Aranui unveils first look at new Austral Islands cargo-cruise ship Aranoa.
Aranui Cruises has released new interior renderings of its forthcoming mixed passenger–freighter, Aranoa, ahead of the ship’s entry into service in 2027. Currently under construction at the Huanghai Shipbuilding yard in Shandong, China, the 116-metre vessel will become Aranui’s second ship and will expand the line’s footprint into French Polynesia’s remote southern archipelagos while sister ship Aranui 5 continues to serve the Marquesas.
Designed as a contemporary cargo-cruise hybrid, Aranoa will carry 198 guests in around 90 cabins, including 62 with a private balcony. Accommodation will span from dormitory-style options through to staterooms, suites and a Presidential Suite, with interiors featuring relaxed, modern styling and strong Polynesian touches.
Onboard facilities will include two restaurants, two bars, a lounge, boutique, fitness centre, health spa, two spa pools on the pool deck and a Polynesian tattoo salon, continuing Aranui’s niche positioning as a culturally immersive, locally staffed operator.
Staying true to Aranui’s core role as a lifeline service, Aranoa is being built as a dual-purpose passenger–freighter, transporting essential cargo while opening up controlled tourism flows to some of French Polynesia’s least-visited islands. From 2027, Aranoa will operate primarily 13-day itineraries to the Austral Islands, with calls at Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara and Raivavae – often dubbed the “Bora Bora of the south” – as well as calls at Moorea, Raiatea and Bora Bora on certain sailings.
Rapa Iti will feature on selected voyages as Aranui works with the island’s community of around 500 residents to build a measured, sustainable tourism model that complements local life rather than overwhelming it. For New Zealand and Australian advisors, the programme offers a new cargo-cruise option for clients seeking small-ship, culturally rich itineraries in an off-the-beaten-track part of French Polynesia, with the added talking point of sailing on a working supply ship.