Surf’s Up on the Luxury Olympic Cruise

While the Olympic Village has been plagued with issues, the surfing competitors are enjoying a far more luxurious experience aboard a luxury cruise ship off the coast of Tahiti.

Photos and videos posted by surf athletes on social media reveal a stark contrast to the conditions faced by their fellow Olympians in Paris. While athletes in Paris have been complaining about cramped quarters, vegan-only diets, and cardboard beds, the surfers are living it up on the Aranui 5 cruise ship, just 45 minutes from the surf competition.

The cruise ship offers private rooms with sliding glass doors, allowing the ocean breeze to flow in, a far cry from the cramped quarters with five people to a bathroom in Paris. The ship also features a range of amenities, including a bar, dance floor, tattoo parlor, ping pong, foosball, and more.

The food options on the cruise ship are also a major upgrade, with a variety of options available to cater to the athletes’ dietary needs, unlike the mostly vegan options available in Paris. In fact, Great Britain team officials had to fly in their own chef to ensure their athletes received the necessary amount of protein.

The surfers are clearly enjoying themselves, with videos showing the German team playing music for the entire ship to enjoy, and the competitors soaking up the lively atmosphere.

The luxury cruise ship has been dubbed the “first-ever floating Olympic Village,” and organizers may want to consider replicating the experience for future events. While the traditional Olympic Village has been struggling, the one at sea is sailing smoothly.