Partner and I are going on Aranui in June 2007 (we just booked last week). We'll post a roll call on cruise critic shortly. In addition we want to stay on a yet-to-be decided island for a week.

I haven't been to Polynesia in 19 years, and have never been to Marquesas. I had a great time in Moorea and Bora Bora, while I found Papeete boring and not worth spending much time.

As you may know, Aranui is 2/3 french speaking (crew and passengers). There have been few posts and reviews on any site about the cruise, although it is highly regarded (and expensive), and everything I have found has been positive. It isn't a luxury cruise inasmuch as it has limited entertainment (by crew and passengers), limited food (good but fewer choices and only one restaurant). There is a naturalist, gym, pool, library, bar, etc. 200 passengers max. Most ports have no dock, so you wade ashore from the tender/whale boat. I would call it soft adventure.

The people in Calif. who handle N. American reservations as very nice, helpful and available for questions and concerns.