Aranui Cruises' ship under construction, the Aranoa, will feature more amenities than any ship the company has previously built. Aranui sails cruises in French Polynesia.
The new ship will feature two restaurants, two bars and two whirlpools, compared to one of each on the Aranui 5, the company's only vessel currently sailing.
The Aranoa will also carry fewer passengers than the Aranui 5 -- 198 vs. 230. It will have 93 cabins, and 62 will have balconies.
Like its older sister, the Aranoa will be a hybrid cruise/cargo ship, bringing passengers and supplies to remote islands in French Polynesia. The Aranoa will sail to the Austral Islands, 500 miles south of Tahiti.
The ship will go into service in 2027. Aranui Cruises said when a sailing schedule is announced later this year, it will begin accepting reservations.
"This project is the first cruise of its kind to bring travelers to the Australs," said Eric Wong, the company's executive vice president. "It reinforces our company's commitment and significant investment to helping develop economies in the remote Tahitian islands."