The new ship, Aranoa, will join Aranui 5 in March 2027. This program includes a packed schedule with both passenger-freighter ships visiting all five French Polynesian archipelagos throughout the year.
The 198-guest Aranoa is set to begin operations on March 6, 2027, with its inaugural cruise being a 13-day voyage to the Austral Islands, which will include a stop at Rapa Iti in the far southern part of French Polynesia.
This 116-meter-long mixed passenger-freighter vessel will offer a total of 18 cruises in its maiden season, primarily focusing on cargo cruises to the southern Austral Islands. These itineraries will also include stops at the Society Islands of Raiatea and Bora Bora on the return journey.
All 13-day Austral Islands voyages will have scheduled overnight stays in the ‘Bora Bora of the South’ at Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, and Raivavae. Rapa Iti will feature in six Austral Islands itineraries as Aranui collaborates with its tiny community of 500 residents to create a sustainable flow of tourism.
Additionally, the new ship will offer a selection of cruises without freight delivery, including a five-day short cruise to Makatea, Mataiva, and Anaa in the Tuamotus, a special voyage to the Marquesas Islands in December for the biennial Arts Festival, and two 12-day cruises to Pitcairn and the Gambiers. These latter cruises will feature an overnight stay at Pitcairn and are priced from A$10,258* per person for twin share in a stateroom.
Aranui’s existing 125-meter mixed freight and passenger vessel, Aranui 5, will continue to service the Marquesas Islands with 20 voyages to the remote northern islands. For more than 40 years, this passenger-freighter vessel has delivered essential cargo to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands—Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva—allowing guests to explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region while the Polynesian crew unloads supplies for the local residents. This itinerary also includes stops at the Tuamotu atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava, as well as the famous Bora Bora, to break up the journey to and from the Marquesas.
In December 2027, the Aranui 5 will converge with the sister ship Aranoa at Hiva Oa for the 2027 Marquesas Arts Festival. Aranui 5 will offer a 14-day itinerary departing on December 13, 2027, from A$9,502* per person for twin share in a stateroom. Aranoa’s 13-day Marquesas Arts Festival voyage, departing from Papeete on the same date, is priced from A$9,677* per person for twin share in a stateroom. Both cruises will spend three nights at Hiva Oa, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and festivities of the arts festival.
To celebrate the launch of the new program, Aranui is offering a 20% discount on Aranoa’s first two voyages in 2027. The inaugural Austral Islands cruise (including Rapa) departing on March 6 is available for a discounted price starting at A$7,611*. The March 24 cruise (excluding Rapa) starts from A$7,347* per person for twin share.
There are also early bird deals available for both ships if a 2027 cruise is booked before December 31, 2025.
Aranoa's 13-day Austral Islands voyages are now available starting from A$7,768* per person (twin share) with a 15% early bird discount.
Similarly, Aranui 5's 13-day Marquesas Islands voyages are priced from A$8,040* per person (twin share) with a 10% early bird discount.
“In 2027, we will operate two ships for the first time, effectively doubling our operations in French Polynesia. This marks a significant and exciting chapter for Aranui,” said Laurent Wong, Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative. “Just as we successfully put the Marquesas Islands on the map after 40 years of cargo cruising in the northern region, we are eager to collaborate with the Austral Islands to responsibly introduce tourism to these remote communities while allowing a limited number of guests to experience their vibrant landscapes and rich culture. The return of Pitcairn cruises will also captivate many travellers, especially the opportunity to visit this fascinating destination aboard our beautiful new ship, Aranoa.”
“With the arrival of Aranoa, we are excited to spend more time in the Austral Islands, a truly untouched and pristine part of the world known for its unique culture, stunning nature, intriguing history, and the warm hospitality of its people. The breathtaking landscapes, such as Raivavae’s dazzling blue lagoon, rival those of Bora Bora. These islands are special yet small, particularly Rapa Iti, which is situated 1,200 kilometers from Tahiti and is home to just 500 residents. It’s a privilege to have access to Rapa; currently, Aranui is the only local cruise line permitted regular access. We are working closely with this close-knit community to responsibly and sustainably share their extraordinary world in a way that is manageable and beneficial for them.”
Aranui offers the most authentic way to explore French Polynesia, combining cargo delivery with local crew, cuisine, and culture. An Aranui cruise includes thousands of dollars' worth of shore excursions, such as hikes, visits to archaeological sites, local feasts, a weekly laundry service, three meals per day, and complimentary French wine with onboard lunches and dinners.
Aranoa, meaning “great awakening” in Tahitian, will accommodate 198 passengers across 93 cabins, most of which (62) feature a private balcony. The ship will boast two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, a health spa, a fitness center, and a tattoo salon—continuing the tradition of Aranui's first tattoo studio at sea.
The 230-guest Aranui 5 includes a restaurant, conference room, lounge, library, boutique, swimming pool, gym, spa, the first tattoo studio at sea, and bars, including the panoramic Sky Bar and the popular Veranda Bar.
For more information, please visit www.aranuicruises.com.au
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