ausjackaroo sailing

Sunday, 18th June 2023

Noumea, our second visit in two days!

Mare Island, an island in the New Caledonian archipelago, had been originally scheduled on our itinerary,  however it has closed its port to cruise ships in response to fears of coronavirus spreading to the islands. On January 31, all visits to the island has been cancelled until further notice as a precautionary measure. Therefore we were fortunate to revisit Noumea enabling us to explore some of the markets which we weren't in a position to do so when we visited before. 

The city ran a free shuttle bus from the ship to Maritime Station for a pick-up/drop-off, along l'Orpheliat Bay, Lemon Bay and part of Anse Vata Bay to stop outside the Aquarium before returning along the same route. We boarded the shuttle and alighted at the Maritime Station to check out the market on the first level before walking a short distance to the morning market located alongside the marina. The morning market sold local produce of tropical fruits and vege. and also fish. We sat for a while in the shade of a couple of sails and enjoyed a coffee whilst listening to a local reggae band and soaking in the atmosphere. 

Marina where to morning market is located. 

Of course we couldn't resist stopping off at a French Bakery on our walk back to the Maritime Station to collect our scenic shuttle back to the ship. 

Our return to the Carnival Splendor.