Cruise lines are bypassing the popular South Pacific destination of
New Caledonia which has been devastated by civil unrest for a week.
P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure did not call at New
Caledonia’s Lifou and capital Noumea this week following a state of
emergency declared last Thursday.
Passengers were due to spend an additional day at Vanuatu’s Mystery
Island, a small island located in the country’s south. The island is
typically uninhabited, though residents of neighbouring Aneityum journey
across on days that cruise ships visit.
The riots in New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France, were in
response to a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris, that will allow
French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in
provincial elections. Local leaders fear the legislation will dilute
the indigenous Kanak vote.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Noumea and
surrounding areas and are in contact with the relevant authorities,” a
P&O Cruises Australia statement said.
“The safety of our guests and crew is paramount and should we need to
make any further changes to upcoming itineraries due to the current
situation we will let our guests know as soon as possible.”
Carnival Cruise Line also revised the itinerary for Carnival
Splendor’s nine-night round South Pacific voyage due to depart Sydney.
The cruise will now make calls in Vanuatu instead of its scheduled call
at Noumea.