South Pacific Port Summaries - New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji

[Trilee]

Thank you for taking the time to write the review. Still undecided about Noumea (will be our first time there) but your review has given us food for thought.

[vrogers]

A big thank you LuckiePuris, this will come in handy for our family holiday in February, Noumea was wondering where to take the 3yo and with your help, the Aquarium will be just the spot. Much appreciated.... Cheers V

[hayleyworth]

Thanks so much for all the info LuckiePuris -- it is our first time cruising and we are doing the 8 day Celebrity Solstice South Pacific one, your feedback will come in super handy for us!!

[summerholidays]

Thanks LuckiePuris. Can you get by with AUD in Noumea.

[Aussieflyer]

Thanks for the great information Luckie. Will be visiting in early Feb so it was very helpful.

[By The Bay]

Thanks LuckiePuris. Can you get by with AUD in Noumea.

I have found that not many outlets accept AUD$. Best to change to the local Pacific Franc. There is an ATM outside the Casino Supermarket, across the road from where the shuttle buses from the container pier drop you off.

Edited November 1, 2015 by By The Bay

[LuckiePuris]

Thanks LuckiePuris. Can you get by with AUD in Noumea.

 

To be honest, very hit and miss. I found all the shops and restaurants and tourist attracts only accept South Pacific francs

 

At the cruise ship terminal, one or two tour providers may accept AUD but I wouldn't risk it.

 

I'd convert your money before you go for convenience. Whatever you don't use, you can change back.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Both times we've been in Noumea we just went across the road to the Casino supermarket ATM and withdrew some francs.

 

The cafe in the terminal building was most appreciative when we tendered the francs instead of Aussie dollars for our cold drinks. ;)

[summerholidays]

Is there a foreign exchange outlet in Noumea if we want to change AUD to francs?

[By The Bay]

Is there a foreign exchange outlet in Noumea if we want to change AUD to francs?

When you are dropped off the shuttle from the container pier, just go inside the two story building and on the ground floor over in the far corner is a money changer with a long line of people waiting to change money.:eek:

[LuckiePuris]

Is there a foreign exchange outlet in Noumea if we want to change AUD to francs?

 

I would organise it before you go. Why spend valuable time trying to find somewhere to exchange currency. This way when you first get to Noumea, you're set and ready to go.

[Winnie_the_explorer]

Thank you so much!! I am so excited for my first cruise to isle of pines and noumea.

 

I am planning to do the turtle bay and brush island adventure at isles of pines, there are still availability on the 8:30am one, so I can still spend the other half of the day wondering around the island. Then the HoHo bus at Noumea and just randomly explore (duck island sounds nice too). Do you think is a good idea for my first visit? Otherwise would you recommend the Amadee island tour over the turtle bay tour?

 

Cheers

Winnie

Edited February 15, 2016 by Winnie_the_explorer

[Winnie_the_explorer]

One more question....The private tour that I want to join just replied me, but the tour is from 9am to 3:30pm. From your experience with RCI, what's the possibility to get an early tender ticket and be on shore by 9am without joining th cruise tour? If so, how to increase the chance? Thanks Winnie

Edited February 15, 2016 by Winnie_the_explorer

[lyndarra]

The Amadee Island tour is a great day trip. We booked it as a ship excursion off the HAL Oosterdam and it appeared that they had booked the island almost exclusively. The tour package included an excellent sit down 3 course lunch with traditional entertainment. Also a reef cruise from the island with fish feeding and free use of Stand Up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment as well as jet ski hire. It wasn't a cheap excursion but we thought it was good value.

[LuckiePuris]

Thank you so much!! I am so excited for my first cruise to isle of pines and noumea.

 

I am planning to do the turtle bay and brush island adventure at isles of pines, there are still availability on the 8:30am one, so I can still spend the other half of the day wondering around the island. Then the HoHo bus at Noumea and just randomly explore (duck island sounds nice too). Do you think is a good idea for my first visit? Otherwise would you recommend the Amadee island tour over the turtle bay tour?

 

Cheers

Winnie

 

Hi Winnie, both Amadee and Brush are great tours but very different.

 

Brush island is perfectly crystal clear and just stunning. An opportunity to swim with dolphins, and on a two hour tour.

 

Amadee is a great full day tour with so much variety - from swimming to snorkelling to glad bottom boat to a buffet lunch with cultural dancers.

 

You asked about a private tour and what time you can get off the ship. What port is this for?

 

Generally the cruise line prioritises getting passengers off first that have booked a tour.

[LuckiePuris]

Amadee is a great tour to do in Noumea but you really don't see any of Noumea.

 

I would recommend the HOHO bus instead so you can visit the museums, aquarium, patisseries, beaches, lunch by Lemon Bay, markets etc. This way you'll really experience another culture and way of life, different from the other beach ports on your itinerary.

[LuckiePuris]

The Amadee Island tour is a great day trip. We booked it as a ship excursion off the HAL Oosterdam and it appeared that they had booked the island almost exclusively. The tour package included an excellent sit down 3 course lunch with traditional entertainment. Also a reef cruise from the island with fish feeding and free use of Stand Up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment as well as jet ski hire. It wasn't a cheap excursion but we thought it was good value.

 

Glad you enjoyed your time! You are correct and will find that the day in port, the cruise lines book out the Amadee Island exclusively.

[vrogers]

Lucky off to Isle of Pines as well as a couple of other ports, last visit there we did the Natural Pools and when coming back to the ship noticed the lovely white sandy beach, but don't know exactly how to get there once we get off the ship. Which direction is this beach in, don't recall seeing it when we disembark and just followed the crowd and came to the snorkelling spot and the saw the bus offering the ride to the Natural Pools so this time would like to swim in that lovely beach, so where do I head? Cheers V

[LuckiePuris]

Lucky off to Isle of Pines as well as a couple of other ports, last visit there we did the Natural Pools and when coming back to the ship noticed the lovely white sandy beach, but don't know exactly how to get there once we get off the ship. Which direction is this beach in, don't recall seeing it when we disembark and just followed the crowd and came to the snorkelling spot and the saw the bus offering the ride to the Natural Pools so this time would like to swim in that lovely beach, so where do I head? Cheers V

 

There are two main beaches on this island - one to the left as soon as you come off the tender. This beach has the smooth sand and perfect for swimming. If you follow the road and then turn right at the big rock, this is the second beach perfect for snorkelling.

 

The Turtle Bay & Brush Island takes you to another smaller island and beach which is just stunning.

[Sweet on the sea]

Hi Luckie, thanks for all that great information. Just a question about Mystery Island, I read that the current is strong around this Island, what is your opinion? Thanks :)

[LuckiePuris]

Hi Luckie, thanks for all that great information. Just a question about Mystery Island, I read that the current is strong around this Island, what is your opinion? Thanks :)

 

The front beach where the ship tender leaves you is not too bad, the water gradually gets deeper. You can easily swim here. Lots of beach area to setup your towels.

 

On the other side of the island, it gets quite deep quickly and the current is very strong here. I would definitely swim and snorkel in pairs. We once hired a canoe on this side of the island, my sister and I, and had to abandon the canoe and jump out as we couldn't get back! It's not too bad but just exercise caution like you would around water.

Edited February 17, 2016 by LuckiePuris

[Sweet on the sea]

The front beach where the ship tender leaves you is not too bad, the water gradually gets deeper. You can easily swim here. Lots of beach area to setup your towels.

 

On the other side of the island, it gets quite deep quickly and the current is very strong here. I would definitely swim and snorkel in pairs. We once hired a canoe on this side of the island, my sister and I, and had to abandon the canoe and jump out as we couldn't get back! It's not too bad but just exercise caution like you would around water.

 

Thank you.:)

[LuckiePuris]

Thank you.:)

 

You're very welcome. This is a beautiful island and make sure you take small AUD notes for the markets. This will be your best value souvenir shopping island.

Edited February 17, 2016 by LuckiePuris

[Kinkacruiser]

Thanks for posting Luckie. You reminded me to buy some Fijian dollars, since we have 3 or 4 ports of call there.

[Wilmacruise]

Lots of great info, thanks heaps for posting for us. 90 days and counting!!!!!!