Evolution of cruising in French Polynesia
Number of passengers (curves with the number of cruise passengers, excursionists, total passengers, passenger flows). 2012-2020
The Port of Papeete is the 4th French turnaround port, the 1st turnaround port of embarkation in the South Pacific Islands, and the 5th in the Oceania region.
In 2018, the cruise activity generated more than 15 billion XPF of economic benefits for the whole French Polynesia.
Seasonality
(curves of the number of stopovers per month in 2018, 2019 and 2020)
Available soon
Distribution of ports of call per ship capacity
(diagram) Available soon
Premium & Luxury » cruises
are by far the main segment welcomed in French Polynesia and the result of a choice defined in 2009, as well as a methodical work since then. This segment concerns ships offering more sophisticated services and selected excursions for a demanding senior and retired clientele. The expedition ship segment also tends to increase, with a less elderly clientele, looking for new calls and excursions, off the beaten track and anchorage points different from traditional itineraries.
Budget & Contemporary » cruises
offering a wide range of services and itineraries at competitive prices and bringing together younger cruise passengers and families, represent less than 5% of annual calls and cruise passengers in French Polynesia.
In view of the trends and the progressive importance of this segment, starting in 2020, the Tahiti Cruise Club will henceforth specifically account for calls by cruise ships with 25 to 50 passengers (which were not included in our statistics since 2010).
In view of the trends and the progressive importance of this segment, the Tahiti Cruise Club will consequently record the calls of cruise ships between 25 to 50 passengers from 2020 (which were not included in the statistics since 2010)
Among the recent trends observed, cruise lines are currently renewing more regularly their excursion offers proposed on board. In addition to the must-see sites and activities, cruise lines are in demand of more environmentally-friendly excursions, in line with the idea of « slow tourism », i.e. sailing closer, but in smaller groups to take advantage of the sites and activities and allow cruise passengers to benefit from the experiences and shops. This trend is spreading to most of the concerned destinations.
