Saturday 7 June, Day 13
We are at Isles des Pines today, which was a French penal colony from 1872. The native people (known as Kanaks or Kunies) maintain strong control over the island through the tribal system. Once again we don't have any organised tours today, but we took the tender boat on to the island to go snorkeling in shallow, crystal clear water, with coral and small fishes. Then on to a couple of local shops which helpfully accepted Australian currency. It would seem that this island is on the itinerary of most cruise ships from Australia. After some urging Kathy selected a nice outfit printed with hybiscus flowers for only A$40. We looked inside the walls of an old fort, only to discover that it remains the gendarme base with locked gates & barbed wire! The tricolour flag was flying overhead. All very French.
Back to the ship for a long lunch and then we are going to have our very own photo shoot in the stern bar etc. to make sure we have some nice shots of us on the cruise. Tonight we have a special dinner presented by head chef Daniel Beentjes.