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.