Royal Caribbean’s first overnight in Noumea

The 168,666gt ship will arrive at 8 a.m. on November 17 and depart at 5 p.m. the following day, giving passengers the rare opportunity to explore this French overseas territory in the South Pacific after dark.

The overnight stay is part of a nine-night cruise leaving Sydney on November 14 which also visits Mystery Island in Vanuatu.

Evening shorex

Royal Caribbean has released new evening shore excursions for Ovation of the Seas, which include ‘An evening in Lemon Bay,’ a short bus ride from the ship’s berth.

There will be burgers and chips with draught beer or soft drinks at Le duke’s beachside family restaurant and a local dance show.

After dinner there will be about two hours for passengers to explore the boutiques and bars along the palm-lined promenade.

Another overnight option is a sunset cruise around Noumea’s coastline, taking in Lemon Bay (Baie de Citron) and Anse Vata beach village.

New Caledonia Tourism gm Jean-Marc Mocellin, has applauded Royal Caribbean’s initiative, urging other cruise lines that only spend a day in Noumea to consider overnights.

‘We’re pleased to see operators like Royal Caribbean extending their port time in Noumea,’ Mocellin told Seatrade Cruise News.

‘There is such a lot to discover around and just beyond Noumea’s city centre, and the introduction of this overnight call and the new excursion offerings will allow guests to explore the destination even further.’

New Caledonia Tourism is a member of the Australian Cruise Association and New Caledonia is a full member country of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.