Embark aboard the Aranui to experience the magic of Moana (Vaiana) in Polynesia

The two animated films are set in ancient Polynesia and draw inspiration from Polynesian mythology to tell the story of Moana, the strong-willed daughter of a coastal village chief, who is chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti. When a blight strikes her island of Motunui, Moana sets sail in search of Maui, a legendary demigod, to return the relic to Te Fiti and save her people.

The sequel picks up the story three years later, with Moana looking for people who are connected to the ocean. When she discovers that the reason people are no longer connected is due to the malicious storm god Nalo, who sank the legendary island of Motufetu, she gathers a crew to sail there.

 

Reunited with Maui, the two intend for Maui to raise the island so that Moana can touch it. However, Nalo's lightning bolt kills Moana, and as Maui jumps in after her body, she is revived as a demigoddess with the finale seeing Maui finally raising Motufetu and assisting Moana in reconnecting the people with the ocean.

Similarly, a French Polynesia cruise aboard Aranui 5 allows people to connect with the remote island communities in the Marquesas and Austral Islands, witnessing their traditions and learning about their distinct and ancient cultures. The dual-purpose cargo passenger cruise ship serves as a literal lifeline for the islanders and provides them with the means of reconnecting to the world across the ocean.

The breathtaking scenery of Tahiti's islands served as inspiration for Disney's romantic animated film Moana with the lush green mountains and white sandy beaches of Moorea and Huahine reimagined in the fictitious island of Motonui. The culture, legends, and local population inspired the hit film's production team. The screenplay is based on Polynesian legends with themes of respect for ancient traditions, tattooing, and the desire to explore the vast ocean surrounding the island nation.

The film explores the meaning of maori tattoos through the character of Maui whose tattoos are a significant element and represent his past deeds and accomplishments as a demigod. Each tattoo depicts a story from his life, like pulling up islands from the ocean or lassoing the sun and acts as a permanent narrative of his heroic deeds.

In Polynesian culture tattoos often hold very deep personal meaning and reflect a person's history and identity.

The term tattoo comes from the Tahitian word Tatau, and is widespread throughout the Polynesian Triangle, but their exact origins are unknown. A Polynesian tattoo is described as 'E Patu Tiki' in the Marquesas language, which means 'in order to strike an image', and the islands are known for having the most extensive and ornate designs.

On board Aranui 5, guests will find their own tattoo parlour. It was the first passenger ship to have a resident traditional Polynesian tattoo artist. Eddy Tata, along with his uncle Moana Kohumoetini are now the ship's two resident tattoo artists. They see the service as a way for travellers to remember their time in French Polynesia while also using their talents to connect with people from all around the world.

The film also delves into the ancient Polynesian practice of wayfinding, which is the way we orient ourselves in a physical space and traditionally refers to how ships navigated through open oceans using the stars, sun, moon, and ocean swells. Nature guided navigators prior to the development of modern navigation technology. Being able to 'read' nature is a true skill that has evolved over time.

In contrast, the crew on Aranui 5 uses cutting-edge satellite navigation systems to keep the ship on course from the start of the voyage in Tahiti.

This cruise passing through Tahiti takes passengers on a 12-day journey to the Marquesas via the Tuamotu Archipelago and on a 13-day voyage to the Austral Islands. On moonless nights, with no light pollution, passengers can also enjoy a stargazing experience on deck, as the vast open skies fill with stars.

This specially designed dual-purpose, cargo/cruise ship Aranui 5 is one of the best and most original ways to explore French Polynesia. Offering a combination of upscale cruising and maritime adventure that you won't find on other cruise ship.

Affectionately known as the ‘freighter to paradise’ it has been designed to offer all the  comforts of a cruise ship, while operating as a supply ship to the islanders of the Marquesas. Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, with accommodation for 230 guests in 103 comfortable suites, staterooms, and dormitory-style rooms, some with balconies.

With eight different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting; one lounge; two conference rooms, where guest lecturers offer presentations on various topics related to the Marquesas and the Austral islands; three bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views; an outdoor swimming-pool; a boutique; a spa; a gym and the first tattoo studio at sea.

Aranui Cruises has always maintained the concept of a traditional and authentic Polynesian cruise led by Polynesians for the benefit of all Polynesians. In that spirit, nearly all of the staff and crew are Polynesian, having come from various islands across the five archipelagos. Their insider's perspective, as well as the openness with which they introduce their home to the outside world, creates an atmosphere unlike any other cruise line sailing these waters.

Whether it's in the public areas, at special dinner events, as part of the onboard entertainment, or assisting passengers from ship to shore and on the tenders the talented crew is always available with a welcoming smile.

Cruising on Aranui 5, however, not only offers comfort and adventure but is also a particularly convenient way to discover French Polynesia. Saving time, and money and enabling a focus on exploring and enjoying the experience without worrying about the hassle of packing and unpacking. It's this combination of convenience, comfort, and adventure that makes a trip on Aranui 5 one of the most practical and exciting ways to explore French Polynesia.

The cruise ship explores all six of the inhabited Marquesas Islands (Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka, Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, and Tahuata) on a 12-day voyage of the archipelago. Located in the Pacific Ocean, 900 miles from Tahiti, the Marquesas are so remote that Aranui 5 is, in fact, the lifeline to the islanders and is often referred to as the ‘Seven’s Island’ due to the close relationship the ship holds with the Marquesas.

Highlights of the voyage include exploring the UNESCO-protected archaeological sites of the Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva, which is dotted with stone tikis and rock art, followed by an ‘Umu’ pork lunch cooked in a typical, Marquesan underground oven.

On Ua Huka passengers can traverse the mountains by 4X4 and see the famed Marquesan horses that roam wild on this island. While on Ua Pou they can make like Moana and hire an outrigger to sail around the bay or hike to the ‘Cross’ with its 12 mighty basalt summits rising up to 3,745 feet.

Traditional crafts are important in preserving the islanders' culture, and each port of call offers opportunities to meet and purchase exquisite, handcrafted items. Each island has its own specialty; Tahuata is known for its bone carvings, on Fatu Hiva visitors can see how handmade Tapa paper is made from Banyan tree bark, and Ua Pou is known for its unique Flower Stone jewellery. To purchase Polynesia's legendary black pearls, visit a pearl factory on a visit to Rangiroa or at the market stalls in Papeete.

Much like the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islanders are renowned for their craftsmanship, with the ‘mammas’ of Rurutu famous throughout the islands for their craftwork, the knowledge of which has been handed down from one generation to the next. Favourite items include woven hats, mats, bags, and other life essentials made from dried pandanus leaves.

In days gone by, woven mats were a symbol of wealth throughout Polynesia and were used as gifts to newlyweds. In addition to weaving, the Austral Island women are masters in the making of ‘tifaifai’, traditional patchwork blankets that feature exotic patterns. These can be purchased at the artist markets in the airport and in Avera village.

The Austral Islands cruise calls at five of the seven islands in the archipelago. These include Tubuai, which is the largest in the group, with an immense, crystal-clear lagoon. Echoing the cultural emphasis of the film Moana, passengers are treated to a unique welcome on the island of Rimatara with a ceremonial walk through ‘purification smoke’, which is an ancient tradition of Rimatara’s inhabitants.

Like Moana's grandmother, Tala, who shows her a secret cave of ships, passengers travelling to Rurutu will experience the unique geological structure of its basalt and limestone caves which dot the coastline and provided shelter to the early islanders.

On arrival at the most southerly island, Rapa, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica” as this crescent-shaped land mass is the most southerly inhabited island of French Polynesia with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays and is as remote as it gets in this part of the southern Pacific Ocean.

At the beginning of the film, Moana dances with her friends. Dance plays an important part in Polynesian culture and passengers can join the islanders in the unique dances of Rapa and on days at sea they can learn a series of traditional Polynesian dances, called ‘ori tahiti, as well as traditional songs that accompany the dance.

The penultimate day of both cruise itineraries takes passengers to the fabled island of Bora Bora, whose highest peak, Mount Otemanu, is said to be the inspiration for Motunui's mountain in the film Moana.

 

For families and young fans of the film Moana Aranui 5 provides a real-life opportunity to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture. Throughout the cruise, they will meet the islanders and young people living in these remote communities and learn about their lives, including the songs, dances, and customs featured in the film.

The ship is also ideal for families with a choice of family-friendly cabins, from the quadruple cabin with its large double bed and two bunk beds for children to the spacious dormitory-style cabins which can accommodate between four and eight passengers in bunk beds.

Interactive workshops like ukulele classes, dance and cooking demonstrations are offered. The Marquesan staff is more than happy to share its culture.

For your screen tourism journey, book a cruise aboard the Aranui 5 for a unique opportunity to experience Polynesia in all its splendour and authenticity while enjoying the comforts of a first-class cruise ship.

A voyage on Aranui 5 promises unforgettable experiences and memories. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime on this unique mixed cargo ship. Check out our cruises in French Polynesia: