Aranui Cruises has revealed a sneak peek inside new-build Aranoa, with a suite of new renderings revealing the chic, Polynesian interiors of the cruise line’s second ship.
Currently under construction at Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China, the 116-metre-long passenger-freighter vessel will cruise French Polynesia from 2027, carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the Austral Islands and beyond.
The new visuals show a glimpse inside the accommodation available on Aranoa, which will accommodate 198 passengers across 93 cabins, most (62) with a private balcony. Like sister ship Aranui 5, cabins range from a dormitory to staterooms, suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite, with the modern and comfortable accommodation featuring bursts of tropical colour.
Equipped with all the latest mod cons and technology for passenger comfort, Aranoa – which means “great awakening” in Tahitian – will also include two restaurants, a lounge, two bars, two spa pools on the pool deck, a boutique, a health spa, a fitness centre, and a Polynesian tattoo salon to continue the legacy of Aranui’s first tattoo parlour at sea.
In line with Aranui’s core business as a cargo cruise line, Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, which will largely service French Polynesia’s remote and untouched south, making regular voyages to the Austral Islands as well as offering cruises to Pitcairn, the Tuamotus and a special Marquesas Arts Festival itinerary in 2027.
All 13-day Austral Islands voyages will call at Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara and Raivavae for an overnight stay in the ‘Bora Bora of the south’. Rapa Iti will also feature in six of the Australs itineraries as Aranui works with the tiny community of 500 residents to create a small and sustainable flow of tourism.
Aranui is currently offering 20 per cent off Aranoa’s first two voyages in 2027, with the discounted inaugural Austral Islands cruise (including Rapa) departing on March 6 priced from A$7611*, and the March 24 cruise (excluding Rapa) starting from A$7347* per person twin share. Available until sold out.
There are also early bird deals available when a 2027 cruise is booked before December 31, 2025. With a 15 per cent early bird discount, Aranoa’s 13-day Austral Islands voyages start from A$7768* per person twin share.
