The Polynesian Company of Maritime Transport (CPTM), the parent company of Aranui Cruises, has announced “with profound sadness” the death of its founder and patriarch, Jules Wong, which occurred on October 2 at the age of 91.
With his passing, Aranui loses its visionary and its architect.
The fourth of eight children, Jules Wong was the last male representative of his generation. He passed away at his home in San Francisco, where he had retreated for several years, surrounded by his loved ones.
Having emigrated to the United States at the age of 18, he first forged his entrepreneurial success in California.
In 1967, he founded in San Mateo “The Great Entertainer,” an innovative concept of family billiard halls aimed at modernizing the image of traditional establishments. The success was immediate, and the brand rapidly expanded across several locations around the San Francisco Bay Area.
With his passing, Aranui loses its visionary and its architect.
The fourth of eight children, Jules Wong was the last male representative of his generation. He passed away at his home in San Francisco, where he had retreated for several years, surrounded by his loved ones.
Having emigrated to the United States at the age of 18, he first forged his entrepreneurial success in California.
In 1967, he founded in San Mateo “The Great Entertainer,” an innovative concept of family billiard halls aimed at modernizing the image of traditional establishments. The success was immediate, and the brand rapidly expanded across several locations around the San Francisco Bay Area.
The 1984 birth of the cargo-cruise concept
In the early 1980s, he embarked on what would become the defining work of his life by creating CPTM Aranui Cruises.
Facing the decline of traditional freight shipping, he envisioned a groundbreaking model that united the transport of goods with hospitality for travelers.
In 1984, the revolutionary idea of a “cargo-cruise” was born, which would bring Aranui worldwide recognition.
By combining passenger carriage with freight logistics, the company helped to break the isolation of the most distant archipelagos, notably the Marquesas Islands.
Facing the decline of traditional freight shipping, he envisioned a groundbreaking model that united the transport of goods with hospitality for travelers.
In 1984, the revolutionary idea of a “cargo-cruise” was born, which would bring Aranui worldwide recognition.
By combining passenger carriage with freight logistics, the company helped to break the isolation of the most distant archipelagos, notably the Marquesas Islands.
A family business
Today, his nephew, Philippe Wong, leads the company as chief executive officer.
Among the founder’s projects that were especially dear to him was Aranoa, the future vessel intended to unlock the Austral Islands while promoting inclusive tourism.
This new chapter continues the vision carried for more than four decades by Jules Wong.
Jules Wong leaves behind a lasting legacy that has profoundly shaped the maritime history of French Polynesia and contributed to the international prominence of the Marquesas Islands.
Among the founder’s projects that were especially dear to him was Aranoa, the future vessel intended to unlock the Austral Islands while promoting inclusive tourism.
This new chapter continues the vision carried for more than four decades by Jules Wong.
Jules Wong leaves behind a lasting legacy that has profoundly shaped the maritime history of French Polynesia and contributed to the international prominence of the Marquesas Islands.
Published by Amelia Brille 
