Noumea

One of the largest barrier reefs in the world shines emerald and and turquoise through the crystal-clear waters of New Caledonia. The town of Noumea clusters around a central square and a few tall palms give the Place des Cocotiers restaurants, bistros and chic French boutiques line the streets. And Indonesian, Tahitian and Chinese shops sell everything from shell necklaces to incense burners. Bustling with life, this small, thriving town is the French Riviera of the South Pacific.

Attractions

• Place des Cocotiers - This lovely square is the hub of the city. From here at kilometer zero all distances on the island are measured. The focal point of the square is the Fontaine Monumentale.
• St. Joseph's Cathedral - To the left of the square stands this church, built in 1893, with its two square towers.
• Aquarium - Aside a variety of tropical fish, its most important exhibit features a display of fluorescent coral formations.
• Botanical Garden and Zoo - Located three miles northeast of town, a variety of colorful parrots, some flying foxes and the curious, flightless cagou, which is the national bird, can be seen.

Shopping

Best buys in Noumea are imported goods from France, with duty-free shops offering savings of 20 to 30%.

Food

Noumea boasts over a hundred restaurants. Along with French, there is a wide range of cuisines reflecting the town’s polyglot population. Prices may be somewhat high, since many ingredients are shipped in from New Zealand or Australia. Service generally moves at a tropical pace, but in most cases, the fine food more than compensates.

Currency

The local currency is CPF (Central Pacific Francs) and this is the only currency used.

Cruise Lines	Oct	Nov	Dec	2009 Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep
Crystal
Holland America
Princess
Regent Seven Seas
Royal Caribbean

Click to view sailings.