Cruise lines cancel their stops in New Caledonia

Cruise lines P&O Australia and Carnival have both canceled their stops to New Caledonia due to the civil unrest.

Carnival splendor was leaving for the destination tomorrow, and Adventure in the Pacific is a regular visitor.

A P&O statement said: “Due to the state of emergency declared due to civil unrest in New Caledonia, Adventure in the Pacific will no longer call to Lifou or Nouméa. Instead, our guests will spend an additional day at Mystery Island.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in and around Nouméa and are in contact with the relevant authorities. The safety of our guests and crew is paramount and if we need to make any further changes to upcoming itineraries due to the current situation, we will notify our guests as soon as possible.
“Our thoughts are with the communities of New Caledonia during this difficult time and we thank our guests for their understanding. »

Carnival added: “Carnival Cruise Line has revised the itinerary for Carnival splendor Voyage to the South Pacific, departing May 19, 2024. The voyage will instead include stopovers in Santo and Vila.

“Customers booked on the affected voyage have been informed of the changes and have been offered the option of an onboard credit or future cruise credit, should they decide not to travel. We are closely monitoring the situation and remaining in contact with the relevant authorities. The safety of our guests and crew is our priority and we thank them for their understanding.

The federal government site, Smartraveller, also warned against this situation.

“We have increased the level of advice for New Caledonia and now advise a high degree of caution due to protests and travel disruptions,” it says.

“We have also increased the level of advice for the Nouméa metropolitan area and now advise you to reconsider your need to travel due to civil unrest, travel disruptions and limited essential services.

“Demonstrations and political protests are taking place and could become violent in the short term. A curfew is in effect in the Nouméa metropolitan area between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and local authorities have advised individuals to shelter in place throughout the day. This can be extended if necessary.

“There is potential for protests in other places. Essential services are impacted. La Tontouta International Airport has been closed and flights have been canceled until at least Friday, May 17. Avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks. Minimize travel, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see “Safety”).

This decision will be a big blow to the economy, since tourism is a pillar.

Lifou is the largest island in the archipelago of coral atolls known as the Loyalty Islands. Long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, caves and towering cliffs give the island one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Pacific.

The islands make money from copra, the dried flesh of coconuts, from which oil is extracted. Tourism is increasingly becoming an important part of the local economy.

The violent demonstrations target the new voting rules imposed by France. Looting and arson rocked the territory of the French Pacific Islands, leaving at least four people dead and hundreds more injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

This is the worst violence New Caledonia has seen in 30 years.

For more information, visit the P&O and Carnival Cruise Lines websites.