STATE-OF-THE-ART 207-PASSENGER-FREIGHTER ARANUI III EN ROUTE TO TAHITI, SETS MARCH 1 FOR MAIDEN VOYAGE
The 386 ft., fully air-conditioned, 207-passenger-freighter Aranui III, sailed from its Romanian shipyard on Christmas Eve, 2002, navigated the Panama Canal the week of January 16 and is expected to arrive in Papeete, Tahiti shortly, according to Jules Wong, marketing director and partner of Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM).
The ship's immediate namesake, Aranui II, was a long-time favorite for families traveling with children and the new ship is expected to continue that tradition. Aranui II gained worldwide attention when it served to transport equipment and supplies for the popular TV series "Survivor" in the Marquesas Islands. The new ship follows the same itinerary each cruise, including the island of Nuku Hiva where "Survivor Marquesas" was filmed.
"Aranui III far exceeds our most optimistic expectations. We have scheduled the maiden voyage to the Marquesas Islands for March 1, at which time the 207-passenger Aranui III will take over the annual 16 cruise schedule of the 100-passenger Aranui II. Aranui means "The Great Highway" in the Maori language. "Without question Aranui III is the most modern, state-of-the-art ship of its class in the world," Wong added."
An eleventh hour evaluation and upgrade of the ship by the French maritime authority responsible for certification of ships operating in French Polynesia resulted in the unsolicited and unexpected upgrade of the Aranui III being classified as a passenger ship, rather than the passenger-freighter designation CPTM applied for.
Despite the lofty upgraded status of the vessel, CPTM does not intend to change its marketing position and Aranui III will be offered as originally planned: as an upscale, fully air-conditioned 207-passenger-freighter operating out of Tahiti and exploring French Polynesia's enchanting Marquesas Islands.
"The Aranui III is a far cry from any passenger-freighter from the past, but CPTM is not trying to pass the ship off as a luxury cruise ship." Wong said. "That's not what we are. Over the years we've developed a loyal following for our ships as pleasant, convenient, working freighters that routinely delivers the staples of life to people in the islands." Wong says passengers looking for all the glitz and frills offered on luxury cruise ships will not find such amenities on a passenger-freighter. Not even a new, modern one as the Aranui III is. "Our repeat passenger base loves this type of soft-adventure cruising for what it is and the excellent value it offers. With the giant leap forward we've taken with Aranui III we hope to expand that base greatly."
Nonetheless, Wong points out, "This doesn't mean a Spartan, no frills atmosphere. Aranui III offers families with children passenger accommodations than other ships of this type in spacious suites, all with windows, an outdoor swimming pool, bar-lounge, gym, library and use of on-board facilities including fishing, snorkeling and SCUBA." Guest lecturers and onboard experts offer detailed information about the culture and history of the Marquesas ports being visited and Polynesia in general. "We are proud that many families consider our cruises both an educational and fun experience for youngsters," Wong added.
Aranui III's annual schedule will be 16 identical 16-day cruises to 13 islands, the same enchanting and romantic islands that inspired and captivated Paul Gauguin, Herman Melville, Jack London, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and countless others.
"On star-lit evenings, after exploring a magnificent port, crew members delight passengers after dinner by singing and playing their hand-crafted ukuleles. Truly genuine Polynesian entertainment," Wong said. "Our staffers are descendants of the greatest navigators of all time: the ancient Polynesians who first came to these islands," he concluded.
Passenger accommodations for the 16-day cruises are available in four categories: 10 Suites (237 sq. ft.), consisting of large outside cabins with one queen size bed; refrigerator; private facilities with a bathtub; and a balcony cost $4,950 per person; 12 Deluxe A Cabins (188 sq. ft.) but with identical amenities, are $4,200; 63 Standard A Cabins (126 sq. ft.) offer outside cabins with two lower berths and private facilities; Class C passage is in 3 large, air-conditioned dormitory style cabins with 30 bunk beds. Facilities are shared, rate is $1,980.
Rates are per person, double occupancy. Singles are 50% additional. Children, 3-15 yrs. of age, sharing with adults, are $860 each. Third or fourth adults sharing Pullman accommodations are at 75% of the normal tariff. Rates include three meals with wine, picnic and meals on shore but do not include $285 per person in cruise tax, tourism tax, or port fees. A 25% deposit is required when making reservations. Balance is due 45 days prior to sailing. Shore excursions are optional.
Further information is available from your travel agent, or CPTM: 2028 El Camino Real South, Suite B, San Mateo, CA 94403. Phone (650) 574-2575; fax (650) 574-6881; email CPTM@aranui.com. Visit the website at: www.aranui.com.
