Sailing87

Easiest to pick up a RAT from a chemist etc, there are several in the area of your hotel, or one on George St near the cruise terminal, and take the test in the morning before boarding. Take a photo of it with your ID and a phone showing date and time. 

Hi Felix, until recently I worked up the road from the OPT and occasionally had to go to the Opera House for work. I thought they might have allowed luggage at the stage door as they have full security screening, but then there have been a number of “police operations” in the area over the last while so maybe that’s why they don’t allow luggage.

Most of the lockers in the area I could think of apparently don’t open till 8am so they’re out for you. There are lockers at World Square and I believe at Central Station but these are a bit far out of your way.

There is a YHA on Cumberland St, hostels often have lockers and may not question if you are staying at the hostel or not.

Last ditch resort, there is a police station at the entrance to the OPT area (where the boom gates are on George st). You could always ask them to hold it [emoji23]

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In regards to the luggage, I’d give the Opera House a call, explain the situation and see if you’re able to drop the luggage at the stage door while you take the tour. (Have a fantastic tour btw it really is an amazing building). Another option may be to ring a hotel near the OPT and ask if they could hold your luggage for a small fee?

Yes, when Royal Caribbean are in Australia no tips are required (built into fares as usual) and I’m pretty sure they’ll have no problem with you tipping in AUD.

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My Dad stays on board ship at almost every port on every cruise he goes on. He’s ex-Navy and is on the ship for the ship not the ports, plus he’s not as mobile as he used to be and loves sitting in the lounges with the bar tender pretty much to himself. Mum gets off the ship and does her own thing.

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Hello,

First off, US dollars aren't generally accepted on the islands, however small Australian notes are. At these three islands the local currency is Pacific Francs. The ship will be happy to sell them to you, but less inclined to buy them back.

Noumea: - ship is docked at the container terminal, free shuttle bus provided to the cruise terminal. If taking a ship tour they generally pick you up at the ship. In terms of tours, the sky's the limit here. The one everyone seems to love is Amandee Island, an island with the lighthouse on it. This is a beach/snorkelling trip. Downside is it's quite expensive. Another good spot for beach/snorkelling is Duck Island, the boat should have a tour that takes you out there, but its also easy enough to get there on your own. Other good spots are Anse Vata or Bay de Citron again boat or self tour options available. There is also a tour from the boat where you go out into the lagoon areas to snorkel. You also have cultural tours here, though if you're happy to do it yourself, tours from the cruise terminal are cheaper than the boat, just make sure you're back on time. Mostly Pacific Francs accepted here but Visa/MasterCard etc are usually accepted.

Isle of Pines - tender port. Not a lot to do here. I did a high speed boat tour here that was fantastic, they found us a turtle to see and pat and also gave us some beach time on a separate island. This island is mostly a beach/snorkel day and if you're wanting to know the best locations, I think they've been listed on here before but mostly follow the crowds to the other side of the island. There is a hotel here that will allow you to use their facilities for a price, and also allow you in the bar etc. Locals are wondering about selling various things including food and drink. Pacific Francs or small AUD accepted. Except for the resort no card functionality.

Lifou- tender port. Again, not a lot to do. You can het a pass from the ship to snorkel in the best spot but you can snorkel right next to the tender pier and still get a good view, ofter turtles floating around. There are a couple of boat tours but not many, they may take you to the other side of the island or the vanilla plantations. You can also walk up to the church on the hill. Again Francs and small AUD, no cards.

In Australia, obviously AUD is the only thing accepted but cards are everywhere. Not sure if you are leaving from Brisbane or Sydney but either way you should have some great things to see in the cities. I'm assuming from the USD comment that you are from the States, be warned our bread isn't sweet, that is one thing that seemed to get my American friends.

Feel free to ask more questions. And have a fun time!

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Not a lot to do in Lifou, but where the tenders dock is a nice beach that they can swim at (last time I saw a turtle by the dock), you can also get a pass to snorkel at a near by spot but I haven't done this yet so not sure if it's worth it.

Noumea is quite friendly and easy to get around. The Tchou Tchou Train is cheaper if you get it from the cruise terminal rather than from the boat. The difference is you don't get an included morning tea. Carnival dock at the shipping dock rather than the cruise terminal as the ship is too big. But a free shuttle bus runs from the ship to the terminal. Other tours are offered at the terminal, usually much cheaper than the boat's prices and just as good.

There are plenty of taxis in Noumea and they're like Australian ones, ie don't barter. There is also a hop on hop off bus that's very popular and I think about $15 per adult, not sure on kids. The aquarium is great and was relatively cheap if going alone (prices are on their website). Around Anse Vata there is lots of cafes etc and the food is usually great. Anse Vata and Bay de citron are great swimming beaches. You can also get a boat over to Duck island which is another great swimming/snorkelling area. Amandee Island is meant to be fantastic, can only be done through the ship, and at $200 approx per adult can be a bit out of the price range.

I'm sure whatever you end up doing, you will have fun.

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