Verokaren

Well, I for one am happy with the 48 hour portion of their policy.  It gives us the flexibility to react should a foreign government respond by closing ports.  We are supposed to fly out to French Poly on Thursday for a next Sunday sailing that we have planned, like most of us, for months and months.  I am now debating whether or not to jump on the Riviera down to the Caribbean, as that does not require a flight for me.  Still the risk of being stranded on a ship for two extra weeks exists. . . so wondering if I should just take the FCC and go to Hawaii??  DESPERATELY NEED A VACATION!  

Thank you so much, Jake97.  I just checked Delta's website (we are flying Air France next Thursday), and the update is the same as it was yesterday for FP: 

FRENCH POLYNESIA - published 04.03.2020

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Cambodia, China (People's Rep.), Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (SAR China), India, Iran, Italy (Emilia-Romangna, Lombardy and Veneto regions), Japan, Korea (Rep.), Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines or Viet Nam in the past 30 days must have a medical certificate, dated from maximum 5 days before their arrival in French Polynesia. The medical certificate must confirm that the passenger is free from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I suspect we still should get a Dr.'s note for 3 days out, but who knows at this point.  I spoke to Oceania this morning, and they are still not willing to give any concession for cancelling, and said the sailing out of Papeete today went as scheduled, therefore, there was no reason to cancel.  

Hi Petoonya,

This is so frustrating as it is changing daily. We are due to fly out next Thursday, but really debating whether not to cancel at this point. Did you have a trip insurance? I'm so sorry you had to change your plans! I have an appointment to get a doctors note on Monday but flying out on Thursday, so now must change all of that around.

Does anybody know what the "health certificate" is?  Can it be a note/letter from the doctor, or is it a specific form?

Here is what is on the Delta website regarding French Polynesia: 

FRENCH POLYNESIA - published 04.03.2020

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Cambodia, China (People's Rep.), Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (SAR China), India, Iran, Italy (Emilia-Romangna, Lombardy and Veneto regions), Japan, Korea (Rep.), Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines or Viet Nam in the past 30 days must have a medical certificate, dated from maximum 5 days before their arrival in French Polynesia. The medical certificate must confirm that the passenger is free from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Below is the link to this document which sites the travel restrictions to many countries: 

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

Where did you hear that, Julig22?  We are flying  through Delta/Air France next Thursday, the 12th (actually early morning of the 13th).  The Delta website has an international flight coronavirus update and this is what it said: 

FRENCH POLYNESIA - published 04.03.2020

Passengers and airline crew who have been in Cambodia, China (People's Rep.), Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (SAR China), India, Iran, Italy (Emilia-Romangna, Lombardy and Veneto regions), Japan, Korea (Rep.), Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines or Viet Nam in the past 30 days must have a medical certificate, dated from maximum 5 days before their arrival in French Polynesia. The medical certificate must confirm that the passenger is free from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Below is the link to this document which sites the travel restrictions to many countries: 

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

So. . . .from this I am wondering if they are NOT requiring a letter from your physician if you are from the U.S.??

Again, thank you, Petoonya, for this heads up. We are sailing on the March 15 departure, hopefully!! It is hard to know what is required, specifically. Would a visit to an urgent care facility suffice? And again, Oceania needs to weigh in on this.

I have friends sailing on Viking, and they are thrilled with their new policy regarding the 24 hour cancellation.

Thank you, Petionya! Well, this is a big development indeed. I wonder how Oceania will handle this?  This is difficult for those of us traveling early.

Hi Petoonya, 

Yes, it seems as though they are closely monitoring the pax, and I completely understand given the population and medical limitations.  I doubt Oceania will cancel unless all of the ports close down.  I am sure there will be an increase in cases in the U.S. in the next few weeks, but hopefully, not so many as to cause red flags to foreign ports for American pax.  I don't know if there are any action items for us other than wait and see how it plays out. 

Hi Terry!

I have been closely following your blog as we are due to be on the Regatta on March 15th.  I am so sorry you had to endure the 4 days at Sea, but it looks like Oceania made it as entertaining as possible.  I'm curious as to whether or not the Silverseas Whisper was denied portage at Fakarava for virus reasons?  That is supposed to be one of our stops.  

Also, many of the passengers on our cruise will need to get off early on disembarkation day to catch an early flight.  Were you delayed exit significantly?  

Thank you, thank you for keeping us all updated!!  Hoping for dryer weather for you and some fun days whatever you choose to do!  

Thank you for the input!  We will be in FP for a total of 12 days.  I do have the $10/day AT&T plan, but wonder if the coverage will be adequate?  We will have a rental car on Moorea for a few days.  Also, the Internet speed on Oceania drives me crazy, so was hoping this would be a better alternative.  I've never used Google Fi.  I do appreciate everyone's input that the medium plan will be sufficient, so more like $200 for 5 devices.  

Thank you, Petoonya!!  What do you think about the packages?  I'm tempted to just get the biggest one and feel safe.

Wow!  Thank you, TLC so much for your time and effort are you have put into this amazing blog! We will be on the Regatta in just a few short weeks on March 15! It is wonderful to preview our trip through your eyes. Have you noticed any alterations due to the Coronavirus?  It is wonderful to see the smiling faces of the always friendly Oceania crew! 

Thank you so much!  I was thinking about getting the largest package, unlimited, as I did not want to have to worry about being cut off or limited.  Sadly, I own a small business, and therefore have to always be ready to check in on things!  It's good to know you can bump it up if necessary.  

We are getting ready to head to FP in three weeks and are wondering if it's worth it to purchase the big package which will cost about $350 for five devices.  I appreciate anybody's experience with this portable router!

https://www.tahitiwifi.com/travel.html

Thank you, Petoonya!  Does the Tahiti WiFi router work on a cruise ship?

I will be on the Oceania Regatta sailing to FP in mid-March, and am trying to decide if it's worth it to buy the AT&T $100 package, or just use the $10/day option.  I understand several of the islands do not have any WiFi.  We have used the Oceania WiFi before, and know it is slow, especially at peak times.  I appreciate any advice from past experience/knowledge!

Karen

Hi Petoonya!

Yes, fingers crossed indeed.  All I care about is jumping into those waters with my mask and snorkel, and taking in that underwater life.  I have so enjoyed reading your posts and advice about the area.  I am feeling more relaxed today about the situation and feel like things will work out for the best.  Hang in there, and I will be thinking about you in April!!

Best, 

Karen

Yikes. . . .I don't blame those island chiefs either, but scary for those of us who have planned and paid for this special trip.  I can imagine a trip where we simply cruise around the French Polynesia area and never get off the ship to snorkel :/.  Oh well, time will tell, and hopefully, this virus will burn out soon. 

As time draws closer to our March "trip of a lifetime" to French Polynesia on the Regatta, I am wondering if any of you seasoned cruisers out there have an opinion on how this trip might be affected from the recent cancellations and rerouting of other ships. I am hoping that the virus does not spread to any Pacific islands as that would be devastating for all. I am monitoring the boards daily, but appreciate any insight from others!

I am also thinking about a first time Celebrity cruise, and so will enjoy following you!  Have fun, and enjoy those beautiful beaches in St. Lucia!

All,

I want to give an update to this thread as everyone has been so thoughtful and helpful with your advice and contributions!  I did speak with the flight department at Oceania yesterday who said that many passengers are booked on the same Air France flight departing at 8:20am. I am not sure how they know this, as I did not book through them. Nevertheless, they said it should not be a problem getting off early enough to make that flight. Whew…I think I will just trust them and go with it. I will research the private transfers to the airport, though. Thank you, thank you!

Great input, Hawaii Dan!  We are supposed to be in Raiatea the day before and leaving at 5:00am.  I wonder if there are flights from there to Papeete.  I wouldn't mind getting off that afternoon and flying in. 

Thank you, Paulchili!  Do you know how/where I would arrange for a private transport from the dock to the airport in Tahiti?  I wonder if there are taxis around at that hour there?  And, Flatbush flyer, I am a self-employed business owner, so I do have a flexible schedule, but can't be on vacation and abandon my clients forever, sadly :)

I did actually talk at length with Delta today, as I am booked on that Air France flight at 8:20am.  I am booked for business class, and did purchase insurance for this trip (which I rarely do).  HOWEVER, as HawaiiDan mentioned, Delta will not cooperate and rebook on Tahiti Nui, and the next flight out will be two days later on Friday.  I am rather distraught over this, as I was assured from the person that I booked with at Oceania as well as some people here on the boards that the ship would be in early enough to clear customs and make that 8:20 flight.  I will call Oceania and see if I can perhaps jump on one of their flights, as was suggested here.  Other than that, I am tempted to just have our bags packed and ready to go at 6:00am the day of arrival back into Papeete.  Keep any thoughts or ideas coming, and again, thank you, thank you!!