by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:40 PM ET, Tue March 19, 2024
Aranui Cruises is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with entertainment, gifts for passengers and other festivities.
The company’s ship, the Aranui 5, is part cruise ship, part freighter. Staffed with a Polynesian crew, it sails around French Polynesia with both vacationers and cargo onboard.
"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,” says Eric Wong, Aranui’s executive vice president for North America. “As we reflect on the past 40 years of adventure, we can't help but feel incredibly grateful."
Aranui 5 alongside at Rapa (Photo by Scott Laird)
Aranui’s official anniversary cruise will take place November 16-27 and includes a special “Polynesian Night” on the island of Nuku Hiva featuring a Marquesan show, fireworks, food and a ceremony with local dignitaries. Guests on that sailing also have a chance to win a free cruise for two.
“This is a fun opportunity for guests to discover a new destination we serve or revisit the beloved Marquesas with us," says Wong. "There is no better way to celebrate our 40th than by offering a free cruise to our valued passengers."
Aranui Cruises is run by Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime (CPTM), a maritime company that was founded by the Wong family in 1954.
PHOTO : Aranui 5 et le Gauguin au port de Papeete (Photo Credit: Aranui 5 et le Gauguin)
In 1984, the oldest Wong brother suggested transforming one of the company’s ships into a hybrid cargo-passenger ship—and, thus, Aranui Cruises was born. The vessel, the Aranui I, made its maiden voyage in November 1984 with 27 passengers on board. That first voyage took travelers to the remote Marquesas Islands—and, at the time, Aranui was the only company taking tourists to the Marquesas.
"We brought tourism to the Marquesas and, because of the Aranui, many global tourists have now discovered this rich, fascinating culture, history and beautiful land," says Wong.
Looking ahead, the company expects to continue serving both the remote Polynesian population and travelers from around the world for the next 40 years—at least.
"40 years is just the beginning," says Wong. "We will be here to serve and sail the South Pacific for many years to come."
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