Tuhaa Pae FAQ

There is no internet connection on the Tuha'a Pae. When close to shore or in port you can use cell-based internet; buy a cell plan or a Tahiti Wifi router at the Papeete airport on arrival.

The crew are locals from the islands of French Polynesia and most do not speak English fluently, as they don't work in tourism. An English-speaking host or hostess is aboard to help with translation and communication. On island tours, guides may speak limited English, so a translation app such as Google Translate is recommended.

The bridge is generally open except for about 30 minutes before pulling into or out of port. A limited number of passengers are permitted at any one time.

Conditions can vary and change quickly; prepare for any weather. One island can have rain on one side and sun on the other. November to May runs about 26–29°C; June to October is slightly cooler at around 24–25°C. As a freighter without stabilizers, prepare for varied sea conditions and ship movement.

Each Austral port has a dock for the Tuha'a Pae, so tendering isn't necessary. A steep staircase is used to board and disembark.

European 220-volt plugs are used throughout the ship. Bring an adaptor if your device uses another standard.

Parents take primary responsibility for their children; there are no set kids' activities.

Approximately 2,500 km on the Classic Voyage and 3,000 km on the Grand Tour.

As of recent guidance, citizens of Canada, the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and many other countries do not need a visa or vaccination to visit French Polynesia for tourism under 90 days. Your passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond arrival. Always re-check current requirements before you travel.

Comfortable, informal, easy-to-wash clothes are ideal. Dining is casual, though some guests prefer to dress up slightly in the evening rather than shorts and t-shirts.

Shorts/pants, t-shirts/tops, a swimsuit, a rain jacket or poncho, water shoes, insect repellent (25%+ DEET), sunscreen and a light sweater for cooler evenings. Bring all necessary medications and comfortable shoes for shore excursions. Apply sunscreen after insect repellent.

French Polynesia has extensive coverage on the Vini network, and most ports have good reception. Roaming charges may be high; if your phone is unlocked, a local SIM (available at post offices) gives you a local number.

If flying out on the late evening international flight, your hotel will usually store luggage after check-out; or book a day room with us at a Tahiti hotel; or book a private tour that stores your bags during the excursion.

Shore excursions are included in the fare (subject to change). Sample experiences: Rimatara — island tour, local craftsmen, a pandanus field and braiding workshop, a beach lunch, and monoï oil production. Rurutu — villages, caves, a marae, beaches and bays, with lunch at a local guesthouse. Tubuai — villages, a marae, plantations and Fort George, with the story of the Bounty, and a shore lunch. Raivavae — weather permitting, the natural blue 'motu swimming pool' with a traditional picnic. Rapa (Grand Voyage only) — the village and artisan market, plus a short hike to 'the lying woman' and hilltop fort remains.

Visits depend on how long port and cargo operations take and vary by destination — generally in port from about 9am to 4pm. Confirm with the tour director, as freight is the ship's main purpose.

There are opportunities to snorkel, but arrange any snorkelling excursions in advance.

No. Remote-island stores have limited supplies, so bring your own gear.

There's no planned evening entertainment, though locals and staff may play guitar or ukulele and sing traditional songs.

A cafeteria, a small dining room, private cabins and an outside deck with chairs. This is a working freighter with limited facilities.

On Sundays there may be a chance to join a local church service (schedule permitting), with mesmerizing Polynesian spiritual music and local craft artistry on display.

Arrive 1–2 days before your cruise (or 3–5 days early to add Moorea). Papeete has budget hotels near the market and evening roulottes; 4-star resorts are a short shuttle away. Moorea is a 10-minute flight or 30-minute ferry; Bora Bora is worth 3–4 nights.

A few bottles of water are in your room on arrival, and bottles can be refilled in the kitchen. Bring a reusable water bottle.

No assigned tables. The tour group shares a single small dining table.

Most requests can be met if arranged at the time of booking; reconfirm with the kitchen staff when boarding.

Meal times change depending on the day's itinerary.

Yes, you may bring your own alcohol onto the ship from shore. Smoking is only permitted in a designated area at the back of the ship.

No. Staff are first-aid trained, and doctors are available on each Austral island; staff can radio ahead for emergencies.

Yes. Power outlets are in the cabin (a converter may be needed). Bring an extension cord in case outlets are far from the bed.

No. Staircases are the only way to move around the decks.

This depends on the extent of the issue — you must be able to climb and descend staircases to board and move around the ship, and there are no accessible cabins. Some villages involve walking unless you hire a driver. Please discuss specific needs with us in advance; the ship reserves the right to refuse passage if serious limitations were not disclosed.

Bring hand sanitizer, wash hands frequently, and disinfect regularly to reduce illness during the cruise.

Cover exposed skin with loose, long clothing and a hat, and use repellent with at least 25% DEET (bring it — stronger concentrations aren't sold locally). This also helps against nono/sand-fly bites, especially at jungle archaeological sites.

Swimming with whales (July to September) is the most popular add-on and must be arranged in advance with Far and Away Adventures.

Yes — carry some cash for emergencies and small purchases. The local Pacific Franc is hard to get in advance; ATMs and a currency exchange are at Faa'a airport, and ATMs are common in Papeete. Credit cards are widely accepted in stores but not at market stalls, street vendors or roulottes.

No. Bring some local cash before boarding; Papeete has many ATMs.

Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia, so it isn't required on board, though you may tip for good service if you wish.

No, there is no shop on the Tuhaa Pae.

No laundry services are available on board.

No. Cabins do not include hair dryers, fridges or safes.

Towels, soap and shampoo are provided, as on most cruise lines; bring any other toiletries you need.