I booked the cruise part of the trip directly through the Aranui 5 rep in Calif. They have a very good website with a brochure you can download. The rep I dealt with was very helpful, answered all my questions and it was very easy. I booked my own flight reservations and hotel accommodations in Papeete, Tahiti. It was no issue at all and we enjoyed Papeete. Some VERY good restaurants!!
Check out the comments forum online...lots of interesting comments from people who hated the trip, to people like my wife and I who loved every minute of the trip.
The shore excursions are very well organized, entertaining, and a lot of fun. The Marquesas are very remote, and the big cruise ships seldom stop here...which is a plus to me!! The largest village only has a population of 1500.
If you enjoy the large cruise ship experience with big entertainment, fancy restaurants with extensive menus, this is probably not a good fit.
We had a great time and would go again.
Do the prices go down a bit the closer you get to departure, or does it sell out pretty far in advance??