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Polynesia: Aranui Cruises Opens 2028 Bookings With New Itineraries

September 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Aranui Cruises ouvre les réservations pour sa saison 2028 - Depositphotos.com @AlexShadyuk

Hurtigruten

Aranui Cruises officially opens sales for its 2028 program.

With more than four decades of activity, the Polynesian company continues its cruise model that blends freight transport with exploration travel, featuring two complementary ships: the Aranui 5 and the Aranoa, a new mixed cargo vessel whose delivery is planned for March 6, 2027.

For this new season, the company is resizing its offer with the return of the Aranui 5 to its historic 12-day itinerary to the Marquesas Islands and an expanded program for the Aranoa.

Aranui 5 Refocuses on the Marquesas

In 2028, the Aranui 5 will dedicate its entire schedule to the Marquesas Islands.

In total, 23 departures of 12 days are planned for the year, thus returning to the company’s classic itinerary.

To read: Polynesia: I tested for you the Aranui 5 Australes cruise

This shift responds notably to logistical constraints related to freight activity, essential for the populations of the archipelagos served.

To accompany this return to the historic itinerary, Aranui Cruises also announces that the 2027 prices for Marquises cruises will be maintained.

Aranui Cruises: Four itineraries for the New Aranoa

The new Aranoa, currently under construction, will have its own program in 2028. In total, four distinct itineraries will be offered, for 23 departures.

The first will combine the Australes and the Society Islands, with calls at Bora Bora, Raiatea, Moorea and Huahine. This 12-day voyage will be offered 14 times, compared with 13 days for the equivalent itinerary in 2027.

A second route, also devoted to the Australes and the Society Islands, will take travelers further with a stop at Rapa, one of the most isolated islands in French Polynesia. With a duration of 13 days, this itinerary will also include Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea, but not Huahine.

The Aranoa will also head toward Pitcairn and the Gambier Islands for two 12-day departures. This cruise will offer the chance to discover one of the most remote territories in the Pacific, notably linked to the history of the Bounty mutineers.

The company will offer a shorter format, with a five-day departure dedicated to the Tuamotu. This new product will allow travelers to explore the archipelago’s coral atolls over a shorter period.

On the occasion of the 2028 sales launch, Aranui Cruises is implementing several commercial advantages, including a 15% discount on Aranoa voyages and a 10% discount on Aranui 5 voyages, for bookings made before December 31, 2026.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Tahiti Nui Travel: Expert Romantic Getaways in French Polynesia

August 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Intercontinental Thalasso Bora Bora © Damien Gobron

CroisiEurope

A dream setting for lovers…

With its 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, Polynesia offers an exceptionally diverse range of atmospheres: from the understated luxury of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora to the warm simplicity of a lagoonfront guesthouse in Huahine or Raiatea.

Each island cultivates its own charm:

Bora Bora, the ultimate romantic icon, for its turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets, and open-air spas.

Taha’a, the vanilla island, for its soft scents and secluded lagoons.

Rangiroa or Tikehau, for adventurous lovers seeking a remote corner of the world.

Moorea, with its emerald mountains and coves perfect for two-person kayak escapades…

© Philippe Bacchet – Bora Bora aérien

Each year, thousands of couples choose the Fenua to celebrate their union, to experience their honeymoon, to renew their vows, or simply to treat themselves to a two-person getaway. While Bora Bora remains the iconic image of romance, the islands of Moorea, Taha’a, Huahine, Raiatea, and the atolls of the Tuamotus each offer a distinct atmosphere, allowing for the creation of unique itineraries according to travelers’ desires.

But a romantic journey is not limited to a postcard landscape. It is built around thoughtful attentions, a rhythm carefully designed, and experiences that will be etched into memory. It is precisely this expertise that Tahiti Nui Travel has been bringing to the service of travel agencies and tour operators for more than six decades.

More than 60 years of expertise serving tourism professionals

Conrad Bora Bora
© Marc Gérard Photography

Newlyweds seeking an exceptional sojourn, a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary, a symbolic ceremony on a private beach, a vow renewal in an intimate setting, or a romantic escape off the beaten path: every project receives meticulous, bespoke attention.

The teams work closely with their partners to deliver genuine added value, far beyond a mere hotel or activity booking.

The excellence of a journey also rests on the quality of the partners who make it possible.

Over time, Tahiti Nui Travel has cultivated privileged relationships with leading hotels, charming properties, family-run pensions, and also with many local providers: guides, skippers, photographers, florists, spas, organizers of traditional ceremonies, and private chefs…

This long-standing network now enables us to offer carefully selected experiences, while also providing the flexibility essential for delivering the most personalized projects.

Memories that stand the test of time

When the sun sets… the magic begins!

Imagine a couple boarding an elegant traditional outrigger canoe as the sun slowly sinks behind Moorea’s ridges.

To the rhythm of the ukulele and guitar, the voyage carries them to a private motu where time seems to stand still. On the beach, a few lanterns, torches, and a large bonfire create an intimate atmosphere.

A trusted partner before, during, and after the journey

Four Seasons Bora Bora © D.Riddle

More than a local provider, Tahiti Nui Travel becomes a true extension of its partners’ commercial teams.

Tahiti Nui Travel brings its expertise, on-the-ground knowledge, and partner network to tourism professionals who wish to offer their clients exceptional romantic journeys in French Polynesia.

Because a honeymoon, a wedding, or an anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every project deserves special attention and flawless organization.

For travel agencies and tour operators, choosing Tahiti Nui Travel means opting for an experienced, attentive partner capable of designing fully customized journeys and turning every request into an unforgettable experience, worthy of the dreams that French Polynesia has inspired for ages.

Contact

Tahiti Nui Travel : L'expertise au service des plus beaux voyages romantiques en Polynésie française

Created in 1965, Tahiti Nui Travel is one of the oldest inbound agencies to the destination Tahiti and Its Islands and has since become the leading inbound agency with a team of more than 100 specialists. As an inbound tour operator, Tahiti Nui Travel is the unique, ideal solution providing more than 1,000 products and services to any partner seeking to promote and sell French Polynesia on their market.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Telephone: +689 40 46 41 41

https://tahitinuitravel.com/

>> Tahiti Nui Travel in the DESTIMAG Directory

Sustainable Tourism in Polynesia: The Rāhui, the Lesson Tour Operators Have Yet to Learn

August 19, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

The issue is no longer marginal: it has become a booking criterion in its own right, almost on par with price or the level of comfort. But between what travelers say and what they actually buy, the gap remains vast.

85 % of travelers say they are willing to choose accommodation committed to sustainable development. In practice, only 8 % actually do. This is not a lack of desire. It is a lack of readable, credible, and easy-to-sell options. (source: CSA / Prisma Media Solution, Tourism Observatory)

This paradox is not a fatality. In French Polynesia, there exists an answer to this gap, and to date it has almost never been told to French tour operators. It does not come from an imported label or a voluntary charter. It comes from a practice aged several centuries, now reactivated by law, by science, and by the communities themselves: rāhui.

Le rāhui : quand authenticité et écologie deviennent un seul geste

The rāhui is an ancestral management tool, practiced throughout the Polynesian triangle for centuries. Its principle is simple: temporarily ban access to a lagoon, a bay, a species, or a resource, to give it time to regenerate, for the benefit of the entire community. Formerly ordered by village chiefs, the rāhui has seen renewed interest since the 2000s, now carried by municipalities themselves, often in connection with NGOs such as Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy.

The most spectacular example is Bora Bora. Facing the gradual disappearance of sea urchins, bay scallops, and sea cucumbers, the municipality created in 2025 a rāhui covering 700 hectares at the heart of the lagoon, in front of the iconic Matira Beach: no boats, no jet-skis, no fishing. The decision was made after extensive consultation with fishermen, churches, neighborhoods, and tourism stakeholders. The first affected, fishermen who now face fines, accepted it themselves.

This level of buy-in is far from trivial: a study by the Biodiversity Research Foundation shows that 90% of the Polynesian population wants to see a rāhui established in every commune. The country nevertheless marked a major milestone in 2025 by making French Polynesia the largest marine protected area in the world, with 1.1 million km² already covered and 500,000 km² of additional strict protection planned for 2026. A rāhui project call, now supported by the Polynesian Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Environment, is already in its 9th edition.

This is the angle few programs still exploit: elsewhere in the world, “respect for local culture” and “environmental protection” are two separate approaches, which tour operators must build and justify separately. In Polynesia, it is the same. Enforcing a rāhui on your clients, in the same move, honors a legitimate cultural practice in the eyes of an entire community and very concretely protects a reef or a species. There are not two checkboxes. There is only one.

Une destination qui structure sa durabilité au plus haut niveau

This local dynamic is embedded in an overarching territorial strategy. Tahiti Tourisme built its Sustainable Tourism Plan, which lays out 110 concrete actions through 2030, and had the destination Tahiti and Its Islands evaluated by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) between 2023 and 2025. The FM27 strategy (Fāri’ira’a Manihini) explicitly aims to diversify geographical flows toward less-visited islands, to preserve the most exposed sites without sacrificing the high-end service level expected by the premium clientele.

This ambition is not a mere added-on.

GSTC : un langage commun pour rassurer sans greenwasher

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a nonprofit organization, born in 2010 from the merger of several initiatives supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Its role is not to issue labels itself: it establishes the global reference criteria for sustainable tourism and accredits organizations that certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations. These criteria revolve around four pillars: sustainable management, local socio-economic impacts, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

Their relevance to you, as a tour operator, is precise: they provide a common vocabulary, internationally recognized (by groups like TUI or Four Seasons), which allows you to demonstrate real commitment without falling into vague promises or the greenwashing that clients increasingly fear. And because the GSTC criteria are designed to adapt to local cultural realities, a practice like rāhui can fully fit within them, which is not the case for most generic environmental labels.

Trois leviers concrets pour vos programmes

Le rôle de Tahiti Travel Services : facilitateur, pas simple exécutant

No tour operator is meant to become, on its own, an expert in rāhui, in GSTC criteria, or in the ecological balances of each archipelago.

This is precisely the role Tahiti Travel Services intends to play: a field partner, capable of translating this Polynesian richness into sale-ready programs, aligned with the destination’s FM27 strategy, credible to a demanding clientele, and faithful to what makes the true authenticity of the fenua.

Sustainable tourism is not, in Polynesia, an extra layer to add to the product. It is a way of telling what already exists, for a very long time, on these islands.

Mauruuru.

Tahiti Travel Services

Tourisme durable en Polynésie : le rāhui, la leçon que les tour-opérateurs n'ont pas encore reçue

[email protected]

www.tahititravelservices.pf

>> Tahiti Travel Services in the DESTIMAG Directory

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: A Charming Snapshot of Polynesia

July 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

IFTM

All signs point to a stroke of luck blessing the cradle of Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. Set on a coral islet, the Motu Tevairoa, it enjoys an exceptional position on the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters and offers an outstanding view of the hidden and majestic Mount Otemanu, a true sentinel of this hidden paradise that are the Leeward Islands.

On the horizon, no neighbours in sight, which is rare in Bora Bora’s highly coveted lagoon!

Yet Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is only a 10-minute boat ride from the airport and 15 minutes from the main village of Vaitape.

Crowned by two Michelin stars in 2025, the hotel has been classified as a 5* establishment since May 2026.

108 villas et bungalows frappés du sceau de l’authenticité

It is undeniably the most Polynesian of all the island’s grand hotels, which, having hosted an American military base, played a decisive role during World War II.

The hotel even houses a small museum dedicated to this historical episode, which helped establish the destination’s reputation with international visitors. Far from that turbulent era, Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is today a place of calm, indulgence, and authenticity.

Constructed from natural and traditional materials and topped with pandanus leaves, its 108 villas and bungalows compete in promises: its Garden Villas and Beach Villas have private pools; finally, its Overwater Bungalows and Suites — eight of which boast their own pool — offer direct access to the sparkling lagoon on which, of course, the iconic Mount Otemanu watches over.

Rendez-vous des amoureux comme des sportifs

Nearby, the beach is pristine. It’s pleasant to swim there, but those who crave to drift with the Polynesian languor love basking in the sun. As for couples, they enjoy exchanging vows that rhyme with “forever.”

For the more athletic guests, the roomy air-conditioned gym is equipped with professional fitness gear—and stays open at all times. For those who love immersing themselves in nature, excursions at the foot of Mount Otemanu are perfect for them.

Sixteen hectares of enchanting gardens

Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts has many more strings to its bow. Its villas and bungalows disappear into the lush embrace of a tropical ornamental garden, dotted with color accents and water features where mauve water lilies rise—surely the painter Claude Monet would have been entranced!

Behind the water feature, beyond a carved wooden gate, the vegetation grows wilder: guests are invited to wander under the shade of tall trees without risking getting completely lost if they follow the path dotted with stone and wood totems, colorful Polynesian sculptures, and other unexpected encounters.

Then, the curious come across an opulent kitchen garden nourished with compost and filled with herbs and vegetables.

A little further on, a recently planted orchard now takes root where figs, pomegranates, citrus fruits, papayas, bananas, and other tropical fruits should soon be abundant.

Des assiettes inventives

It is in these gardens that the Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts’ chef draws inspiration and perfects his sourcing.

Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts does not merely excel in Tahitian raw fish with coconut milk, in seared tuna, in fresh and colorful salads. Its inventive plates deftly blend French culinary technique with locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and seafood from producers and fishermen nearby. The ambition is high: to introduce guests at its three restaurants to the best of Franco-Polynesian flavors: the Otemanu restaurant, perched on the first level overlooking the property and the lagoon; the Miki Miki tucked by the pool; and finally the gourmet Poerava.

Of course, room service is available 24/7 for those seeking privacy. And, for special occasions, simply entrust your dreams to the concierge who can arrange, on request, a dinner on the beach, on the terrace of a bungalow, or in the privacy of a villa.

The « TAVAI Spa », a unique sensory experience

It is also at the heart of the property, in a green oasis surrounded by water, that lies the « TAVAI Spa ».

There, expert hands dispense traditional monoï-oil treatments with varied fragrances, the Polynesian Taurumi Avae massage, or hot stone therapies.

Better still, the Tāvai Spa has reinvented its wellness experience by welcoming the prestigious Cinq Mondes brand from Paris. Since then, two signature facial treatments have enriched its menu: Ko Bi Do, an exceptional anti-aging ritual inspired by Japanese techniques, and the Soin aux Cinq Fleurs, a glow-enhancing treatment with tropical floral extracts. A true invitation on a journey.

As for the large duo treatment room at the Tāvai Spa, whose walls fully open onto the garden, it offers a magical interlude to reconnect body and mind with nature in a setting of absolute serenity.

A true rendezvous with Polynesian culture

Renowned for refined hospitality, a sincere and warm welcome deeply steeped in Polynesian traditions, Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is also—and perhaps above all—a cultural gathering place, as its owner intended.

While wandering through the hotel, visitors embark on an authentic journey into the heart of Polynesian culture. Not only are countless works of art spread throughout, but a circuit allows guests to become acquainted with Tikis, these stylized human representations carved in stone.

Even better, as a first, an on-site art gallery now exhibits—and sells—the works of leading and talented Polynesian artists!

And the three shops (clothing, accessories, jewelry) located on the first floor above the reception are in tune with the whole experience.

By taking part in classes to learn how to prepare poisson cru with coconut milk, weaving workshops, or making a flower crown, Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts guests also delve deeply into Polynesian traditions.

Finally, on Monday and Friday evenings, by attending the lively and colorful Polynesian dance performances on the Paepae, spectators are swept away by the magic of mana.

Contacter Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, un attachant concentré de Polynésie

Contact reservations – French Polynesia :

Email : [email protected]

Tel : (+689) 40 507 601

Commercial contact – France :

Laurent Tapotofarerani

Email : [email protected]

Tel : (+33) 06 88 88 40 55

Website :
Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

Explore French Polynesia in 2027 with Aranui Cruises

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Dream Yacht

Aranui Cruises enriches its experience with a major anticipated novelty for 2027: the company will operate on two ships. On one side, the Aranui 5, emblematic cargo-passenger vessel and a true lifeline with the Marquesas, which preserves the original spirit of the company.

On the other hand, the Aranoa, a more modern and spacious ship, designed to open up new horizons and explore even more varied itineraries, from the Austral Islands to Pitcairn, via the Tuamotus and Society Islands.

Two ships, two identities, one promise: Polynesian immersion

One of the major strengths of Aranui Cruises lies in its ability to offer an experience deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, while meeting the expectations of a discerning clientele seeking authenticity. For travel agents, it’s a rare proposition: a hybrid product that appeals to expedition enthusiasts as well as travelers seeking human immersion.

On board the Aranui 5 as well as the Aranoa, this identity translates in a tangible way:

● A predominantly Polynesian crew, guaranteeing a warm welcome and a sincere transmission of local traditions.

● Professional guides, capable of accompanying travelers and enriching each port of call with historical and cultural anecdotes.

● Included excursions and developed in direct partnership with local communities, a guarantee of authenticity and unprecedented discoveries of the visited islands.

● A distinctly convivial atmosphere, far from the impersonal codes of large cruise ships. On Aranui, travelers mingle, exchange, and share special moments with the crew.

● Island discoveries at the pace of freight, a true signature of the company: passengers observe the maneuvers, understand island logistics, and live an experience close to the daily life of residents.

Whether one chooses the authentic charm of the Aranui 5 or the modern comfort of the Aranoa, the spirit of the company remains unchanged. Since its beginnings, Aranui has set itself the mission of linking distant islands, preserving a vital connection between communities, and sharing Polynesian culture with those aboard.

Iconic itineraries and new routes to explore in 2027

Starting in 2027, the Aranui 5 will offer 20 cruises exclusively dedicated to the Marquesas, its signature itinerary, thus continuing its historic mission at the heart of the archipelago. These 13-day/12-night itineraries provide a condensed showcase of Marquesan cultural heritage: meetings with artisans, visits to villages, songs, dances, traditions, volcanic landscapes, and a unique island ambiance.

Among these departures, one will be devoted to the Marquesas Festival (Matavaa), a cultural celebration held every four years.

With roughly 230 passengers, the Aranui 5 retains a human scale that contributes to the voyage’s convivial atmosphere. The ship also offers a restaurant, several bars, an outdoor pool, and spaces dedicated to conferences and onboard entertainment.

An excellent way to discover Polynesia for a first trip… or a return

New offers for 2026 and 2027

Aranui Cruises invites travelers to live their Polynesian adventure in the best possible conditions, thanks to several exclusive offers available on a selection of 2026 and 2027 departures aboard the Aranui 5 and the Aranoa:

● Offer “Escape” (Escape Beyond Tahiti):

up to €1,600 discount per cabin as follows:

– €600 discount per person on balcony cabins + €200 onboard credit per person

– €500 discount per person on standard cabins + €200 onboard credit per person.

– Dormitories are not eligible. Children are not eligible.

– These amounts are to be deducted from the pre-tax public fare.

Conditions:

– Aranui 5: Journeys No. 24 and 25 in December 2026 and Journeys No. 1 to 10, from January to June 2027

– Aranoa: Journeys No. 6, 8 and 10, between April and June 2027

– The offer is valid only for bookings made between June 1 and July 31, 2026

– Not combinable with other current offers or with the loyalty program

● On the Aranui 5: -10% on 3 Marquesas departures 2027

Aranui Cruises offers a 10% discount in the low season on the trips of January 23 and February 11, 2027 and a Senior discount of 10% for passengers aged 60 or older on the March 16, 2027 departure to the Marquesas.

The 2027 daily programs are also available, offering a detailed day-by-day outline of each day on land and at sea. A tangible way to envision the Aranui experience and plan your trip with complete peace of mind.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the Tiki Club loyalty program, applicable to both ships. Guests who already sailed on the Aranui can return to discover the Austral Islands (or others) aboard the Aranoa and will thus benefit from exclusive advantages.

👉 To better immerse yourself in the discovery of the Austral Islands, watch the video series shot aboard the ARANUI 5 in this article.

Aranui Cruises: Contact and information

Explorez la Polynésie française en 2027 avec Aranui Cruises

Bureau de représentation marketing de l’Aranui en Europe

Email : [email protected]

Téléphone : +33.(0)1.43.31.25.34

Site web : www.aranui.com