Cruise Cook Islands has wrapped up an exceptional season, welcoming numerous cruise ships to both Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Despite five cancellations due to weather, this year saw 13 successful calls for Rarotonga and 15 for Aitutaki.

Sunday marked the final cruise ship arrival of the year, as AIDAsol graced Rarotonga with its presence, carrying 1759 passengers.

Of those, 1622 disembarked to explore the island’s beauty, buy souvenirs and take part in various activities.

Cruise Cook Islands’ Stuart Henry said: “This season has been awesome for cruise ships.”

Over 1600 passengers onboard AIDAsol disembarked on Sunday to explore Rarotonga, buy souvenirs and take part in various activities. 23121820

“For Cruise Cook Islands, we have had a range of ships from expedition to small cruise ships, from 200–500 guests to mainstream to premium ships like MSC Magnifica which made its maiden call to Rarotonga on March 2 and Aitutaki on March 3.”

The MSC Magnifica, holding a capacity of 3300 guests, stood as the largest ship to ever visit the Cook Islands. At the time, it carried 2053 passengers and a crew of 1581.

“The gross tonnage at 95128, length 293 metres, Air Draft 51.77m, when you go to deck 14 you can see the airport runway that’s high up outside the Avatiu port.”

Passengers buying souvenirs from a stall near Avatiu wharf on Sunday. 23121821

Henry revealed that the Cook Islands Ports Authority had the honour of exchanging crest plaques with both MSC Magnifica and AIDAsol. This was further amplified by AIDAsol’s captain, who personally invited Ports Authority executives aboard for a unique crest-plaque exchange ceremony.

Officials from Customs, Immigration, Bio-Security, and Health joined Ports Authority chief executive Okesene Moananu, harbour master John Jessie, and Henry for the presentations, photo opportunities, and ship tours.

Cruise ship passengers ready to explore Rarotonga on Sunday. 23121822

Henry said the ship had a spectacular night club entrance called “Anytime Bar” and all officials enjoyed the buffet breakfast.

AIDAsol boasts a unique selling point: a fully functional microbrewery onboard! Ten 1000-litre tanks produce fresh beer using desalinated seawater.

“We were invited back to have a taste, the water is desalinated from the ocean and used in the brewery.

“Yesterday (Sunday) batch of water was from the Atlantic but a fresh batch ready next week is from the Pacific Ocean.”

With a majority of German passengers onboard, AIDAsol offers a luxurious world tour experience spanning 117 days. Packages range from €20,000 to €50,000 depending on cabin type and chosen option.

AIDAsol will continue its global journey, reaching Nuku’alofa, Tonga on December 21 and Suva, Fiji on December 23.