The capital of New Caledonia, Noumea, combines all the flavour and ambience of a bustling, sophisticated provincial French town with the laid back charms, delights and climate of the South Pacific. The mix of Melanesian, French and other cultures creates a wonderful cultural experience. Its exquisite location amidst palm covered hills, beautiful turquoise bays and the highest point, Mont Montravel, makes Noumea one of the most pleasantly sited cities in the South Pacific.

Noumea literally embraces the ocean, and the locals enthusiastically take to the sea in a variety of yachts and cruisers, and indulge in a fantastic variety of water-based sports and leisure activities.

The Melanesian or Kanak culture is pivotal to New Caledonia’s way of life and its perfectly represented in Noumea in the superb Tjibaou Cultural Centre, one of the Pacific’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. The centre was designed by Renzo Piano who also designed Pacific Dawn.

The city has some little gems; traditional Boulangerie (bakery shops), cafés (where you can taste New Caledonia’s own coffee) and fabulous restaurants, where you can sample fine New Caledonian foods cooked in French or local Kanak style.

David Dyer, Marine Security Manager of P&O Cruises, describes the recent developments of safety and security. He is responsible for the security management of ships and ports visited.

“At P&O Cruises, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable cruise. As a result, we take the safety and security of our passengers and crew very seriously. Our Security Management Team actively communicates and reviews the safety and security operations of our entire fleet on a regular basis.

Regular P&O Cruises passengers may not notice these changes, but we have recently upgraded our systems to make our cruises even more enjoyable.

For example, we have introduced an enhanced closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring system across the fleet. We have also implemented additional screening in ports, including the use of sniffer dogs at embarkation and random checks at ports of call.

As you would expect, my team also works with an established set of policies which enable us to respond appropriately to most situations, including the care and support of passengers.

We know that safety lies with everyone. Our Security Management Team takes an active interest in passenger concerns of any unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.

We’re always ready to listen to your concerns. Together, we can continue to care for you and your family so you have a safe and enjoyable cruise holiday.”

New Zealand is an exciting destination. Experience fiords, harbours, cosmopolitan cities, coastal islands, lush green farmlands, and volcanic and glacial terrains of the North and South Islands.

Enjoy the country in many different ways - a leisurely exploration, an adventure-packed holiday or a cultural experience. Witness the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fiordland National Park (part of a World Heritage area) where, only by sea, you can discover mountains rising straight out of the water right alongside the ship.

Cruise to the spectacular far south and then all the way to the jewel-like Bay of Islands in the north. P&O Cruises’ summer 2008/2009 season offers the chance to enjoy fantastic cruises aboard Pacific Sun. Including the first ever round trip cruises from Brisbane to New Zealand.

Choose a 21-night Kiwi Adventure cruise, which also visits Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney, and save up to 50%.

Or, enjoy a 14-night White Cloud Wonders cruise and save up to 40%, plus receive on board credit of $100^ per person.