Cruise ship reduction just for one ship

March 23, 2026 11:26 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

The Carnival Corporation has explained that the 15 per cent reduction in cruise visits relates to only one vessel.

Carnival has clarified that the reported change relates specifically to the future deployment schedule of the Carnival Adventure.

It told the Tourism Department that from 2028, Carnival Adventure will stop from sailing year-round in the Pacific to operating on a six-month seasonal schedule.

This will mean sailing in the region between November and April, while spending the remaining months operating in the North American market.

Until 2028, the Carnival Adventure will continue to deliver all currently published cruise calls to Vanuatu.

The adjustment is expected to have minimal impact on Vanuatu, as the change affects sailings primarily between May and October, which are traditionally lower cruise months in the South Pacific.

“Carnival Cruise Line is currently undertaking a broader review of our fleet deployment and network across key global markets to ensure we are making the most effective use of our vessels while responding to evolving guest demand and operational considerations,’’ said Michael Mihajlov, Carnival Cruise Destination Development Director.

He said in 2027, Carnival Adventure will be based in Auckland during the winter season, which is expected to increase cruise calls to Vanuatu and help reintroduce the New Zealand cruise market to Vanuatu’s ports, creating additional opportunities for visitor arrivals.

“Vanuatu continues to be one of our most valued and popular destinations in the region,’’ he said.

We remain committed to working closely with our partners to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests while continuing to explore opportunities for growth and new destination development across the South Pacific.’’

Carnival Corporation continues to operate multiple vessels in the region that regularly include Vanuatu in their itineraries, including Carnival Splendor, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Encounter, as well as ships from the Princess Cruises brand, which continue to bring cruise visitors to destinations across Vanuatu.

Director of the Department of Tourism, Paul Pio, welcomed the planned 2027 deployment.

“We welcome Carnival’s planned 2027 winter deployment, which is expected to strengthen cruise connectivity between New Zealand and Vanuatu,’’ he said.

“New Zealand is Vanuatu’s second-largest inbound tourism market and the increased presence of cruise itineraries originating from Auckland presents a valuable opportunity to introduce more New Zealand travellers to our islands.”

While global cruise lines regularly adjust fleet deployment based on market demand and operating conditions, the Department of Tourism remains confident that Vanuatu will continue to feature strongly in South Pacific cruise itineraries.

In recent weeks, Port Vila has experienced several cruise cancellations, largely attributed to inclement weather conditions, as reported by the relevant maritime authorities.

The Department of Tourism said it continues to maintain close engagement with Carnival Corporation, other cruise partners, and the Vanuatu Ports Authority to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of cruise tourism in Vanuatu