Vanuatu has received a long-awaited resumption of cruise tourism as Carnival Adventure called at Port Vila on August 8th, 2025.
This marked the first cruise ship visit in 8 months since the devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake on December 17th, 2024, which inflicted extensive damage on Port Vila’s infrastructure and cruise facilities.
The vessel arrived as part of a 10-night South Pacific itinerary that began in Sydney NSW and included stops at Mystery Island, Lifou, and Nouméa, offering passengers multiple days at sea to appreciate the region’s scenic beauty.
Its return was accompanied by a locally organised welcome ceremony featuring traditional dance and the exchange of a commemorative plaque, signalling a symbolic restoration of cruise activity.
With Port Vila’s main docking facilities still under repair, Carnival instituted a temporary tendering arrangement to ferry passengers to and from shore, ensuring controlled, dignified access despite disrupted infrastructure.
Carnival has also pledged continued support for the community, having donated US$60,000 to first responder organisations and remaining closely aligned with Vanuatu’s disaster management and recovery agencies.
Looking ahead, Carnival Adventure is set to make additional calls to Port Vila through late 2025, with sister ships Carnival Encounter and Carnival Splendor also scheduled.
Furthermore, the repositioned Carnival Luminosa is planned to visit in late December, adding to the cruise line’s commitment to rejuvenating tourism to the island.
Other major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Costa, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Crystal Cruises are anticipated to join the effort in 2025.
This renewal of cruise operations represents more than a route reopening; it is a tangible step in the economic and cultural recovery of Vanuatu, reinforcing the South Pacific’s resilience and the enduring ties between seafaring and island communities.