|
The "Aranui" is a working freighter, the lifeline for the remote
Marquesas and a portion of the Tuamotus. The stern portion of the ship is
given over to comfortable accommodations for about 80 passengers. You'll
travel in the company of like-minded adventure seekers from all corners of
the world; the ship's passengers are of every age, background, and
nationality.
The Islands
The rugged Marquesas have no protective
barrier reefs, so the surf breaks on shore. (You'll certainly notice this
feature when the time comes for your first landfall!) You'll go ashore in
a large longboat, expertly piloted through the surf by the crew. By the
way, nearly all the ship's courteous crew hails from Rurutu in the French
Polynesian Austral Islands, where the South Pacific's best boatmen come
from. The islands often appear uninhabited from the ship, as most villages
are located in inland valleys, each separated from the other by steep
mountain ridges. On each island, you'll see bays as lovely as any in the
South Pacific, yet infinitely wilder than those in the Society chain. The
Bay of Virgins and the Bay of Traitors truly take the breath away, and
Hakaui Bay on Nuku Hiva may be the loveliest of them all.
Your Voyage
After embarking from Tahiti, you'll make landfalls on Takapoto, Ua Pou,
Nuku Hiva, Tahuata, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Ua Huka, and Rangiroa. These
distinctive isles are quite different from Tahiti and her Society Islands
sisters. Included in your passage and adding to the spirit of adventure
are guided excursions on several of the islands. You'll visit villages few
foreigners ever see, where artisans practice the ancient crafts of wood
and stone carving. Challenging hikes up into the valleys reveal
fascinating artifacts of the old Marquesan culture, such as giant tikis,
and stone temples, called ma'ae. You'll return from these trips tired and
thoroughly exhilarated by the sights you've seen. Optional swimming
parties and shorter, less demanding walks are also offered.
More information on the Aranui Freighter
Cruise you will find in their
brochure.
For
more general information
on French Polynesia, go to: |
