Lucky for us, Port Vila, Vanuatu is showing up on more and more cruise itineraries. This prosperous city and its friendly inhabitants offer many fascinating and authentic experiences to enjoy around the city and the island of Efate. Calling at the capital city of Vanuatu is definitely a highlight of any South Pacific cruise.
Disembark in Port Vila and step right into island life. You’re welcomed by dancers and musicians on the pier and an expansive market featuring local art, crafts, clothes, jewelry, bags, food and souvenirs.
Counted amongst the happiest nation on earth, the friendly Vanuatuans make you feel at home during your day ashore.
A half-day city highlights tour shows you the scenic, cultural and historic places of interest. See the striking New Parliament House of the Republic of Vanuatu, the town centre and the lookout by the War Memorial. You’ll also stop at a Ni-Vanuatu village community to see how villagers live. Being formally greeted by the Paramount Chief and his warriors, who put on a display of war dances, is quite a thrill. There’s time to shop at the colorful village market which supports widows and orphans. Beyond the market is a quiet beach stretching for miles; a good place to relax.
Now you’ve got your bearings and you’re ready to venture further afield in the afternoon.
There’s a range of activities around the island and places worth seeing. Take an excursion from your ship or pick up a mini bus or taxi just outside the wharf gates:
Two more ports of call in Vanuatu also show why this 83-island chain is a true paradise: Uninhabited Mystery Island, only accessible by cruise ship, with its pristine beaches, natural bush and WWII airstrip, and Champagne Bay on the island of Espiritu Santo where a spectacular white sand beach fringes an aqua lagoon and notable WWII sights are found.
Look for Vanuatu on your cruise itinerary for a fascinating call at a picture-perfect, South Pacific island.
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