CPTM Scheduling a unique 8 day fieghter cruise to austral islands on 207-passenger-freighter Aranui 3

In an unprecedented addition to her annual schedule of 15-day cruises
out of Tahiti exploring the enchanting Marquesas Islands, the
207-passenger-freighter Aranui 3 will embark on a one-time, first ever,
eight-day Austral Islands cruise in January 2007.
The cruise will be operated and completed before Aranui 3 commences her
regular annual schedule of trips to the Marquesas beginning with Voyage
1 on February 4.

According to Jules Wong, marketing director and partner of Compagnie
Polynesienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM) owners and operators of the
386-foot ship, Aranui will sail on January 19th from Papeete, Tahiti
and ply the azure blue waters of French Polynesia to Rurutu; Rimatara;
Tubuai; Ravavae; and Rapa.
She returns to Papeete on January 27th, 2007.

For this cruise, as with those in her regular schedule, the company
prefers bookings be made through travel agents.

This unique Austral Islands cruise is the first time in several years
that the upscale, fully air-conditioned state-of-the-art Aranui 3, or
her previous namesakes, will offer passengers the opportunity to
explore a totally different group of Polynesian islands. Aranui means
"The Great Highway" in the Maori language.

The five Austral Islands, located on the Tropic of Capricorn, are
approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Tahiti and the southernmost
group of islands in French Polynesia. The waters around the islands are
home for whales from July to November. A productive farming centre, the
women are the finest weavers in Polynesia and known for their
traditional weaving coconut and pandanus leaves into elaborate hats,
purses, mats, and bags.

The climate is much cooler than in the Marquesas. The five islands are
all some distance from each other making remoteness even more extreme.
Large and mountainous with mostly rugged coasts, a few wild beaches and
some 28 impressive ancient ridge-top fortresses, indicate a defensive
and warlike past.

Rapa or Rapa Iti, as it is sometimes called to distinguish it from
"Rapa Nui" (one name for Easter Island), is the largest and only
inhabited island of the Bass Islands. It is shaped like a Greek final
sigma, with a well-protected central bay, surrounded by high
mountains.Aranui 3

Its main town, often spelled on maps as Ahurei but locally pronounced
as Ha'urei (where ' denotes a glottal stop) is on the south side of
that bay.
Today Rapa is home to the Tahitian Choir, in which 126 men and women, a
third of the island's population, sing traditional songs. Their music
portrays traditional Tahitian life and dialect and has been recorded on
two albums produced by Pascal Nabet Meyer.

Although often considered the southernmost of the Austral Islands, the
Bass Islands have a different geological, linguistic and cultural
history. This classification is one of geographic and political
expediency more so than because of similarities between them and the
rest of the Austral Islands.

For this cruise passenger accommodations aboard Aranui 3 are available
in three categories. Rates are per person based on double occupancy,
range from $2,635 to $3,895, depending upon size and amenities.

For the adventurous, a fourth, Class C passage, is in 2 large,
air-conditioned dormitory style cabins with 18 bunk beds. Facilities
are shared and the per person rate is $1,490.
All rates include three daily meals (including those on shore) and
guided excursions but do not include cruise or port tax/fees. Add 50%
for single occupancy. For children 3-12 sharing cabin with adults
please add $1,050.
A 25% deposit is required when making reservations. Balance is due 45
days prior to sailing.

"The Aranui 3 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 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 3 is. He
added that the ship does not have handicap facilities. "Our repeat
passenger base loves this type of cruising for what it is and the
excellent value it offers. With the cooperation of travel agents we
hope to expand that base greatly."

But, Wong points out, "This doesn't mean a Spartan, no frills
atmosphere. Aranui 3 offers more 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."

Guest lecturers and onboard experts offer detailed information about
the culture and history of the Marquesas ports being visited and
Polynesia in general.
As noted, Aranui 3's regular annual schedule will be 16 identical
15-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.
Menu offerings include both French and Polynesian cuisine. Special
diets can be accommodated.