Port Rating:

I have just gotten off Rhapsody on the South Pacific run. I was in outside cabin 3064 on 1 Feb - 11 Feb 2013. So to answer a few questions.

All islands accept AUS Dollars.

Noumea & Lifou local currency is French Pacific Francs

Shore excursions are only offered in Noumea & Vila from RC.

Noumea you dock at a working port & you will be shuttled into the tourist centre.

You can ride the tchou tchou trains(green) cost $30 each(about 1 - 1.5 hrs) with 3 stops and includes the hop on/off bus for the rest of the day

You can book the tchou tchou train (yellow) from RC $55 and collected from the port and has I believe 5 stops.

We tried the Mcdonalds in NOumea & found it to be expensive.

We found Noumea to be a dirty smelly port if cal and the locals not that friendly.