Noume - Good or Bad? - Recomended SHore Tours.

Hello, I'm traveling on the Pacific Dawn W934, 9th of December.

I have heard from friends who have been to Noumea, that it's a bit "dodgy" - bit of a "hole". And that they wouldn't want to go back.

However I have always wanted to go to New Calednoia.

So I'm just asking. What did you think of it?

And What shore tours would you recomened? (and book through P&O or independantly?)

Thanks.

Cooper.

Without a doubt, Amedee Island. It is a pricy shore tour but includes so much and it great value for a full day.

Boat trip out to the island - 40 minutes each way

Glass bottom boat and snorkelling

Lunch and wine/soft drink

Fire dancing and cultural dancing display

Shopping in the boutique

Fast cat out to the reef for shark feeding displays

Craft displays - not sure about this one as we spent the time snorkelling in the magic water.

coffee and biscuits on the boat on the way back to Noumea, tired and happy.

I can fully reccommend this great day, the staff man the boats, take part in the cultural dance display and commentate. They are lovely and work hard to make sure we all enjoyed ourselves. We did and can't wait to go back.

I've done a search for my review from October last year. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=863523&highlight=amedee You'll love it.

Wow, that does sound great!

I'm definatly going to be looking into this.

Can you only book it through PandO or would it be cheaper to try book it independantly?

Thanks =D

Hello, I'm traveling on the Pacific Dawn W934, 9th of December.

I have heard from friends who have been to Noumea, that it's a bit "dodgy" - bit of a "hole". And that they wouldn't want to go back.

However I have always wanted to go to New Calednoia.

So I'm just asking. What did you think of it?

 

And What shore tours would you recomened? (and book through P&O or independantly?)

 

Thanks.

Cooper.

With anything, it is what you make of it. Personally, I enjoy visiting Noumea. It was the first port on my first cruise so I have a special spot for Noumea. But there really is a lot to see and do. Noumea is like a mini Paris.

The shopping is a bit expensive and in South Pacific Francs. But the key is to get out of the city and see what Noumea has to offer.

I personally loved the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and the Aquarium.

You can do the ships tours but they can be costly. I would recommend the Noumea Explorer which is a "Hop On Hop Off" bus service.

The following is a link to a thread I have started on the topic. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1017981&highlight=noumea+explorer

We booked through P&O. Be aware though, that Amedee is a full day and may not be available for all cruises. Cruises from Brisbane often only spend the afternoon and evening in Noumea.

Thanks Luke Puris.

And I think I should be able to do the tour.

We are in Noumea from 8am - 4.30.

Should be enougth time. Looking at the tour on PandO now :)

Thanks.

Hi,

We were in Noumea this week. I was going to give you a full reply but I would just be re-quoting what LuckiePuris said.

So, 'What Luckie said'. I agree completely.

Cheers

Clive

I'll be traveling on W933 just ten days before your departure date, and I'm really looking forward to Noumea. I've already consulted my guide (and the wealth of information on these boards) and I've already organised most of my day there. I've been looking at the shore tours too, but none have really jumped out at me. I'll be happy with a self-guided walking tour, a nice lunch, and simply taking in the sights (mostly for free). You might consider the La Petite Train or the many bus tours around town. It's up to you whether to book through P&O or not, although from what I understand, you get peace of mind booking through P&O in regard to being stranded on the island. If you book a tour independantly, it almost certainly will be cheaper, but you must take it upon yourself to make it back to the boat on time, regardless of tour breakdowns and other unforseem circumstances.

I suppose I'm in no position to comment on the cleanliness or 'dodgyness' of Noumea until I've been there, although I would like to suggest that it can't possibly be as bad as people are making it out to be. If you haven't been there before, surely it's guaranteed that you'll have a good time.

Wow, that does sound great!

I'm definatly going to be looking into this.

Can you only book it through PandO or would it be cheaper to try book it independantly?

 

Thanks =D

You will need to do it with P&O - if you do it independantly you'll end up missing Pacific Dawn's departure, and will see PD sailing out of the harbour as the ferry from Amedee come back in. The P&O Shore tour group have a special earlier departure from Amedee back to Noumea to make sure the tour group is back at the ship before sailaway time.

You will need to do it with P&O - if you do it independantly you'll end up missing Pacific Dawn's departure, and will see PD sailing out of the harbour as the ferry from Amedee come back in. The P&O Shore tour group have a special earlier departure from Amedee back to Noumea to make sure the tour group is back at the ship before sailaway time.

That's got to be every cruisers biggest nightmare. Just imagine the horror of it. :eek::eek::eek::eek:

Hi,

I thought about this and have a bit more to add.

We decided to go on our recent cruise because our 9 year old daughter wanted to visit another country. She wanted to experience another language, culture and use different money (her words).

Noumea is an ideal place for that experience. 2 cultures, French language and a currency with a difficult exchange rate. (68:1 for us!) As a bonus they drive on the 'wrong' side of the road.

We decided not to do a tour as we felt that would reduce the exposure to the differences. So what we did was:

1. Went to the cruise terminal. Tour operators downstairs, art/craft market stalls upstairs.

2. Walked to the city markets. Fish markets, fruit/veges, craft/souvenirs. Daughter bought some trinkets, paid in XPF and thanked the lady in French.

3. Walked to McDonalds. Identical decor etc to home but all in French and XPF. (Big Mac $7)

4. Walked through the CBD to Coconut Square. Stopped at a toy shop. Lego set that is $79 in AU was over $200.

5. Bought a drink in the park, sat and watched Noumea walk past. A distinct social class divide is apparent.

6. Went to Musee de Ville (City Museum). Fascinating history of Noumea.

7. Walked back to the ship for lunch. Not because we are tight, because wife didn't want to eat the local food when there was 5 star food on board.

8. Walked through Noumea again. Spent a fascinating half hour in Casino Johnson (supermarket). They sell virtually everything including the cheapest beer I have ever seen anywhere.

Wandered back to the ship via the market stalls upstairs in the terminal again so daughter could buy more trinkets and use more French.

My wife was not impressed with Noumea but our daughter got her cultural experience and we all had a pleasant day in the sun. We would have done a tour in the afternoon but our son wasn't keen. He just wanted to see more fascinating city. Mercedes parked beside rustbucket. French boutique beside junk shop.

We would all go back to Noumea. Next time we would do a tour and get out of the city because we have seen it. We spoke to people on board who had done the Amadee Island tour. They had a ball on the tour but expressed regret that they had seen none of the city.

There is something there for everyone. You just have to accept Noumea for what it is.

Cheers

Clive

Well have just come back from there. Just think of the place as Redfern with water.Would not go back

kcbj (clive), sounds like you had an interesting day. As we were on the Sun we actually got in early about 2pm. With limited time and the Le Petit Train office still closed we did a quick 1 hour tour with Country Tours, this took us past the beaches and to a couple of lookouts. The guide spoke english and the tour was great for the price. We too paid in francs (also have 9 & 7 yr old daughters).:(

We looked around the markets upstairs, wow expensive. Don't you just love souveniers that are made in China. :eek: We got our passports stamped at the Tourism office and then set off into town for a walk around to the chocolate shops. Spent more at Chocolats Morand on patisieries and choccies than our tour. :p LOL.

Walking back to the boat the long way, past many interesting locals that I can't say I'd like to see at night, could smell the pot they were smoking a mile away. Checked out the Casino supermarket and liked the price tags, they show the different currencies. Watched the dancers in the terminal from the ship. We had some come aboard that night and do a show they were fantastic, so much better than the couple of cheesy cabaret type shows I saw by the Pacific Entertainers. :o LOL.

Have to agree, I would love to do Amadee Island if on a full day otherwise get out of the city and see some sights. Noumea, like anywhere is what you make of it and what you want to see.

Cheers

Jingles.:D

Without a doubt, Amedee Island. It is a pricy shore tour but includes so much and it great value for a full day.

 

Boat trip out to the island - 40 minutes each way

Glass bottom boat and snorkelling

Lunch and wine/soft drink

Fire dancing and cultural dancing display

Shopping in the boutique

Fast cat out to the reef for shark feeding displays

Craft displays - not sure about this one as we spent the time snorkelling in the magic water.

coffee and biscuits on the boat on the way back to Noumea, tired and happy.

 

I can fully reccommend this great day, the staff man the boats, take part in the cultural dance display and commentate. They are lovely and work hard to make sure we all enjoyed ourselves. We did and can't wait to go back.

 

I've done a search for my review from October last year. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=863523&highlight=amedee You'll love it.

I agree with Brushtail we just did Amedee and it was exactly as you described. We had a great time, it is spectacular. We enjoyed it very much. It had a little bit of everything. The only thing I would say is take Pacific Francs or Aussie notes but not coins - we were armed with lots of Aussie coin that we couldn't use but they took Visa. We were a little sad we saw nothing of Noumea for ourselves but it's a good excuse to go back! Just make sure you don't get locked in the Lighthouse at the end of the day - we walked passed to a lady hanging out the window asking for help as they had been locked in!!!:eek: The staff were horrified, it was near the end of the day and they very well could have been left there - thank goodness it wasn't me.

Angela

Hi,

 

We were in Noumea this week. I was going to give you a full reply but I would just be re-quoting what LuckiePuris said.

 

So, 'What Luckie said'. I agree completely.

 

Cheers

 

Clive

Haha thanks Clive, had Noumea changed much for you since your last visit? :)

Hi,

 

I thought about this and have a bit more to add.

 

We decided to go on our recent cruise because our 9 year old daughter wanted to visit another country. She wanted to experience another language, culture and use different money (her words).

 

Noumea is an ideal place for that experience. 2 cultures, French language and a currency with a difficult exchange rate. (68:1 for us!) As a bonus they drive on the 'wrong' side of the road.

 

We decided not to do a tour as we felt that would reduce the exposure to the differences. So what we did was:

 

1. Went to the cruise terminal. Tour operators downstairs, art/craft market stalls upstairs.

 

2. Walked to the city markets. Fish markets, fruit/veges, craft/souvenirs. Daughter bought some trinkets, paid in XPF and thanked the lady in French.

 

3. Walked to McDonalds. Identical decor etc to home but all in French and XPF. (Big Mac $7)

 

4. Walked through the CBD to Coconut Square. Stopped at a toy shop. Lego set that is $79 in AU was over $200.

 

5. Bought a drink in the park, sat and watched Noumea walk past. A distinct social class divide is apparent.

 

6. Went to Musee de Ville (City Museum). Fascinating history of Noumea.

 

7. Walked back to the ship for lunch. Not because we are tight, because wife didn't want to eat the local food when there was 5 star food on board.

 

8. Walked through Noumea again. Spent a fascinating half hour in Casino Johnson (supermarket). They sell virtually everything including the cheapest beer I have ever seen anywhere.

 

Wandered back to the ship via the market stalls upstairs in the terminal again so daughter could buy more trinkets and use more French.

 

My wife was not impressed with Noumea but our daughter got her cultural experience and we all had a pleasant day in the sun. We would have done a tour in the afternoon but our son wasn't keen. He just wanted to see more fascinating city. Mercedes parked beside rustbucket. French boutique beside junk shop.

 

We would all go back to Noumea. Next time we would do a tour and get out of the city because we have seen it. We spoke to people on board who had done the Amadee Island tour. They had a ball on the tour but expressed regret that they had seen none of the city.

 

There is something there for everyone. You just have to accept Noumea for what it is.

 

Cheers

 

Clive

Sounds like you had a fantastic time and very well said! :)

Hi,

 

I thought about this and have a bit more to add.

 

We decided to go on our recent cruise because our 9 year old daughter wanted to visit another country. She wanted to experience another language, culture and use different money (her words).

 

Noumea is an ideal place for that experience. 2 cultures, French language and a currency with a difficult exchange rate. (68:1 for us!) As a bonus they drive on the 'wrong' side of the road.

 

We decided not to do a tour as we felt that would reduce the exposure to the differences. So what we did was:

 

1. Went to the cruise terminal. Tour operators downstairs, art/craft market stalls upstairs.

 

2. Walked to the city markets. Fish markets, fruit/veges, craft/souvenirs. Daughter bought some trinkets, paid in XPF and thanked the lady in French.

 

3. Walked to McDonalds. Identical decor etc to home but all in French and XPF. (Big Mac $7)

 

4. Walked through the CBD to Coconut Square. Stopped at a toy shop. Lego set that is $79 in AU was over $200.

 

5. Bought a drink in the park, sat and watched Noumea walk past. A distinct social class divide is apparent.

 

6. Went to Musee de Ville (City Museum). Fascinating history of Noumea.

 

7. Walked back to the ship for lunch. Not because we are tight, because wife didn't want to eat the local food when there was 5 star food on board.

 

8. Walked through Noumea again. Spent a fascinating half hour in Casino Johnson (supermarket). They sell virtually everything including the cheapest beer I have ever seen anywhere.

 

Wandered back to the ship via the market stalls upstairs in the terminal again so daughter could buy more trinkets and use more French.

 

My wife was not impressed with Noumea but our daughter got her cultural experience and we all had a pleasant day in the sun. We would have done a tour in the afternoon but our son wasn't keen. He just wanted to see more fascinating city. Mercedes parked beside rustbucket. French boutique beside junk shop.

 

We would all go back to Noumea. Next time we would do a tour and get out of the city because we have seen it. We spoke to people on board who had done the Amadee Island tour. They had a ball on the tour but expressed regret that they had seen none of the city.

 

There is something there for everyone. You just have to accept Noumea for what it is.

 

Cheers

 

Clive

An interesting reflection on Noumea Clive. We are just going to do the City High lights...... for now.... if we wish to explore the city further than we will.

Haha thanks Clive, had Noumea changed much for you since your last visit? :)

In 18 years, no not really. It's still a town of stark social contrast.

Cheers

Clive

We spoke to people on board who had done the Amadee Island tour. They had a ball on the tour but expressed regret that they had seen none of the city.

We were a little sad we saw nothing of Noumea for ourselves but it's a good excuse to go back!

Snap!

Clive you forgot to mention that the people you were talking to were very friendly and good looking to boot!;):D:p

Angela

Sorry, going to disagree with most on this one...2 times i have visited Noumea I found it dirty smelly expensive not somewhere I would want to visit again. Our xmas cruise next year stops there and my 8yo and myself have already decided we wont be getting off the ship....just my opinion....

While I myself don't mind Noumea I think that you have to remember that it is a working port city and not a tropical paradise in itself.

Yes, there can be some not so nice parts of it but that can be said of a lot of places.

New Caledonia has some lovely places and some of these are not too far from Noumea

Go and do what interests you and have a great holiday!

Reading the posts on the tripadvisor New Caledonia, a lot of people who plan & visit NC arent't impressed!

It seemes it is expensive because its an outpost from France & lots of stuff needs to be imported so its not a cheap destination like most of the other S Pacific islands that Aussies & Kiwis visit.

One tip that I read that made sense was not to ask "do you speak English" but to ask "Parlez vous anglais?" Never a bad idea to know a few words in the host country.

Aside from our cruise, NC's not on my holiday list ATM, but maybe its like judging Fiji after a visit to Nadi.

Oh, yes, read somewhere else, when off the ship hide your cruise cards!

i've been three times and enjoyed it every time. of course the direct area around the port isn't very salubrious so take a tour around the place- the best time we had was this past April on Rhapsody - we took the Petit Train from directly outside the terminal and it was great fun and good value.

In the afternoon, it's really nice to catch the local bus and go to Bay Citron and walk around. nothing grungy about that.

I have just returned and agree wih Mick1960. Redfern with water.

We did the Night Train Tour. The Choo Choo Train took you to a "supposed" brewery, which was really a pub with a big copper in the middle that apparently bubbled beer, left you there for 2 hours and then came and got you.

As this is part of France the smoking laws are different to here and we were almost forced to sit on the street to avoid the hords of local smokers. Included in the price was a jug of beer for each person and $45 if you wanted another. Trust me the beer wasn't that good.

Personally this tour was a waste of time and money.