Aranui Cruises bdm Moana McKeen is urging agents to get educated on the product which she says offers Kiwis the chance to explore destinations in French Polynesia that not many get to see.
McKeen, who ‘jumped’ at the opportunity to become bdm for New Zealand for Aranui Cruises after sailing on board Aranui 5, says the experience is unlike anything else on offer in the Tahitian islands. “The itineraries are unique, the vessel itself is unique, and the make up of the crew being largely Marquesan, you really feel as if you’re part of the culture from the moment you step on board.” While it isn’t for everyone, the target market is the ‘adventurous at heart’. “Clients are more likely to book with people who know what they’re talking about rather than someone who has no idea, I think that’s really important for agents to at least have a base knowledge about what we do.” McKeen offers training and agents can get updates HERE . “It’s not every second person who is going to walk in the office and talk about it, but when someone does walk in you’re going to want to be able to convert that booking.”
. . . Expansion
Aranui Cruises is adding a second ship, the 93-cabin Aranoa, which McKeen says is already seeing high interest. The ship will mostly sail the cruise line’s itinerary to the remote Austral Islands, including the five inhabited islands of Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa. These islands, says McKeen, are proving really popular. Aranui has several departures available this year, and some in 2026. The new Aranoa’s cruises will go live at the end of the year. McKeen’ also stresses the need to book in advance, and to keep an eye out on earlybird specials and senior discounts, “We have 138 cabins on board and we do sell out; if people are looking at doing it I’d book as far in advance as possible,” adds McKeen.
