Cruising in Vanuatu

The good news that Carnival Cruise Line is to resume its Vanuatu itineraries will be warmly welcomed by both passengers and the people of Vanuatu.

On December 17, 2024, Vanuatu was struck by a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock the next day. The epicenter was less than 20 miles from the capital, Port Vila, which serves as a crucial hub for the nation’s economy and its burgeoning cruise tourism industry.

The earthquake caused widespread damage, leading to collapsed buildings, landslides, and significant damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, water reservoirs, telecommunications, and most notably, the port facilities in Port Vila.

At least 14 people tragically lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured, with approximately 80,000 people affected across the island of Efate.

The disruption to Port Vila’s port facilities had an immediate and severe impact on the cruise industry. Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises Australia, and Cunard were forced to alter their itineraries, diverting ships to alternative destinations like Mystery Island or scheduling extra days at sea.

This was a significant blow, as cruise tourism is a vital contributor to Vanuatu’s economy, with each ship bringing an average of $260,000 and each passenger contributing approximately $125 in indirect expenditure.

The effect on the Vanuatu economy was immediate and profound. The World Bank estimated direct damages from the earthquake to be US$ 197million, a substantial sum for the island nation.

Now Carnival Australia is back.

“We are delighted to be returning to Port Vila, to bring a much-needed economic boost to the city following the devastating earthquake late last year,” said Carnival Corporation & plc Country Manager Peter Little.

“The Port Vila community has done it tough without cruise visitors this year, so it’s great Carnival guests will be back from August, to help lift spirits, while spending money with local businesses,” he continued.

A temporary tendering port has been arranged, as work to repair the road linking the cruise terminal with Port Vila CBD continues.

Carnival Adventure will visit Port Vila on 8 August 2025, followed by Carnival Encounter and Carnival Splendor later in the month.

Vanuau offers a variety of shore excursions. One day you’re ziplining through a jungle, and the next you’re floating in crystal-clear water with a coconut milk drink in hand.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from which cruise lines are making the trip in 2025–26, to the best months to visit, the most popular ports, and what to expect once you’re on the ground (or deck). 

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What Is the Best Month to Cruise to Vanuatu

Technically, you can cruise to Vanuatu all year round, but if you want to avoid cyclone warnings, there are better months to aim for.

The sweet spot is May through October, Vanuatu’s dry season. During this time, you’ll get sunny skies, cooler temps (around 21°C to 27°C), and far less humidity. It’s prime beach weather, ideal for snorkelling, hiking to waterfalls, or just floating in the sea with a cocktail in hand. Plus, the water’s clearer during these months, so if you’re keen on diving or coral reef tours, this is the time to go.

On the flip side, November to April is the wet season. It’s hotter, it’s more humid, and you’ve got a higher chance of rain (or worse, tropical cyclones). Some cruises still run during these months, especially around the Christmas holidays, but you’re rolling the dice with the weather. That said, if you don’t mind the heat and want fewer tourists around, it can still be a great time to snag a deal.

Bottom line: dry season is your best bet, but even in the wet season, Vanuatu’s charm doesn’t exactly disappear.

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What Cruise Lines went to Vanuatu

If you’re thinking about cruising to Vanuatu in the 2025–26 season, Carnival has just restarted. Other lines will follow.

Here’s who sailed to Vanuatu regularly before the Earthquake.

1. Ponant

If you’re after something intimate and adventurous, Ponant offers a completely different cruising experience. Their small expedition ships carry just a few hundred passengers, which means fewer crowds and more time spent exploring lesser-known islands. The vibe is more luxury-yacht-meets-explorer, so you’ll still get high-end dining and elegant suites, but the focus is on cultural immersion and nature. If you want to see parts of Vanuatu that most tourists miss, this is the way to do it.

2. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean brought the big-ship energy, with skydiving simulators, surf machines, and enough restaurants to keep every family member happy. Ships like Quantum of the Seas would stop at Vanuatu favourites like Port Vila and Mystery Island, mixing high-octane onboard fun with laid-back island days. It’s a solid choice if you’re travelling with kids, teens, or just love the buzz of a floating mini-city.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offered a more grown-up spin on the Vanuatu cruise. The ships are stylish and modern, the food’s a highlight, and the pace is a little slower, in the best way. Onboard, you’ll find plenty of chill-out zones, plus a mix of casual and fine dining options. Once Celebrity arrived in Vanuatu, it’s all about reef swims, local food, and cultural shore tours, without the need to elbow your way through a buffet line.

4. Princess Cruises

Princess has been a favourite among Aussie cruisers for years. They stopped at all the headline ports (Port Vila, Champagne Bay, Mystery Island) and delivered that familiar, easygoing vibe people keep coming back for. Expect solid entertainment, plenty of onboard activities, and a good mix of fellow travellers from all age groups.

5. Holland America Line

Holland America’s South Pacific routes include Vanuatu stops as part of longer, more relaxed itineraries. The ships have a mid-sized feel, the service is polished, and the onboard activities tend to lean toward the cultural with live music, cooking demos, and destination talks.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL is all about flexibility. No set dining times, no strict dress codes, just cruise how you want, when you want. Their ships stopping in Vanuatu give you a balance of onboard fun and shore-time freedom. Whether you’re snorkelling off Mystery Island or sipping cocktails on deck, the whole experience felt easygoing and fuss-free.

7. Oceania Cruises

Oceania is the line you book when you want exceptional food, smaller crowds, and a slower pace. Their ships drop anchor in Vanuatu on longer, region-hopping itineraries, often with more time in port than the bigger players. It’s a great match for travellers who’d rather sip local wine and talk to villagers than race to the next buffet.

8. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s vibe is all about fun with theme nights, pool parties, live shows, and a family-friendly atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Their ships hit all the big Vanuatu ports, including Port Vila and Mystery Island. If you want beach days, burgers, and a laid-back good time, Carnival knows how to deliver.

9. Regent Seven Seas

Regent cruises through Vanuatu with their signature all-inclusive luxury. We’re talking suites with walk-in wardrobes, shore excursions already paid for, and Champagne that doesn’t cost extra. It’s a seamless way to cruise, so you won’t be reaching for your wallet every five minutes, and you’ll visit beautiful islands in serious style.

10. Silversea

Silversea does ultra-luxury with a side of adventure. Their small, sleek ships visit remote parts of the South Pacific, including lesser-known Vanuatu ports, and the service is next-level ( it even includes your own butler. It’s less about loud entertainment and more about curated experiences, personalised excursions, and making every moment feel special.

11. Scenic

Scenic’s ultra-luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, takes cruising to Vanuatu to a whole other level. With only around 200 guests onboard, everything feels exclusive, from the helicopter and submersible (yes, really) to the spa and fine dining. The itineraries lean into discovery, so expect zodiac beach landings, cultural tours, and naturalist-led hikes. It’s adventure, but with fluffy robes and Champagne on tap.

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Popular Ships that Visited Vanuatu

The Carnival Adventure is one to watch. It’s been out of action for a bit due to port upgrades in Vanuatu, but it’s set to return in June 2025. It’s packed with classic Carnival fun: casual dining spots, big theatres, and plenty of outdoor deck space for soaking up the sun between ports. 

You’ll also see Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Splendor, and Carnival Encounter stopping by, all running round-trip cruises from Brisbane and Sydney.

On the Royal Caribbean side, Quantum of the Seas is doing the rounds in the South Pacific. It’s a mega-ship with over-the-top amenities: bumper cars, robot bartenders, and even a sky capsule that lifts you above the ship for panoramic views. If you want Vanuatu with a side of Vegas, this is your ship.

For something a bit quieter (and a lot more boutique), Oceania Regatta is also cruising through Vanuatu. It’s much smaller (under 700 passengers) and has a more relaxed vibe. Think less waterslides, more wine tastings and quiet afternoons reading by the pool.

So whether you’re after a big-ship buzz or a small-ship escape, there’s a good chance one of these vessels will match your cruising style while taking you to Vanuatu’s picture-perfect shores.

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Popular Ports in Vanuatu

Vanuatu isn’t just one destination, but a string of nearby islands, each with its own personality. And if you’re on a cruise, you’ll likely visit at least one or two of these crowd-favourite ports:

Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the capital city and the most common stop. It was a lively mix of markets, island tours, and tropical bars perched over the water. After a temporary pause due to port damage, cruise ships are expected to return from June 2025 via a new tender system. From here, you can check out Mele Cascades, visit a traditional village, or sip a drink at a waterfront café while watching the world go by.

Then there’s Mystery Island, which lives up to its name. It’s a tiny, uninhabited dot of sand and palm trees next to the island of Aneityum. No shops, no roads, just white sand, clear water, and reef snorkelling straight off the beach. It’s the kind of place where you leave your phone in your bag and forget about it.

Champagne Bay, on the island of Espiritu Santo, is another stunner. The name comes from the way the water bubbles up like fizz when the tide is right. It’s postcard-perfect with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and locals selling fresh coconuts and handmade crafts right off the beach.

Lastly, there’s Luganville, also on Espiritu Santo. It’s a bit more low-key but full of charm. Here, you can visit the famous Blue Hole, explore World War II relics, or venture into the jungle for a hike to Millennium Cave.

Each port offers a different vibe, from bustling to blissfully remote, but they all share that laid-back island energy that makes Vanuatu such a favourite among cruisers.