Cardboard beds might be the solution for accommodating athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but in Tahiti, where the surfing competition is held, a cruise ship provides the lodgings.
Anchored ~45 minutes from the surfing venue, the Aranui 5 cargo cruise ship can house ~230 passengers in 103 staterooms spread across 8 cabin decks (out of 10 total), featuring amenities like a spa and gym.
Athletes, coaches, and staff commute to/from the ship via small boats.
Moetai Brotherson (French Polynesian President) said they have a wonderful location for the village, which is on a ship and added it is unusual, but they seem to like it.
While media access to the ship is restricted, athletes have shared glimpses of the floating athlete village on social media. This arrangement helps manage the influx of visitors and reduces the need for new infrastructure, which locals and activists feared could impact the small island community.
However, not all athletes competing in Tahiti are staying on the ship; some teams and individuals have rented houses closer to the surf, sharing images of beachfront accommodations, communal meals, and scenic surroundings lined with palm trees.