Why We Took Our Kids on a Cargo Cruise to the End of the Earth (and Loved It)

Location: Papeete, Tahiti
️ Voyage: Aranui 5 – Austral & Society Islands Expedition
** Day 1: November 1 – Departure from Tahiti

This Isn’t Your Average Family Vacation

Let’s get one thing straight — when you tell people you’re taking your kids on a 13-day cargo cruise to remote islands in the South Pacific, you get a lot of blank stares and polite nods.

“Isn’t that for retirees?”
“Don’t your kids want a pool and a waterslide?”
“Are you sure it’s… safe?”

But here’s the thing: the Aranui 5 is one of the most incredible, immersive, and kid-friendly adventures you can have as a family — even if most of the guests are 55 and up (it even has a pool). I’m here with my wife and two teenagers: Teyauna (17) and Zakary (13), and we’re going to be documenting each day of this journey for families wondering if it’s possible.

Spoiler: it’s not just possible — it’s unforgettable.

Boarding in Papeete: Our Floating Home for 13 Days

Boarding opened at 7:00 a.m. at the Quai des Honneurs right in downtown Papeete, but being true to family form, we squeaked in just before the 9 a.m. cut-off. The ship was right at the main pier, no shuttles or bus rides needed — just roll your bags and walk up the gangway.

The Aranui 5 is part cruise ship, part working cargo vessel, part cultural immersion machine. We found our cabin easily, dropped our bags, and set off to explore the decks. The kids were already impressed — not by the Wi-Fi (there isn’t much) — but by the deck views, quirky cargo setup, and the sense that we were actually going somewhere real.

Polynesian Welcome You Won’t Forget

At 10 a.m., we were officially swept into island life. The ship hadn’t even left port yet when HEI TAHITI, an award-winning Tahitian dance troupe, brought the ship to life with swirling skirts, pounding drums, and dazzling smiles.

Zachary watched wide-eyed as the warriors stomped and shouted, while Teyana leaned into the rhythm, already capturing slow-mo shots for her Instagram (with limited uploads, of course).

There’s no better welcome than traditional dance — it tells you everything about a place without a single word of English. Even if the traditional costumes were a bit embarrassing for my son.

Safety Briefings and Pineapple Chicken

As with every cruise, we had the safety drill — life jackets, muster stations, all that jazz. The kids handled it better than I did (I kept getting my jacket all twisted up).

By lunchtime, we were fully into the groove. The Aranui’s dining room offers plated meals — no buffets, and all freshly made. That day it was a grilled fish dish with a tangy Polynesian slaw, and yes, even Zachary found something he liked (and that’s saying a lot).

Family Tip: If you’ve got picky eaters, there’s always bread, fruit, and plain options available — the staff is incredibly accommodating.

️ Getting Our Bearings (and Snorkels)

The afternoon featured an English-language orientation session with one of the guides, giving us a full rundown of what to expect on the voyage — including which islands have the best snorkeling, optional hikes, and even whale-watching opportunities.

The passenger mix is mostly French, German, and English-speaking, and while most are older, there are a handful of younger couples and two other families with children. It’s a tight-knit vibe, and by the end of Day 1, you feel like part of the ship’s story.

We also picked up our snorkel gear from the activity desk — fins, masks, and snorkels available free to use throughout the trip. Teyana’s already planning a stingray selfie.

Meet the Crew — All of Them

One of the most unique parts of the Aranui is how personal it feels. Tonight, we were introduced to the entire ship’s crew — not just the officers or the guides, but everyone.

From the mechanics and freight deck workers to the smiling housekeepers, kitchen staff, and even the tattooed guy who loads the cargo — they all came out, introduced themselves, and were met with cheers and applause.

That’s the kind of ship this is. You don’t just travel — you belong.

A Sweet Ending Under the Stars

Dinner was another hit — a delicious chicken dish with island spices, buttery potatoes, and a papaya tart for dessert. The kids were exhausted but smiling, and honestly, so was I.

We stood on the deck that night, looking out at the long gone lights of Papeete, the breeze picking up just enough to remind us we were at sea.

No phones, no screens — just stars. Just us. Just the beginning.

Family Reflections: Is the Aranui 5 Right for Kids?

Absolutely.

It’s not a resort cruise. There’s no kids’ club, no daily bingo, no splash pad. But there’s culture, adventure, new friendships, and real-world learning around every corner.

If your kids are curious, adaptable, and love being part of something a little different, this trip will change them — and you — for the better.