In this episode, we talk about a “where to go next” destination that’s still genuinely remote for most travelers: the Austral Islands of French Polynesia—and why the upcoming Aranoa ship could make this region more accessible in a uniquely authentic way. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because deciding where to go next is often easy; designing the right logistics for remote islands is the hard part, and expert planning helps.

Normand Schafer welcomes Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises to discuss Aranui 5 and the Aranoa project, with a focus on what makes these voyages different from conventional cruising. The combined passenger-and-cargo model is central. You’re not just transported to islands; you’re traveling on a working vessel that supplies communities. For travelers who want meaning along with beauty, this matters. It changes what you notice, what you learn, and how you understand the places you visit. Cargo operations become part of the story, and the voyage itself becomes a window into how remote life is sustained across thousands of miles of ocean.

Leo explains that Aranoa is intended to serve the Australs with the same spirit that made Aranui iconic in the Marquesas—while adapting the ship to the realities of the southern islands. The Australs have fewer residents, different supply needs, and sea conditions that can include long southern swells depending on weather systems. Leo describes stabilizers planned for Aranoa to reduce rolling—an important comfort factor for many travelers—and he explains dynamic positioning, which can help the ship hold position without anchoring in some situations, potentially reducing seabed impact. These details are meaningful because they influence both the passenger experience and the way the ship interacts with sensitive environments.

The episode also offers a reminder that choosing “where next” should include an honest look at how travel works in remote regions. Leo shares an example of a tsunami alert that required leaving a bay and waiting at sea, demonstrating how safety directives can override the itinerary. Another story about diesel deliveries highlights the essential nature of cargo and why these voyages matter to communities in practical, immediate ways. For travelers, it’s a compelling reason to consider the Australs not just as a pretty place, but as a living region with real infrastructure needs—and to travel in a way that respects that reality.

If your travel “next” list is craving something beyond the usual—something that feels like discovery, not repetition—this episode will put the Austral Islands on your radar with context and practicality. And when you’re ready to decide whether Aranui 5 now or Aranoa later is your best fit, Far and Away Adventures can help you choose the right timing, plan the right extensions, and book the trip so every connection supports the experience.

In this episode we talk about a “where to go next” decision that’s perfect for travelers who want authenticity without giving up comfort: an Aranui-style deluxe freighter voyage—and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you decide if this is the right fit for your travel style and timeline. Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise in French Polynesia, and Episode 2 becomes a clear, practical lens for answering: what makes this voyage truly different, and is it the kind of trip you should do next?

The biggest difference is that Aranui is a hybrid operation. Normand describes it as a cruise ship carrying about 250 passengers while also transporting freight and cargo to remote island communities. Charles confirms that this is not a pure cruise ship, and it’s not a pure cargo ship either. You can travel on cargo vessels, but the passenger experience is usually simpler and not designed around hospitality. Here, guests can observe real cargo operations and still enjoy the onboard comforts that make it feel like a vacation. If you’re deciding where to go next, this matters because it helps you match expectations: this trip is for travelers who enjoy the “working life” part of travel, not just the polished surface.

Charles shares his personal story—years of global cruise ship experience, then a decision to shift and sail closer to home, choosing French Polynesia precisely because it was unfamiliar to him. He signed a short contract and kept extending until it became seven years. Normand notes the family atmosphere onboard, and Charles agrees the crew is tight-knit. If you’re choosing your next trip based on “feel,” that’s a meaningful clue. Aranui often feels more personal because the crew dynamic is strong and guests can sense it.

Episode 2’s core is cargo: how it’s moved, where it goes, and what you’ll see. Charles explains that deliveries aren’t always as simple as docking at a pier. In some places the ship anchors and uses cranes to load barges, which then ferry goods to shore. Normand shares the striking visual of watching a car loaded onto a barge as swell moved everything up and down—exactly the kind of moment that turns into a lifelong travel memory.

Charles also emphasizes self-sufficiency. He contrasts Aranui with large commercial cargo ships that often rely on major port infrastructure—pilots, tugs, shore cranes. Here, he describes performing tricky maneuvers and discharging cargo with onboard equipment like cranes and forklifts, often without outside support. That operational independence is a big part of why Aranui can serve remote islands and why the voyage feels so authentic.

Then there’s the cargo that surprises you. Charles says they sometimes transport large animals—horses, cows, dogs—using ventilated containers on deck, with crew feeding and monitoring. And the story that sums up “real life at sea”: a shipment of sheep where one gave birth onboard, so a delivery of seven became a delivery of eight. These moments highlight the voyage’s purpose: it supports communities, and guests witness that support firsthand.

The episode also touches on return freight, including fruit exports from the Marquesas—lemons and large citrus (pamplemousse). Normand connects this to the broader network, mentioning distribution that can include places like Rangiroa and Bora Bora, and Charles references refrigerated containers and onward movement by smaller ships. If you’re deciding your next trip and you want travel that teaches you how a region functions, not just what it looks like, Aranui is a strong candidate.

If this sounds like your kind of next journey, planning matters. Sailing dates, cabin choice, and pre/post island time can shape the entire experience. Start with Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com to build a plan that fits your priorities so you can enjoy the voyage’s authenticity with confidence.

In this episode, we talk about a “where to go next” decision many travelers dream about: choosing an Aranui 5 (or Aranoa) voyage in French Polynesia—and understanding what the experience is really like behind the scenes. If you want expert help deciding which voyage fits your travel style and how to plan it smoothly, visit https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews Spencer Hata Utuya, a guide onboard Aranui 5, to learn what guides do to make each sailing feel culturally immersive, and what travelers should expect when island plans change.

Spencer’s personal story is a useful entry point because it shows how much the experience depends on people, not just ports. He studied business management and marketing and didn’t expect to work in tourism. After returning home and not landing his first choices due to lack of experience, he found a guide job onboard the ship and began in September 2022. By late 2025, he had learned what remote-island voyaging demands: constant preparation, cultural knowledge, and the ability to pivot gracefully when a day doesn’t follow the original plan.

One major takeaway for anyone deciding “where to go next” is that these voyages are dynamic by nature. Spencer explains that the team begins preparing the next sailing’s program during the current voyage, often in the final days before the trip ends. They lay out the structure—daily schedule, excursions, and connections—but they keep room for adjustments because changes can come from local communities, contractors, tourism offices, and island organizations. His phrasing matters: nothing is set in stone, and even the night before arrival something can change. That’s not a reason to avoid the trip; it’s a reason to approach it with the right mindset. If you want travel that’s deeply connected to local communities, flexibility is part of the deal.

On an Australs sailing, a bus tour ran into a chain of disruptions: a vehicle ran out of gas, a replacement required keys retrieved from home, and guests waited. Spencer explains how guides use those moments to keep the day meaningful by walking around, talking about the island’s landscape, and socializing with guests so waiting doesn’t feel like wasted time.

Another important “where to go next” insight is how shore experiences are built through partnerships. Spencer explains that contracting and budgets are managed at higher levels, with set spending per island. Associations and partners may change depending on cost and organization. He also notes that religious schedules can affect who works on which days, meaning a visit might be hosted by different local groups on different voyages. This is a reminder that the experience isn’t scripted; it’s collaborative, and that collaboration is part of what makes it feel authentic.

Normand adds a perspective many repeat guests share: Aranui feels different because staff are from French Polynesia and share culture from lived experience, not from a generic cruise script. Spencer reinforces that by describing his own nightly study practice—reviewing notes even when he knows the material—to keep the experience fresh for each group of travelers. If you’re deciding where to go next and you want cultural immersion, this behind-the-scenes look suggests that who is guiding you matters as much as where you’re going.

Spencer’s first-timer advice also helps you decide if this trip fits your style. He suggests packing good shoes for hikes, water shoes for coral environments, repellent, and a raincoat for sudden weather. He emphasizes arriving with an open mind and letting go of preconceived judgments, because Polynesian hospitality is warm and sometimes physically friendly. If that kind of cultural closeness and real-world flexibility sounds exciting rather than stressful, Aranui 5 or Aranoa may be exactly the “where to go next” answer you’re looking for. For expert planning and the right sailing match, connect with https://farandawayadventures.com.