Cruises to Champagne Bay

DOCKING

Your ship will anchor offshore and the ship’s tender boats will provide a regular service to and from Champagne Bay throughout the day.

GETTING AROUND

There are no taxis available at Champagne Bay.

DINING

Locals occasionally sell food and drink onshore. Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

SHOPPING

Trinkets, handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats, floral shirts and other locally made items are available for purchase from the stalls onshore. Any souvenirs that are made of plant material or animal products must be declared to quarantine authorities on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Plant material such as certain seeds and animal products including feathers may be restricted or need to be treated at the owners’ expense on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.

CLIMATE

Enjoy a tropical climate — mostly sunny and humid with regular rain showers. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

CURRENCY

Credit cards and charge cards are not accepted anywhere on the island. Australian dollars are accepted but change may not be available. We recommend that you take small denominations of Australian dollars ashore.

COMMUNICATION

There are no public telephones and no internet access in Champagne Bay. Mobile coverage may be available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home.

WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat — and don’t forget your swimwear! You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water, insect repellent and an umbrella during the wet season. Nude or topless bathing is not permitted. When visiting local villages, huts and churches please respect the local customs. Males, wear t-shirts with sleeves — no singlets. Women should wear skirts or shorts that fall below the knee and have covered shoulders. Please also remove your hats when entering buildings.

To observe the local customs of the south pacific islands a respectful dress code is required. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool and should be of a modest nature. G-strings, thongs and mankinis should not be worn. Topless sunbathing is also not permitted at anytime. When exploring the Islands and the local communities casual clothing should be worn. As a visitor to these beautiful islands please respect the wishes of local residents.

SHORE TOURS

Check with the Shore Tours desk onboard for information about tours in Champagne Bay.

ENVIRONMENT

Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Furthermore, just as with Australia’s beaches, blue bottles can visit occasionally in the summer months. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please ask permission before you take photographs of Ni-Vanuatu (indigenous people).