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Bora Bora Will Not Allow the Ovation


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We are booked on the Transpacific from Honolulu to Sydney for October 2022 and we just recieved an email from Royal stating the below:

"The port of Bora Bora, French Polynesia has recently implemented a new policy restricting the size and capacity of cruise ships docking in port. Unfortunately, Ovation of the Seas exceeds the limit set by the authorities and as a result, we have replaced our visit to Bora Bora with Moorea, French Polynesia."

Werid, as Moorea, which we actually prefer as port to visit to Bora Bora, is a very short distance away and so hard to understand the local governments decision. I am sure that many people will be disappointed, but having to been there, we think it is far over rated and quite run down when we were there last. Wonder if the Radiance class is still allowed to visit Bora Bora? 

 

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This has been in the works since 2019.  I think Royal was hoping they would change their mind.  Looks like that isn't going to happen but maybe they eased the restriction for Moorea.

https://www.theluxurycruisereview.com/tahiti-ban-large-cruise-ships/

Also in 2019 the municipality of Bora Bora expressed concerns about the size of visiting cruise ships. After discussions with the municipality, now only 1,200 cruise passengers per day can visit.   Tahiti Tourisme have told us it shows a desire to preserve the beauty of its lagoon as well as the quality of service for which Bora Bora has become famous.

Moreover, the updated industry rules will now only permit voyages to commence or conclude in Tahiti if a vessel carries fewer than 2,501 guests. Larger vessels up to 3,500 guests can cruise French Polynesia, but not turnaround. However, cruise ships with more than 3,500 passengers will not be welcome. A statement from Tahiti Tourisme said: “they are not suited for our destination”.

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5 minutes ago, twangster said:

only welcome 1,200 cruise passengers per day

Thank you for the information. There economy must be doing well to turn away that sort of boost? I can understand as it really is not that big of a place and although beautiful, we saw more marine life snorkelling Moorea, although for us, Bora Bora had the best helmut dive experience thus far.

It might be possible for Royal to do a shore excusion from Moorea to Bora Bora with very limited numbers. Lets see, many months to go.    

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Moorea was already on those itineraries, so does that mean 2 day stop?

No, it is an added sea day and to ease the pain they have given the guests $100 on-board credit as compensation, which is a nice gesture considering it wasn't Royals fault. I can fell a 4am casino night, pizza with the dealers and a sleep in. Shh, don't tell the wife.

 

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  • 9 months later...
On 9/25/2022 at 12:38 AM, CruisingOz said:

It should be Opunohu Bay, where we tender. 

Thanks CruisingOz. From my reading, that is the more developed area for picking up tours and going ashore for self-led exploration around town. We have tentatively booked a Saturday glass bottomed snorkeling boat tour w lunch included, and a Sunday vehicle tour to the fruit juice plant, flower garden, farmers market, etc.

Papeete on Monday looks to be a walk about in the town that's adjacent to the dock.

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