From Tahiti to the Pitcairn Islands a cruise that makes people talk
24/01/2022
Don’t just take our word for it… we were delighted to see that the voyages aboard Aranui 5 from Tahiti to Pitcairn is Conde Nast Traveller’s number one favourite in-the-know trip to plan for 2022.
Read all about it here: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-trips
There are two planned 12-day voyages in 2022 to the far-flung British outpost of Pitcairn, calling in at the Tuamotu islands, to the east to Tahiti, and the Gambier Archipelago.
The voyages depart 10-21 September 2022 and 22 October - 2 November 2022.
A highlight of Pitcairn Island will see passengers immersing themselves in the living history and culture of the island, meeting some of the 50 remaining islanders, descendants of the first Europeans, the HMS Bounty mutineers, who, with their accompanying band of Polynesians settled there in January 1790.
As the island can only be reached by sea it remains one of the most isolated islands in the world, and one who few have visited making a cruise aboard Aranui 5 a rare opportunity to visit.
During their visit, guests will be able to walk in the footsteps of the Bounty settlers from the landing at Bounty Bay to Adamstown; view artefacts from the Bounty at the Museum and meet the mutineer’s descendants at the curio market, followed by a visit to the grave of the last surviving mutineer John Adams.
A further highlight of the voyage will be a visit to the small island of Anaa in the Tuamotu archipelago, famed for its luminous jade lagoon which creates seemingly green clouds caused by the reflected light from the water. Despite its small size, and with fewer than 500 inhabitants, the atoll has written its way into the history books as the birthplace of Tahiti’s royal family — the Pomare Dynasty. Most of the population is involved in copra or fishing, leading to the island’s landmark sustainable fishing programme. Guests can explore the village of Tukuhora and try traditional javelin throwing and handicrafts. Look out for ‘feo’, giant fossilized blocks of coral which are characteristic of the atoll. The shallow clear lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an optional activity offered in Anaa.
A beach barbeque and feast of local fruits is on offer as the islanders of Hikueru serve up tales of the island’s great legends. Followed by a visit to the village with is coral built church and time after lunch to swim and snorkel. Mangareva is the largest island in the Gambier with a large lagoon of striking blue and green hues. It is also famous for its Tahitian black pearls, which are cultivated in the pristine waters around the island. Once the cradle of Catholicism in Polynesia, a visit to the renovated St Michael’s Catholic Church, where the altar is inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl shell, is a must.
The 12-day Pitcairn and Gambier – In the footsteps of the Bounty Mutineers Cruise on board Aranui 5 costs from Euros 5,278 pp. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with obstructed view, (based on two sharing), all meals (incl. wine with meals), taxes and scheduled excursions. Excludes international flights.
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