As one of the last remaining cargo cruises in the world, Aranui Cruises offers South Pacific adventures with a difference, and is the most authentic way to experience French Polynesia.
After 40 years of cargo cruising in the remote northern Marquesas Islands, Aranui is expanding its horizons with a second ship and more exotic itineraries in the years to come.
Starting from 2027, the boutique French Polynesian cruise line is adding a second ship to its fleet with 116-metre-long Aranoa carrying cargo and just under 200 guests on itineraries to the southern Austral Islands and beyond. The two ships will visit all five French Polynesian archipelagos throughout the year.
Like Aranui 5, Aranoa is designed as a mixed passenger-freighter vessel, equipped with all the latest mod cons and technology for passenger comfort and to minimise the ship’s environmental impact.
Aranoa, known in Tahitian as a “great awakening”, will accommodate 198 passengers across 93 cabins, most (62) with a private balcony. The ship will feature two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, a spa, a fitness centre, and a tattoo salon in line with Aranui’s first tattoo parlour at sea.
Aranoa will offer cruises to the untouched Austral Islands providing an opportunity to explore a new corner of Polynesia. Home to luminous lagoons, heart-warming island hospitality, tropical feasts, vibrant Polynesian culture, exquisite wildlife and jaw-dropping volcanic vistas. Aranui’s southern voyages are the only way to see the five inhabited Austral Islands including Rapa, a volcanic caldera which is only accessible by sea. Aranui is the only local cruise company allowed to regularly visit this special southern island.
The 125-metre-long mixed cargo and passenger vessel Aranui 5 continues to deliver vital supplies to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands – Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva – on Aranui’s popular northern itinerary which sees guests enjoying complimentary shore excursions to explore the region including hikes, traditional feasts, 4WD tours, archaeological sites and local markets.
The northernmost of Tahiti’s five archipelagos, the UNESCO Heritage-listed Marquesas Islands are nearly 5000km from the nearest continental land mass and have long lured explorers, artists and authors. The year-round itinerary also calls at idyllic Tuamotu atolls, as well as Bora Bora in the Society Islands, offering plenty of time for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing in the warm tropical waters.
Most of Aranui’s crew are from the islands the ships visit, so guests are immersed in the Polynesian culture from the moment they board in Papeete, and leave feeling like they are part of the family.