Yellow Fish cruises: Day 123: Lifou, New Caledonia

Lifou (say LEE foo), New Caledonia is a port we had never visited before this year, but it has turned out to be one of our favorite ports of the season. Beautiful, clear water in a hundred shades of blue, fantastic snorkeling, and then there’s that long stretch of powdered sugar beach. It’s hard to have a bad day here, particularly if the weather cooperates. And it sure did today.

Once again, G was my alarm clock, urging me awake. I packed for the day- floaties, snorkel gear, beach tarp, ear drops and mask defogger- with eyes half-closed, slathered on the sunscreen (I needed a lot today, even with long-sleeved rash guards and swim shorts) and we grabbed a quick breakfast, eaten on the Open Deck Behind the World Fresh Marketplace. The view from back there was spectacular.

Tender pier

The beautiful beach where we spent our afternoon

Notre Dame de Lourdes chapel

We went to the Harmony Restaurant to get our Elite tender tickets, and had no wait at all. I love the tenders on this ship! In terms of the passenger experience, it’s hard to imagine a single bigger improvement over the Grand Class ships than the Royal Class tenders. The double-wide stairs leading down to the tender platform, no gap between the platform and the tender, and a tender boat with no steps up or down to the main seating area. And they’re larger and faster, too. These are an all-around win. In just a few minutes we were walking up the hill from the tender pier to the main road. A further 10-15 walk put us at Jinek Bay and its spectacular snorkeling.

We saw it again today, countless people turned away at Jinek Bay because they didn’t have tickets to the marine reserve. These must be purchased ahead of time on the ship through the Shore Excursions Desk (for AU $15 each). Frankly, I love that it’s limited. Otherwise it would be overrun. I snorkeled the trail four times, and then returned to the Nemo fish (just past the second buoy) to hang out for a while longer. It’s some of the best snorkeling we’ve seen lately. The coral, in particular, looks very healthy, especially further from shore.

Sufficiently wiped out, we returned to the beach by the tender pier, found a shady spot, lay down and fell asleep. And then we woke up, used the floaties, and fell asleep again. When we finally woke up for the last time, two island dogs were similarly sacked out nearby. One of them took a real liking to G and followed him back to the tender pier around 4pm. We named him Lifou Lou. He had a hurt foot. I wanted to take him home. I always do, with these island dogs. Take them home, clean them up and care for them. And then what, I don’t know. I’m horribly allergic and I travel too much.

We had time for quick showers and then raced to dinner. We’re always racing somewhere. It exhausts me, this adherence to a schedule. We’re currently in negotiations about how we’ll approach tomorrow. It will be Australia Day, and there is a big party scheduled on deck for sail away, and another one later in the Piazza. Partying Aussies; I’m so there.

Day 5 dinner menu, page 1

Day 5 dinner menu, page 2

Day 5 dessert menu

We capped off the evening with production show Sweet Soul Music. So good. So short. I always say that though, don’t I? Sleep will come very quickly tonight. A day spent in and on the water is the best sleep aid there is.