> WHEN YOU GO

Do your research: The Aranui 5’s website (aranui.com) explains trip options and itineraries. There are 19 voyages scheduled for 2017, each lasting seven, 11 or 14 days. It’s advised to book well in advance.

Single-occupancy rates for a full 14-day cruise range from $3,168 to $14,714 (U.S.) and include excursions and all meals. Optional excursions, such as deep-sea fishing and scuba diving, come at additional costs. The Aranui 5’s Canadian website (aranui.ca) sometimes offers discounts for Canadian travellers.

If you don’t speak French, a phrase book or pocket dictionary will definitely come in handy in French Polynesia. Tahiti Tourisme’s website (tahiti-tourisme.com) also has good trip-planning resources. Canadian tourists do not require visas for stays of less than 90 days. Get there: Air Tahiti Nui (airtahitinui.com) flies daily from Los Angeles to French Polynesia’s capital, Papeete, where your cruise will begin. Direct flights from Toronto to Los Angeles can be booked with Air Canada (aircanada.com), WestJet (westjet.com) or American Airlines (aa.com). Make sure to give yourself enough time to collect your luggage and change terminals in Los Angeles. Get around: You’ll be visiting the islands aboard the Aranui 5, of course. When on land, transportation for excursions is always included. Bring a good pair of sneakers or boots for optional hikes. People with mobility issues may find getting ashore difficult at many of the islands. When to go: The year-round daily mean temperature in the Marquesas ranges between 26 and 28 C. While September through December is the driest time of year, always be prepared for a bit of rain. It’s worth noting the Aranui 5 offers a 10-per-cent discount for its sailing in June, which is the wettest month. Where to stay: In terms of accommodation, the Aranui 5 offers everything from bunks in four- or eight-person dormitories to lavish multi-room suites. All passenger cabins are outward-facing.