Papeete, Tahiti-based Aranui Cruises, which currently operates the cargo/passenger vessel Aranui 5 among the French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, has ordered a 10,000-gt cruise ship from China’s Hunghai shipyard that will accommodate 280 passengers but carry no cargo.
Instead, the 140-meter-long AraMana will be fitted with an observation lounge, dance floor, bar, casino, health spa, show lounge, swimming pool and two restaurants to offer an up-scale experience among the Marquesas Islands while also offering season voyages to the Tuamotu, Gambier, Society, Austral and Cook island groups.
The new ship is due to commence service in the second quarter of 2022.
