Carnival Spirit Sydney 31 Oct

[Kiwi Kruzer]

 

[erewhon]

Thanks for posting the photos.

[MicCanberra]

25 more days and we will be on her.

[MMDown Under]

1 hour ago, MicCanberra said:

25 more days and we will be on her.

Bon Voyage.  Where to and for how long?

[MicCanberra]

7 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

Bon Voyage.  Where to and for how long?

South Pacific - 11 nights. We get to Port Vila, which we haven't been to for nearly 20 years

[MMDown Under]

1 minute ago, MicCanberra said:

South Pacific - 11 nights. We get to Port Vila, which we haven't been to for nearly 20 years

Should be interesting to check out any changes in Port Vila in 20 years.  

[MicCanberra]

Yes agreed, I have seen they have a second cruise dock now

[chry5alis]

It hadn't changed much in the 20 years since 1995 when we first went there on the fantastic TSS Fairstar. Have been back three times this decade. Still love Vanuatu.

[banzaii]

3 hours ago, chry5alis said:

It hadn't changed much in the 20 years since 1995 when we first went there on the fantastic TSS Fairstar. Have been back three times this decade. Still love Vanuatu.

Big difference for us was the old Toyotas, Fords and Holdens seem to have been replaced by Dodge Rams and Chev pickups.

 

More expats own businesses now but much more is Chinese ownership.

 

Siesta seems to also have disappeared, even when no ships in port.

[chry5alis]

8 hours ago, banzaii said:

Big difference for us was the old Toyotas, Fords and Holdens seem to have been replaced by Dodge Rams and Chev pickups.

 

More expats own businesses now but much more is Chinese ownership.

 

Siesta seems to also have disappeared, even when no ships in port.

Yes, was speaking to someone on our last cruise who was very knowledgeable about Vanuatu and had been many times. He said so much was now being bought up by the Chinese. It's a great shame.

[MicCanberra]

It is happening all over the world but the South Pacific has embraced the Chinese investments.

[possum52]

When we were in Vila early last year, there was a Chinese 'spy' ship in port (at the wharf which has become the 2nd cruise ship one I think) according to our driver. We did a cruise on the lagoon and our guide pointed out many of the properties that belong to Chinese owners. We were quite amazed as it was a large amount and they were all empty.

 

Leigh

[MicCanberra]

I saw the same sort of thing in PNG, the real shame is they buy the business, or shop and then the locals cannot afford to compete against it or shop there any more and their job is gone.

[Hunter69]

Love Port Vila; was there last month, only for the 3rd time.. Booked a tour through locals & had a great day at Waterfall, Blue Lagoon, turtle sanctuary & of course Duty free shopping. At Feng Keui. The cheapest place in The south Pacific.

All the locals went on about was The Chinese ownership of every-thing. inc New Paliiment buildings & University..

 

[MicCanberra]

A shame that it has come to that, but then what else can they do. They want to develop but cannot do it on their own.