P&O Cruises marked its 1500th visit to Noumea last week with a Pacific Island-style celebration for Pacific Dawn and her passengers.
A Melanesian troupe welcomed the superliner as she docked at the port ahead of an afternoon of traditional dancing, ice and fruit carving, a champagne waterfall and fireworks.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said it was a significant event for the cruise line which had been visiting Noumea for 50 years.
“Our ships have been cruising the South Pacific for 80 years and the start of calls at Noumea in 1962 created a key port which enabled us to expand our itineraries in the region,” Ms Sherry said.
“Each year we carry thousands of passengers to the Pacific Islands to experience the beautiful sights and exotic tastes of this region and we know that Noumea, with its French flavours and cosmopolitan vibe, is very popular with our passengers.”
P&O Cruises began cruising from Australia in 1932. In 1962, Sitmar, which was later purchased by P&O, made its first call to Noumea, with the Fairsea docking at the South Pacific port.
The cruise line is expected to make 86 calls to Noumea this year.
Follow