FlightMedic555

It is not required. Your US license is fine.

In Tahiti the fare is 1000 xpf to start and then 130 xpf for each km, with an additional charge of 100 xpf per piece of luggage. PPT to Hilton should be about $20 USD. Fares after 8 pm through 6 am have a 1000 xpf surchage and a slightly higher rate per km. For the PPT airport no need to set up anything in advance. Taxis are readily available.

testing sites https://en.calameo.com/read/0034615034dc8a22a371b?page=1

The Cook Islands just announced that the Paul Gauguin will stop there at the end of June. I am guessing that if they open for the PG they may be open for other ships as well.

We have been on the Paul Gauguin a couple of times which stopped at Rarotonga as well as Aitutaki. At both they tender to shore, no dock. About 20% of the time it has been reported to be too rough for tender operations and the port had been cancelled. Your ship is larger than the PG and perhaps they would have less issues with tendering in as the ship can be positioned to block some of the waves. Raiatea and Papeete in French Polynesia at the only ones with a dock. All others require a tender. Reported that ships larger than 1200 passengers are no longer allowed to stop at Bora Bora.

The Bora Bora private beach is beautiful but lacking in amenities. They bring some water/soda/juice and some kayaks but that is about it. Very little, if any, seating. Very little, if any, shade. Nice to visit but I would not plan my days around it. Try and get out on the lagoon with one of many fantastic snorkel companies. We love Pure Snorkeling. As a contrast, the private motu at Taha'a is spectacular. PG used to include the cost of air in their packages. Now that is ala carte but you can purchase the air from them. Price it out as it may not be worthwhile. If you do get their air they do include the transport from the airport to the pier (taxi would be $30) and at the end of the cruise they take you to a hotel for a day room and then bring you to the airport that evening. If you are independent you usually need to get off the ship at around 9 am to 10 am. All ports are tenders as you asked. Reportedly the PG website has been down for months meaning you would need to call to reserve excursions. You can view the excursions on the website, you just can't book them. Did you use a TA?? If so, I would contact them.

Agree that the 24 hour PCR test makes no sense. For us, staying for a while precruise in Bora Bora, the 72 hour PCR test was proving challenging and expensive. The antigen test is significantly easier.

PG just updated their website to reflect this change. For some the 24 hour mark will be challenging. For our June 15 cruise it is a relief as we will be on Bora Bora prior to the cruise. Effective May 21, 2022 - *Within 24 hours of embarkation: Prior to boarding the m/s Paul Gauguin present valid proof of vaccination (any guest joining the ship must have completed the vaccination process), negative Covid-19 RT PCR or antigen test results (taken within 24 hours of embarkation), and the completed health declaration and health questionnaire forms also sent to you with your cruise documents. If guests are arriving in French Polynesia early and the validity period of the Covid-19 PCR or antigen test has expired, please visit The Louis Malarde Institute (ILM) in Papeete prior to embarkation.

Spectacular news if validated. I called PG directly this morning and as of now they are not aware of this change.