Tahiti Cruise Ship Becomes First Floating Village For Olympic Athletes
Surfers are staying on the Aranui 5 cruise ship in Tahiti, which is believed to be the first floating village for athletes in Olympic history.
The Aranui 5, which is docked about 45 minutes from the surfing competition venue. It has more than 100 cabins and can accommodate up to 230 passengers.
The ship has eight guest decks, a spa, and a gym.
Furthermore, the decision to use a cruise ship as a floating village for athletes was made to manage the influx of people and minimize the impact on the local environment of the small island’s road-end town.
French Polynesian President Moété Blazeson praised the uniqueness of the arrangement.
While media access to the ship was restricted, athletes posted photos of their floating accommodation on social media.
Japanese surfer Kano Igarashi praised the ship’s facilities, which include a 24-hour restaurant, an Olympic gift shop.Also, an activity center equipped with ping-pong tables and table football.
In a TikTok video, Igarashi claimed that the floating village had better accommodations than Paris.
In an Instagram video, Matt Scouring, coach of the New Zealand surfing team, showed off the ship’s pool. Which was decorated with a statue of the Olympic rings.
German surfer Tim Ert humorously compared the cabins to cardboard beds in Paris, highlighting the difference in comfort.
Not all athletes will stay on the cruise ship. Some national teams and individuals have chosen nearby homes. Sharing picturesque paths to the beach, communal meals, and stunning views of green gardens and palm trees.
However, the creativity of hosting athletes on a cruise ship highlights the diversity of the Olympic spirit and the unique appeal of the Tahiti surfing scene.
