| New Cal reopening

AUTHORITIES in New Caledonia have finally confirmed that the destination will officially reopen its maritime borders to cruise ships early next month.

The update comes over a month since Carnival Australia announced the return of New Caledonia cruising (CW 18 Aug), with P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer to make an overnight stop in Noumea arriving on 04 Oct followed by another stopover in Lifou two days later.

The return is being eagerly anticipated by locals, with no passenger ships having visited since the onset of the pandemic in Mar 2020.

Travellers entering New Caledonia on a cruise do not require a visa for entry.