An international cruise terminal is scheduled to open in Papatee, Tahiti in 2020 and will be able to accommodate up to three cruise ships at a time.
Financed by the Port of Papeete, the new cruise terminal will have the capacity to accommodate 2,000 turnaround passengers and three cruise ships. The terminal will also feature amenities such as an aerial walk, luggage room, check-in counters, waiting room, duty free, snack bar and café and reservations facilities.
Kristin Carlson Kemper, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourisme U.S., gave the following statement: “The new cruise terminal offers us many more opportunities to welcome international travelers to The Islands of Tahiti. We look forward to introducing all of them to the Tahitian way of life, and for them to be embraced by Mana.”
Concurrently, the Aéroport de Tahiti is also undertaking a $12 million upgrade of Faa’a International Airport which is 1.8 miles from the cruise port. Airport capacity is presently at 2.5 million passengers per year and there are three departing long haul flights and two long-haul arrivals every day. This planned renovation, which is expected to be finished by 2020, includes an extension to the airport, refurbishment of the landside terminal and a new public hall containing new retail areas, shops and restaurants.
In other cruising news, Haumana (which means “Spirit of Peace”) Cruises will relaunch in June 2017. The revitalized, intimate vessel will feature 12 cabins, including one suite, with a maximum capacity of 27 passengers (including children). Experiences include a three day, three night cruise to Bora Bora, Tahaa and Raiatea, and the reverse, with the main focus on experiencing uniquely Polynesian traditions, local crafts such as weaving, and visits to vanilla plantations and pearl farms.
Fine food will be served on board, paired with a selection of wines, and additional dining experiences include a private beach meal, a Polynesian dinner-show ashore, and a delicious breakfast where guests will have their feet in the beautiful crystalline waters of The Islands of Tahiti. Haumana will also feature a panoramic lounge and oversized outdoor deck, a platform for nautical activities (e.g. kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling equipment etc.), and a sundeck. For more information visit haumana-tahiti.com.
Other leading cruise companies of the world have created ship and yacht charters that run all year round so that travelers can fully immerse themselves in French Polynesian culture through seven day, 10 day and 14 day voyages. Ships that are homeported in The Islands of Tahiti include Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar: Windspirit and Aranui: Aranui 5. Critically acclaimed luxury cruise lines such as Crystal Cruises, Oceania and Silversea also offer numerous journeys to this magical destination.
Additional options encompassing smaller vessels and regularly scheduled yacht charters are available thanks to companies such as Dream Yacht Charter, Sunsail, Tahiti Yacht Charter and The Moorings.
