Cruise Ships Returning To Island Nation After Earthquake Devastation

Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel with regularly scheduled visits to call at Port Vila since the disaster, with her arrival set for 8th August 2025.

The 10-night “Vanuatu & New Caledonia” voyage, roundtrip from Sydney, will also include stops at Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Lifou, and Noumea (New Caledonia).

Carnival Adventure, which can carry up to 2,600 guests, will continue calling at Port Vila through September 2025, before resuming those visits again in summer 2026.

This marks a significant moment in the region’s recovery.

While Oceania Cruises made one-off visits earlier this year – Oceania Insignia on 4th June and Oceania Regatta on 7th July – Carnival’s return represents the first consistent return of cruise tourism to Port Vila.

Like many cruise lines, Carnival halted visits following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 16th December 2024, which caused extensive damage.

In the immediate aftermath, Carnival Cruise Line also donated $60,000 to support local paramedic services caring for the injured.

Carnival’s return is part of a broader recovery for Vanuatu’s cruise tourism sector. Sister ship Carnival Encounter, homeported in Brisbane, is also scheduled to visit the port on select itineraries in 2025.

Both ships were previously operated by P&O Australia, but were transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet following the brand’s dissolution in June 2024.

Royal Caribbean is also preparing to return, with Anthem of the Seas (based in Sydney) and Voyager of the Seas (based in Brisbane) expected to call at Port Vila in the months ahead.

Local Preparations Underway

To prepare for the relaunch of cruise tourism, the Vanuatu Tourism Office is working closely with Port Vila City Council and other government departments.

They’ve invited residents and local businesses to a community meeting on 23rd July 2025, where details will be shared on temporary wharf facilities, the upcoming cruise schedule, and port readiness.

With Port Vila operating as a tender port, officials are also expected to address logistical updates needed to accommodate guests safely and comfortably.

“We know the benefits cruise ships bring to our country and communities… We are already running awareness programs so that the public, and especially businesses, are informed and prepared to welcome the visitors on this important day.”

Rachel Koran, marketing officer at the Vanuatu Tourism Office

A VIP ceremony is planned to welcome Carnival Adventure on 8th August, with local leaders set to attend and officially mark the milestone.

Ahead of that arrival, a Port Vila Clean-Up Campaign is also underway to beautify areas frequented by tourists, and local businesses are being encouraged to decorate storefronts and public spaces with welcome signage.

Cruise tourism is a vital contributor to the local economy, and the return of ships like Carnival Adventure is a key step in Vanuatu’s post-disaster recovery.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.