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Aranui Cruises has taken delivery of its new 116-metre passenger-freighter, Aranoa<\/em>, which is now en route to French Polynesia ahead of its maiden season exploring the remote Austral Islands from March 2027.<\/strong><\/p>\n Huanghai Shipbuilding in Shandong, China, built the 198-guest vessel.<\/p>\n She has\u00a0completed successful sea trials and will join sister ship Aranui 5<\/em> in delivering the cruise line\u2019s distinct blend of passenger cruising and essential cargo supplies to remote island communities across French Polynesia.<\/p>\n Aranoa<\/em> 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 \u2013 Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa Iti \u2013 to a new era of carefully managed tourism.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an exciting time for Aranui Cruises as we take delivery of our new ship Aranoa<\/em>, 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,\u201d Aranui Cruises Australia and New Zealand representative Laurent Wong said.<\/p>\n \u201cBy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Aranoa<\/em> will operate 18 cruises in its inaugural 2027 season, including 13-day voyages roundtrip from Papeete to the Austral Islands.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The southernmost Austral island, Rapa Iti, will feature on just six itineraries, supporting Aranui\u2019s commitment to developing tourism gradually in partnership with local residents.<\/p>\n