter vessel in French Polynesia. Founded in 1954, their ships have been plying the waters of French Polynesia for over six decades. In 1984, the Aranui I was converted to accommodate passengers, creating Aranui Cruises. At the time of its first sailing and for many years after, the Aranui was the only ship to take tourists to the Marquesas, putting these far-flung islands on the map and creating global interest in this little-known archipelago. With a knowledgeable and expert Polynesian crew, many of whom have been with the company for over 30 years, this soft adventure and cultural experience truly represent the journey of a lifetime.
Meals are served in an informal, family-style setting in our dining facilities. Special consideration for medically prescribed diets must be requested at the time of booking or more than three weeks in advance of the sailing date.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The unit of exchange is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).
LOCAL TIME
The Marquesas are half an hour ahead of Tahiti i.e when it’s noon in Tahiti, it’s 12:30 pm in the Marquesas.
CLIMATE & PACKING SUGGESTIONS
Clothing which is informal, comfortable, and easily washable is most practical aboard the ship. In addition to shorts, jeans or slacks, T-shirts and a bathing suit, a rain poncho or coat and warm sweatshirt or light sweater for chilly evenings are recommended. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking ashore over coral reefs. Tennis shoes or sandals are recommended. For women, the native pareo, made of colorful fabric, which can be wrapped in a variety of styles, is a versatile choice for both casual and festive occasions and can be purchased onboard or during port visits.
SPA TREATMENTS
The Aranui Spa offers a variety of treatments by a fully trained wellness and massage therapist. Pamper yourself with a facial, body scrub, and massages using the traditional oils of French Polynesia. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure or a relaxing foot massage — perfect after a day of exploring.
TATTOO STUDIO
A licensed Marquesan tattoo artist is available onboard by appointment. He will help you design a personalized tattoo using traditional Marquesan symbols to represent the story you wish to tell. Tattooing is done in a clean and sterile environment using modern equipment. A tattoo is an ultimate souvenir from the Marquesas.
LIBRARY
A selection of novels and history books in French, English, and German can be found in our library on Deck 6
SHIP’S BOUTIQUE
The ship’s boutique sells a variety of supplies including mosquito repellent, sundries, clothing, and local souvenirs.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
Each cabin is equipped with 220 volts, 50 cycle AC (European-style outlet).
INTERNET
Wifi is available during the voyage, using your own devices, in cabins and most public areas throughout the ship. Provided by satellite service, the connection may not be as reliable as land broadband, but it is adequate for checking and sending emails. A log-in code can be purchased from the boutique.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
In an emergency, it is possible to place telephone calls through our shipboard communications and to contact the vessel through CPTM’s office in Tahiti
LAUNDRY
Washing and drying machines are available onboard; dry cleaning is not available.
MEDICAL
There is a doctor or physician on board the vessel. If any person has or is suffering from a serious ailment or condition, they should seek the advice and consent of their personal physician prior to embarking on the vessel. The right is reserved to refuse passage to anyone in such a state of health or physical condition as to be unfit to travel or whose condition, for whatever reason, might be dangerous to the individual or other passengers.
SHORE VISITS
Visits ashore are limited to the time required by cargo operators and port restrictions. Port time may range from just a few hours to a day or more. While shore excursions with a supplement may be available at some ports of call, Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM) neither owns, operates, or exercises any control over shore excursions arranged at any port of call. The company, its agents, and employees do not assume any responsibility in connection with the operations of said programs. The company accepts no responsibility or liability for the failure of any operator to perform any said program and/or for any injury, damage or loss however caused or arising therefrom.
TRAVEL FUNDS
Credit cards may be used to pay for shipboard expenses. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard will be accepted. Personal cheques cannot be cashed onboard. Euro, USD, AUD, NZD, and CAD currency notes can also be exchanged.
VALUABLES
Electronic lockboxes are available onboard, however, CPTM cannot accept custody or responsibility for passenger’s money or other valuables while aboard the vessel.
LUGGAGE
Stateroom luggage will be accepted on the day of sailing at boarding time only. All personal luggage is to be stored in the passenger’s cabin as we are unable to store it in other areas aboard the ship. Passengers should clearly label all luggage with their name, vessel, cabin number or deck assignment number, and date of sailing. Valuables should be personally carried onboard. We recommend that travelers take out baggage damage or loss policy through their insurance agent or travel agent.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
1 hour ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
1 day ago
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
