In a captivating development for luxury adventure travel, Aranui Cruises is expanding its boutique fleet with the addition of a second passenger-freighter vessel, the elegant Aranoa.
Currently under construction at the Huanghai Shipbuilding facility in Shandong, China, this sophisticated 116-metre vessel is poised to introduce discerning cruise-goers to the pristine magnificence of French Polynesia’s southern reaches beginning in 2027.
Polynesian luxury travel redefined
The Aranoa – its name translating to “great awakening” in Tahitian – will accommodate an intimate gathering of 198 passengers across 93 thoughtfully appointed suites and cabins, with most offering private balconies from which to absorb the mesmerising South Pacific panoramas.
Designed with the modern cruiser in mind, the vessel will feature two restaurants and bars, dual spa pools, a chic boutique, wellness spa, fitness centre, and – in a nod to Polynesian cultural heritage – a tattoo salon echoing Aranui’s pioneering first tattoo studio at sea.
Discover Raivavae, ’the Bora Bora of yesteryear’
While the much-loved Aranui 5 continues its celebrated voyages through the northern Marquesas Islands, the Aranoa charts a bold new course to the untouched Austral archipelago – a collection of five inhabited islands that remain among the Pacific’s most authentic and unspoiled destinations. These remote outposts – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, and Rapa – offer cruise guests a rare confluence of dramatic mountain landscapes, immaculate beaches, mysterious caves, and lagoons of such intense azure they defy description.
“The Australs combine adventure with cultural immersion, history, and warm welcoming island communities. The archipelago is full of surprises from Raivavae, which is like the Bora Bora of yesteryear, boasting a dazzling blue lagoon sans overwater villas and tourists; Rurutu, where humpback whales migrate to mate and give birth; and special, secretive Rapa, home to just 500 residents who are the ‘happiest in the world’.”
Laurent Wong, Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative
So much more than just luxury cruise
True to Aranui’s ethos of sustainable tourism, this new venture extends beyond mere exploration. The company’s innovative cruise model aims to foster meaningful development within these isolated communities, creating economic opportunities while preserving cultural authenticity – a vision of responsible luxury that aligns perfectly with the values of today’s conscientious traveler.
For cruise-goers seeking experiences that transcend the ordinary, Aranoa promises a journey of unparalleled authenticity – a rare opportunity to witness landscapes and cultural traditions that have remained largely untouched by modern tourism, all while enjoying the refined comforts expected of a premium voyage.
Aranui Cruises will announce Aranoa’s 2027 sailing schedule later this year, offering connoisseurs of experiential travel the chance to secure their place among the first to discover this extraordinary corner of the South Pacific.
For more information visit the Aranui Cruises website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
