FamilyAdventuring

On 3/3/2020 at 2:50 PM, Sighteer Sam said:

My friend, leaving this weekend for FP, just got off the phone with Air Tahiti and they changed their policy just this afternoon.  Apparently the letter is for passengers coming from this list of countries only.  We're in Texas, USA

5 hours ago, Sighteer Sam said:

My friend said this was on Air Tahiti this afternoon as they have changed their policy.  The letter is only required if you've visited the specified countries.  She called Air Tahiti to confirm.  

I would recommend you read the government's advisory rather than the airline. They may get you there but the government is the ones that will let you leave the airport. Here is their advisory stating otherwise. Also the airlines react to the government advisory, not the other way around.

As a Tahiti Specialist, I received many updates yesterday and today from the French Polynesia Government and Air Tahiti Nui. All people going to French Polynesia as March 2nd, 2020 will need a Health Certificate no matter where they are travelling from or their travel history. The letter must be dated within 5 days of your flight date to Tahiti. Check the French Polynesia government website regularly before you go as they update things and they are applicable right away without warning.

While this is a bit of a hassle, it should make people feel a bit more confident that all fellow travellers on their cruise all had to show a health certificate just to get to French Polynesia let alone on the Paul Gauguin.

Normand

Floridiana,

A typical freighter may give you time to write a novel but I'm sorry, this one is not typical or one you should pick if you want to sit around to write a book. It will keep you busy every day as the activities are too interesting and will entice you out of your room. The Aranui 5 is a hybrid freighter/cruise ship. Yes there are two at sea days (of the 14 days) when you may fill up your time with guest lectures, Polynesian dance lessons or some much needed down time. You will see from my blog that the daily excursions that are included in the price will keep you busy exploring the islands unless you somehow decide to stay in your room. I just couldn't resist exploring the islands myself.

Normand

I have a son with lots of allergies and they did prepare special meals for him at every meal. From first hand experience in working with this ship I know they do a great job of catering to special dietary needs as long as it is arranged well in advance and when making the initial reservation. More information is on the FAQ page.

Normand

For anyone considering the Aranui 5 as a trip, it is an incredible experience. If you don't need a casino or staged entertainment similar to what is found on large ships, then this small ship cruise is a great option. What you will get instead is a local experience where you will be hosted by a crew that is Polynesian and where you will have an opportunity to actually meet the local people and come to know their history, culture and traditions.

I loved visiting the little villages and watching as they took their cargo and then loaded their copra and other fruits onto the barges for export back to Papeete. If considering taking this trip then its helpful to read through the 60+ frequently asked questions posted at: http://aranui.ca/itinerary/frequently-asked-questions Also if you are looking for pre/post cruise options, check out http://farandawayadventures.com which not only has hotels and transfers but also island activities you can prearrange.

Normand

Tahiti Specialist

I posted a new Aranui 5 Blog http://aranui.ca/aranui-blog from a recent trip and while I was there I brought a

Probably the most positive feedback I received was from the more than 60 frequently asked questions I answered that were generated in part from the popular Aranui facebook community page. Many of the questions people wished they had asked in advance but did not think to such as special diets, things to pack, where to get local money, optional excursions, internet and lots more. Hope this helps you decide to take this incredible voyage.

Norm

I posted a new Aranui 5 Blog and my older Aranui 3 Blog online. If you wanted an updated perspective on the new ship that replaced the old Aranui 3 this may help.

Norm

Yes Normand's website seems to be down at the moment. The blog is great reading and very informative so I hope it will be available again soon

The new Aranui 5 Blog and the older Aranui 3 Blog are still online. The site may have been doing maintenance in the evening. Hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for the tip on Wells Fargo. We looked into it, but Michael says we'll just hit the cash machine in Papeete. I don't think we'll need that much cash since all our transfers and hotels are pre-paid. Mostly for trinkets on the islands, I'm thinking. No, we've never been to these islands before but have heard nothing but good things about them.

 

I'm adding to my list of things to remember to pack! Woo hoo!

I just went to the bank machine in Papeete, it was much easier than ordering Polynesian Francs. I hear there are also bank machines at the airport but I pre-booked a transfer to my hotel so I didn't need any cash... and tipping is not even customary in French Polynesia so that made things even easier.

Normand

OK so the truth is I have been on the Aranui 3. As a result I fell in love with the islands and took my family sailing for a few months to see the Marquesas again on a sailboat that we took to the Marquesas from California.

Then the Aranui 5 came out and I just had to go and see it. Besides people ask me about it all of the time because I sell it among many other cruises and trips. I posted a detailed blog and the answers to about 50 questions nobody seems to answer anywhere. I even made a video with a aerial drone camera.

The truth is if you like adventure, a unique experience, are well traveled, don't like to travel with masses of people, like to travel with staff that are locals and want to visit places few people go to, the Aranui 5 is a fabulous experience. If you prefer broadway shows, casinos, paying extra for shore excursions, you may want to avoid this type of a cruise.

I'm the adventuring type so it was definitely up my alley of the top 2 cruise experiences I have ever had and I have cruised a lot.

Normand Schafer