Proper Documentation:
Citizens of the United States must have in their possession a passport, which is valid for 6 months after arrival date.  Citizens of all other countries should have their passport and must contact the nearest consulate prior to departure for information on the necessary entry visas.  It is the individual responsibility of all guests to fulfill their passport requirements.  Star Clippers will be unable to grant a refund to any guest denied boarding or entry into any country by customs or immigration officials due to lack of proper documentation.

Travel Documents:
You will receive your travel documents approximately one month prior to sailing.  Please make certain we have your legal first and last name, your arrival and departure flight times and your accommodations, should you choose to stay the night before the cruise.

What's the time difference? Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Three hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (April-October).

Will we need to exchange money? If so, what's the rate? Upon arrival in French Polynesia, most visitors exchange some money at the Faa’a Airport or at their hotel. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific franc or CFP.  The Cook Islands use the New Zealand dollar or NZD Click here for today’s currency rate: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

How Do I Use the Telephone in Tahiti?
Direct dialing international calls is available in most hotels and phone booths. Phone cards are easily purchased in Tahiti. When calling from the U.S. to Tahiti, dial 011 and then the country code of 689 along with the local number. Your cell phone with U.S. service may not work in Tahiti depending on the type of phone you have and your service provider.

What Kind of Diving Can I Expect?
The islands of Tahiti offer world-class diving and are famous among divers for the large marine life, drift dives, warm and pristine waters, and uncrowned dive sites. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create an abundant aquaculture with infinite sea life.  If you are a certified diver, please bring along your c card.  Star Clippers does offer a resort course for beginners.  Prices for diving will be listed in your shore excursion packet.

What Are the Seasons and Climate? It’s always summer in Tahiti with plenty of sun and just enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming! The climate is tropical but moderate, with sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly temperature of 79°F. The ocean and lagoon waters average 80°F year-round with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to 150 feet.

What Should I Wear? The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts.  Casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations.

What Are the Essentials to Bring?  Every Tahiti visitor is encouraged to bring sunscreen, brimmed hats, sun glasses, swim suits for land excursions, reef-walking shoes, bug repellent and any prescription medicine authorized by your physician.

Getting to the Ship

 

The closest airport to the port is Tahiti Faa’a International airport.  From there, you may either take a taxi (not metered, approximately $25 + addtl. luggage fee) American dollars are highly recommended to pay for cab fare.  If you choose, you may purchase a Star Clippers transfer through Bare Necessities*.

*Price depends upon flight times, please call for a quote.

The Star Flyer will be alongside in Quai d’ Honneur, Epi or Port of Papeete on May 11th, 2008.  Boarding will begin at 4p.m. and we will set sail at 10 p.m. 

Life Onboard

 

Internet Service:
If you need to stay in touch with family and loved one’s they may send an email to theStar Flyer at the following address: sfpax@star-flyer.net. You may receive e-mails on board through the Purser’s Office; they will be printed and delivered to your cabins at no cost. To send out e-mails you will have to purchase an Internet card from the Sloop Shop.  Wi-Fi is not available.

Telephone Service:
A telephone is provided in each cabin.  The cost for outgoing and incoming phone calls is $_____ per minute.  (Rates are to be announced) 

Currency on Board:
Please note the currency used on board The Star Flyer is the Euro. Any purchase of services or goods will be transacted in Euros, and your final billing statement/folio is also in Euros.

What are the electrical currents onboard the ships?
The Star Flyer offers an electric current of 110 AC.  Hairdryers are available in each cabin except category 6.

Shore Excursions

Along with your travel documents you will receive information on shore excursion offerings.  Sign ups for shore excursions will be available for booking once onboard the ship.  To get an idea on the type of shore excursions offered in the South Pacific click on this link: http://www.starclippers.com/image/pdf/2008eng/StarFlyer_Tahiti2008.pdf

Bare Necessities Tour & Travel


904 West 29th Street / Austin, Texas 78705

800-743-0405 / 512-499-0405 / fax: 512-469-0179