ARANUI Cruises, the Tahiti-based operator of combined freight-and-passenger voyages in French Polynesia, has released details of the deployment of its second ship, due in March 2027.
The 116-metre Aranoa is under construction at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China and will join current vessel Aranui 5. Aranoa is designed as a mixed-purpose vessel, with accommodation for 198 passengers across 93 cabins, most (62) with a private balcony. The ship will feature two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, a health spa, a fitness centre, and a tattoo salon in line with Aranui’s first tattoo parlour at sea.
While Aranui 5 will continue to sail the northern Marquesas Islands where Aranui has been offering cargo cruises for more than 40 years, Aranoa will head south sailing to the remote and untouched Austral Islands. The off-the-beaten-track archipelago is home to five inhabited islands – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa.
The 2027 program will see two passenger-freighter ships visiting all five French Polynesian archipelagos throughout the year. Aranoa is scheduled to commence operation on 6 March 2027, with the inaugural cruise a 13-day voyage to the Austral Islands including a call at Rapa Iti in the far south of French Polynesia. The vessel will offer a total of 18 cruises in its maiden season, mostly cargo cruises to the southern Austral Islands which include calls at Society Islands’ Raiatea and Bora Bora on the return leg.
Aranoa will also offer a series of cruises without freight delivery including a five-day short cruise to Makatea, Mataiva and Anaa in the Tuamotus, a special trip to the Marquesas Islands in December for the biennial Arts Festival, plus two 12-day voyages to Pitcairn and the Gambiers, which include an overnight stay at Pitcairn.
The 125-metre Aranui 5 will continue to service the Marquesas Islands with 20 voyages to deliver cargo to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva – while allowing guests to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region while the Polynesian crew unloads goods for locals, the company says. This itinerary also features calls at Tuamotu atolls Rangiroa and Fakarava, as well as the famed Bora Bora.
“Just as we put the Marquesas Islands on the map after 40 years of cargo cruising in the northern region, we are excited about working with the Austral Islands to slowly and responsibly introduce tourism to these remote island communities while allowing a small number of guests to discover their vibrant landscapes and rich culture,” Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand representative Laurent Wong said.
“I know the return of Pitcairn cruises will also be of interest to many travellers, especially the chance to visit this fascinating place on our beautiful new ship Aranoa,”