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.

In this episode, we talk about the behind-the-scenes freight and cargo work that makes Aranui voyages feel so different from a typical cruise, and how Far and Away Adventures.com can help families plan the right sailing, cabin, and pacing for a multi-generational trip. Start here:
https://farandawayadventures.com
Normand sits down with Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise in French Polynesia, to explore what’s happening “under the hood” while guests are enjoying island time, culture, and onboard life. If you’re traveling as a family, this episode is especially helpful because it shows why these voyages can be wonderfully authentic—and why it’s smart to arrive with flexible expectations.

Charles explains that Aranui isn’t simply a cruise ship and it isn’t simply a cargo ship. It blends both worlds: a vessel that can carry passengers (Normand mentions about 250) while also delivering essential goods to remote communities. For families, that blend often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip, because you can literally watch island life connect to the ship—locals arriving for deliveries, cargo being transferred, and exports moving back out. It’s a living supply chain, not a staged excursion, and it’s happening in some of the most isolated places in the South Pacific.

One of the most eye-opening moments is hearing how deliveries work when there’s no easy pier access. Charles describes anchoring in bays and using cranes to load barges, which then take freight to shore. Normand adds what many first-time guests notice: swell can make the entire operation look like choreography—especially when heavy items or vehicles are being moved and everything is rising and falling with the ocean. Charles emphasizes that the ship often handles these operations independently, using its own cranes and equipment, rather than relying on large-harbor infrastructure. He contrasts Aranui’s work with big commercial cargo ships that typically have pilots, tugs, and extensive port support. Here, the crew is doing complex maneuvers in remote locations, sometimes with challenging sea conditions.

Families will also appreciate the “you never know” stories that make travel feel real. Charles shares that the ship sometimes transports large animals—horses, cows, dogs—and explains they use special containers placed on deck with ventilation, with crew members responsible for feeding and monitoring the animals. Then comes the classic unexpected twist: a shipment of sheep where one gave birth onboard, turning “seven delivered” into “eight delivered.” It’s a funny detail, but it also highlights something important for family travelers: these voyages are connected to real community needs, and real life doesn’t always fit neatly into a schedule.

Charles describes that much of the freight originates in Papeete and moves out to remote islands like the Marquesas. On the return, there can be limited freight coming back, including fruit exports—lemons and large citrus (pamplemousse is mentioned). The episode also touches on distribution across the region, with stops that can include places like Rangiroa and Bora Bora, and the use of refrigerated containers for perishables before they move onward to other islands. For families, this adds context to what you’re seeing: the ship isn’t just visiting islands, it’s supporting how people live there.

If you’re considering Aranui 5 or the future Aranoa, this episode is a great reminder that the best family trips often come from understanding the “why” behind what you’re experiencing. The cargo operations are part of the story, and watching them can be just as fascinating as the destinations themselves. To plan a family-friendly Aranui voyage with the right timing, island add-ons, and support from someone who knows the rhythm of these sailings, use Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com early in your planning so everything fits your family’s comfort level and travel style.

In this episode, we talk about what families don’t always see on a deluxe freighter voyage: the guide-side logistics, the day-to-day preparation, and the real-time problem-solving that keeps an Aranui 5 sailing feeling calm and meaningful. If you want help planning an itinerary that works for your family’s ages, comfort levels, and travel pace, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand sits down with Spencer Hata Utuya—one of the guides onboard Aranui 5—to learn how the team creates a cultural experience that feels personal, even when island plans shift at the last minute.

Spencer’s story starts in a place many travelers can relate to: a career path that didn’t scream “tourism.” He studied business management and marketing, then returned home and found himself needing structure, stability, and momentum. After being turned down for management roles because he lacked experience, he applied for a guide position onboard Aranui 5 and began in September 2022. What follows is a thoughtful look at how someone grows into a role that requires confidence, cultural knowledge, and the ability to stay composed when a day doesn’t go as planned.

For family travelers, one of the most useful parts of this episode is hearing how much of the “magic” is actually preparation. Spencer shares how he studied nightly—often late—because he realized early on that some travelers knew more than he did about French Polynesia. Instead of letting that intimidate him, he turned it into fuel. He reviews his notes every evening so he can offer the best version of each island story the next day, and he mentions that even when you think you know something, reviewing it keeps your delivery fresh and accurate. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes discipline that makes excursions feel smooth for guests—especially families who appreciate clarity, structure, and a guide who can answer questions with confidence.

Then come the real-world curveballs. Spencer gives a vivid example from a Marquesas sailing: a scheduled dance performance was listed in the program, but when the ship arrived, the dancers were absent due to a family matter. For families, that’s a reminder that cultural exchanges on remote islands are real life, not a stage show that can always run on a fixed clock. The guide’s job becomes part educator, part host, and part “mood manager”—explaining the why, keeping expectations realistic, and helping guests still feel the day was worthwhile. Spencer also shares an even more chaotic scenario on an Australs sailing: a bus ran out of gas, a replacement bus required a driver to fetch keys from home, and guests were left waiting. In that moment, guides fill the gap with conversation, context, and an impromptu walking “micro tour,” keeping the experience from turning into frustration.

Spencer explains that contracts and budgets are managed at higher levels, and that the company works with associations and tourism offices island by island. Importantly, he notes how religious calendars can affect operations—some groups won’t work on certain days—so the ship adapts by working with different associations depending on the schedule. That kind of flexibility matters for families: it’s part of why you want a well-run operation and a guide team ready to pivot.

Spencer also encourages an open mind—Polynesian hospitality can be warm and physical (like a friendly shoulder touch), and embracing that cultural friendliness can deepen the experience. If your family is considering Aranui 5 or Aranoa, this behind-the-scenes conversation helps you understand what makes the voyage feel so immersive and why a strong guide team is the difference between “we visited islands” and “we felt connected to them.” When you’re ready, a Far and Away Adventures specialist can help match the right sailing and trip flow for your family at Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.