Rare AussieBoyTX Posted May 11, 2022 #1 Share Posted May 11, 2022 FYI, Ponant has updated the COVID testing requirement to antigen or PCR test less than 24 hours prior to embarkation. This also applies to Le Paul Gauguin. IMO, on one hand that's good that antigen tests are possible, but it's also bad that PCR tests also have to be within 24 hours. This ensures that most passengers will have to find a testing site in the embarkation city -- probably a same day test, given embarkation times are late afternoon / early evening and testing facilities tend to close around then. https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237aaa8476f1df?authid=69szHndU7e7q&page=1 (in French) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlightMedic555 Posted May 11, 2022 #2 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Spectacular news if validated. I called PG directly this morning and as of now they are not aware of this change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Jazzbeau Posted May 11, 2022 #3 Share Posted May 11, 2022 You wouldn’t need a local testing site if you bring proctored eMed kits with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rufus Bruno 2009 Posted May 12, 2022 #4 Share Posted May 12, 2022 We got an antigen test to fly back to the US at the pharmacy in the shopping center across from the Tahiti Hilton for $15 and it only took about 15 minutes. No appointment needed. This was a Sunday and hours were 8am to noon. I know Sat. hours were longer but I don't remember what they were. This is fantastic news. Getting the RT within 72 hours of boarding was a hassle for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRandal Posted May 12, 2022 #5 Share Posted May 12, 2022 We have a PCR test scheduled through the Concierge at the IC Tahiti 48 hours before embarkation. They have a company that will come directly to your room and perform either a PCR or Antigen test. We also have them coming for an Antigen test before we fly home, as we'll be in Bora Bora for a week after the cruise and then fly back to Tahiti for one night before our 7:30 am AF Flight. I suppose now we'll need to change the PCR to an Antigen test the following day to be within 24 hours. The company comes to the hotel twice a day at 8:30 am-9:30 am and 3:30 pm and 4:40 pm. I know the PCR test was $120US, the Antigen test considerably less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlightMedic555 Posted May 13, 2022 #6 Share Posted May 13, 2022 PG just updated their website to reflect this change. For some the 24 hour mark will be challenging. For our June 15 cruise it is a relief as we will be on Bora Bora prior to the cruise. Effective May 21, 2022 - *Within 24 hours of embarkation: Prior to boarding the m/s Paul Gauguin present valid proof of vaccination (any guest joining the ship must have completed the vaccination process), negative Covid-19 RT PCR or antigen test results (taken within 24 hours of embarkation), and the completed health declaration and health questionnaire forms also sent to you with your cruise documents. If guests are arriving in French Polynesia early and the validity period of the Covid-19 PCR or antigen test has expired, please visit The Louis Malarde Institute (ILM) in Papeete prior to embarkation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted May 14, 2022 #7 Share Posted May 14, 2022 The 24 hour PCR test makes little sense, n'est-ce pas? Since results usually take much longer than that unless you can find a "rapid" one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlightMedic555 Posted May 14, 2022 #8 Share Posted May 14, 2022 Agree that the 24 hour PCR test makes no sense. For us, staying for a while precruise in Bora Bora, the 72 hour PCR test was proving challenging and expensive. The antigen test is significantly easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare AussieBoyTX Posted May 16, 2022 Author #9 Share Posted May 16, 2022 Looks like the Ponant protocol has been updated again. PCR less than 72 hours or antigen less than 24 hours are accepted for boarding. IMO this is good news and give passengers flexibility. Covered in the French language FAQ here: https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237aaa8476f1df?authid=69szHndU7e7q&page=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tahitianbigkahuna Posted May 17, 2022 #10 Share Posted May 17, 2022 Don't count on the change for PG unless you see it on their web page. Hopefully they do ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now