FRENCH POLYNESIAN WELCOMES VARIETY CRUISES IN TAHITI

French Polynesian President Édouard Fritch welcomed Greece’s leading small-ship cruise company and their first ever itineraries in Tahiti in a special crest ceremony in Papeete. The President, along with Ministers and local government officials were hosted on board Panorama II by Variety’s CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, VC of Sales North America Steve Simao and crew members.

“To launch our first itineraries in the beautiful French Polynesia was a dream my father had and I am beyond proud to be bringing to life, after years in the making,” said Venetopoulos, part of the third generation of this family-owned cruise line. “To be doing so with such honorable guests on board is beyond imagination and we are truly thankful the Presidency and local officials are here to share their maeva or warm welcome.”

“The warm reception we were given is representative of the hospitality our future guests will receive from the local people who will connect with our future guests as we take them deeper into the Polynesian culture on our new Tahiti cruises,” said Simao. “ “It is very exciting for us at Variety Cruises to begin sailing in the beautiful waters of Tahiti and it was truly an honor to be able to host French Polynesian President Édouard Fritch along with other government and tourism officials onboard the Panorama II.”

During the event which took place on February 3, gifts were exchanged between the President, CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, Variety’s Captain Orpheas and the port Captain.