French Polynesia president welcomes Variety’s Panorama II in Tahiti

It is the first time the cruise line has offered Tahiti itineraries.

The president, along with ministers and local government officials, were hosted onboard Panorama II by Variety CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, VP North America Sales Steve Simao and crew members.

Venetopoulos, part of the third generation of the family-owned cruise line, said of the event on February 3, ‘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. 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.’

Local hospitality

Added Simao, ‘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...'

Gifts were also exchanged between the president, Venetopoulos, Capt. Orpheas Mouzakis and the port captain as part of the festivities.