Aranui to operate new cargo/passenger sailings in French Polynesia

Austral Islands

Its ship, Aranui 5 which carries 230 passengers, will make three 13-day voyages to the southern Austral Islands in 2025, departing April 5, September 6 and November 1.

A voyage aboard Aranui 5 is the only way to see all five inhabited Austral Islands and Aranui Cruises is currently the only cruise company permitted to visit.

Bookings are now open and an early bird discount of 15% is available until February 29, 2024.

Traditional voyages

In addition to its new Australs programme, the family-owned company will continue to offer its traditional cargo cruise itinerary to French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands, with 19 12-day roundtrip voyages from Papeete.

Plans on hold

As reported here, Aranui Cruises’ plans to build a new all-passenger ship named Aranoa were delayed for two years due to the Covid pandemic and are now on hold indefinitely.