Tahiti "Dreams of Tahiti" Internet Access

Like most of you, we were concerned with internet access for our September 14, 2017 "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise. Because of past warnings, we did not sign up for internet access through W/S. And I am glad we didn't.

We spoke to several passengers who did and they were uniform in their criticism. After two days of frustration, one couple we spoke to actually asked for and received a full refund.

With that said, where and how does one get internet access? And for free? Here I will share our real world experience.

Papeete: Very little problem here. Most restaurants/hotels offer free wi-fi access (look for the signs). Not as quick and reliable as home, but it is acceptable. And it's free (or free with a drink, meal or hotel stay).

Moorea: Our tender dropped us off at Cook's Bay. From there the "village" of Maharepa is about a 10 minute walk to the left of your drop off. There you will find a couple of cafes that offer free wi-fi access; Mo's and Carmalina's. On the way to Maharepa you will pass by the Moorea Beach Cafe aka MBC. They too offer free wi-fi (but it's a pricey little spot).

Raiatea: Here our ship actually docked on shore. And immediately across from us was the Cubana Cafe. Again, free wi-fi access.

Motu Mahaea: Forget about it. It's a motu!

Bora Bora: The ship's tender drops you off next to the Visitors Information Center. Walk inside and get 30 minutes (but who's counting?) of free wi-fi access. Like most tourists we visited Bloody Mary's (in retrospect a waste). Although they offer free wi-fi access, it is very, very poor quality. Almost not worth the effort nor the $10/person round trip taxi ride.

Huahine: The ship's tender drops you off across from an internet cafe. Although this cafe charges for internet access, you're going to discover that the Yacht Club restaurant a bit down the road on the way to the public beach charges $5 per hour even if you purchase a meal! Moreover, the Yacht Club's wi-fi access is pretty crappy. So I'd choose the internet cafe instead.

We took the Aremeti Ferry after our cruise to Moorea (the ferry building is one birth over from the W/S), and on our 45 minute excursion to/from Moorea, free wi-fi access was offered.

So now you have your week long primer of where and when to plan your almost free internet access. Hope this helps!

Great information! Thanks, Skitrips!! We are planning to unlock an old iPhone and buy a prepaid SIM card for it in Papeete before boarding, then just take advantage of Wifi whenever available.