Aranui Cruises has taken delivery of its new passenger-freighter Aranoa, which is now heading to French Polynesia ahead of its inaugural season next March.
The 116-metre vessel accommodates 198 guests across 93 cabins, including 62 with private balconies. Facilities include two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a health spa, gym, boutique and tattoo salon.
Aranoa will introduce Aranui’s passenger and cargo model to the Austral Islands, serving Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa Iti.
Sister ship Aranui 5 will continue operating to the Marquesas Islands.
Laurent Wong, Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand Representative, said the new ship would deliver essential supplies while supporting carefully managed tourism and economic opportunities for local communities.
“It is an exciting time for Aranui Cruises as we take delivery of our new ship Aranoa, a beautiful, modern passenger-freighter that will have the important job of supplying Austral Islands residents with provisions, while also opening up this untouched part of the world to tourism in a slow and sustainable way,” Mr Wong said.
“By introducing a regular, small-scale flow of visitors, we aim to create jobs and economic opportunities while protecting the character and culture of these remote communities.
“This is the first time we’ve operated more than one cruise ship and we’re looking forward to bringing the same model of cargo cruising to another group of island communities, sharing their extraordinary landscapes and vibrant cultures with the world.”
The ship will operate 18 cruises during its first season, including 13-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete. Most itineraries will visit Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuai and Raivavae alongside selected Society Islands, while Rapa Iti will feature on six departures.
