French Polynesia experienced a remarkable surge in cruise tourism in 2024, setting new records and reinforcing its status as a premier maritime destination.

The year saw a significant increase in both embarkations and transit visits, contributing to the nation’s busiest tourism year on record.​

Record-Breaking Cruise Embarkations

In 2024, approximately 52,000 passengers embarked on cruises from Tahiti, undertaking voyages ranging from seven to ten days across the country’s five archipelagos.

This figure represents a 20% increase compared to 2023 and a 15% rise over the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. Additionally, 62,000 passengers visited the islands on transit calls, marking a 45% increase over the previous year.

Collectively, more than one-third of visitors to French Polynesia experienced the islands via cruise during their stay.​

Enhanced Port Infrastructure

To accommodate the growing cruise traffic, the Port Autonome de Papeete inaugurated a new cruise terminal in the capital city, Tahiti, on February 17, 2025.

The facility is currently providing basic operations and is expected to be fully equipped and operational in the second half of the year, with the capacity to handle turnarounds for up to three ships simultaneously. ​

Cruise Industry Expansion

Several cruise lines, including Aranui Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Ponant, Silversea, and Oceania Cruises, have announced plans to deploy additional ships in the region over the next two years.

The Tahiti Cruise Club anticipates that cruise business will grow by a further 25% by 2026, reflecting the industry’s confidence in the destination’s appeal.​

Tahiti Cruise Club’s Milestone

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in February 2025, the Tahiti Cruise Club has been instrumental in supporting the development of the cruise sector in French Polynesia since its establishment in 2010.

Over this period, cruise activity in the country has grown by over 300%, a testament to the club’s consistent efforts and the cohesive collaboration among industry stakeholders.​

Conclusion

The unprecedented growth in cruise tourism underscores French Polynesia’s allure as a maritime destination and highlights the successful efforts of industry stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism.

With ongoing infrastructure enhancements and strategic industry partnerships, the archipelago is poised to further solidify its position on the global cruise map in the coming years.

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