kabarsula Aranui Cruises takes delivery of new ship Aranoa bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Aranui Cruises has taken delivery of its new 116-metre passenger-freighter, Aranoa, which is now en route to French Polynesia ahead of its maiden season exploring the remote Austral Islands from March 2027.

Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong, China, built the 198-guest vessel.

She has completed successful sea trials and will join sister ship Aranui 5 in delivering the cruise line’s distinct blend of passenger cruising and essential cargo supplies to remote island communities across French Polynesia.

Aranoa features 93 cabins, including 62 with private balconies, two restaurants, two bars, two spa pools, a boutique, health spa, gym and tattoo salon. The ship will open up the five inhabited Austral Islands – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa Iti – to a new era of carefully managed tourism.

The archipelago offers dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, hidden caves, blue lagoons, distinctive local produce and a rich cultural history. Highlights include Raivavae, likened to Bora Bora before mass tourism; Rurutu, a breeding ground for migrating humpback whales; and remote Rapa Iti, home to just 500 residents.

“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,” Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand representative Laurent 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.”

Aranoa will operate 18 cruises in its inaugural 2027 season, including 13-day voyages roundtrip from Papeete to the Austral Islands.

Most itineraries will visit the four northern islands of Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuai and Raivavae, alongside calls in the Society Islands such as Bora Bora, Raiatea, Maupiti and Huahine.

The southernmost Austral island, Rapa Iti, will feature on just six itineraries, supporting Aranui’s commitment to developing tourism gradually in partnership with local residents.

Travellers can learn more about Aranoa on the cruise line’s website.