Vanuatu Earthquake Cruise Impact: Ships Forced to Change Ports

• A 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on Tuesday.
• The Red Cross estimates 80,000 are affected including 40,000 children.
• The port area has been seriously damaged and cruise calls are cancelled.

The Red Cross is estimating 14 died in the 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, and another 80,000 families have been affected along with significant infrastructure damage.

Vanuatu is a favourite destination of the cruise industry with many thousands of Australians having close connections with the area. The nation’s tourism sector is vital to the economy and has been devastated.

Royal Caribbean’s 168,666-gross-ton Quantum of the Seas is the only passenger ship believed to be in the area and was calling on the smaller Mystery Island when the quake happened. It has subsequently cancelled a port visit.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 19 miles from Port Vila, hitting at 12:47 p.m. local time. The tremor was followed by several aftershocks, including magnitudes of 5.5, 5.4, and 5.1. Although a tsunami warning was initially issued, it was later canceled. The quake resulted in at least 14 fatalities and over 200 injuries.

Port Vila’s port facilities sustained considerable damage, with landslides near the international shipping terminal isolating the area and burying parts of the wharf. This destruction has raised immediate concerns about the port’s operational capacity, especially regarding its ability to accommodate scheduled cruise ship arrivals.

Quantum of the Seas had planned a call to Port Vila today but opted to return to Mystery Island instead. Passengers reported feeling light tremors during the quake, but no injuries were reported on board.

Other cruise lines are also reassessing their schedules.

P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure have calls scheduled for December 21 and 22, respectively. Similarly, Silversea and Cunard have ships slated to arrive later in the month. Cunard has stated that it is “actively evaluating the situation and remain in close contact with local authorities,” emphasizing the need to ensure safety before proceeding with planned visits.

The suspension or alteration of cruise ship visits poses a significant economic challenge for Vanuatu. Cruise tourism is a substantial contributor to the nation’s economy, with each ship bringing in an average of AU$260,000 and each passenger contributing approximately AU$125 in indirect expenditure.

In response to the disaster, caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai declared a state of emergency for Port Vila, implementing a curfew in the hardest-hit areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for seven days. The World Health Organization is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Vila Central Hospital to support the health response efforts.

As recovery efforts commence, the focus will be on restoring critical infrastructure to facilitate the return of cruise ships and revitalise the tourism sector.

The timeline for repairs remains uncertain, and cruise lines are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely, making itinerary adjustments as necessary to ensure passenger safety and support Vanuatu’s recovery.

DFAT has set up an emergency number – +61 2 6261 3305 for anyone overseas, and 1300 555 135 for those calling within Australia.

Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises said three ships had been diverted and those passengers  scheduled to travel in the area before Christmas had been told what was happening.

“Given the extensive damage in Port Vila and the current state of emergency, a visit to Port Vila is not possible for current itineraries,” a company spokeswoman told The Financial Review.

“Guests on the current Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter voyages will spend an extra day at sea, while guests on Carnival Luminosa will visit Mystery Island instead of Port Vila.

“Guests on future voyages to Port Vila will be advised on any itinerary changes as soon more is known.”