New Caledonia's Mare island had its first cruise ship visit on Sunday, bringing 1,200 visitors for the day.
The island has now joined Lifou in the Loyalty group as a cruise ship destination, with 17 more visits planned for this year.
Local media report that the church service was brought forward to free people up for the occasion.
The island, which has about 5,000 inhabitants, is expected to get a further 33 visits next year.
Lifou is said to earn more than 20,000 US dollars from each stop-over.
