<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0EyHq6_0wPW0wCX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0EyHq6_0wPW0wCX00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>Seven Seas Navigator berthed in Nouméa - cruise tourism generated over €25m in New Caledonia last year PHOTO: New Caledonia Tourism</figcaption></figure>From November 10, cruise ships are returning to New Caledonia's capital Nouméa. These are the first port calls for over five months following civil unrest which started in May.On October 18, the arrival of National Geographic’s small expedition ship Orion at Lifou, a part of the French Overseas Territories in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, was a testimony to, ‘a common will to relaunch the local economy, especially in the Islands, and more specifically cruise where tourism plays a major role in promoting Caledonian nature and cultural heritage,’ according to New Caledonia Tourism (NCT).Some 50 passengers were greeted by tourism stakeholders, institutions and Kanak representatives who performed welcoming dances and held a local market.Green light for November calls at NouméaA week after National Geographic Orion's call at Lifou, Royal Caribbean International and two Carnival Corp brands have confirmed their first calls in Nouméa.Following constructive meetings between representatives of Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp &amp; plc, and local authorities and the tourism sector last week, the two main cruise groups charting the New Caledonia archipelago and generating most of the cruise traffic renewed their trust for a return to member of the Government Mickaël Forrest and to Julie Laronde, NCT’s general manager.Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas will berth in Nouméa on November 10, Holland America’s Westerdam in Lifou and Nouméa on November 13 and 14 respectively, followed by Carnival Splendor on November 17 and 19.Symbol of tourism recoveryAccording to Laronde, ‘Cruising’s resumption is a major economic boost and also a strong symbol to show tourists and tour operators around the world our regained capacity to welcome visitors. It is a key step in our strategy of reassurance and tourism recovery in the destination.’In 2023, Nouméa and Lifou welcomed 343,703 passengers on 118 ship calls, consolidating New Caledonia's place in the top five French cruise ports and generating some €25.1m estimated revenue for the territory.</div></body>

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New Caledonia welcomes back cruise ships after five month lull following civil unrest

From November 10, cruise ships are returning to New Caledonia's capital Nouméa. These are the first port calls for over five months following civil unrest which started in May. On October 18, the arrival of National Geographic’s small expedition ship Orion at Lifou, a part of the French Overseas...