Port Vila welcomes first cruise ship after earthquake disruption

August 7, 2025 9:50 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

For the first time in eight months, a cruise ship has docked in Port Vila following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the capital on 17 December last year.

The arrival of Carnival Adventure today marks a key moment of recovery for Vanuatu’s tourism sector and economy. The cruise liner, which left Sydney Harbour on 3 August and docked at Mystery Island yesterday, was welcomed into Port Vila early this morning amid much anticipation and celebration.

Businesses across town, especially local tour operators, showed enthusiasm over the return of cruise activity. The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) and its key partners prepared for this moment for months, ensuring infrastructure, security, and cultural programs were in place to warmly receive the influx of visitors.

“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” a tourism official said. “It’s an emotional return that shows Port Vila is back and ready.”

To mark the occasion, an Official Welkam Ceremony was held at Feiawa Park, Seafront area, starting with VIP arrivals from 8:00 to 8:30am. The formal programme began at 8:45am with an opening prayer, followed by welcome remarks from Madame Jenny Tasale, Lady Mayor of the Port Vila City Council (PVCC).

At 9:00am, a Carnival Australia representative addressed the gathering, followed by a speech from Minister for Trade & Commerce, Samson Samsen. The official Welkam speech was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Johnny Rasu Koanapo at 9:20am.

Ceremonial plaque exchanges took place at 9:30am, followed by cake cutting and refreshments at 9:40am. The programme concluded with a closing prayer at 9:50am and ended with traditional kava sharing and live entertainment from 10:00am.

Security was tight at the Seafront, which was barricaded for the ceremony, but the public was encouraged to gather in town to enjoy other entertainment and be part of the welcoming spirit. The event aimed not only to celebrate the return of cruise ships but also to send a message to visitors that Vanuatu is vibrant, resilient, and open once again for international tourism.