Aranui Cruises is set to expand its fleet with a newly built vessel, Aranoa, in 2027. The passenger-freight hybrid ship will complement the company’s existing Aranui 5 vessel and will navigate to the Austral Islands in the South Pacific.
“Aranui Cruises’ Aranoa will soon embark on its primary mission: supplying the remote Austral Islands and its residents with the provisions needed most, while also showcasing for our guests the magnificent, untouched and breathtaking islands,” said Eric Wong, executive vice president of Aranui Cruises.
Named after the Tahitian word for a great “awakening,” the new eco-conscious ship will carry 198 passengers across 93 staterooms, 62 of which will have private balconies. Onboard amenities will include two restaurants, two bars, a spa, two whirlpools, a tattoo salon, a fitness center and a boutique.
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
New South Pacific Routes
While Aranui 5 will continue to sail the Marquesas Islands — designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2024— Aranoa will bring visitors to the lesser-known Austral Islands for their rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.
“This project is the first cruise of its kind to bring travelers to the Australs,” Wong said. “It reinforces our company’s commitment to and significant investment in helping develop economies in the remote Tahitian Islands."
Detailed itineraries will be announced in the near future. Visitors can expect white-sand beaches, tranquil blue lagoons, pre-European archeological sites, vibrant villages and the chance to buy from local artisans.
“We’re not just expanding our company and total number of vessels, we’re expanding our impact on the island communities that mean the most to our company,” Wong said. “The Austral Islands are certainly a ‘land unknown,’ and it’s our honor and privilege to bring passengers on an authentic, culture-rich adventure they’ll never forget.”
