Aranoa 2027: Everything you need to know about Aranui Cruises' new ship
11/10/2026
Cabins, 13-day itinerary, dates and booking, a guide to Aranui's new mixed cargo and passenger ship, which will serve the Austral Islands from March 2027.
Following the success of Aranui 5 in the Marquesas Islands, Aranui Cruises is embarking on an exciting new adventure: opening up the remote Austral Islands to travelers aboard its new mixed cargo and passenger vessel, the Aranoa.
Setting sail from Papeete on March 6, 2027, the state-of-the-art ship will operate 13-day full-board voyages, with excursions included, to French Polynesia's southernmost and least-visited archipelago. Combining modern comfort with authentic island experiences, the Aranoa offers a rare opportunity to discover destinations that remain difficult to reach.
Here's everything you need to know before booking.
The Aranoa: a mixed cargo and passenger ship designed for the Austral Islands
The Aranoa offers a very different approach to exploring French Polynesia. Designed specifically for the remote Austral Islands, this mixed cargo and passenger vessel combines comfortable travel with an important practical role: delivering essential supplies to the communities it visits.
The concept of mixed cargo: travel differently
At the heart of the Aranoa experience is the concept of mixed cargo cruising, a ship that carries both passengers and freight. It is a model that Aranui Cruises has pioneered for more than 40 years, serving the remote islands of Polynesia since 1984.
The ship has a dual mission: to connect isolated island communities with essential goods while allowing a small number of travelers to experience these destinations in an unusually authentic way. Rather than simply arriving, sightseeing, and leaving again, passengers become part of the rhythm of island life.
For the communities themselves, the arrival of the Aranoa is an event. The ship brings supplies, visitors, and activity, creating a genuine connection between the vessel and the islands it serves. It is this combination of purpose and adventure that makes a voyage aboard the Aranoa so different from a conventional cruise.
Why a ship dedicated to the Austral Islands?
The Aranoa follows in the footsteps of the Aranui 5, which has been successfully sailing to the Marquesas Islands since 2015. Its success has demonstrated that there is a strong appetite for a more immersive style of expedition travel, one that goes beyond the established cruise routes.
The Austral Islands offer exactly that kind of experience. Located around 370 miles (600 kilometers) south of Tahiti, the archipelago remains one of the least-visited regions of French Polynesia and has, until now, had no regular cruise of this kind.
As travelers increasingly seek unspoiled destinations and experiences away from the crowds, the Aranoa has been designed to meet this demand. Its size, facilities and mixed cargo operation are specifically adapted to the geography and conditions of the Austral Islands, allowing it to reach communities and destinations that larger conventional cruise ships cannot.
A name full of meaning
The name Aranoa continues Aranui Cruises' strong Polynesian heritage while marking the beginning of a new chapter for the company. In Tahitian, Aranoa means "a great awakening", reflecting the ship's role in opening a little-explored corner of French Polynesia to visitors.
There is also a clear sense of continuity with the Aranui. The Aranoa shares the same philosophy of combining exploration with a genuine connection to the communities it visits but has been created with a new destination and a different adventure in mind.
Visually, the ship also belongs firmly to the Aranui family, while having its own distinctive identity. It is a vessel designed not simply to take travelers to the Austral Islands, but to become part of the life of the islands themselves.
Technical characteristics of the Aranoa
The Aranoa has been purpose-built to combine modern comfort with the practical demands of sailing to the remote Austral Islands. From its propulsion system to its dimensions and onboard technology, every aspect of the ship has been designed with these challenging waters and sensitive island environments in mind.
Dimensions and capacity
Although the Aranoa is considerably smaller than a conventional cruise ship, it offers plenty of space for a comfortable and intimate voyage. At 381 feet (116 meters) long and 69 feet (21 meters) wide, the ship can accommodate a maximum of 198 passengers across 91 cabins, creating a more personal atmosphere than you would typically find on a large cruise vessel.
Importantly, 62 cabins feature private balconies, giving passengers their own space to enjoy the spectacular scenery as the ship sails between the islands. Alongside its passengers, the Aranoa carries up to 800 metric tons of freight for the islands. Its tonnage and design have also been adapted to the particular navigational conditions of the Austral Islands, enabling it to access destinations that are beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.
Propulsion and environmental performance
Exploring one of French Polynesia's most remote and environmentally sensitive regions comes with a responsibility to minimize the ship's impact. The Aranoa therefore incorporates modern technology designed to make its operation as efficient as possible.
According to information published when the ship arrived in Papeete in November 2026, the Aranoa has a diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Aranui Cruises presents the ship as equipped with the latest technology to limit its environmental impact, and the company itself has held the Green Marine Europe label since 2022.
This is particularly important in the Austral Islands, where pristine waters, coral reefs, and fragile ecosystems are an integral part of the destination. The ship has been designed to reduce its environmental footprint while allowing travelers to experience these remarkable islands responsibly.
Navigation stability and comfort
The Austral Islands are remote for a reason, and sailing in the open waters of the southern Pacific can sometimes mean encountering challenging sea conditions. The Aranoa has therefore been designed with both stability and passenger comfort in mind.
Stabilizers help reduce the rolling motion of the ship, making the journey more comfortable when the sea becomes unsettled. Its design is specifically suited to open-ocean navigation, providing the reassurance and comfort needed for longer passages between the islands.
The Aranoa also sails mostly at night, which supports the philosophy of the voyage: keeping the days for the islands rather than rushing between ports. The length of each call depends on freight operations, from a few hours to two days, and the program leaves time to meet local communities, an important part of what makes an Aranoa voyage different from a conventional cruise.
The cabins of the Aranoa: comfort and variety
After a day exploring the remote islands of the Austral archipelago, having a comfortable place to relax and take in the views is an important part of the experience. The Aranoa offers 91 cabins across a range of categories, combining practical facilities with the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Pacific scenery from your own private space.
91 cabins for every budget
With a range of accommodation options, there is something to suit every preference and budget. 62 of the Aranoa's 91 cabins have private balconies, meaning the majority offer passengers their own outdoor space and uninterrupted views of the ocean as the ship sails between the islands.
For those seeking a more economical option, Stateroom cabins without a balcony keep the cost down, and the Class C dormitory, shared by four passengers, is the most affordable way to travel. At the other end of the scale, suites of up to 41 m² (441 sq ft) offer more spacious accommodation for passengers wanting extra room to relax.
Whichever category you choose, the cabins are designed with comfort in mind. Cabins and suites all have a double bed or twin beds and a private bathroom, providing a welcoming retreat after a day ashore.
Cabin equipment
The Aranoa's cabins are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, without unnecessary distractions from the adventure taking place outside.
Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Balcony cabins add a refrigerator, a coffee machine and a safe for keeping valuables secure, and the largest suites have a lounge and a separate bedroom. With the spectacular scenery and island experiences on offer, you may find yourself spending more time looking out to sea.
Choosing your cabin
When choosing your Aranoa cabin, it's worth considering how you want to experience the ship as well as your preferred level of accommodation.
Suites are located on decks 5 to 7, close to the ship's communal areas, making them a convenient choice for passengers who want to be near the action.
Stateroom cabins, mostly on decks 2 to 4, can offer a good balance between comfort, location and price, while those who prioritize outdoor space may want to consider one of the 62 balcony cabins.
With just 91 cabins available, booking early is recommended if you have a particular cabin category or location in mind. This gives you the widest possible choice and helps your accommodation match the way you want to experience the Austral Islands.
Services and amenities on board
The Aranoa is designed to make exploring the remote Austral Islands as comfortable as it is rewarding. With full board and the scheduled excursions included, most of the essentials are taken care of, allowing passengers to concentrate on discovering the islands, meeting local communities and enjoying life at sea. On board, the emphasis is on good food, relaxation and cultural enrichment rather than the large-scale entertainment found on conventional cruise ships.
Meals: Full board
Food is an important part of the Aranoa experience, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included throughout the voyage. Menus combine Polynesian influences with international cuisine, with an emphasis on local produce and flavors wherever possible.
Meals are served in the ship's two restaurants, creating a relaxed and sociable setting in which to enjoy the food and exchange stories about the day's adventures. Some lunches are taken ashore, in local restaurants.
There are also two bars where passengers can unwind with a drink. A bottle of wine to share between four passengers is included with meals on board, while other alcoholic drinks are available at an additional charge.
Common areas and relaxation
While the Austral Islands are undoubtedly the main attraction, the Aranoa provides plenty of comfortable spaces in which to enjoy the journey between destinations.
The air-conditioned lounge is an ideal place to settle down with a book while watching the islands gradually appear on the horizon.
Outside, the Pool Deck provides space for relaxing in the sunshine and taking in the spectacular Pacific landscapes. Passengers will also have access to two Jacuzzis with a sea view, a gym, and a spa and tattoo area, offering additional ways to unwind between excursions.
There is also a shop on board, where passengers can browse souvenirs and other mementos of their journey.
Cultural events and conferences
The Aranoa's onboard program is designed to deepen passengers' understanding of the remarkable destination they are exploring. On days at sea, lectures present the culture and history of the islands, helping to put each destination into context.
The cultural experience continues with Polynesian evenings, featuring traditional music and dance in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
There is deliberately no emphasis on mass entertainment or noisy activities. Instead, the Aranoa offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere, where the focus is on the destination, the people, and the shared experience of discovering one of the world's less-visited archipelagos.
The Austral Islands Route: 13 Days of Discovery
A voyage aboard the Aranoa is as much about the journey as the destinations. Departing from Papeete, the 13-day itinerary combines the remote Austral Islands with selected stops in the Society Islands, offering a rare opportunity to explore some of French Polynesia's least-visited islands. Each stopover brings a different landscape, culture, and story, while the relaxed pace allows time to experience the islands rather than simply see them.
Stopovers in the Austral Islands
The Austral Islands are the heart of the Aranoa experience, with each island offering its own distinctive character and attractions.
Rurutu is known for its dramatic coral cliffs and spectacular caves. It is also one of the best places in French Polynesia for seasonal whale watching, when humpback whales visit the surrounding waters.
On Rimatara, travelers can discover one of the archipelago's most unusual inhabitants: the endemic 'Ura' parakeet. The island is also known for its traditional basket weaving, beautiful beaches and largely untouched character.
Tubuai, the largest of the Austral Islands, combines impressive scenery with a fascinating history. The island is associated with the famous Mutiny on the Bounty, with the mutineers attempting to settle here before eventually moving on to Pitcairn island.
Then there is Raivavae, often described as the "Bora Bora of yesteryear". Its spectacular lagoon, turquoise waters and uninhabited motu offer the quintessential image of a remote Polynesian island.
The most adventurous itineraries also include Rapa, the southernmost and most remote of the Austral Islands. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjord-like inlets, Rapa is included on only six departures in 2027, making a visit particularly special.
Stopovers in the Society Islands
The journey also includes several of the iconic islands of the Society Islands, providing an interesting contrast to the remote Austral archipelago.
On Moorea, the first call a few hours after leaving Papeete, passengers can admire the island's spectacular bays and lush green mountains, while Raiatea offers the opportunity to visit Marae Taputapuatea, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sacred site regarded as an important spiritual center of Polynesia.
Every voyage then calls at Bora Bora, where the legendary turquoise lagoon provides a spectacular finale to the cruise. Departures that do not include Rapa add a call at Maupiti or Huahine.
A typical day aboard the Aranoa
Life aboard the Aranoa follows the relaxed rhythm of the islands. Mornings usually begin with arrival at a new destination, with passengers going ashore either by barge or directly at the quay, depending on the island and conditions.
During the day, guided excursions are included, offering an introduction to the island's landscapes, history, and culture, while there is also time to explore independently or simply relax on the beach.
In the evening, passengers return to the ship for dinner and to share their experiences before the Aranoa sets sail for its next destination.
The nights at sea are an integral part of the adventure. As the ship crosses the Pacific between islands, passengers can relax in the comfort of their cabins, wake to a new horizon and prepare to discover another remote corner of French Polynesia.
What distinguishes the Aranoa from the Aranui 5?
The Aranoa and Aranui 5 share the same distinctive approach to exploring French Polynesia: combining passenger travel with the practical role of transporting cargo and supplies to remote island communities. Both offer full-board voyages with excursions included, built around authentic encounters, local culture, and a deeper connection with the destinations. However, each ship has been designed around a different archipelago, giving passengers two distinct ways to discover Polynesia.
Two ships, two destinations
The simplest way to understand the difference is to look at where each ship takes you.
The Aranui 5 is dedicated primarily to the Marquesas Islands and Tuamotu archipelagos, in the northeast of French Polynesia. Its voyages explore dramatic, mountainous islands renowned for their distinctive culture, history, and spectacular landscapes.
The Aranoa, meanwhile, opens up the Austral Islands and Society Islands in the south. This is a particularly exciting proposition for travelers looking to venture beyond French Polynesia's better-known destinations and discover islands that remain relatively untouched by international tourism.
Despite their different routes, the two ships share the same Aranui philosophy: mixed cargo and passenger voyages, full board with excursions included, and genuine interaction with the communities they visit. For travelers who want to experience more of French Polynesia, it is also possible to combine voyages aboard both ships, creating a much broader exploration of the country's diverse archipelagos.
A newer ship, updated technologies
The Aranoa represents the next chapter in Aranui Cruises' approach to expedition travel, incorporating newer technology and updated design features.
One of the key differences is its diesel-electric propulsion system, designed to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Unlike the Aranui 5, the Aranoa is also fitted with stabilizers.
Aranui Cruises has held the Green Marine Europe label since 2022, reflecting its focus on responsible operations in the sensitive environments its ships sail in.
Accommodation has been updated too, with a range of modern comfort features. With 62 of its 91 cabins offering balconies, passengers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular Pacific scenery from their own private space. The Aranoa also has two restaurants, where the Aranui 5 has one.
A different experience
Although both voyages offer an immersive way to discover Polynesia, the character of the two destinations is quite different.
The Austral Islands tend to have a cooler, more temperate climate and are made up of smaller, less well-known islands. They offer a sense of discovery and remoteness that is increasingly difficult to find in the world's better-known destinations.
The Marquesas, by contrast, are famous for their monumental volcanic landscapes, distinctive Polynesian culture, and rich artistic heritage. Their international reputation has grown considerably through the success of the Aranui 5.
The Aranoa also offers a slightly more intimate onboard experience, with 91 cabins compared with 103 on the Aranui 5. Combined with its remote itinerary, this creates a voyage that feels particularly personal, an opportunity to experience a quieter, less-visited side of French Polynesia while enjoying the same spirit of adventure that has made Aranui Cruises so distinctive.
Start dates and booking
With the launch of the Aranoa, travelers will have a new opportunity to explore the remote Austral Islands in a style of travel that combines adventure, comfort and authentic island encounters. The first voyages are scheduled for 2027, with a series of departures planned throughout the year. If you're considering an Aranoa adventure, here's what you need to know about dates, booking and prices.
Maiden voyage: March 2027
The Aranoa's first official cruise is scheduled to sail from March 6 to 18, 2027, with a call at Rapa, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Aranui Cruises.
The ship's home port will be Papeete, Tahiti, from where it will set off toward the Austral Islands. As the first opportunity to experience the new vessel and its inaugural itinerary, the maiden voyage has proved particularly appealing to cruise enthusiasts keen to be among the first passengers aboard. In November 2026, every cabin category on this sailing was shown as fully booked on the website. The next departure is on March 24.
2027 departure calendar
The Aranoa is scheduled to make 14 Austral Islands cruises during 2027, with departures from March 6 to November 27. The program places humpback whale watching at Rurutu from August to September, so the August sailings are the best placed, with no certainty of a sighting.
Not every departure follows the same itinerary. Rapa, the most remote of the Austral Islands, is included on six voyages (March 6, May 15, June 19, August 7, October 9 and November 27) but not on the others, so it is worth checking the individual itinerary carefully when choosing your sailing.
For the most up-to-date departure dates and itineraries, check the official Aranui Cruises website before booking.
How do I book?
Booking an Aranoa voyage can be done directly through the Aranui Cruises website, where the sailing schedule lists departure dates, itineraries, and current availability.
Alternatively, specialist travel agencies and Aranui's partner agencies can arrange individual bookings and may be able to advise on the most suitable cabin and itinerary.
A deposit is payable when you book, with the remaining balance due before departure. As cancellation conditions can vary, it's important to read the current terms and conditions carefully before confirming your voyage.
Indicative prices
The cost of an Aranoa voyage depends on the cabin category you choose, with different options available to suit a range of budgets and preferences.
The fare covers the key elements of the experience, including accommodation, three meals a day and the guided excursions in the program, making it easier to budget for the trip in advance.
Some extras are charged separately, including alcoholic drinks other than the wine served with meals, gratuities, onboard purchases, Wi-Fi and optional excursions. International flights are not included either. As prices and inclusions can change, the best way to check the latest fares is to consult the official Aranui Cruises website when planning your trip.
For a voyage to one of the world's most remote and little-visited archipelagos, the Aranoa offers more than simply a cruise, it is an opportunity to become part of the rhythm of the Austral Islands.
Why should you choose the Aranoa to discover the Austral Islands?
The Austral Islands are among the most remote and least-visited destinations in French Polynesia, which is precisely what makes them so special. For travelers who want to go beyond the better-known islands, the Aranoa offers a rare combination of access, comfort and local expertise. In a single voyage, you can explore several remote islands without having to organize complicated transport, accommodation or excursions yourself.
Access to otherwise inaccessible islands
One of the biggest advantages of traveling aboard the Aranoa is simply being able to reach places that are difficult to visit independently.
The remote island of Rapa, for example, is extremely challenging to access without the Aranoa or local cargo services. Even islands with air connections, such as Rimatara and Raivavae, have relatively infrequent and potentially expensive flights, making a multi-island trip difficult to organize.
The Aranoa removes much of that complexity. Instead of arranging separate flights, transfers, and accommodation, passengers can visit up to five Austral islands during a single voyage, with the ship providing the transport between destinations.
It also means that you can wake up each day in a different corner of the Austral archipelago, while enjoying the reassurance of having your accommodation, meals and fellow travelers traveling with you.
Comfort throughout the voyage
Exploring remote islands doesn't mean having to compromise on comfort. The Aranoa provides a comfortable base throughout the voyage, with private bathrooms and a choice of accommodation categories, including cabins with private balconies.
Full board dining is included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on board, allowing passengers to enjoy their meals without having to worry about finding restaurants on remote islands.
Another major advantage is that you return to the ship each evening. Rather than packing and unpacking or searching for accommodation on each island, your cabin travels with you throughout the voyage, leaving you free to concentrate on the experiences.
The Aranui expertise
The Aranoa may be a new ship, but the experience behind it stretches back more than 40 years. Aranui Cruises has been operating mixed cargo and passenger voyages in French Polynesia since 1984, developing an unrivaled understanding of the practicalities of serving remote island communities.
That local knowledge is an important part of the experience. The ship's Polynesian crew and guides bring first-hand knowledge of the islands, their history, and their communities.
Rather than simply taking visitors from one port to another, Aranui's approach is based on genuine connections with the places it visits. The crew's familiarity with the islands and their inhabitants helps passengers experience the Austral Islands in a way that would be difficult to replicate on a conventional cruise.
For travelers looking for remote destinations, authentic encounters and the comfort of an expertly organized voyage, the Aranoa offers a particularly compelling way to discover this little-explored corner of French Polynesia.
The Aranoa: a new chapter in the Aranui adventure
The launch of the Aranoa marks an exciting new chapter for Aranui Cruises, combining a modern ship, an exclusive itinerary, and full board with excursions included to open up the remote Austral Islands to travelers. With its comfortable accommodation, authentic island encounters, and pioneering mixed cargo concept, the Aranoa offers a different way to experience French Polynesia, one that puts discovery and connection at the heart of the journey.
Traveling aboard the Aranoa in 2027 means being among the first to explore this remarkably unspoiled archipelago, while enjoying the reassurance and comfort of an experienced cruise operator.
If the idea of discovering a little-explored side of French Polynesia appeals, read our guide to an Austral Islands cruise, then check the 2027 departure schedule and book your place aboard the Aranoa for a new Polynesian adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Aranoa and the Aranui 5?
Both ships share Aranui Cruises' distinctive mixed cargo and passenger concept, combining authentic island experiences with full board and excursions included. The main difference is their destinations: the Aranui 5 operates primarily in the Marquesas, while the Aranoa is dedicated to the Austral and Society Islands. The Aranoa is also a new vessel, with diesel-electric propulsion, updated technology, and 91 cabins, including 62 with private balconies. The Aranui 5 has 103 cabins.
Are excursions included in the cruise price?
Yes. The guided excursions in the program are included in the Aranoa fare, allowing passengers to explore the islands with local guides and learn about their history, culture and natural environment. The exact program varies by itinerary and island, so it is advisable to check the details of your chosen departure. Certain optional activities or excursions carry an additional charge.
Is there a doctor on board the Aranoa?
Yes. For a voyage to such remote destinations, medical arrangements are an important consideration, and Aranui's practical information states that there is a doctor on board the vessel. The company recommends asking your own doctor's advice before departure, as the islands visited are far from hospitals. Passengers with particular medical needs should discuss these with the cruise operator in advance.
Can we choose our cabin when booking?
Yes, passengers can select from the available cabin categories, subject to availability. The Aranoa has 91 cabins, including 62 with private balconies, as well as Stateroom cabins without a balcony and more spacious suites. If you have a particular deck, location, or balcony cabin in mind, ask the reservations department, which confirms availability, and book early, as there is a relatively limited number of cabins.
Is the cruise suitable for families with children?
The Aranoa can offer families a memorable way to experience French Polynesia, particularly for older children and teenagers who enjoy nature, wildlife, adventure, and discovering new cultures. However, this is an expedition-style voyage rather than a conventional family cruise, so there is no emphasis on children's clubs or large-scale entertainment. Families should also consider the longer sea crossings, excursions, and potentially variable conditions when deciding whether the itinerary is suitable for their children.
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