Aranui 5 Review

Not your everyday cruise - a VERY unique experience

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Aranui 5
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AirmanMike
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Nov 2017
Bora Bora excursion
From the shore boat. Picture of the ship
Walk in the Marquesas
Unloading cargo
View from the bridge
On the bridge with the acting captain

I had been to the Marquesas Islands on a sailboat in 2002 and wanted to share this unique part of the world with my wife. This cruise was an amazing two week trip and cultural immersion of French Polynesia and especially the Marquesas Islands. Having been here before, my wife and I really enjoy this part of the world, and especially the nice people.

We have heard all of the complaints - it is too far - it is too expensive - they speak French and the French are snooty - blah , blah , blah. Nonsense all........................................

Yes - they do speak French, but the people are exceptionally nice there. It may not be paradise, but PF (Polynese Frances) is about as close to the garden of Eden as you can get. Get this - lots of fish that are easy to catch, delightful climate (too warm for a lot of folks), many varieties of fruit falling off the trees, cheap French wine, and really nice people. Not too bad.

Cabin Review

Cabin Inferiour - cabin w/porthole

Our cabin was smaller than we are accustomed to on larger ships but quite adequate. We had a problem with the A/C on our first afternoon, but it was fixed promptly. This was a testament to the crew's efficiency. The bathroom was actually larger than we were used to which was nice. You are not supposed to drink the bathroom water, but I was told that it is ok, but just not tested daily as is required of potable water. We did not drink it and used bottled water or filtered water from the three water stations on the ship. The bed is firm like most beds in PF, but not uncomfortable. Our room stewardess kept the room immaculate and changed out towels 2-3 times a day. You read my prior comments on the porthole. Note that we were the forward most cabin on the 2nd floor. Further back might have been better.

The only tv for English speakers is CNN (ugg), but who needs tv anyway on a cruise like this. It would be nice if they added Fox or CNBC Business. My only real complaint is that there is no hot power outlet in the bathroom to run a night light or charge up your shaver. There is an outlet, but when you turn out the light in the bathroom the power to the outlet shuts down. Probably a safety thing, but annoying.

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