By
Alex Smith |
Aranui Cruises is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, with gifts for passengers, 40th Celebration entertainment, and an anniversary cruise planned throughout the year.
The Tahitian cruise line was founded in 1984, when the Wong family, owners of shipping company Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, converted the cargo ship Aranui 1 to allow it to carry passengers. The ship set sail on its maiden voyage in November the same year, carrying 27 passengers on a 17-day cruise to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Today, Aranui operates cruises from Tahiti to the Marquesas Islands onboard the custom-built passenger and freighter ship Aranui 5.
To mark the anniversary of that first cruise, Aranui’s Voyage #21 from 16-27 November will include a Polynesian Night on the island of Nuku Hiva. The night will feature a Marquesan show, including fireworks, food, and a ceremony involving partners and mayors from the Marquesas Islands. Local bands will perform onboard the ship throughout the voyage, and guests will receive unique souvenirs to commemorate the occasion.
Celebratory events throughout 2024 will mark the cruise line’s anniversary
Anniversary souvenirs will also be provided to guests throughout the year, while entertainment celebrating the milestone will feature in each Polynesian Night onboard Aranui 5.
“We are beyond excited and deeply proud to announce the celebration of 40 years of the Aranui,” said Eric Wong, Aranui Cruises’ executive vice president for North America. “Serving the communities of the Marquesas Islands with our ongoing cargo deliveries while providing countless, incredible memories for our guests and crew over the years has truly been an experience of a lifetime. As we reflect on the past 40 years of adventure, we can’t help but feel incredibly grateful.”