Cruise Boom In Tahiti, French Polynesia: New Ships, New Terminal And Record Growth Through 2026!

Published on December 5, 2025

French Polynesia’s tropical treasure, Tahiti, is showing its strength as a cruise destination, and more than that. The Tahiti Cruise Club (TCC) reports that arriving cruise-passengers via 465 calls were around 110,000 for the year 2024. Even though the region’s three primary year-round ships, Paul Gauguin, Aranui V and Star Breeze, went through thorough refits by the beginning of 2025, the number of cruise calls is still predicted to be high, with slightly more than one-thousand calls set for this year.

That persistence underlines Tahiti’s growing appeal. The region is attracting new ships regularly, with more than 25 international cruise brands operating in its waters annually.

New terminal in Papeete, infrastructure keeping pace with demand

A major factor behind the surge is infrastructure. In February 2025, the capital’s port authority inaugurated a new international cruise terminal in Papeete, replacing old facilities and significantly expanding capacity. The new terminal accommodates smaller ships (primarily under 300 passengers) and supports nearly 200 turnaround operations annually, aligning with the destination’s aim for sustainable and manageable growth.

According to TCC’s mission statement, one of its key roles is precisely to improve port facilities and passenger-welcome services across the five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia. By better aligning port capabilities with cruise-ship demands, Tahiti enhances its attractiveness for cruise-line operators, a move that pays off in more frequent calls, smoother operations, and a better experience for travellers.

Cruise-tourism boosting French Polynesia’s appeal

The impact on tourism has been substantial. In 2024, approximately 52,000 passengers embarked on cruises from Tahiti, on itineraries ranging from seven to ten days covering the five archipelagos. In addition, around 62,000 passengers arrived or departed on transit calls, a 45 per cent increase over the previous year.

Altogether, more than one-third of all visitors to French Polynesia experienced the islands via a cruise, reinforcing the notion that cruising is no longer a niche pursuit but a major pillar of the destination’s tourist economy.

Cruise operators have responded in kind: brands such as Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Ponant and Silversea Cruises, among others, have committed additional ships for upcoming seasons.

TCC says the sustained growth is no accident: since its founding in 2009, the Club has united public authorities, local communities and private operators to simplify cruise procedures, improve port and passenger infrastructure, regulate operations, and promote the region globally. The result: cruise-ship activity in the islands has increased roughly 300 per cent since 2010.

Looking ahead: 2026 on course for a record year

The forecast for 2026 is especially promising. As of now, 1,240 cruise calls have already been registered, a new record for the region.

TCC leadership expressed cautious optimism: they expect the growth trend to continue through the end of the decade, as more cruise lines flock to French Polynesia’s scenic archipelagos and rely on updated infrastructure and streamlined operations for their itineraries.

Yet, the Club acknowledges the challenge ahead: balancing growth with sustainability. While much of the cruise activity remains concentrated on the Society Islands (where Tahiti lies), there is a clear emphasis on extending economic benefits, visitor flows, and cruise-related opportunities to other islands and atolls spread across the five archipelagos.

What this means for travellers and Tahiti’s future as a cruise destination

For travellers, especially those drawn to sea-based exploration, Tahiti is now better equipped than ever to deliver a smooth, enriching cruise holiday. The new Papeete terminal offers improved passenger services, local craft showcases and a gateway to the broader wonders of French Polynesia: from the Society Islands to remote atolls.

For the destination, this cruise surge is much more than numbers. It signifies a maturing of infrastructure, deeper collaboration between public authorities and private operators under the Tahiti Cruise Club’s stewardship, and an evolving model of sustainable maritime tourism.

In case the forecasts for 2026 turn out to be true, then it might very well be the start of a new golden era for Tahiti cruise tourism, one that will not only be able to manage the larger numbers but also maintain the high quality of the experience, more evenly spreading the benefits throughout the islands, and at the same time supporting the conservation of the natural and cultural features that are both unique and attractive to many in the case of Tahiti.