Cruises in the South Pacific are being reintroduced from July by Paul Gauguin Cruises.
The luxury line’s ship Paul Gauguin will run Tahiti and French Polynesia voyages with an extensive range of ‘Covid-Safe’ protocols.
The resumption comes as French Polynesia officially re-opens to international tourism on July 15.
The line will offer seven-night itineraries departing on July 11 and 18 for the local market ahead of the first departure for international passengers on July 29 from Papeete in Tahiti.
Previously scheduled seven- to 14-night Tahiti, French Polynesia and South Pacific sailings are to resume in August.
The Covid-Safe health protocol has been developed by Paul Gauguin Cruises and French parent company Ponant and is based on health standards that exceed international regulations.
“This protocol is built on the principle of double protection – 100% monitoring of people and goods before boarding, then once on board, strict health protocols are applied,” according to the line.
Crew members will be required to wear a mask or protective visor when in contact with passengers.
Guests will be asked to wear a mask in hallway corridors and this will be recommended in public spaces as well.
Passengers and crew will have to present a signed doctor’s medical form, complete a health questionnaire and undergo a health check and screening by the ship’s medical staff.
All luggage will pass through a disinfecting zone by sanitising mist or UV lamps.
Surgical and cloth masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitiser bottles will be provided to passengers.
Restaurant layouts have been redesigned and will only offer contactless a la carte dining options.
Public spaces, such as the fitness room and theatre will be capped at 50% occupancy.
High-touch points, such as door handles and handrails, will be disinfected hourly with peroxide, which claims to eliminate 100% of germs, bacteria and against biological contamination.
Zodiacs used for excursions will be thoroughly disinfected after each stop-over.
Re-boarding after shore excursions will only be permitted after temperature check and disinfection procedures.