Pacific Dawn- Island Gems query

[dubaims]

We are doing the Pacific Dawn Island Gems cruise in July. Our first time to Australia. Does anyone have any info about it, or been on it? Also what will weather be like at end July?

[Sandielle]

First, welcome to Aus. and CC :) We are doing this cruise in September.

The Island Gems cruise has a wonderful itinerary - Isle of Pines, Mystery Island, Champagne Bay and Wala are great - beautiful beaches. They are not 'built up'

Good for snorkelling and swimming.

 

People either love or hate Noumea. It is better to get out of the town. There is a Hop on Hop off bus that takes in the beaches and museum etc. Also the tchou tchou train (on wheels) is a fun trip along some beaches and up to lookouts on two of the local hills. Apparently there is a great patisserie there and good restaurants if you like French dining.

 

Vila is the place for duty free liquour, especially Fung Kuei. The town is not so pretty, but there are smaller islands to visit and plenty of markets near the port. Snorkelling can be good - we have done a glass-bottomed boat tour out to the back of Iririki Island -the snorkelling was excellent.

 

If you search the P&O site there is info on ports of call. The weather in July should be quiet pleasant, with the possibility of rain. Hope this helps. There is actually quite a lot of info here - try the search facility, but I'm sure people will offer more info. (I'm in a bit of a hurry this morning so this is a quick reply. ;)

[dubaims]

Thanks Sandy we are really looking forward to it.

Regards

[bazzaw]

Have to agree with Sandy re the 4 "beachy" destinations on your cruise - very nice and sparsely unihabited places.

 

At Noumea, there is one unique site that makes the town worth visiting -- the Jean Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre. This is a very important place worldwide - in terms of its art and cultural displays. In its own way - as important as many of the more famous European and American iconic art museums. It just has to be viewed though a pair of interested and realistic eyes. :) -- "interested" in that interest in it and what is there can provide education of the Kanak culture in both New Caledonia and Vanuatu - and "realistic" in that it is NOT the Louvre, the Hermitage, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc.

 

Barry

[bazzaw]

Forgot to put in this link to some pics in my last post

 

Barry