Tahiti Loses Another Cruise Ship: Star Flyer

French Polynesia's new tourism minister Jacqui Drollet, who took office just weeks ago on February 11, must not be sleeping very well at night. He's tasked with increasing Tahiti's tourism at a time when long-haul trips are being eschewed by Americans and Europeans who don't want to spend and arm and a leg just to get to and from their vacation havens.

The economic woes of the world have not only hit travelers, they've made a mark on cruise company bottom lines. Last year Princess pulled the Tahitian Princess out of French Polynesia (although the Pacific Princess still sometimes call upon these islands) and Silversea announced that it was canceling Prince Albert II's 2009 summer season in the area.

Now, Star Clippers has also announced plans for its 170-passenger Star Flyer to leave the Society Islands in early spring 2010. The company plans to reposition the sailing ship in the Mediterranean—closer to potential customers.

Sad news all around at a time when French Polynesia's president Oscar Temaru has been quoted in Tahitipresse as saying the current tourism outlook is "catastrophic." He also admitted that “There are days when hotels on Moorea and Bora Bora have occupancy rates of less than 20 percent."According to Tahitipresse, there was a 10 percent decline in tourist arrivals in 2008 from 2007.

Air Tahiti Nui also recently cut back its nonstop service from New York's JFK. Instead, travelers will now have to connect at Los Angeles' LAX for nonstop service to Papeete, Tahiti.

So what does this mean for cruise aficionados who want to cruise French Polynesia in 2010? Well, only the luxury ships remain in the area. The options as it stands now include:

• m/s Paul Gauguin—Currently managed by Regent Seven Seas, all aspects of this 330-passenger all-inclusive ship will be taken over by the vessel's owner, Paul Gauguin Cruises, as of January 6, 2010.
  
  
• Ti'a Moana and Tu Moana—Two luxury yachts currently sail the Society Islands under the auspices of Nomade Yachting Bora Bora. Perhaps the most expensive all-inclusive cruise option in the South Pacific, these 40-passenger yachts also provide the highest level of personal service.
  
  
• Haumana—This 24-passenger catamaran from Haumana Cruises offers 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries around Rangiroa.

So how will the loss of the Star Flyer affect bookings on other French Poly cruise ships? Only time will tell. There are some good values to be had right now aboard the Paul Gauguin and the departure of the Star Flyer may actually open up opportunity for other lines that were previously eyeing this region.

For more information about French Poly cruise options, read "Sailing French Polynesia: Your Best Bets" or visit Tahiti Tourisme's website.

Photo courtesy of Star Clippers