Wyuna1 Posted September 8, 2016 #1 Share Posted September 8, 2016 I am not particularly fond of Noumea at the best of times but will be there on a Sunday on our next cruise with around twenty family members none of whom have been there and are very excited. Can any fellow cruiserswhohave been in port on a Sunday advise what is available with non ship excursions etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper_1 Posted September 8, 2016 #2 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Very little. The term "ghost town" comes to mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted September 8, 2016 #3 Share Posted September 8, 2016 (edited) The centre of town will be quiet and most of the shops will be closed, but I do not think many people go to Noumea for the shopping. :D Items are good quality but very very expensive. The alternatives are a couple of cheaper tourist-type shops selling T-shirts and sarongs: they will be open. If you want souvenirs go up to the first floor in the cruise terminal building. Usually there are more than a dozen stalls. On a Sunday, there will be quite a few, but maybe not quite as many as usual. I suggest you buy tours in the terminal building. AUD is acceptable. It would be a good idea to get off the ship promptly so you can all get on a tour. If you want to do something later in the day, you could go to Lemon Bay (Baie des Citrons) or Ansa Vata beach. Edited September 8, 2016 by Aus Traveller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trishh Posted September 9, 2016 #4 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I am not particularly fond of Noumea at the best of times but will be there on a Sunday on our next cruise with around twenty family members none of whom have been there and are very excited. Can any fellow cruiserswhohave been in port on a Sunday advise what is available with non ship excursions etc. I could have completely the wrong island, but we once visited on a Sunday and went with the locals as they went to church for the white mass. Apparently it's an island thing and was fascinating to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted September 9, 2016 #5 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I could have completely the wrong island, but we once visited on a Sunday and went with the locals as they went to church for the white mass. Apparently it's an island thing and was fascinating to watch. Maybe Apia in Samoa? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trishh Posted September 9, 2016 #6 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Maybe Apia in Samoa? You know you could be right-we have been to Apia. Trish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted September 9, 2016 #7 Share Posted September 9, 2016 I think some of the places at Anse Vata and Lemon Bay will be open on Sundays. Certainly some of the restaurants will be open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldielover Posted September 10, 2016 #8 Share Posted September 10, 2016 Hi, I've only been to Noumea once, and I had read quite a few negative comments. We were due to arrive when the shops were all closed, so we booked a non-ship tour with 'Fernando's tours and transport' - found via Trip Advisor - not cheap (comparable to other full day tours though), however, Fernando was the most wonderful, warm, witty host we could possibly ask for and my memories of Noumea are fantastic. His wife cooks a home meal for lunch and you will get to visit areas of Noumea most tours don't travel to. He is also very adaptable (ie. you choose where you would like to go) - best tour I've been on and worth every penny! Worth asking if he could accommodate a tour of your size as he had a new Mercedes van but I think only a 10 seater? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plantac Posted September 14, 2016 #9 Share Posted September 14, 2016 Noumea "CBD" is bad enough Monday to midday Saturday but thereafter including Sunday its the pits. Shut down starts at midday Saturday, no alcohol until Monday. 20 of you could hire your own bus and head south towards Anse Vata Bay (beach/tourist/hotel area) and beyond for some sign of life other than hirsute rastas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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