Royal Caribbean to kick-off cruising trails in Vanuatu this Summer

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is set to resume cruising to Vanuatu during a special trial in summer beginning with Ovation of the Seas’ arrival at Mystery Island on 12 November followed by an overnight visit planned for 19-20 November at Port Vila.

Further sailings are planned throughout the 2022-2023 season on both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest entrant into this region, now homeporting from Brisbane.

Pre-pandemic, cruising was a key source of income and employment for Vanuatu, bringing jobs and security for locals who rely on the cruising supply chain, according to Geraldine Tari, acting director for Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism, as well as the current chairperson of the National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC).

“It’s been more than two years since we’ve welcomed cruises to our islands, and we welkam back their safe return to rebuild our economy and recover our tourism industry,” Tari said,

“We are working actively with key stakeholders across all Ports of Call to ensure that reopening happens in a smooth and safe manner.

“Vanuatu has always been one of the top regional cruise destinations in the South Pacific, which was manifested during the pre-Covid era. Even now, post-pandemic, as Vanuatu reopens to the world, we have noted a strong demand from our international visitors to return for a cruise experience in Vanuatu.

Ovation of the Seas will kick off RCL’s return to Vanuatu

Adela Issachar Aru, CEO of the Vanuatu Tourism Office added; “We have been working with various cruise operators locally to ensure that their tourism product experiences are market ready with relevant content and itinerary specials on offer for our cruise visitors to Answer the Call of Vanuatu once again, creating their favourite Vanuatu moments.”

During the challenges that the past few years have brought to the region, Royal Caribbean worked with the local community to provide solar lighting for the installation in community gathering spaces in Port Vila; facilitated school upgrades, providing much-needed school resources, food provision and beach clean-ups on Lelepa Island; and provided new market stall chairs and wash stations for the Mama’s Markets in Manples.

“Our guests love visiting Vanuatu for its natural beauty and friendly communities, and we are thrilled to be returning in November,” said Gavin Smith, vice president of Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand.

“Throughout our many years sailing to Vanuatu, we’ve always worked closely with the government and people of Vanuatu through our RCL Cares program to champion and support the Vanuatu community.”

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

mystery island Ovation of the Seas port vila royal caribbean vanuatu