Aranui Reveals First Non-Freighter Leisure Cruise Ship, AraMana, in South Pacific

Aranui Cruises has revealed details of a new 280-passenger cruise ship, its first dedicated leisure cruising vessel, that will join Aranui 5 in the South Pacific from mid-2022.

The Tahitian cruise line will name the new vessel AraMana rather than Aranui 6 because it will not be a dual freight and passenger vessel like its predecessors, Aranui Cruises regional representative Laurent Wong explained.

Onboard features will include a observation lounge, dance floor, piano bar, spa, two restaurants, an amphitheatre, swimming pool and 11 cabin categories including a Grand Suite.

“There are some similarities to Aranui 5 in terms of the layout of the ship but AraMana is our first foray into leisure cruising so the new ship will be all about comfort and relaxation,” Wong said.

Aranui aims to deliver an authentic Polynesian experience with the new vessel, with the name AraMana meaning “path of the Polynesian spirit”. It will be decorated with a Polynesian woman known as a “vahine” on its funnel along with a traditional tattoo design on its livery. In addition, it will have a Polynesian crew and an on-board tattoo room.

“Just as Aranui 5 has become a beacon for holidaymakers wanting to see the beautiful islands of Tahiti in a different and authentic way, AraMana will continue this legacy with a uniquely Polynesian offering,” Wong said.

AraMana will cruise to French Polynesia’s southernmost island group, the Australs, and will also make regular calls to Raivavae, Rurutu and Rapa as part of a Cook Islands itinerary. It will also visit Pitcairn via the Tuamotos and the Gambiers. A Society Islands cruise will call at popular destinations like Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea and Rangiroa as well as lesser known islands like Makatea.

Meanwhile, Aranui 5 will continue to sail its regular 13-day itinerary and cargo delivery to the remote Marquesas Islands.