Latest news on the cruise activity in French Polynesia. Inaugurated at the end of February, the new Papeete cruise terminal
Tourist numbers in French Polynesia are set to remain at record levels in 2024, despite a slight drop in hotel numbers, thanks to the cruise activity. The sector has been growing steadily for several years and still has considerable potential.
Just inaugurated at the end of February, the new Papeete cruise terminal is already an essential link in a cruise segment that has been booming steadily for over a decade.
In 2024, 52,000 passengers embarked on a cruise from Tahiti, for itineraries of 7 to 10 days in Polynesian waters, through the 5 archipelagos; +15% in 2019, and almost +20% in 2023. In addition, 62,000 other passengers arrived and departed with the ship, on transit; 45% more than in 2023.
‘Overall, more than a third people visiting French Polynesia took a cruise during their stay. Our country is maritime by excellence, and it is only natural that the best way to discover it is by sea,’ says Mr. Bud Gilroy, President of the Tahiti Cruise Club. The association has just celebrated its 15th anniversary.
‘We bring together Polynesian public and private players, as well as many cruise lines. Mr. Ollivier Amaru initiated this process and was the founding president. We celebrated it at the beginning of February. And in 15 years, we have all worked together to multiply cruise ship activity in French Polynesia by a factor of 3,’ explains Mr. Gilroy.
In the local press, the coordinator of the Tahiti Cruise Club, Mr. Stéphane Renard, also added: ‘Yes, 300% of activity means 300% of cruise brands, 300% of islands reached, 300% of stopovers, and 300% of economic spin-offs for the islands! It’s the consistency of the action that made these results possible, as well as the cohesion of the players and the coherence of their choices over 15 years’.
At the same time, several companies – Aranui Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Ponant, Silverseas and Oceania Cruises – are announcing additional new ships for the coming years.
According to Mr. Bud Gilroy: ‘Our destination is specified by the number of ports of call, because we are positioned on small ships, fitted for our islands, consistent with their capacities. Above all, we are a boutique destination of excellence and exception. Our 5 archipelagos allow us to diversify the experiences on offer according to the expectations of the companies, mainly luxury and expedition companies. And in terms of the number of ports of call and cruise operations carried out in a year, we are becoming a regional leader. By 2026, our business will have grown by a further 25%’.
The new cruise terminal built by the Port Autonome de Papeete was therefore a much-awaited infrastructure. Inaugurated on February 17th by the President of the French Polynesian Government, and already in operation for basic operations, this terminal will be fully equipped and operational for the second half of the year to handle turn arounds for up to 3 ships simultaneously and a capacity of 2,000 passengers.
In addition, the logistical capacity of the Port of Papeete and the favourable administrative and tax regime, encourage transit, logistical operations and food supplies, whether for transshipment or local purchases.
‘In 15 years, our destination has been able to adapt to the needs of cruise ship owners, offering logistical and maritime operations, navigation and tourist experiences that live up to expectations. We have a coherent, attractive and strong model. And all the authorities in French Polynesia are aware of it and wish to see it continue. We still have a great deal of cooperation and collaboration to forge with shipowners, in a basin – the South Pacific – with proven potential’.
(Latest news on the cruise activity in French Polynesia. Inaugurated at the end of February, the new Papeete cruise terminal – Tahiti Cruise Club)
