Aranui Cruises’ new cargo-cruise ship fusion will sail French Polynesia’s south from 2027

• Aranui Cruises announced it is adding a second ship to its fleet for the first time.
• The new ship, Aranoa, will cruise French Polynesia’s south in 2027, bringing tourists and cargo to remote islands.
• The ship will accommodate 198 passengers and will feature an onboard tattoo parlour, like its sister ship Aranui 5.

Aranui Cruises is expanding their fleet for the first time, introducing a new passenger-freighter vessel named Aranoa. The ship (who’s name means “great awakening” in Tahitian) will be 116-metres long, carrying only 198 passengers. She will head south of French Polynesia, offering cruises to the remote Austral Islands.

In addition to its passengers, the ship will also carry cargo to and from the Australs. Aranui Cruises is hoping to foster a “slow development” of the islands, by introducing a small but steady tourist flow and encouraging inter-island exchanges through the transportation of cargo.

The cruise line is focused on offering maximum passenger comfort with minimum environmental impact. Out of the 93 cabins onboard, 62 have a private balcony. The ship will feature two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, a health spa and a fitness centre.

The most authentic amenity has to be the onboard tattoo parlour. However, Aranoa won’t be the first ship to feature a resident traditional Polynesian tattoo artist- that was her sister, Aranui 5. Aranoa will follow in her footsteps, offering guests the chance to get tatted with custom Polynesian-style tattoos, based on their life stories.

Aranui Cruises proudly claim to take cruisers off the beaten track on their small ships. Aranoa will explore the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, including Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa. These islands feature bright blue lagoons, hidden caves, white-sand beaches and stunning mountains. The islands also have a rich history, vibrant cultures and one-of-a-kind local produce.

Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative Laurent Wong said,

“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.”

“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.”