Work is underway on the US$71.8 million Port Autonome de Papeete
cruise terminal, which will add to the experience of cruising in the
islands of Tahiti.
Scheduled to be completed in March 2023, the terminal is being built
with bioclimatic principles, using natural ventilation, greening of
terrace and rooftop spaces, and using a rainwater recovery system.
Exhibition spaces will also be planned to raise public awareness of
the maritime history of the Islands of Tahiti and offer a showcase for
traditional crafts.
The capacity of ships engaged in transpacific repositioning in the
Papeete Cruise Terminal will be limited to ships up to 2,500 passengers
and for transpacific cruises, ship capacities are limited to 3,500
passengers.
This is intended to reduce stress on maritime infrastructure,
services, and the environment in French Polynesia, particularly in
remote islands.
Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea will be the preferred islands of call for
these large-capacity ships. Vessels with more than 3,500 passenger
capacity will be refused.
The Islands of Tahiti comprise 118 islands and atolls set across five
archipelagos filled with land and sea excursions including snorkelling,
scuba diving, ATV tours, hiking, and cultural immersion experiences.
Most locally-based cruise lines feature itineraries of 7 to 14 days,
where passengers can visit the main archipelago of the Society Islands,
which includes Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Tahaa.
Longer 14-day itineraries include the more remote archipelagos, such as the Tuamotus or the Marquesas Islands.
In the past year, the Islands of Tahiti has welcomed turnarounds from
Paul Gauguin Cruises, Aranui and Windstar, as well as Ponant, Lindblad
Expeditions, Oceania, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and
Silversea.
This year the islands welcomed Variety Cruises for year-round small
ship operations. Various itineraries include a seven-night cruise in the
Society Islands, as well as 10-night and 11-night cruises in the
Society and Tuamotu Islands.