UK author and film producer, Peter Crawford, will be guest lecturer on board the Aranui 3’s two-week voyage to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, departing from Tahiti on 4 February 2012.

Peter, who spent three years travelling through the Polynesian islands, researching his book ‘Nomads of the Wind’ and producing an epic five-hour, award-winning television series for the BBC, has a special passion for the Marquesas Islands, which he enjoys sharing with other travellers.  

"It is - above all - the remoteness of the Marquesas Islands which has kept alive their traditional culture and spirit. Their unique character and wild beauty draws me back to this vibrant heart of Polynesia," says Peter Crawford.

During the 14-night voyage on board Aranui, Peter will entertain passengers with extracts from his films and pictures from his book.  He captivates audiences with descriptions in English and French of how he and his film crew ‘turned back the clock’ to recreate the remarkable Polynesian voyages of discovery.   Passengers gain a real insight into the unique island way of life that flourished long before the arrival of Europeans who came to Polynesia in the wake of Captain Cook.

The most remote archipelago in the world, the French Polynesian Marquesas Islands are best known for their wild beauty, cultural heritage and welcoming people.  

The custom-built, state-of-the-art Aranui 3 is the only ship to sail the 2,200 mile round trip from Papeete to all six inhabited islands in the Marquesas.  Departing every three weeks, all year round, it acts as a lifeline to inhabitants, delivering everything from beer to bulldozers and cement to sugar to the isolated islands. Described as ‘the freighter to paradise’, the cargo carrier doubles as a passenger ship, providing comfortable accommodation in 86 fully air-conditioned cabins, including 10 large suites with balconies.  Two lounges, a large dining room serving French and Polynesian cuisine, a swimming pool and gymnasium, plus a full programme of lectures on Marquesan history, culture and art are also part of the experience.

Click here for full details of their 13 night voyage (or we can offer a shorter version with flights to and from the Marquesas).