Updated COVID Testing Requirement (as of May 9, 2022)

[AussieBoyTX]

FYI, Ponant has updated the COVID testing requirement to antigen or PCR test less than 24 hours prior to embarkation. This also applies to Le Paul Gauguin.

 

IMO, on one hand that's good that antigen tests are possible, but it's also bad that PCR tests also have to be within 24 hours. This ensures that most passengers will have to find a testing site in the embarkation city -- probably a same day test, given embarkation times are late afternoon / early evening and testing facilities tend to close around then.

 

https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237aaa8476f1df?authid=69szHndU7e7q&page=1 (in French)

[FlightMedic555]

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

[Host Jazzbeau]

You wouldn’t need a local testing site if you bring proctored eMed kits with you. 

[Rufus Bruno 2009]

We got an antigen test to fly back to the US at the pharmacy in the shopping center across from the Tahiti Hilton for $15 and it only took about 15 minutes.  No appointment needed.  This was a Sunday and hours were 8am to noon.  I know Sat. hours were longer but I don't remember what they were.  This is fantastic news.  Getting the RT within 72 hours of boarding was a hassle for us.  

 

[MrRandal]

We have a PCR test scheduled through the Concierge at the IC Tahiti 48 hours before embarkation. They have a company that will come directly to your room and perform either a PCR or Antigen test. We also have them coming for an Antigen test before we fly home, as we'll be in Bora Bora for a week after the cruise and then fly back to Tahiti for one night before our 7:30 am AF Flight. I suppose now we'll need to change the PCR to an Antigen test the following day to be within 24 hours. The company comes to the hotel twice a day at 8:30 am-9:30 am and 3:30 pm and 4:40 pm. I know the PCR test was $120US, the Antigen test considerably less. 

[FlightMedic555]

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.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

The 24 hour PCR test makes little sense, n'est-ce pas?  Since results usually take much longer than that unless you can find a "rapid" one?

[FlightMedic555]

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. 

[AussieBoyTX]

Looks like the Ponant protocol has been updated again. PCR less than 72 hours or antigen less than 24 hours are accepted for boarding. 

 

IMO this is good news and give passengers flexibility. 

 

 

Covered in the French language FAQ here: https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237aaa8476f1df?authid=69szHndU7e7q&page=1

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Don't count on the change for PG unless you see it on their web page. Hopefully they do ...