Coronavirus: French Polynesia halts cruise calls until April 11

French Polynesia has stopped cruise calls until April 11 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The archipelago, which includes Tahiti and Bora Bora, is now directing cruise ships to bypass its ports, with Tahiti-based ships ordered to return to Papeete immediately to disembark passengers. No embarkations will be allowed.

Procedures for disembarking in Papeete are being communicated by maritime agents to their cruise line clients by the Tahiti Cruise Club, according to Seatrade Cruise News.

The passengers’ repatriation and accommodation will be coordination with the Tourism Ministry and Tahiti hotels.

French Polynesia, which currently has three confirmed cases of coronavirus, said the April 11 date will be reviewed and could be extended according to up to date advice on the pandemic.