Cruise ships

Roundtrip cruising

Customs formalities

Passengers must be in possession of a passport valid 6 months after their departure date from French Polynesia. Polynesian veterinary and phytosanitary services comply with the strictest European standards in order to guarantee food safety and hygiene by respecting a flawless chain of refrigeration measures.

Custom clearance of merchandise

Concerned with simplification and reduction of administrative formalities, all merchandise custom clearance steps are assured by maritime agents in partnership with a network of different participants (forwarding agents, customs agents, phytosanitary agents, etc.).
A transhipment statute concerning the storage of foodstuffs was adopted in 2008, improving and simplifying customs procedures.

Ship and Shorex agents

These professionals are privileged partners responsible for the management of each stopover in its entirety and remain in permanent contact with port authorities. Maritime agents in Polynesia assure all the related tasks and necessary formalities: official control, customs, phytosanitary, fresh water supply, waste management, designing excursions and transfers undertaken by cruise passengers.

Supplies

In order to respond to the needs of cruise passengers of different nationalities, containers of foodstuffs are unloaded daily originating from the United States, New Zealand, Europe and Asia guaranteeing a constant supply. Complementing these imported products, cruise companies have the possibility of ordering fresh, flavorful local fish and agricultural products from local suppliers (fruits, vegetables, etc.).

Fuel

Refueling procedures are jointly assured by selected and trained personnel who apply current international safety standards.

Crew member visas

From March 1st 2016, crew members (sailors, onboard service personnel) on vessels operating in French Polynesia more than 3 successive months do not require long-stay visas. For further information, please contact Tahiti Cruise Club or ship agent.

Pilotage

Pilotage is mandatory in the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea- Tahaa, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava: for vessels over 40m LOA within the limits of the Port of Papeete; for vessels over 90m LOA in the other ports and lagoons. Pilotage is not mandatory in the other islands, but pilots may perform this service upon request, and provide their expertise to help designing itineraries throughout French Polynesia.