Construction of Aranui Cruises’ new ship to begin next year, with new name

PHOTO: HELEN HUTCHEON CRUISE_Aranui_execs.jpg
Eric Wong, right, with CEO Philippe Wong, centre, and Australasia representative Laurent Wong at a media briefing aboard Aranui 5 in Sydney in January 2020 to announce the new ship
Construction of Aranui Cruises’ new ship, delayed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now scheduled to begin in 2023, with completion by the end of 2025.

The Papeete-based family-owned company had planned to build an all-passenger ship, unlike Aranui 5 which is a dual freight and passenger vessel.

However, Eric Wong, EVP Americas, told Seatrade Cruise News the design and specifications of the vessel have been altered.

New name Aranoa

Wong also said the name AraMana has been changed to Aranoa.

Renderings of the new design are expected shortly.