Which Cruises Visit Vanuatu

Dreaming of a South Pacific cruise that goes beyond the usual ports? Vanuatu LINK#TT059 should absolutely be on your radar.

The capital of Port Vila LINK#D017 on the vibrant island of Efate offers a mix of turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests, and an authentic slice of Melanesian life that feels worlds away from the usual tourist trail.

What makes this destination truly special? You'll be visiting pristine beaches like Mystery Island and Champagne Beach, and the locals here have a warmth that'll make you feel like family from the moment you step ashore.

But here's the thing: not every cruise line makes the journey to Vanuatu. So which ones actually do? We've done the research to bring you the best cruise options for reaching this Pacific gem.

Before you book, don't miss The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu: A Month-by-Month Guide to help you time your visit perfectly.

1.Royal Caribbean

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Set sail aboard the Anthem of the Seas for an unforgettable South Pacific adventure that combines luxury cruising with authentic island experiences. This Royal Caribbean voyage takes you to two spectacular Vanuatu destinations, each offering its own unique charm.

In Port Vila, immerse yourself in the bustling capital surrounded by sky-blue waters, where you'll discover the rich cultural heritage at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre with its fascinating exhibitions on traditional sand drawing and indigenous artefacts. Marvel at the rainforest-surrounded waterfalls of Mele Cascades or escape to nearby Pele Island for pristine white sand beaches.

Your second stop at Mystery Island offers the complete opposite experience, pure tranquillity. Stroll the entire island to find your perfect secluded spot, hunt for the historic World War II military airstrip, indulge in beachside Vanuatu massages, or dive into turquoise waters teeming with exotic marine life and vibrant coral formations.

2.Carnival Cruise Line

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Escape to the pristine waters of Vanuatu aboard Carnival Splendor, Carnival Adventure, or Carnival Encounter, Carnival Luminosa, offering seven to nine-day cruises from Sydney that combine tropical island paradise with world-class onboard entertainment.

The highlight of this South Pacific adventure is Mystery Island, an uninhabited slice of paradise exclusively accessible to cruise passengers, where pristine white sand beaches meet crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Onboard, you'll discover entertainment venues like the 1930s-inspired El Morocco Lounge with live performances, the Royal Flush Casino, and the sophisticated Fahrenheit 555 restaurant.

Water enthusiasts will love Carnival WaterWorks featuring the thrilling "Green Lightning" slide, multiple pools including one with a retractable roof, and the adults-only Serenity Retreat.

When it's time to unwind, the Cloud 9 Spa offers thalassotherapy pools and thermal chambers for ultimate relaxation.

3.Princess Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Princess Cruises delivers an exceptional cruise experience with departures from Sydney, Hawaii and Los Angeles, featuring memorable stops including Port Vila. As the capital of Vanuatu, Vila serves as your gateway to an archipelago of 83 stunning islands scattered across the Coral Sea.

The signature MedallionClass experience ensures effortless, personalised cruising with your stateroom unlocking as you approach, next-level service and easy family connectivity throughout your journey.

Onboard entertainment features Broadway-style shows, live music, themed activities and game shows, whilst dining options span from multicourse restaurants to casual buffets, pizza and soft-serve ice cream.

Optional add-ons include the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages, offering beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffees, WiFi, award-winning specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa services, The Sanctuary adult retreat, laundry services and celebration packages.

4.Norwegian Cruise Line

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Experience the South Pacific in style aboard the Norwegian Spirit, departing from Sydney for an unforgettable 11, 12 or 13-day cruise adventure to Vanuatu's stunning Port Vila and the pristine Mystery Island.

The "Free at Sea™" package transforms your voyage into an all-inclusive paradise, featuring unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wine and beer for guests over 21.

Savour three multi-course meals at award-winning specialty restaurants like Cagney's Steakhouse and Le Bistro, where globally inspired cuisine meets exceptional service.

Shore excursion credits of US$50 per person ensure you can explore Vanuatu's volcanic landscapes and vibrant local culture without breaking the budget. Stay connected with 150 minutes of high-speed WiFi per person, keeping you in touch with loved ones back home.

5.Holland America Line

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Holland America Line offers an epic 28-day "Islands of the South Pacific" cruise from Sydney to Auckland, taking you through some of the most stunning destinations in the Pacific.

This comprehensive voyage passes through Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Luganville, Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, before heading to Fiji and Tonga, and ends in Auckland.

Entertainment comes alive with "Billboard Onboard" for music trivia and chart-topping hits, whilst "World Stage" features innovative shows with a two-storey LED screen creating vivid wraparound displays. The "Rolling Stone Lounge" delivers live rock, pop and country performances nightly.

Dining options include the casual "Lido Market" marketplace offering diverse breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night options, poolside "Dive In" serving gourmet burgers and "Nathan's Famous hot dogs", plus 24-hour room service for verandah dining.

6.Oceania Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Experience the ultimate in luxury cruising with Oceania Cruises' exceptional "Mesmerizing Melanesia" voyage aboard the elegant Riviera. This Sydney to Sydney round-trip journey showcases Vanuatu's stunning islands with stops in both Luganville and Port Vila, offering an immersive Pacific adventure.

The "Your World Included" programme elevates your experience with all speciality dining, shipboard gratuities and unlimited WiFi included. Choose between complimentary wine and beer throughout your voyage or a generous US$1,800 shore excursion credit to explore Vanuatu's rich culture and natural wonders.

Shore excursion options include fascinating World War II historical sites, traditional fire walking ceremonies in Santo Village, pristine northern beaches and the famous blue hole, peaceful canoeing along the Riri River and the breathtaking Hibiscus Blue Lagoon.

7.Seabourn

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Embark on an extraordinary 16-day voyage aboard the luxurious "Seabourn Pursuit", exploring the remote and culturally rich islands of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. This premium expedition cruise offers unparalleled access to some of the Pacific's most isolated destinations, where ancient traditions still thrive.

Witness the mesmerising Rom Dance on Ambrym, Vanuatu, a sacred ritual performed by locals in elaborate masks and costumes. Experience the death-defying Land Diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, the original inspiration for modern bungee jumping, where brave men leap from towering wooden towers with only vine ropes around their ankles.

The journey includes guided shore excursions in Luganville and other remarkable ports of call, providing intimate encounters with indigenous cultures rarely experienced by mainstream tourism.

This cruise departs in Lautoka, Fiji and arrives Darwin, Australia, visiting remote islands across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

8.Celebrity Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Celebrity Cruises offers exceptional South Pacific cruise itineraries departing from Sydney that showcase some of the world's most pristine island destinations.

These carefully crafted voyages range from 10 to 17 nights, with longer transpacific options available, calling at stunning ports including Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu, plus additional destinations across Oceania and Hawaii depending on your chosen itinerary.

Onboard, you'll discover world-class amenities including the adults-only Solarium with its serene pool area, rejuvenating treatments at The Spa, and exceptional dining experiences crafted by renowned chefs.

Evenings come alive with sophisticated cocktails at the elegant Martini Bar and captivating Broadway-style productions.

In Vanuatu, snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs surrounding Efate Island, teeming with parrotfish, butterfly fish and sweetlips.

Explore the bustling Port Vila Markets for fresh tropical produce, hand-carved woodwork and locally crafted jewellery, then savour traditional kava whilst watching spectacular sunsets over tranquil Mystery Island.

9.Crystal Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Crystal Cruises offers an extraordinary way to experience Vanuatu, where a spectacular water music ceremony greets visitors upon arrival at the pristine shores.

Choose from four different cruise itineraries lasting 11, 16, 25, or 37 nights, departing from either Tahiti or Lautoka and arriving in Brisbane, Auckland, or Melbourne aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony.

The Port Vila stop provides access to an impressive array of shore excursions, including the "Port Vila Kayak & Snorkel Adventure", "Port Vila Highlights", "Bridges of Eden", "Efate Waterfall and Beach Escape", and "Tastes of Vanuatu". Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the "Efate Culture and Lagoon Escape", "Mangaliliu Marine Conservation Encounter", and "Island Culture & Coastal Adventure" experiences that showcase authentic Melanesian traditions.

10.Cunard Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Cunard's luxury cruise aboard the Queen Anne offers an unforgettable 20-night journey from Sydney to Los Angeles, with a captivating day-long stopover in Port Vila on day five of your voyage.

Arriving in the early morning and departing in the evening, you'll have ample time to explore Vanuatu's vibrant capital through carefully curated shore excursions.

Venture to the culturally rich Ekasup Village, experience the world's only underwater post office, marvel at the cascading beauty of Rarru Falls, or discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chief Roi Mata's Domain.

The city itself offers remarkable attractions including the stunning Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the thrilling Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, duty-free shopping opportunities, and The Cultural Centre showcasing local heritage.

11.Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Experience the pinnacle of luxury cruising aboard the intimate Seven Seas Navigator on this extraordinary 12-night voyage from Cairns to Lautoka. This "Outback 7 Isles" journey is part of Navigate the Seasons, a curated collection showcasing the world's most captivating destinations during their seasonal peak.

Discover three magnificent days in Vanuatu, exploring the vibrant capital of Port Vila, the pristine paradise of Mystery Island, and the historic charm of Luganville on Espiritu Santo.

Every suite includes unlimited shore excursions, exquisite dining at all speciality restaurants, unlimited beverages including fine wines and craft cocktails, and a customisable in-suite mini bar replenished daily.

Additional luxuries encompass unlimited spa access, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited WiFi, valet laundry service, and 24-hour in-suite dining with open bars and dynamic entertainment throughout.

12.MSC Cruises

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Embark on the ultimate maritime adventure with "MSC Magnifica's" 121-night world cruise, departing from the vibrant Mediterranean port of Barcelona. This epic journey spans four months across the globe's most captivating destinations, with day 74 bringing you to the stunning shores of Luganville in Vanuatu.

During your day in Luganville, choose from an array of exciting shore excursions including the breathtaking Mele Cascades waterfall tours, pristine Pele Island beach and snorkelling adventures, or immersive cultural experiences showcasing authentic Vanuatu traditions.

Additional options include the comprehensive Grand Efate tour, "Discover Vanuatu" cultural journey, scenic west coast exploration, and Port Vila sightseeing.

Your cruise fare includes comfortable cabin accommodation with private ensuite facilities, most onboard entertainment, supervised kids' club activities, main dining room and buffet access, plus complimentary basic beverages including still water, coffee and tea.

13.Avoya Travel

Vanuatu Pocket Guide Placeholder Image
© SPTO

Set sail on an unforgettable South Pacific adventure aboard "Carnival Adventure" with this 10-night cruise departing from Sydney.

This carefully curated voyage takes you through some of the region's most spectacular destinations, offering the perfect blend of tropical paradise and onboard entertainment.

Your journey includes stops at two incredible Pacific gems: the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila on day five, where you can explore local markets, pristine beaches and rich Melanesian culture.

Day six brings you to the secluded paradise of Mystery Island, where crystal-clear waters and untouched coral reefs await your discovery.

With Carnival's signature fun-filled atmosphere, you'll enjoy world-class dining, entertainment and amenities while island-hopping through the South Pacific's most coveted destinations.

More About Cruises to Vanuatu

That's it for our list of the best cruises that visit Vanuatu. For more information about Vanuatu, you can check:

Finally, find more ways of getting to Vanuatu in Getting Here: How to Get to Vanuatu and our Vanuatu Transport Guide.