In this episode, we talk about what makes a freighter cruise in French Polynesia feel so different from a typical cruise—and why families who want real culture, real logistics, and real “this is how island life works” moments often fall in love with ships like Aranui 5 (and the upcoming Aranoa). Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best starting points if you want help shaping a family-friendly South Pacific plan that balances comfort with authenticity.

Normand Schafer is joined by Leo Colin, an officer with Aranui Cruises who’s been involved in the transition to the new Aranoa ship. Together they unpack the vision behind Aranoa and what the company is trying to preserve: that unmistakable Aranui spirit where passengers don’t just visit remote islands—they also witness the lifeline that keeps those islands supplied. We talk about why the freight side isn’t a side show at all, and how seeing cargo operations (from everyday essentials to surprising items like equipment and livestock) can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip for curious travelers of any age.

If you’ve wondered how remote islands actually receive supplies—or why schedules sometimes need to flex around ocean realities—Leo shares stories that make it tangible. One example: a delivery of diesel needed for vehicles and electricity generation, and how a mechanical issue can have real consequences for communities. It’s a reminder that in places like the Marquesas and the Australs, transportation isn’t just tourism. It’s essential infrastructure, and these voyages can feel more meaningful because of that.

We also get into what’s changing with the new ship and what that could mean for family comfort at sea. Leo explains that Aranoa is planned to be a little smaller than Aranui 5, with a passenger capacity that aims to keep the onboard feel personal—more like a small community than a floating city. He also describes planned features like stabilizers (to reduce rolling in southern swells) and dynamic positioning (a way to hold position without anchoring, helping reduce seabed impact). For parents thinking about motion sensitivity, day-to-day comfort, and the practical side of “Can my crew handle this?”—this conversation brings the planning considerations to life without overpromising.

We wrap by discussing the realities of shipbuilding and why details matter: from navigation workstation design to system-by-system checks that can prevent long-term headaches once the ship is in service. If you’re dreaming of the Australs, curious about what’s next in French Polynesia cruising, or looking for a trip that gives kids and teens a deeper sense of how the world works, this episode delivers plenty to think about. When you’re ready to connect the dots—air routing, pre/post stays, pacing, and the right sailing—reach out to Far and Away Adventures to help you plan it end to end.