After more than 40 years of cargo cruising in French Polynesia, Aranui Cruises has marked an important milestone with the arrival of its newest passenger-freighter, Aranoa, in Tahiti.
Built by Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong, China, the new 116-metre vessel joins sister ship Aranui 5 in delivering the cruise line’s unique blend of passenger cruising and essential cargo supplies to remote island communities across French Polynesia.
Meaning “great awakening” in Tahitian, Aranoa features 91 cabins, including 62 with private balconies, two restaurants, two bars, two jacuzzi spas, a boutique, wellness spa, gym and tattoo salon.
It’s the first time in the company’s history that it has operated two ships simultaneously. While Aranui 5 will continue to serve the Marquesas Islands, where Aranui has operated cargo cruises for more than 40 years, Aranoa will open up the five inhabited Austral Islands –Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa Iti – to a new era of carefully managed tourism.
Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand representative Laurent Wong said: “For over 40 years, Aranui Cruises has inspired cultural immersion through the heart and soul of French Polynesia as our ships carried passengers and freight to the northern Marquesas Islands, and now we start a new chapter with Aranoa. She bears a different name but will carry out a similar mission to the Aranui ships who have come before her – to supply the southern Austral Islands, and slowly and sustainably open up this untouched archipelago to tourism with less than 200 guests onboard each sailing”.
“Like the UNESCO Heritage-listed Marquesas Islands, the Australs have their own unique nature, culture and history from the striking blue lagoons of Tubuai and Raivavae, to the pristine beaches and colourful wildlife of Rimatara, the hidden caves and whales of Rurutu, and breathtaking Rapa Iti, a special southern island that’s home to just 500 residents. We are so excited to share the Australs with the world via our beautiful new ship.”
Aranoa will operate 18 cruises in its inaugural 2027 season, including 13-day voyages roundtrip from Papeete to the Austral Islands. Most itineraries will visit the four northern islands of Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuai and Raivavae, alongside calls in the Society Islands such as Bora Bora, Raiatea, Maupiti and Huahine. The southernmost island, Rapa Iti, will feature on just six itineraries, in line with Aranui’s commitment to developing tourism gradually in partnership with local residents.
Limited cabins are available for Aranoa’s inaugural 2027 sailings, while the full 2028 schedule is now on sale. For itineraries, updates and special offers, visit aranuicruises.com.au/aranoa.
