Noumea - a touch of France in the South Pacific

Today we awoke to land and it was great to know we were in New Caledonia, home to the second largest coral reef. After my lecture on all things dangerous today was the day - snorkeling was to be tried. After our buffet breakfast we were ready to organize towels and day bags to explore Anse Vats Beach and Baie de Citrones. To our surprise we docked at container bay and took a shuttle to the cruise terminal where we were able to easily organize tickets to Duck Island. 

Once tickets were purchased the queueing began and I'm sure OHS would not have liked the situation we found ourselves in when waiting for the sea ferry today! But we smiled and enjoyed the scenery, blue skies and sandy beaches while waiting again. 

This is s picture of us finally leaving for Duck Island - no safety checks or life boat instructions. But very pristine indeed. Once we arrived we were surprised to see so many different types of fish in the reef just swimming along side us. There were colourful coral trout, parrot fish, clown fish and so many other different species all in one place. 

We had lunch near the water and enjoyed a huge feed of muscles with fresh breads. Something so huge and yummy that we were blown away!

Returning to the boat in time for our spectacular departure meant we could watch the sunset from our room.  Amazing day filled with amazing underwater experiences. 

Dinner at Romeo and Juliette's for a prawn cocktail and followed up with a delightful  lamb and beef tagliatelle that turned out to be an awesome choice great dinner guests Included an 88 year old couple and 23 year olds (Cassandra and Terry) from crambourne lots to chat about. Not to mention another new couple to the left! Great to feel that humanity is psi tube warm and caring.

Watched the musicians on show )fabulous entertainment) and then made our way to the Viking Crown Lounge on deck 11 to meet up with the fabulously entertaining Scottish and English group we've been adopted by. 

A midnight finish for me means later for Tim! Loving the bed towel art! Thanks Ana!