ship excursions vs DIY in South Pacific

[DT1304]

I have done a few cruises to the South pacific and have never booked excursions through the ship.

 

The ship prices are ludicrous and I would like to DIY my own days on the islands.

 

In Vila, is there somewhere you can just get a taxi or book a private tour. I was last there many years ago and we just hired a driver at the port and he drove us around for the day. Not sure if this is still happening post Covid.

 

In Noumea, is that little hall with the small market still there from where I used to book my own excursions or tours.

 

 

[Aus Traveller]

We were in Vila a few days ago - the first cruise ship back after the pandemic. Taxis and vans were waiting outside the port gates. I was surprised to see that they were in better condition than a few years ago. Having been to Vila many times, we just wanted to go to Fung Kuei duty free in the main street. The price seems to be set at AUD$5 pp either to town or back to the ship.

 

When we asked about a taxi ride to Fung Kuei (not the drop off point at the closer end of town), a couple of drivers said they wanted people for a tour. I didn't ask prices, but it would be very easy. I suggest you ask if they have air-con, not the open window variety.

 

By the way, the welcome as we sailed into Vila harbour was something to see. We had ten small boats just on our side of the ship. The boats were loaded with people dressed in green and gold and some with bunches of green and gold balloons. They yelled and waved as they did wheelies beside the ship. As we came into the dock, we could see a large group of women, once again dressed in green and gold, singing and waving.

 

The President of Carnival (Marguerite Fitzgerald) was on board. She hosted a meal and drinks for the chiefs from Lifou and also the President of Vanuatu and his party.

[Aus Traveller]

We didn't go ashore in Noumea. We have been there a dozens of times. Cruises from Brisbane arrive mid afternoon or later (4pm on our cruise) and as we were docked at the container wharf, passengers had to take a shuttle bus to the cruise terminal. I cannot confirm that tours were available in the terminal, but I think it is most likely.