You can use US dollars everywhere and I would not get travellers checks. These days most people just use credit cards and they are widely accepted in Tahiti. I have been many times and never changed to local money. Shopping is not that great in Tahiti. You named the most common purchases and the vanilla is very popular too. I have forgotten the skin lotion name that people like someone will bring it up I am sure. You will love the cruise have a wonderful time.
