Cruise Passengers Disappointed as New Caledonia Trip Stays in Australia

Passengers who booked an eight-night cruise to New Caledonia are expressing their anger after the itinerary was altered to keep the journey within Australian waters. The cruise, set to depart from Sydney on October 30, will now only include stops at Willis Island and Brisbane, rather than the anticipated South Pacific islands. This change has left many travelers feeling deceived, as they had paid significant amounts for what they believed would be a unique getaway. The cruise company, Choose Your Cruise, cited ongoing civil unrest in New Caledonia as the reason for the sudden change. Tensions have been high since mid-May, when proposed reforms to voting eligibility sparked violence between Indigenous Kanak people and French loyalists. Although the unrest had subsided for a time, it reignited recently, prompting the cruise line to reconsider its itinerary for safety and logistical reasons. Passengers, including retirees and families, expressed their disappointment, stating they would not have booked the cruise had they known it would only visit local ports. Many had chosen the trip for its promised island destinations rather than the onboard entertainment, which they found less appealing. The cruise line has stated that due to limited port availability and a packed entertainment schedule, Brisbane was the only viable option for the voyage. As a result, no refunds will be offered, leaving many passengers feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with their travel experience.