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Aranui 3, Freigher to Paradise?


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A Disaster Cruise with the Aranui 3.

 

A combination of cargo and about 165 passengers (or many more).

 

Our Dutch travel agency All Over Tours recommended this ship. But why?

 

Food was bad most of the time. Bread at breakfast was unedible, even when toasted. Even the water stinks and tasted like that. Rice cooked in this water? brrrrrr.................

 

Most people from the big group French passengers don't understand English. The result is two groups of passengers who live apart and don't like eachother to say the least....

All explanations in three languages which results in much waiting.

 

A very unfriendly crew, not flexible at all and to many of them are rude. They don't know the word "service" and are not interested if the passengers like their vacation.

Lectures in hardly to understand English , German and French.

The English speaking guide often forgets important issues. The following day you hear them (too late) from German or French passengers.

 

The itinerary was systematically changed. (Travelagency All Over Tours did not know).

One of the two ideal snorkel opportunities was skipped, because it toook a little more fuel to keep this Island in the schedule. It's all about the money!

The ship almost never was in time. For that reason no good opportunity to have a private snorkel tour at the second snorkel Island.

 

The ship stinks (engine). At the aft deck your clothes get black spots from the funnel (soot). Nowhere inside the ship fresh air. It stinks everywhere.

 

Many locals on board, sleeping at the aftdeck and in rooms that should be used for cargo. Would we all fit in the (never tested) lifeboats?

 

Apart from the beautiful destinations a vacation to forget as soon as possible.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Sailed on ARANUI III ex Papeete June, 2014 . One needs to realize this is a unique travel experience. If you expect the standards of an ocean cruise line then ARANUI III is not for you . If you are happy with a unique travel experience around a supply vessel/freighter to a remote South Pacific paradise then ARANUI III is for you. The condition is clearly specified in brochures that the itinerary may/will change at short notice, dictated by freight requirements. (Yet some people bitched constantly that the schedule was altered.)

 

The vessel is primarily a freighter with 150 passenger berths, with arrival and departure times somewhat flexible depending on local sea conditions, and time required to load/unload freight .

 

Passenger accommodation is offered in dormitories, cabins ,de luxe cabins and suites with mini verandahs . All accommodations are well maintained. Free laundry service 3 times during 13 night trip. On board pool, lounge, bar and restaurant. Free tea and coffee 24 hours. Buffet breakfast, 3 course lunch & dinner served with complimentary wine. Cuisine light healthy with a French flair . Lots local fruits and fresh seafoods. Overall standard , Bistro / Trattoria . As the bread is no doubt frozen it the only real let down . They need a baker on board to provide fresh french bread daily .

 

On board lecturers re area were very informative . Excellent inclusive shore excursions and local entertainers . Cheerful laid back crew .

 

No stabilizers but ship rides swell very well . Moves more on return leg as ship is more lightly loaded .

 

The scenery in the Marquesas , just stunning a tropical paradise .

 

Excellent on board boutique selling toiletries etc and souvenirs etc . All purchases on board in Boutique and bar are tallied up, and you pay by Credit Card at end of cruise.

 

Worth doing YES for the stunning scenery and for the unique experience half way between a traditional passenger cruise and a true freighter. Just dont expect Queen Mary II standards, and be prepared to be flexible with changes to the set itinerary as the trip goes along .

 

Months to avoid November to March inclusive (the Wet season).

 

ARANUI V will replace ARANUI III from June 2015 with a slightly larger passenger capacity. (No Aranui IV as ship is Chinese owned, and number 4 is bad luck in China.)

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