Tourism rebounds in Vanuatu as Port Vila welcomed the first cruise ship back after the devastating December earthquake when Carnival Adventure docked on 8 August 2025. Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter are also due to visit Port Vila this month.
The return of Carnival Cruise Line also marks the Port Vila debut of the rebranded and relaunched Carnival Adventure, formerly Pacific Adventure, after the integration of the P&O Australia fleet.
The Carnival Cruise Line ship arrived with 2,846 guests on board, spending the day in Port Vila on Friday.
The road between the Port Vila CBD and the cruise port remains closed due to a landslide during the earthquake, so a temporary tender berthing arrangement was in place to transport passengers.
The Vanuatu Government organised a welcome ceremony for the guests and crew, who brought a much-needed economic boost to Port Vila.
Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter (formerly P&O’s Pacific Encounter) will also visit Port Vila in August 2025.
Carnival Corporation Senior Vice President & Country Manager Peter Little said: “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.”
“The Port Vila community has done it tough without cruise visitors this year, so it’s great Carnival guests can help lift spirits, while spending money with local businesses.”
During the visit, Carnival Adventure Captain Francesco Bencivenga exchanged commemorative plaques in the traditional maritime ceremony to mark the ship’s first visit to the port of call.
For more info, head to carnival.com.au
