PG-Tip, or perhaps rather, PG-Annoyance:

Suppose you're "cruise-only" or independent,
or for whatever reason, you'd like to grab a cab
at the Papeete pier to go to a hotel or anywhere else. Sounds reasonable, no?

Apparently, cabs, which are plentiful if not particularly cheap on Papeete ($17-20 to go anywhere it seems. Tipping not customary), cannot gain entry to the pier to pick you up at the gangway *unless they have been summoned by the ship*.

Naturally, the "concierge" desk (the desk formerly formerly known as shore excusion) on the PG is happy to call a cab for you, with a little advance notice.
The annoyance is that the Concierge will charge you the same $15 "communications fee" they charge those, say, who would like to arrange an onshore Polynesian festival banquet for 25 on Hiva Oa.

This, implicitly, to recoup the obscene charge for presumed satellite calling on your behalf.

Keep in mind that while at any port, especially Papeete, and often at sea (see my cell coverage post) they simply whip out their cellphone.
(You'll notice the concierge on duty chatting on hers a lot)

While I understand that Regent should be entitled to recoup unusual costs incurred for unusual indulgences,
Charging $15 for each routine taxi request
(of which there must be at least 6-12 on debarkation morning) smacks of profiteering by some Regent beancounter who got a gold star for that revenue enhancing idea.

Ok. Rant off. I still like the PG.

So, what to do?

The gate at the foot of the pier only allows empty taxis that have been officially ($15!) summoned or those with card-carrying passengers to pass and is a couple of hundred feet from the gangway.

The nearest taxi stand is just across Boulevard Pomare (the main seaside drag) from the gate which is perpendicular to the pier. Figure a 5-7 minute walk total from the ship.

Granted, not great if you're lugging 14 days worth of luggage,
but if you just want to get off the ship, say, on the final "overnight" evening to take in the town,
an alternative...

--PGJunkie
(3 x 7-night Society (2000, 2002, 2005))
(1 x 11-night Marquesas (Dec 2006))