In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Aranoa ship and what it signals for the future of small-ship cruising in French Polynesia—especially in the remote Austral Islands. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are featured early because this is exactly the kind of specialized, logistics-heavy trip where expert planning makes the experience smoother and more rewarding.

Normand Schafer sits down with Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how a new ship concept moves from an idea to steel in the shipyard—and eventually to real sailings that serve both travelers and island communities. Leo shares how Aranoa is designed to carry forward the Aranui model: a combined passenger-and-cargo vessel that supplies remote islands while also delivering one of the most authentic travel experiences available in the South Pacific. Rather than separating “tourism” from “real life,” these voyages put them together—passengers see the operations, feel the rhythm of the route, and understand why the ship matters beyond sightseeing.

We discuss how Aranoa is intended to differ from Aranui 5 without losing the spirit that made Aranui iconic. Leo explains that the ship is planned to be smaller than Aranui 5, reflecting the realities of the Australs—fewer residents means less freight volume, and the ship’s scale can match the needs of the region. The onboard experience is also shaped by the passenger-to-crew feel Leo describes, which hints at a service style that’s personal and attentive rather than mass-market.

Because the Australs sit in a part of the Pacific that can see significant swells depending on southern weather systems, Leo talks about planned comfort and operational features such as stabilizers to reduce rolling. He also explains dynamic positioning—technology that can help a ship maintain position without anchoring, which can be especially relevant in places where protecting the seabed matters. These are the kinds of details travelers don’t always hear about, yet they can meaningfully shape both comfort and the environmental footprint of a visit.

The conversation also highlights why flexibility is part of responsible cruising in remote regions. Leo shares an example of leaving a bay during a tsunami alert—showing that conditions, safety guidance, and local authority direction can require changes even on well-planned itineraries. Finally, we touch on the realities of shipbuilding and commissioning: validating systems, checking drawings, and catching small issues early so crews don’t inherit preventable problems later.

If you’re considering Aranui 5 now—or you’re intrigued by what Aranoa could bring to the Australs—this episode offers a grounded perspective on what’s coming and why it matters. When you’re ready to plan, Far and Away Adventures can help you choose the right sailing, build smart pre/post stays, and coordinate the full French Polynesia journey with less stress and better flow.

In this episode, we talk about the freight-and-cargo reality that powers the Aranui experience, and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you plan the right sailing, cabin category, and pre/post island time to match your goals.
Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise in French Polynesia, to understand why this voyage feels so unlike a typical cruise: it’s a passenger experience built on top of a working maritime operation that serves remote communities.

Charles begins with his personal path—years working on other cruise ships around the world before deciding to shift toward sailing closer to home and choosing French Polynesia as a place he wanted to discover. What follows is an operator’s perspective on why the ship’s culture feels so tight-knit. Normand observes the “family atmosphere” onboard, and Charles reinforces it: crew members across roles know each other well and create a familiar environment for guests too. That human side matters, because it’s the same teamwork that makes complex cargo operations possible in remote settings.

Charles’ explanation that Aranui isn’t purely a cruise ship and isn’t purely a cargo ship. A traditional cargo vessel might carry passengers in basic accommodations, but without the hospitality layer guests expect—no comparable dining, no bar, and a different overall onboard life. Aranui, as described here, is designed so guests can experience the cargo reality while still enjoying an elevated passenger journey. That’s why Normand uses the phrase “deluxe freighter cruise,” and Charles agrees the mix creates something rare: you’re watching real deliveries unfold while also traveling in comfort.

Charles describes the practical side: cargo holds, cranes, forklifts, and the daily work of managing freight while maintaining passenger safety systems. A standout operational detail is how deliveries happen when there’s limited or no pier access. Charles explains that the ship may anchor and use cranes to load barges, then transfer heavy items to shore—an operation made more complicated by swell, tide, and changing sea states. Normand shares a vivid memory of seeing a car loaded onto a barge while the ocean rises and falls, which captures exactly what guests often find mesmerizing: a complex, high-stakes procedure happening in plain sight.

The episode also explores the “what” of freight—sometimes surprisingly personal. Charles notes that animals are transported at times—horses, cows, dogs—using specialized containers placed on deck, with crew members feeding and monitoring them. Then comes the unpredictable story that feels almost scripted, but isn’t: a shipment of seven sheep where one gave birth onboard, so the paperwork that began with seven ended with eight delivered. These moments underline what makes this voyage different: it’s built around real life and real community needs, not just guest entertainment.

Finally, Charles discusses what moves back from the islands: limited freight overall, but some exports like fruit—lemons and very large citrus (pamplemousse is mentioned). Normand connects this to the broader island network, including stops that can include places like the Tuamotus and Bora Bora, where imported fruit can be valuable. Charles mentions refrigerated containers and how goods may transfer onward via smaller ships to reach additional islands. For travelers, this supplies context: the itinerary is a travel experience, but it’s also an active logistics chain.

If you want to experience French Polynesia in a way that feels culturally immersive and operationally real, Episode 2 is a strong primer on what you’ll be watching from the deck and the shore. And if you want it planned well—sailing choice, cabin fit, island extensions, and a trip flow that makes sense—Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com is where you start to build the voyage around your priorities, not around guesswork.

In this episode, we talk about how Aranui 5 (and the Aranoa) delivers an experience that feels deeply local—because the real story isn’t only the itinerary, it’s the people making each day happen. If you want an expert to plan a French Polynesian freighter voyage from start to finish, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews onboard guide Spencer Hata Utuya to explore what guides do before guests ever step onto a shore excursion, and what happens when island plans shift in real time.

Spencer’s entry into the Aranui world is refreshingly honest. He studied business management and marketing and didn’t expect to work in tourism or hospitality. After returning home, he set simple criteria for his next step—independence, stability, and basic needs covered—then found a guide job online and started in September 2022. By November 2025, he’s spent years learning the rhythm of these sailings, and he shares what that growth really looked like: a steep learning curve, constant studying, and the humility of realizing that travelers sometimes arrive with deep knowledge of French Polynesia already in hand.

That learning curve becomes a key theme because it’s what allows guides to deliver the immersion guests rave about. Spencer explains he reviews his “technical notes” about each island nightly, even when he feels confident, so his delivery stays sharp and accurate. He describes how preparation matters not just for storytelling, but for adaptability: when assignments change due to illness, accidents, or personal emergencies among the guide team, the person who prepared can step into another role without missing a beat. That kind of cross-coverage is invisible to guests, but it’s one reason voyages feel smooth.

Then the conversation moves into the reality of logistics. Spencer shares how the next voyage’s program starts getting prepared during the current sailing—often a few days before arrival back at the end of the trip. The team drafts the structure, including and optional excursions, and key connections, but keeps “room for adjustments,” because island operations can change due to local organizations, contractors, tourism offices, and community needs. He makes a point that nothing is set in stone—plans are “in pencil”—and even the night before arrival a change can happen. That’s not said as a warning; it’s said as an honest description of travel across remote communities where real life comes first.

Two stories bring that to life. On a Marquesas sailing, a local dance performance was expected, included in the program, and then didn’t happen because the performers had a family situation. Spencer describes how guides manage not only the schedule, but the mood: explaining what happened, setting expectations, and helping guests stay engaged with the destination even when a highlight changes. On an Australs sailing, a bus tour ran into a series of disruptions: the bus ran out of gas, a replacement bus required a driver to retrieve keys from home, and guests waited.

Normand adds an observation many past guests echo: Aranui feels different because the staff are from French Polynesia, sharing culture from lived experience rather than from a script. Spencer’s advice to first-time visitors reinforces that: arrive with an open mind, set aside preconceived ideas, and be ready for warm Polynesian hospitality. He also shares practical packing guidance—good shoes, water shoes, repellent, a raincoat—and a caution to be mindful around coral environments. If Aranui 5 or Aranoa is on your list, this episode offers a grounded, behind-the-scenes lens that helps you understand what you’re actually signing up for: a culturally immersive voyage powered by preparation, relationships, and a guide team that can pivot when the ocean—and the islands—set the pace. For help choosing the right sailing and building a seamless plan, connect with Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

What if paradise felt like home?

In this episode, Normand checks into Niu Beach Hotel, one of Moorea’s newest boutique lagoon-front properties, with Sylvia Martino. Located on the quiet west coast of the island, Niu Beach Hotel offers calm waters, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from large resorts.

Sylvia shares how the hotel was designed with just 16 spacious bungalows—each with a kitchen—to give guests independence, comfort, and flexibility. We discuss why this concept appeals to families, couples, and travelers seeking a quieter, more authentic Moorea experience, and how local staff and cultural connections play an important role in the guest experience.

If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia and want a stay that balances modern comfort with island tranquility, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about what makes Moorea’s lagoon experiences so unforgettable through an on-location interview with Nico from Moorea Water Games at the Sofitel Nautical Center. If you want help planning a French Polynesian itinerary that flows—right resorts, right islands, and the right lagoon days—visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. This conversation is a practical look at how a great operator balances guest experience, safety, and reef protection in one of the most iconic settings in the South Pacific.

Normand opens with the big question: what makes this lagoon so magical? The electric-blue color, the friendly stingrays, the mix of water sports with those dramatic green peaks in the background—Moorea has a way of making the ocean feel both wild and welcoming. Nico introduces Moorea Water Games as a nautical center based inside the Sofitel resort, facing a lagoon area they consider one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. From the start, you can sense the point of view: this isn’t about rushing through a checklist. It’s about choosing a place that consistently delivers clarity, coral, and marine life—and building a tour that lets people actually enjoy it.

You’ll hear how the business evolved. Nico explains that when he took over the nautical center years ago, they focused on rentals like kayaking and paddleboarding. But spending time in the lagoon revealed how rich the underwater world was, so he decided to introduce something different—small-boat, small-group snorkeling using sea scooters. The goal was to create an experience that stays uncrowded, keeps the pace comfortable, and makes snorkeling doable for a wider range of guests.

A key part of the episode is accessibility. Nico describes the sea scooter as a tool that brings all levels together, including beginners and non-swimmers, especially when combined with full-face masks. Normand adds a real-world observation: on this outing, the group had mixed confidence levels, and the guiding approach kept everyone calm and supported. That’s an important planning insight for couples, families, and multi-generation trips where not everyone wants (or can handle) the same intensity.

Marine life is a big reason people come, and the episode highlights what guests often love most: colorful reef fish, stingrays, and the chance of seeing turtles at a cleaning station—Nico’s “turtle spa.” He also mentions that the ocean can surprise you; some days bring unexpected sightings like nurse sharks or barracuda, and in the past, even the possibility of a humpback encounter underwater. Nothing is promised, but the takeaway is that each day can be different, which is part of the magic.

The conversation also leans into responsible tourism. Nico explains that the lagoon area is described as a marine reserve with rules like no anchoring, and that local authorities limit the number of boats and activities to reduce pressure on the ecosystem. Their team adds a safety briefing before every departure that includes reef etiquette—no stepping on coral, staying with the guide, and moving carefully in shallow zones. Normand reinforces why this matters: coral takes a long time to grow, and damage can take years to recover.

If you’re weighing what to do in Moorea, this episode makes a clear case for experiences that are small-group, guide-led, and designed to protect the lagoon while still delivering those “wow” moments. When you’re ready to connect Moorea with the right flights, transfers, resort choices, and island rhythm, reach out through Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com and let a specialist help you build a French Polynesia trip that feels effortless—so you can spend your energy in the water, not in the logistics.

In this episode we talk about how Breakas Beach Resort combines barefoot luxury with Vanuatu’s untamed beauty. Host Normand Schafer explores the resort’s location on Efate’s surfable coastline, where jungle meets ocean. Learn about the handcrafted fares, on-site cultural experiences, and why this adults-only hideaway has earned a cult following among adventure-lovers seeking calm.

In this episode we talk about how Bountiful Tours and Transfers helps travelers uncover the real Vanuatu — far beyond the cruise terminal or hotel. Host Normand Schafer explores how their locally run tours give visitors deep access to cultural sites, off-the-grid beaches, and authentic community experiences. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, this is your path to a deeper connection.

In this episode we talk about how Authentic Mala Tours takes travelers far from tourist zones and deep into the cultural heart of Vanuatu. Host Normand Schafer learns how Mele Village opens its doors through music, food, and custom ceremonies — providing a raw, real, and respectful glimpse into traditional Ni-Vanuatu life. This is off-the-beaten-path adventure at its most authentic.