We visited on a Sunday, and New Years Eve. Everything in town was closed except cafes and beaches. The stop was too short to explore much more than the shore excursion stops at look out park and small humid aquarium. ...
Noumea port terminal has changed. No longer is there desks selling various excursiions to the beaches, train ride etc. There only appears to be an info desk.
Perhaps all excursions need to be purchased on the ship or pre cruise now. ...
Noumea was very underwhelming unless you took a boat trip other islands. The beaches in Noumea were mostly closed (allowed to swim in a small netted area), so that took away swimming possibilities. The port itself is filled with shipping containers on one side and nickle processing on the other side. So standing out on deck was also not that appealing. ...
Some love it, many hate it. I always have a good time here. This time we did the ships trip to Amadea Island. It was quite expensive but you are trapped to go with the ship as they have the charter. The day was very good and we swam with and stroked turtles. Saw sea snakes on the beach and in the water. Had a great lunch. Saw an island show and got back just in time to sail. If you are looking to ...
Dont understand why this on every itinerary. Concrete jungle out of the 1970s would be a good way to describe it. Got stuck in a traffic jam on the bus just to leave the port when finally got there was a small market selling mostly chinese souvenirs. Wandered around the uninspiring shops which were quite expensive and mainly for the locals with not much to do. Wasn't worth going further ...
Loved Noumea. Ship docked at commercial port so a shuttle into town is provided by the cruise line. Make sure to stop at the local craft stores in the area where the shuttle drops and picks up passengers. Some local artists selling beautiful wood products and paintings (all fine for bringing back into Australia - but if unsure just ask and they will provide appropriate certificates).
Tchou ...