MS Aranoa
The MS Aranoa is a passenger-cargo ship with a maximum capacity of 198 passengers that will serve and travel to the Austral Islands in the south of French Polynesia starting in 2027.
Like her sister ship, the Aranui 5, which continues on to the Marquesas, the MS Aranoa delivers goods to the islands and carries passengers to places that even today few travelers reach: Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, and Raivavae—and, on select voyages, the remote island of Rapa. Along the way, the ship stops at Moorea, Raiatea, and Bora Bora.
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Spanning 116 meters, the ship features seven passenger decks with 91 cabins and suites in twelve categories, 62 of which have private balconies. Amenities include two restaurants, two bars, a lounge with a dance floor, a boutique, a fitness center, a spa with a tattoo studio, and two hot tubs at the bow of the pool deck; three elevators connect the decks.
The new vessel is powered by a diesel-electric system with azimuth propulsion. An environmentally friendly antifouling coating reduces fuel consumption, quiet propellers protect whales and other marine life, and stabilizers and a dynamic positioning system keep the ship steady even in rough seas.
Passengers traveling alone can book a single bed in a Class C shared cabin at the per-person rate. Families will find the family cabin on Deck 4, which features a double bed and two bunk beds and can accommodate up to four people.
Stephanie Gräf
Owner & Founder
Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.
We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.
Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.
Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:
Onboard amenities
- A restaurant with a buffet and windows overlooking the ocean on Deck 4
- Open-air grill restaurant with a bar on the pool deck (Deck 7)
- Two hot tubs with ocean views at the bow of the pool deck
- Lounge with a bar, stage, and dance floor on Deck 5
- Sky Bar on the Sun Deck (Deck 8)
- Fitness room with a glass front overlooking the sun deck on Deck 8
- Spa with massage and tattoo areas on Deck 8
- Boutique on Deck 4, conference room on Deck 5
- Reception on Deck 3
- Three elevators serving all passenger decks
- 91 cabins and suites in twelve categories, 62 of which have balconies
- Cargo deck with a loading crane at the bow
What we love about her
- New Ship 2027 – The fleet’s second ship will set sail on its maiden voyage in March 2027; it was built to supply the Austral Islands.
- Cargo and Passengers – The ship carries goods to the islands, and anyone on board gets to experience the landing and the interaction with the islanders.
- 62 balcony staterooms —ranging from Deluxe Staterooms to Presidential Suites with private balconies overlooking the ocean.
- Hot tubs at the bow —two hot tubs with ocean views on the pool deck, along with an outdoor grill and bar.
- Quiet and smooth —diesel-electric azimuth propulsion, stabilizers, and a dynamic positioning system.
- A Bed for Solo Travelers – Class C shared cabins are booked per bed, at the per-person rate.
ship data
Key data:
- Type: Passenger-cargo ship , new construction
- Cruising area: Austral Islands (Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Rapa) and Society Islands (Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Huahine), French Polynesia
- Flag: France
- In service: 2027 ; first departure on March 6, 2027, from Papeete
- Length: 116 m
- Width: 21 m
- Draft: 5 m
- Load capacity: 1 ,500 metric tons
- Propulsion: diesel-electric with four engines and azimuth propellers
- Cruising speed: 15 knots
- Stabilizers: yes , plus a dynamic positioning system
- Max. passengers: 198
- Cabins: 91 in 12 categories, 62 of which have balconies
- Passenger decks: 7 (Decks 2 through 8)
- Elevators: 3
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins: 3 (4120, 5120, 6120)
Good to Know on Board
Cabin amenities.
All cabins and suites are equipped with a TV, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, and refrigerator; Deluxe cabins and above also include a coffee maker. The double bed can be converted into two single beds. The cabins on Decks 2 and 3 have portholes, while those on Deck 4 and above have windows or balconies.
Class C Shared Cabin: Two cabins on Decks 2 and 3, each with four single beds in sleeping alcoves and a shared living area with a sofa and dining table. Reservations are made per bed; amenities include a TV, safe, air conditioning, and coffee maker.
Family Cabin: Two cabins on Deck 4 with a double bed and two bunk beds, accommodating up to four people.
Wheelchair accessible: Three cabins are equipped for wheelchair users—Deluxe Cabins 4120 and 5120, as well as Standard Cabin 6120 (cabins 5120 and 6120 have limited views). Three elevators connect all passenger decks.
Up to three people: The Presidential Suite accommodates up to three people, and the family cabin accommodates up to four.
Solo travelers: A single bed in a Class C shared cabin is booked at the per-person rate. All other categories can be booked for single occupancy for an additional fee.
Cabins on board
Click on a cabin category for more details.
Class C Shared Cabin
Shared cabin for four people with portholes, approx. 30 m², four single beds in sleeping alcoves, shared living and dining area with sofa, table, and armchairs, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, air conditioning, coffee maker; booked per bed, min. 1 and max. 4 people, Decks 2 and 3.
Standard Cabin with Limited Visibility
Outside cabin with a window and limited view, approx. 15 m², king-size bed or two single beds, desk, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Decks 6 and 7, Cabin 6120 is wheelchair accessible.
Standard cabin
Outside cabin with a porthole on Decks 2 and 3 or a window on Deck 4, approx. 15 m², king-size bed or two single beds, desk, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Decks 2, 3, and 4.
Family Cabin
Outside cabin with a window for up to four people, approx. 23 m², king-size bed or two single beds, plus a bunk bed with two additional single beds, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 4 people, Deck 4.
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with balcony (5 m²), approx. 15 m², king-size bed or two single beds, desk, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Decks 4, 5, 7, and 8, cabins 4120 and 5120 are wheelchair accessible, 5120 has a limited view.
Superior Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with balcony (5 m²), approx. 16 m², king-size bed or two single beds, integrated living area with bench and desk, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Decks 5, 6, and 7.
Junior Suite
Junior Suite with a 6 m² balcony, approx. 17 m², king-size bed or two single beds, sitting area by the window, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, accommodates 1 to 2 people, Decks 5 and 7.
Premium Suite
Suite with a 5 m² balcony, approx. 23 m², king-size bed or two single beds, living area with a sleeper sofa, separated from the sleeping area by a carved room divider, desk, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Deck 6.
Royal Suite
Suite with a 7 m² balcony, approx. 28 m², king-size bed or two single beds, separate sleeping area, living area with a sleeper sofa, armchairs, and a dining table, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Decks 5, 6, and 7.
Grand Royal Suite
Suite with balcony, 14.5 m², approx. 30 m², king-size bed or two single beds, separate bedroom with two doors leading to the balcony, living and dining area with a sleeper sofa and armchairs, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, separate toilet, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Deck 7.
Owner's Suite
Suite with a 7 m² balcony, approx. 40.5 m², king-size bed or two single beds, separate bedroom and living room, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 2 guests, Deck 6.
Presidential Suite
Suite with a 7 m² balcony, approx. 41 m², king-size bed or two single beds, separate bedroom with a sitting area by the window, living and dining area with a sleeper sofa, armchairs, and a dining table, bathroom with shower and hair dryer, separate toilet, TV, safe, refrigerator, coffee maker, air conditioning, min. 1 and max. 3 guests, Deck 6.
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From above: the MS Aranoa in front of the reef and lagoon (rendering)
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Heading for the Island: The MS Aranoa from the Air (Visualization)
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Pool deck at the bow, cargo deck at the stern: the MS Aranoa from above (rendering)
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The reception area on Deck 3 (rendering)
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Lounge with bar and dance floor on Deck 5 (rendering)
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The restaurant on Deck 4 with a buffet and carved room dividers (rendering)
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Open-air grill and bar on Deck 7, with the two hot tubs in the foreground (rendering)
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The Boutique on Deck 4 (rendering)
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The Class C multi-bed cabin with its own living area (rendering)
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The Standard Cabin with Porthole (Rendering)
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The Deluxe Cabin with Balcony (Rendering)
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The Superior Deluxe Cabin with Balcony (Rendering)
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The Junior Suite with a sitting area and balcony (rendering)
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The Premium Suite with a seating area behind the carved room divider (rendering)
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The living area of the Royal Suite with a balcony (rendering)
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The sleeping area of the Royal Suite (rendering)
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The bedroom of the Grand Royal Suite with two doors leading to the balcony (rendering)
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The living area of the Grand Royal Suite (rendering)
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The Bedroom of the Presidential Suite (Rendering)
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The living room of the Presidential Suite with a balcony (rendering)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers are on board the MS Aranoa?
The MS Aranoa can accommodate up to 198 passengers in 91 cabins and suites. It is the second ship in the fleet, alongside the Aranui 5, which continues on to the Marquesas and will begin serving the Austral Islands in the southern part of French Polynesia starting in 2027.
What does "passenger-cargo ship" mean?
The MS Aranoa serves as both a supply ship and a passenger ship. It transports goods to the Austral Islands and fosters exchanges between the islands, while passengers get to experience the landings, villages, and landscapes. The fleet has been operating in French Polynesia according to this model for 40 years.
What types of cabins are available on board?
Twelve categories, sorted by price: the Class C multi-bed cabin with four beds; standard cabins with and without restricted views; the family cabin for four people; Deluxe and Superior Deluxe cabins with balconies; Junior Suite; Premium Suite; Royal Suite; Grand Royal Suite; Owner’s Suite; and Presidential Suite. Sixty-two of the 91 cabins have their own balcony; the cabins on Decks 2 and 3 have portholes, and all others have windows. Details about each category can be found in the cabin section further up on this page.
Where is the MS Aranoa headed?
The cruises last 13 days and begin and end in Papeete, Tahiti. The route goes via Moorea to the Austral Islands—Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, and Raivavae—and, on select dates, also to Rapa; otherwise, to Maupiti or Huahine, and then back to Papeete via Raiatea and Bora Bora. Fourteen departures are planned for 2027, with the first on March 6, 2027.
What are the rules for solo travelers?
In a Class C shared cabin, you book a single bed at the per-person rate and share the cabin with up to three other travelers. All other categories can be booked for single occupancy for an additional fee. Please feel free to contact us—we’ll find the right solution for you.
Are there wheelchair-accessible cabins?
Yes, three cabins are wheelchair-accessible: the Deluxe Cabins 4120 on Deck 4 and 5120 on Deck 5, as well as the Standard Cabin 6120 on Deck 6. Cabins 5120 and 6120 have a limited view. Three elevators connect all passenger decks from Deck 2 through Deck 8.
What amenities does the ship offer?
A buffet restaurant on Deck 4 and an open-air barbecue restaurant with a bar on the pool deck, plus two hot tubs at the bow, a lounge with a bar, stage, and dance floor on Deck 5, the Sky Bar, a fitness center, and a spa with massage and tattoo areas on the sun deck, a boutique, and a conference room.
Is the ship finished yet, and where are the pictures from?
The MS Aranoa is a new-build vessel; its maiden voyage is scheduled for March 6, 2027. All images on this page are renderings provided by the operator and depict the planned design; they are not contractually binding. We will replace the images as soon as actual photos become available.
