Aranui Cruises announced it is adding a second ship to its fleet for the first time, with construction of a new passenger-freighter vessel underway at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China. The 116-metre-long Aranoa will cruise French Polynesia’s south from 2027, carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the Austral Islands.
Like Aranui 5, Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, equipped with all the latest mod cons and technology for passenger comfort and to minimise the ship’s environmental impact.
Aranoa, known in Tahitian as a “great awakening”, will accommodate 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 offering cruises 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 – which boast soaring mountains, pristine beaches, hidden caves, intense blue lagoons, unique local produce, picturesque villages, and a colourful history including a link to the Bounty mutineers.
In line with the sustainable cruise model offered in the Marquesas, Aranui will work with the Austral communities to foster inclusive tourism with the aim of slowly developing the archipelago by offering a small and steady flow of tourists to create jobs and economic opportunities, while also promoting inter-island exchanges as cargo is carried back and forth.
Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative Laurent Wong said it was an exciting time for the cruise line.
“Aranui Cruises’ new ship Aranoa will soon embark on its main mission: supplying the remote Austral Islands and its residents with provisions, while also offering our guests the chance to be among the first to discover the magnificent, untouched and breathtaking islands in French Polynesia’s south,” Laurent said.
“The Australs combine adventure with cultural immersion, history, and warm, welcoming island communities. The archipelago is full of surprises from Raivavae, which is like the Bora Bora of yesteryear, boasting a dazzling blue lagoon sans overwater villas and tourists; Rurutu, where humpback whales migrate to mate and give birth; and special, secretive Rapa, home to just 500 residents who are the ‘happiest in the world’.”
“In building a brand-new ship that is dedicated to the Australs, we are the first to bring regular, sustainable tourist exploration to the southern islands, marking a significant investment for us and reinforcing our company’s commitment to help develop economies in the remote islands of French Polynesia.”
“This is the first time we have operated more than one cruise ship, so this is a significant milestone for Aranui, not long after we marked our 40th anniversary of cargo cruising in the Marquesas Islands last year. But we’re not just expanding our company and the number of vessels, we’re excited about working with another group of remote island communities to create new opportunities for them while also showcasing their vibrant landscapes and rich culture to the world – that’s what means the most to us. It’s a privilege to be granted access to the Austral Islands and we are so proud and excited to be able to offer our guests one of the world’s most authentic and culture-rich adventures.”
Aranui Cruises will announce Aranoa’s 2027 sailing schedule later this year.
Please see the attached for more information and renderings, and for more on Aranoa or to receive news, updates, and special offers about the ship, visit www.aranuicruises.com.au/aranoa/
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