China's Huanghai Shipbuilding lays keel for Tahiti's Aranui 5

After the ceremony, which included firecrackers as well as a traditional bottle of Champagne, Laurent Wong, regional representative in Australia and New Zealand, confirmed the ship is on track to commence 14-day round-trip cruises from Papeete to the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Island in October.

Aranui 5 replaces Aranui 3 which will be retired after more than 12 years servicing the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas archipelagoes.

It will carry 256 passengers, offering a new range of accommodation that includes superior deluxe, presidential and royal suites.

The company’s 30th anniversary party will be held on board Aranui 3 when she departs Papeete on April 25. Each passenger will receive a gift—an on-board credit of around A$175.

As previously reported, there will not be an Aranui 4 as the number is considered unlucky by the third generation Tahitian-Chinese Wong family.