Aranui Cruises has taken delivery of its new 198-passenger vessel, Aranoa, which is now en route to French Polynesia ahead of its first full operating season in March 2027. The ship will primarily serve the remote Austral Islands, expanding the company's passenger and cargo operations in the South Pacific.
Built by Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong, China, Aranoa measures 116 metres in length and accommodates up to 198 passengers in 91 cabins, including 62 with private balconies. The vessel combines passenger facilities with cargo capacity, allowing it to transport essential supplies to isolated island communities while carrying cruise guests. Its onboard facilities include two restaurants, two bars, whirlpools, a spa, a fitness centre, a boutique and a tattoo salon. The ship also has capacity for 48 TEU of cargo.
The vessel's itineraries will focus on the 5 inhabited Austral Islands: Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa. Its main programme will feature 13-day roundtrip voyages from Tahiti, with additional calls in the Society Islands, including Bora Bora. Special departures to Pitcairn Island and shorter voyages to the Tuamotu Archipelago are also planned.
During its inaugural 2027 season, Aranoa is scheduled to operate 18 cruises, with the first passenger voyage departing on March 6th. Its sister ship, Aranui 5, will continue serving the Marquesas Islands, maintaining the company's established passenger-freight operation in French Polynesia.
The introduction of Aranoa will extend Aranui Cruises' dual-purpose shipping model to the Austral Islands, combining tourism with the transportation of provisions and supporting trade and economic activity across the remote archipelago.