Currency used on cruise ship visit

Cruising through the Pacific in April, we will be visiting Noumea, New Caledonia, and Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in Tahiti.

These visits will be only for between half and a full day.

Can we use USD for currency or must we change to the French Pacific Franc?

I am sure that we will all have an idea of the value of the USD against the FPF.

We would rather use the USD when buying trips and excursions on shore rather than paying for higher priced ship board ones.

It is very unlikely local operators will accept US$ except at a highly inflated rate.

Best to pay in local currency by credit card if you can or draw local currency from an ATM.

Cheers,
Peter