La Petit train noumea

[staceymrow]

Can anyone tell me if the le petit train tour is on for the passengers on the Pacific Sun on the days she docks at Noumea at 2pm?

I have read alot of tours get cancelled if the ship is late arriving.

If anyone has a copy of thier shore tour booklet, can you please tell me what time this tour is on (if any?)

Thanks

[LouLou28]

Hi staceymrow

 

On our tour booking form we got with our tickets Le Petit Train is showing three tours for us in Noumea (we arrive at 3pm) - the first one is at 2:30pm:eek: (don't know how anyone will make that!) with two after that - one at 4pm and another one at 5:30pm (a twilight one).

 

When we went on Week Fantastique last year - Le Petit Train was running when we arrived at 2pm.

 

Hope this helps!:D

[fishtaco]

just buy a ticket to get on when you arrive at port it is only $20,it is not a P&O exclusive tour and they have at least two running,so available each 1/2 hour i think.

 

Den

[staceymrow]

just buy a ticket to get on when you arrive at port it is only $20,it is not a P&O exclusive tour and they have at least two running,so available each 1/2 hour i think.

 

Den

 

 

Yes Money wise it would be better to do it this way, but I have read on these boards that P@O book it out beforehand, giving the people who want to do it cheaper not much of a chance! :mad:

 

I would really like to do this tour, but not sure whether or not I should risk not booking till we get there.?????:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Ela 2]

Yes Money wise it would be better to do it this way, but I have read on these boards that P@O book it out beforehand, giving the people who want to do it cheaper not much of a chance! :mad:

 

I would really like to do this tour, but not sure whether or not I should risk not booking till we get there.?????:confused: :confused: :confused:

Each time we have been to Noumea we have taken the same trip as the 'petite train' but by either mini bus or full size coach. Maybe not as cute as a train, but you are in air-conditioned comfort and not in the sun. The buses also go to one more lookout than the train does.

 

Cost of the bus trip is A$15 and it is booked at the cruise terminal on the wharf. The train trip is also sold there for A$20 and I have not seen that it has already been booked out. We prefer the bus anyway.

 

We have been to Noumea in recent years on the Sky, Star and the Sun. The only time the tours did not run is when we arrived very very late (5.30pm) on the Sky. Even if there is a bit of a delay caused by rough weather, the tours would still run.

 

Your choice ....:):)

[MsMinx]

On our tour booking form we got with our tickets Le Petit Train is showing three tours for us in Noumea (we arrive at 3pm) - the first one is at 2:30pm:eek: (don't know how anyone will make that!) with two after that - one at 4pm and another one at 5:30pm (a twilight one).

 

Oh no! I totally missed that there was a sunset one otherwise i'd have booked it:( Bugger:rolleyes:

[HenleyFun]

My family and I were on the Sun last week. We did a 4:15 tour that had us back to the ship just as the sun was setting - stunning view and pics! I would do the train for the atmosphere and fun of it. We had dozens of locals in cars, on the side of the road all tooting and call out greetings - it was a lot of fun.

 

However I would not book through P & O next time. The Champagne and pastery at the look out were NOT worth $39!!! We were a full cruise with 1900 passengers and there were still tickets being sold at the port.

 

The ONLY reason I would book through P & O in advance would be if they could confirm the tour you wanted to be on - either the sunset one OR an early one which will ensure you get off the ship quicker (nice bonus) and the ability to get back on the ship for your dinner sitting or for that night's entertainment - IF that is important to you.

 

Personal tip would be to NOT line up for a ticket to get off the ship - well at least not all of you. I lined up and missed the entry to the port - stunning views I did see in the line up through the windows. My children got to see the tug boats and all the port had to offer from the comfort of the cabin. Next time we would ALL get a prime spot on the deck to take it all in!!!

 

Next time, I would do the train, not the bus and I would take my chance at the dock not book in advance....

 

Hope that helps.

[karmac]

My family and I were on the Sun last week. We did a 4:15 tour that had us back to the ship just as the sun was setting - stunning view and pics! I would do the train for the atmosphere and fun of it. We had dozens of locals in cars, on the side of the road all tooting and call out greetings - it was a lot of fun.

 

However I would not book through P & O next time. The Champagne and pastery at the look out were NOT worth $39!!! We were a full cruise with 1900 passengers and there were still tickets being sold at the port.

 

The ONLY reason I would book through P & O in advance would be if they could confirm the tour you wanted to be on - either the sunset one OR an early one which will ensure you get off the ship quicker (nice bonus) and the ability to get back on the ship for your dinner sitting or for that night's entertainment - IF that is important to you.

 

Personal tip would be to NOT line up for a ticket to get off the ship - well at least not all of you. I lined up and missed the entry to the port - stunning views I did see in the line up through the windows. My children got to see the tug boats and all the port had to offer from the comfort of the cabin. Next time we would ALL get a prime spot on the deck to take it all in!!!

 

Next time, I would do the train, not the bus and I would take my chance at the dock not book in advance....

 

Hope that helps.

 

You had to get a ticket to get off the ship at Noumea??:confused: :confused:

 

Karen

[arxcards]

Next time, I would do the train, not the bus and I would take my chance at the dock not book in advance....

 

Hope that helps.

 

Did the train on New Years Eve. Some nice views, same ugly ones too. The pastries were nice, but the bubbly was cheap & nasty.

 

Next time I will be doing what so many are doing these days in Noumea - Enjoying the extra space around the pool.

[Ela 2]

You had to get a ticket to get off the ship at Noumea??:confused: :confused:

 

Karen

We didn't on our last three cruises into Noumea. We simply walked off and only lined up for a couple of minutes to go through security.:)

[staceymrow]

THANKS EVRYONE.

THE 4PM TRAIN SOUNDS GOOD- THEN WE WILL BE BACK IN TIME FOR OUR 1ST SITTING AT DINNER

 

Il probably not book through P&O.

Take the chance at Noumea , i think!

[onthemoney]

Noumea is an absolute disgrace. If you enjoy grafitti, excrement on footpaths, threatning locals, general all round dirty condition - get off the boat otherwise stay onboard and enjoy the space on the ship.

[kezza]

Noumea is an absolute disgrace. If you enjoy grafitti, excrement on footpaths, threatning locals, general all round dirty condition - get off the boat otherwise stay onboard and enjoy the space on the ship.

 

 

We've found that the locals can sometimes be intimidating especially around the parkland area and some of the shop owners look at you with distaste and if I get that look i'll go and buy the cheap souvenier tshirt elsewhere. Never seen excrement on the footpaths tho and yes it can be a dirty place when you get off the boat and walk into the shops area and some other parts of also grotty looking but we've found that a majority of Noumea is beautiful looking.

 

You need to get off the boat to have a look for yourself. Some people love the place and others don't. Make your own mind up. ;)

 

We feel awkward sometimes walking thru town but we will still get off and have a look around.

 

Kerri

[lelley]

Got back off the Star last week and did a couple of tours. I would risk it and just head left when you enter the building at the Port as I am sure that they will be selling the GREEN TRAIN TOURS for A$20 as opposed to going on the YELLOW TRAIN A$59 thru P&O. When I enquired about when they were finishing selling etc at the stalls I was told that were there until either the ship set sail or it was early evening.:p As for the tours there for sale I think that their motto is probably when the ships in, go for gold and work that train until it runs out of steam!!!!;)

[fishtaco]

Noumea is an absolute disgrace. If you enjoy grafitti, excrement on footpaths, threatning locals, general all round dirty condition - get off the boat otherwise stay onboard and enjoy the space on the ship.

 

I cant believe you said that! Noumea was fantastic when I was there less than 3 weeks ago. You are obviosley not very well traveld?

After all the bad reports that I read on here I was expecting what you just wrote but found it very different,it was clean and not run down,locals were very friendly and the marina area was beutiful!

It is not a tropical island but a port town,perhaps that is the problem? People are expecting a tropical paradise?

Now Vila that is a dirty run down hole if you ask me but lots of people love it there? Beats me why P&O even go to Vila?

Given a choice I would choose Noemea over vila anyday.

 

Den

[Blue Boys]

I haven't been around these boards for very long and probably not as experienced as some of the other travellers that have posted their thoughts, but I've been to some places that "people" have said don't bother and glad I made the journey. I think every experience no matter where you go is worth while, it may not always meet your expectations but at least you've been and able to form your own opinions.

 

Noumea isn't the "best" place I've ever been to, it has it's merits and the natives certainly being the negatives.

 

No matter where you go it's what you make of your opportunities that remains with you forever.

 

Happy cruising and holidaying everyone.

 

Cheers

Marg

[HenleyFun]

Further to my earlier post....

 

Noumea is a place you MUST do a tour, catch a cab, hire a scooter etc, as the highlights of the island are NOT the PORT.

 

Last week on our Pacific Sun cruise I shared a lift with a fellow passenger, yes I was slack not sprinting up the stairs, maybe too much food and fun. It was the day after our visit to Noumea and we were soon to visit Lifou. My fellow lift taker asked if I was going to bother seeing Lifou and then quickly answered his own question with a statement that he wouldn't waste his time after what he saw in Noumea. He got off the ship, walked around for 30 mins and got back on - will NOT get off the ship again.

 

After our afternoon in the beautiful Lifou and Isle of Pines I felt so sorry for that guy - he missed out on so much, including what he didn't see in Noumea.

 

Also I agree with other's comments - Noumea is a lovely location and I would visit there again. Some of the views that we saw on the tour were stunning and the resorts would be to die for.

 

If you don't like Noumea then do NOT travel too far away from home as you will not enjoy much the rest of the world has to offer...... If you can get past the Port and those that 'hang' at the port you will find a beautiful city! This applies to MOST places in the world including MOST ports in Australia!!!

[kcbj]

I think every experience no matter where you go is worth while, it may not always meet your expectations but at least you've been and able to form your own opinions.

 

Well said, Marg!

 

When somewhere doesn't meet your expectations, does that say more about the place or about the individual making the assumptions?

 

If everywhere was just like home, would we travel at all?

 

Viva la difference!

 

Cheers

 

Clive

[Tinky2]

Personally speaking I am not a fan of Noumea at this point in time. The reason for this is the last time we went there we did the Train tour as well, and as already stated some views are beautiful others ugly, the champagne was really disgusting pastries not so bad. We also found that the dark Noumean's were lovely, smiling, waving and greeting everyone. The whites however (shop keepers etc) were rude and surly.

However Iwill be doing something different this time so I am going to give Noumea another go. I havn't given up on it yet :D

[rkmw]

Personally speaking I am not a fan of Noumea at this point in time. The reason for this is the last time we went there we did the Train tour as well, and as already stated some views are beautiful others ugly, the champagne was really disgusting pastries not so bad. We also found that the dark Noumean's were lovely, smiling, waving and greeting everyone. The whites however (shop keepers etc) were rude and surly.

However Iwill be doing something different this time so I am going to give Noumea another go. I havn't given up on it yet :D

 

hi tinky, when you get to Noumea go to the tourist information and you can get some good tours there and some take aussie $$$

 

rkmw

[Down-Unders]

I cant believe you said that! Noumea was fantastic when I was there less than 3 weeks ago. You are obviosley not very well traveld?

After all the bad reports that I read on here I was expecting what you just wrote but found it very different,it was clean and not run down,locals were very friendly and the marina area was beutiful!

It is not a tropical island but a port town,perhaps that is the problem? People are expecting a tropical paradise?

Now Vila that is a dirty run down hole if you ask me but lots of people love it there? Beats me why P&O even go to Vila?

Given a choice I would choose Noemea over vila anyday.

 

Den

 

 

onthemoney and fishtaco may I remind you both, the mind is like a parachute works better when opened.

 

 

:):):):):)

[Tinky2]

hi tinky, when you get to Noumea go to the tourist information and you can get some good tours there and some take aussie $$$

 

rkmw

 

Thanks for that info, will certainly do that :D

 

I love Vila, one of my favourite places and the people are just so friendly. I think what people are forgetting is that we all have different tastes and we all live differently. If we don't explore other places and give them a go it is sad, we need to broaden our horizons and ideas. Makes us appreciate all the more what we have. :)

[rockie]

On our last trip to Noumea last year, there was definatley an atmosphere I hadn't noticed on other trips there, albeit only one dayers. We did a bus trip that was really interesting and stopped up where the train stops and witnessed a 'brown' local get out of his car and crap on the road, then emptied his rubbish out. Disgusting, but I still love the shops. They are expensive but nice to look at, especially the casino (supermarket) across the road from the terminal. I got a lovely necklace in one of the shops on our first trip there about 5 years ago and went to have another look, but it was a religious holiday and it was closed. Hopefully next year on the cruise we will get there on a shop open day. I would avoid up round the park, that is where we 'felt' the atmosphere. I still haven't found the chocolate shop and want to this time.

 

Yes, some of the shopkeepers are somewhat surly, but I call it indifference. It depends on your own attitude as to whether you take offence or not, I don't. I always buy those sticker/activity books the kids love and these ones are of course all in French and my grandkids love them, will get more next trip.

[Tinky2]

. I still haven't found the chocolate shop and want to this time.

 

Oooo I have not heard about a chocolate shop... please can you enlighten me?? :D

 

Ellen

[PalmTree's]

In 1991, a second boutique was opened in Port Plaisance Shopping Mall. This boutique became very quickly “La Cabosse D’or” main boutique.

In 1992, the factory which was located at the Professional Association Shopping Mall became far too small to handle an increasing production and it was replaced by a much larger factory in the outer Suburb of BOULARI, MONT DORE. Then, following his father’s death, Gregory had to take over the entire operations, punctually assisted by his mother, who finally let Gregory manage all the business by himself.

In 2007, the boutique located at Port Plaisance was closed down and relocated in a new boutique at 31, Route du Velodrome, Noumea, this new boutique being more exposed than the boutique at Port Plaisance.

In 2008, we launched our Internet website, which is today’s new technologies is an essential marketing tool. This website is giving us the opportunity to have an open window to a world without any frontiers, permitting us to keep our customers informed on “La Cabosse D’Or” new developments.

 

 

Have emailed the site so when I know you'll know.This should be very informative.