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.