New Caledonia has announced that it will officially reopen its maritime borders to cruise ships on Tuesday 5 October.
The P&O Cruises ship Pacific Explorer will be the first to make an overnight stop in Noumea on 4 October, followed by a stopover in Lifou on the 6 October. This will mark the first time cruising passengers have returned to the destination since borders closed in March 2020. Travellers entering New Caledonia on a cruise do not require a visa.
“As our own return to service gathers pace the South Pacific is reconnecting with cruise tourism knowing how important its contribution is to island economies,” said Marguerite Fitzgerald, president of P&O Cruises Australia.
“With New Caledonia coming back online, P&O is once again widening its cruising horizons and we look forward to Vanuatu reopening its maritime borders to cruise ships before too long.
“Our positive relationships with these countries have been built up over decades and there is shared confidence and trust in what we do.”
New Caledonia is a popular tourist destination for Aussie travellers. The archipelago features a combination of unique Melanesian culture, exotic South Pacific charm, and cosmopolitan French chic and is surrounded by the largest lagoon in the world that has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
New Caledonia is famous for its variety of landscapes, cultures, activities, and unique biodiversity.
