Aranui Cruises has unveiled the 2027 sailing programmes for its two extraordinary vessels – the iconic Aranui V and her much-anticipated sister ship, Aranoa. With new itineraries, increased capacity for the Marquesas Arts Festival and early booking discounts, now is the time to secure the best cabins aboard these two unique vessels.
For more than four decades, Aranui Cruises has been delivering its one-of-a-kind combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and essential cargo, carrying both passengers and freight to the far-flung Marquesas Islands aboard its mixed cargo/cruise vessel, Aranui V. In March 2027, while Aranui V continues her voyages to the UNESCO lists Marquesas, the brand-new Aranoa will take this pioneering model of inclusive tourism even further afield by introducing regular cargo-carrying cruises to the remote and rarely visited Austral Islands for the very first time.
Early booking offers and loyalty rewards for returning guests
Bookings for the brand-new ship, Aranoa, opened last month with a 20% discount for passengers joining the first two departures in March 2027 and an early-booking offer saving 15% on all other 2027 departures for bookings made before 31 December 2025. An early booking saving of 10% is also available on all 2027 departures for voyages aboard Aranui V, booked before 31 December 2025.
Aranui Cruises’ Loyalty Tiki Club members can also benefit from the launch of Aranoa with points now applying to both Aranui V and Aranoa, allowing returning passengers to earn and redeem points across both ships. Members progress through four tiers - Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Pearl - based on travel history, unlocking increasing rewards such as 5–12.5% discounts on future cruises, 20–25% off onboard expenses, complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), Wi-Fi credits, free booking modifications, and a welcome-back cocktail with fellow members. T&Cs apply.*
ARANOA - A New Ship for Adventures to the Austral islands
Set to make her maiden voyage on 6th March 2027, Aranoa is a modern, intimate vessel designed for expedition cruising in comfort. 91 stylish cabins and spacious public areas create an inviting retreat after a day of discovery. Guests can unwind in the lounge and at the bar, savour fresh International and French Polynesian-inspired cuisine in its two restaurants or simply gaze at the stars from the observation deck.
Aranoa will sail primarily in the Austral Islands. Located in the south of French Polynesia this remote archipelago of five lush, mountainous islands, is off-the-beaten-path and still untouched by mass tourism, with turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and welcoming local villages. Several archaeological sites also bear witness to a well-organised pre-European community with diverse cultural and religious practices.
Select itineraries will include a call at the mystical island of Rapa, while others will feature two special discovery cruises to Pitcairn Island and a 5-day getaway to the Tuamotu Archipelago.
The Australs are a land of traditions where time seems to slow down, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind glimpse into an intimate and unspoiled Polynesia. The islands are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, particularly weaving, as well as their legends and traditional way of life. On the 13-day round-trip cruise from Tahiti, passengers will visit picturesque villages, learn about the islanders' livelihoods, and meet the craftspeople who create colourful artwork.
With a wholly Polynesian crew, ARANOA, (meaning a great “awakening” in Tahitian) will accommodate 198 passengers on each voyage. Along with the 91 cabins (of which 62 cabins will include a private balcony) the ship will also feature two restaurants, two bars, two whirlpools, one boutique, a spa, a fitness centre, and a Tattoo salon.
In 2027 the 13-day Austral Islands cruise on board Aranoa costs from 5,802.91 Euros pp. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with no balcony, three meals each day (incl. wine with lunch and dinner taken on board), taxes and scheduled shore excursions with guides. Based on two sharing. Excludes international flights
What’s new for Aranui V in 2027
In 2027, Aranui V will extend its itineraries to create a new 13-day/12-night voyage, adding an entire day on the island of Hiva Oa for a visit to the ancient archaeological site of Puamau. Considered one of Polynesia’s most remarkable heritage sites, this sacred valley reveals the UNESCO-listed Marquesas’ rich cultural legacy, where towering stone tiki statues rise from the jungle and intricate stone carvings bear witness to the artistry and spiritual life of a vibrant ancient civilisation.
This enhancement brings new cultural depth to an already remarkable voyage that explores all six of the inhabited islands (Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka, Ua Pou, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Hiva Oa).
Further highlights include excursions to visit the ancient archaeological sites of the Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva, traversing the mountains of Ua Huka by 4X4 and seeing the famed Marquesan horses that roam wild on the island. Taking a hike to the ‘Cross’ on the ‘Cathedral Island’ of Ua Pou, with its 12 mighty basalt summits rising to 3,745 feet and watching the sunset over the Bay of Virgins as the ship sails away from the island of Fatu Hiva.
En route to the Marquesas the cruise weaves its way through the low-lying Tuamotu archipelago and before arriving back in Papeete, the penultimate day is spent explore ashore and snorkelling or diving on Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon.
Onboard, guests enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned staterooms and suites, a swimming pool, four bars, a fitness room, a boutique, and panoramic lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows. Rich Polynesian décor, warm hospitality, and a crew drawn largely from the islands to create an atmosphere that feels like travelling with family.
In 2027 the 13-day Discover the Marquesas Cruise on board Aranui V costs from 5,430.89 Euros pp. Price includes accommodation in a Double Stateroom with obstructed view, all meals (incl. wine with meals taken on board), taxes and scheduled excursions. Based on two sharing. Excludes international flights
A Cultural Highlight: Marquesas Arts Festival 2027
To meet the high demand for cabins during the Marquesas Arts Festival on Hiva Oa in December 2027, Aranui Cruises will doubling the capacity by taking both Aranui V and Aranoa for this special Christmas departure.
Departing 13 and 14 December 2027, both ships will attend the festival, which is known for its vibrant celebration of traditional dance, music, and craftsmanship.
In 2027 the 14-day Marquesas Arts Festival on board Aranui V (departing 13 December) costs from 5,822.68 Euros pp and the 13-day cruise aboard Aranoa (departing 14 December) costs from 6,220.91 Euros pp. Based on two sharing. Excludes international flights
For further information, visit www.aranui.com to book contact our partners Authentic Cruise Company