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Diving among the reef and marine life

Lagoon-Hopping in the Cook and Society Islands

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Aranui 5
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Board the Aranui 5 for a 9-day tropical journey to the stunning Cook and Society Islands. Ancient stories tell of the migration of Polynesians from the Society Islands and even as far as the Marquesas to Rarotonga. Bora Bora, the high island, is one of the best-known islands of French Polynesia. The spectacular landscapes of white sandy beaches and the beautiful blue and green lagoons will entice you, and the varying degrees of development and the different dialects and customs from one island to another will offer you a whole range of Polynesian culture, from the old to the new.
Lagoon of Bora Bora, French PolynesiaWoman snorkeling in clear water in Bora BoraSail the crystal waters of the South Pacific reef systemScuba diving on coral reefDiving among the reef and marine life
Highlights
  • Witness the unspoiled beauty of the Cook and Society Islands
  • Soak up sun in the stunning paradise of Bora Bora
  • Swim in the warm, clear waters and relax on pristine white beaches
  • Visit the open air temple Taputapuatea
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start your voyage across the unspoiled beauty of the Cook and Society Islands by embarking on Aranui 5 at Papeete, Tahiti.

Day 2: Raiatea, Society Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Within the Polynesian triangle, Raiatea, or Havai’i as it was originally known, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first island to be populated by these seafaring people, this is where all migration to the three points, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Easter Island, began. Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old large marae complex, or open-air temple, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is regarded as the religious and spiritual center of all of Eastern Polynesia. From here, navigators and sailors would venture out to settle new lands. Appropriately, Raiatea, with its main town of Uturoa, is the base for most yacht charter companies. Mount Temehani, the island’s most sacred mountain, is home to the tiare apetahi, a flower found nowhere else in the world, which only blooms at dawn.

Day 3: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the boat’s pool, to participate in one of the conferences or activities organized by the guides.

Day 4: Aitukati, Cook Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Another paradise island in the South Pacific, Aitutaki has it all: gorgeous white sand beaches and a stunning turquoise lagoon surrounded by motus on the barrier reef.  Though considered an atoll, it has a significant large area of high land on the north side, providing sweeping views across the lagoon.  According to legend, the island was settled by Ru, who sailed from Raiatea in the Society Islands in search of new lands and many Aitutakians believe they are descended from this seafaring warrior.  Today, they are known for their charm, easy going attitude and hospitality.

Whether relaxing on the beach, snorkeling the crystal-clear lagoon in search of colorful tropical fish and corals, or discovering remnants of an ancient past, Aitutaki offers the best of both worlds.

Day 5: Atiu, Cook Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Home to approximately 400 warrior people, there are few untouched places left in the world like Atiu. Over 8 million years old, Atiu, the 3rd largest island of the Cook Islands is one big adventure playground, ancient and unspoiled. Rich in culture and history, Atiu is an eco-lovers paradise.There are numerous limestone caves dotted around the island, which are continually being carved out by the interaction of fresh and salt water. Life is pretty much the same as it was some 25 years ago and offers therefore a really genuine insight into island living.

Day 6: Rarotonga, Cook Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The largest and most populous, Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands, with its chief town, Avarua, as its capital.   Settled by Polynesians from French Polynesia around the 9th century, the bond with Tahiti and her islands has always remained strong.  Today, as modern Pacific people, the high spirited Cook Islanders are a cosmopolitan blend of Western influence and ancient Polynesian heritage.

Many important archeological sites can be found here, such as Arai Te Tonga, the most sacred marae in Rarotonga, and nearby, the Ara Metua, a thousandyear-old interior road, paved with basalt or coral slabs, that once circled the island and of which, about two thirds still exists.  Highland Paradise, sometimes known as “the lost village” is now a cultural center consisting of old and faithfully rebuilt traditional structures, offering guided tours of the once large settlement site, and re-enactments and cultural demonstrations.

Day 7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the boat’s pool, to participate in one of the conferences or activities organized by the guides.

Day 8: Bora Bora, Society Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bora Bora. A name that evokes visions of paradise on Earth. A playground known throughout the world. For two days, Aranui 5 will be anchored across from the village of Vaitape, where you will have ample time to discover how and why the island has earned its much-deserved reputation. You will discover the Pearl of the Pacific after a picnic on the paradisiac Motu Tapu.

Day 9: Papeete, Tahiti | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark at Papeete, Tahiti with your fun-filled memories and beautiful tans.

Ship/Hotel

Aranui 5

The Aranui 5
Aranui 5 Reception
Aranui 5 Veranda Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,428
Select a Date
Single Stateroom
100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
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Class C
Approx. 135 sq. ft. and 285 sq. ft. Dormitory style accommodations, with two lower and two upper berths or four lower and four upper berths, porthole, one or two private bathroom with shower, wardrobe, sitting area.
Regular Stateroom aboard the Aranui 5
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Double Stateroom
Approx. 120 sq. ft. Exterior cabin with one double bed or two twin beds, one bathroom with a shower, desk, one flat screen TV, and safe.
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Double Stateroom - Obstructed
120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a picture window with an obstructed view, this exterior cabin offers either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
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Deluxe
Approx. 140 sq. ft. + 45 sq. ft. balcony. Exterior cabin with one double bed or two twin beds, one bathroom with a shower, make up table, desk, wardrobe, one flat screen TV, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.
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Superior Deluxe
Approx. 160 sq. ft. + 45 sq. ft. balcony. Exterior cabin with one double bed or two twin beds, one bathroom with a shower, make up table, desk, wardrobe, one flat screen TV, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.
Junior Suite aboard the Aranui 5
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Junior Suite
Approx. 200 sq. ft. Exterior cabin with a double bed or two twin beds, two windows that cannot be opened, one bathroom with a shower, make up table, desk, wardrobe, one flat screen TV, sofa bed, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.
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Premium Suite
Approx. 200 sq. ft. + 45 sq. ft. balcony. Exterior cabin with double bed or two twin beds, semi private day room with decorative screen and sofa bed, one bathroom with a shower, make up table, desk, wardrobe, flat screen TV, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.
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Royal Suite
Approx. 240 sq. ft + 100 sq. ft. balcony. Exterior cabin with a double bed or two twin beds, living room with sofa bed, semi-private bedroom with decorative screen, wardrobe, one bathroom with a shower, make up table, one flat screen TV, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.
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Royal Suite - Obstructed
240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe. In this category, the view of the windows is obstructed.
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Presidential Suite
Approx. 440 sq. ft + 130 sq. ft. balcony. Exterior cabin with a double bed or two twin beds, living room with sofa bed, mini bar, walk-in closet, two bathrooms with a shower, make up table, desk, two flat screen TV, safe, under counter refrigerator, hair dryer.

Notes

- Fares for children traveling with parents is 50% of base fare
- Single Supplement: Not available in Single Stateroom and Class “C” Dorm
- Cruise fare does not include tourism, cruise, or port taxes, which vary by cabin type
- Triple/Quadruple occupancy - third & fourth adult sharing cabin less 25% from full tariff (Quad available in regular stateroom only)
- No one under 15 years old will be accepted in the Class “C”
- Children (14 years old and under) will be limited to no more than 15 per sailing
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Cruise transportation and related taxes (tourist tax, port tax, TDC)
  • A bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals
  • Lunches in local restaurants
  • Lecturers onsite and onboard
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

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