In this episode, we talk about a Tahiti travel experience that goes far beyond Bora Bora—sailing on the Aranui 5 freighter cruise into the remote Marquesas and Austral Islands with onboard guide Steven Tahhiva. If you’re considering an Aranui-style itinerary, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com to plan with a specialist who knows how to make Tahiti logistics work smoothly.

Steven shares how he joined the ship more than two decades ago and worked his way through multiple onboard departments—dishwashing, restaurant service, kitchen, bar, and reception—before joining the guide team in 2010. That long arc gives him a rare ability to explain what travelers actually feel onboard: the comfort of being looked after by a tight-knit crew, the trust that builds on a small ship, and the way repeat guests become part of the Aranui story. Norm reflects on returning over the years and why this cruise can feel like coming home—especially when you’re greeted by familiar faces who remember your family.

We also unpack a crucial Tahiti travel topic: communication. The Aranui attracts an international mix, often speaking French, English, and German. Steven arrived with English, learned German on board over time, and credits supportive passengers and daily practice for helping him guide confidently across languages. That skill matters when your itinerary spans huge distances and very different island communities, from dramatic volcanic landscapes to small, remote villages.

Destination highlights include the Marquesas Islands—especially Nuku Hiva and Fatu Hiva—where Steven describes variety, rugged beauty, and hikes that become “core memories.” Norm recalls long walking days and the reward of dramatic viewpoints like Virgin’s Bay. We also discuss the Austral Islands (including Rurutu and Rapa) and the awe of remote summits that leave you speechless. A standout story features a passenger who stayed on Nuku Hiva with Steven’s family to experience daily life, underscoring Polynesian hospitality as sharing from the heart. If you want help choosing the right Tahiti cruise, adding pre- or post-cruise island time, and building an itinerary that feels effortless, Far and Away Adventures can help you put every piece in place.