October 7, 2026 — China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding delivered the passenger-cargo ship Aranoa to Aranui Cruises on September 28, 2026, Cruise Industry News reports today. The ship will sail from Papeete, Tahiti, and enters revenue service in 2027.
Aranoa is the yard’s second ship for owner CPTM, after Aranui 5 in 2015. Like that ship, it carries freight to French Polynesia’s outer islands with cruise guests on board.
Ship facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Delivered | September 28, 2026 |
| Builder | Huanghai Shipbuilding, China |
| Passengers | 197 |
| Crew | 103 |
| Cargo | 48 TEU |
| Balcony cabins | Nearly 80% of accommodation |
| Homeport | Papeete, Tahiti |
| First revenue voyage | 2027 (exact date TBA) |
What it means for airline travelers
- Gateway: Papeete’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT). Flights are few, so a missed standby seat can cost days.
- Arrive early. The ship will not wait for a late standby arrival. Plan two or more buffer days in Tahiti.
- Nothing to rebook. The ship has not started service, and first sailing dates are TBA.
- Interline rates: not mentioned in the report.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — Huanghai Shipbuilding Delivers the Aranoa
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