Cruising has definitely put Noumea on the map – P&O Cruises alone has more than 160 cruises scheduled to call at Noumea between now and the end of 2012.
The city offers many well-known tourist attractions like the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and “Le Petit Train” that chugs sightseers around the city centre – but there are also some great lesser-known local favourite experiences that visitors can enjoy. Local Romain Lionett fills us in...
How has cruising impacted your life?
“(Cruising) is great for income but also learning to share and understand more about the world and the people within it. (It’s) great for (our) lifestyle – people are always happy when working with people on holidays.”
What makes New Caledonia different from other destinations?
“For me the main word to describe New Caledonia is diversity – the landscapes, the islands, the reef, people, culture, cuisine, activities. There is also a commonality – products from France, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. It’s a French territory in the Pacific.
“(There is) no hostility and things are easy – camping is free, there are no dangerous animals, you live communally with people, you can go fishing, kayaking and windsurfing. It is not expensive here and getting around is so easy.”
Where is your favourite place to eat?
“My favourite place is the Baie de Citron for variety. Top places here include Les Trois Brasseurs, Astrolabe and The Dukes.”
What is your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
“My favourite thing to do is camping at the river – the Dumbea and Yate. I like to do nothing!”
Any hidden gems?
“My secret – try snacking around Noumea - then you’ll feel the French connection. The roulotte mobile food carts (in front of the McDonalds – very exotic, I know) are great.”
More about P&O Cruises and sustainability – here you can download P&O Cruises’ inaugural Sustainability Report, which outlines our company’s environmental, social and financial achievements and goals and ongoing relationships with the Pacific Islands.
