Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Port Vila Vanuatu?

Cruise ships dock at Port Vilas commercial pier, located on Wharf Road, approximately three kilometers southwest of the town center. To get into Port Vila, visitors can take a locally-operated shuttle van or hire a taxi. Some people may also walk to the pier. Most cruise ships to Efate Island dock at Port Vila, a port town on the western coast. Some ships may stop at Port Havannah, located on the same coast.

The port is a fairly small port, and when a cargo ship is in port, the cruise ship docks between Iririki Island and Malapoa. Port Vila can accommodate cruise liners, cargo vessels, and oil tankers. It is made up of three bays: the outer bay, the pontoon bay, and the shore excursions.

Celebrity Cruises offers top vacation itineraries and exciting shore excursions to Port Vila. To get into Port Vila, visitors can take a shuttle bus service or take a local shuttle bus. The port is a popular destination for cruise liners, cargo vessels, and oil tankers, and is a popular choice for those looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

Is it worth visiting Port Vila?

Port Vila is the perfect base for a holiday in Vanuatu. With a lagoon on one side, and a tropical harbour on the other, it is a stone’s throw away from excellent snorkelling spots, relaxing beaches, or adrenalin-pumping ziplines and hikes.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and is situated on the island of Efate. It’s home to a range of resorts and experiences, whether it be ziplining, snorkelling, savouring a fresh seafood dinner, kayaking in the lagoon, swinging into the blue lagoon or simply kicking back.

The island of Efate has a rugged coastline and rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, isolated sandy bays and lagoons.

There are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture visiting a cultural show, watching a fire dancing show at the beach bars, sampling fresh fruit at the Mama’s markets or souvenir shopping at the handicraft markets.

Is port side or starboard side better?

If you’re cruising in the Southern Hemisphere, the north-facing rooms will enjoy the most sun, so take the recommendations above and swap the sides. Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side.

Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference.

To catch sunsets, you’ll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

If seeing the sunset from your cruise is a priority, ensure that your dinner time doesn’t conflict with the sunset. Cruise operators will often publish the sunrise and sunset times along your route. And dining in your stateroom is an option if you want to take advantage of the view.

Another consideration is the view you get when your ship is in port. But which side offers a better view is relatively unpredictable because cruise ships can dock on either side of the ship.

What is Port Vila known for?

Port Vila is Vanuatu’s most important harbour and the center of the country’s trade. The international airport, Bauerfield International (VLI) is also located in the city. Air Vanuatu has its head office in Vanuatu House in Port Vila.

Major industries in the city remain agriculture and fishing. Tourism is also becoming important, especially from Australia and New Zealand. There were over 80,000 visitors in 1997.

Vanuatu is a tax haven, and offshore financing in Port Vila is an important part of the economy.

Vanuatu is still dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from Australia and New Zealand, although in recent years aid has also come from China. One example was New Zealand paying to train doctors selected from the local community, then paying part of their wages during the first year after qualification. Australia has paid consultants to work in Port Vila Central Hospital.

What money do you use in Port Vila?

Since Vanuatu is a common destination for cruise ships, many shops and restaurants (particularly in Port Vila) will take Australian dollars. But the rate of exchange is likely to be poor.

The vatu is far more widely accepted so it will make your life easier if you just exchange AUD into local cash on arrival.

Do I Need Cash in Vanuatu?. Not all cafes, shops, and tour companies have plastic payment facilities and market stalls only take cash.

Beyond the main towns of Port Vila and Luganville, you’ll have even more difficulty paying by card and there are very few ATMs and money changers around. It’s actually quite common for travellers to run out of cash, especially in more remote areas.

Are cruise ships allowed in Vanuatu?

The National Cruise Tourism Management Committee (NCTMC), led by the Department of Tourism (DoT), has endorsed the “trial” return of cruise ships to Vanuatu’s waters commencing on November 9, 2022, after more than two years of border closure. It comes after all requirements and restrictions to enter the archipelago were dropped on September 12.

Commenting on the news, James Bule, Vanuatu Minister of Tourism said: “We are thrilled to see our first international cruise ships returning to our shores, as it represents a lot for our communities and domestic tourism business sector, which rely heavily on the cruise supply chain. Our taxi, buses, tour operators, transfer companies, handicraft, Vanuatu made items shops, tour activities and many more benefit from the cruise market. The Government welcomes the first trial commencing on November 9 for a month leading onto the official resumption of cruise tourism on December 1, 2022.”

Maritime safety protocols are paramount in the sector and Vanuatu authorities have been in direct consultation with cruise operators since July to agree on a safe pathway for restarting the calendar of the cruising industry.

Can you walk around Port Vila?

Walk around the city to explore the markets and take a halt to see the Port Vila Post Office. Enjoy a hassle-free audio tour and immerse yourself into the magic of Vanuatu, a small piece of paradise.

Which side of the ship is the port side?

Simply put, port is the left side of the ship and starboard is the right side of the ship.

This lingo emerged around the 16th century, as colonization of the New World boomed. Port and starboard were adapted from Old English, specifically in the maritime trading industry.

While terms like “left” and “right” can change based on your own personal perspective, port side and starboard side remain constant, even if your perceived orientation changes. This minimizes confusion for anyone navigating any kind of vessel, including a cruise ship.

Is Port Vila a tender port?

Your cruise ship will anchor just offshore and tender boats will operate throughout the day, transporting you to the island. There aren’t too many places in Port Vila that you won’t be able to get a good photograph from.

Is it safe to visit Port Vila?

Crime The crime rate in Vanuatu is low; however, robberies, assaults and sexual assaults against foreigners do occur, including in their homes, particularly in the capital Port Vila. Risks increase after dark, in isolated locations and if you’re alone. NewZealanders are advised to pay close attention to their security, ensuring that all doors and windows are locked at night and while absent and that valuables are kept in a safe and secure place.

Seismic activity Vanuatu is in an active seismic zone and prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, with an associated risk of tsunamis. There are a number of active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Relevant information and the latest reports on volcanic activity throughout Vanuatu (and any current cyclone or tsunami warnings), is available from theVanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department website. Travellers can also check with theVanuatu Tourism Officeor the Tafea Provincial Council Office for MountYasur in Tanna.

New Zealanders in Vanuatu are advised to follow the advice of local authorities at all times, including ensuring awareness of, and adherence to, any designated volcano exclusion zones or evacuation orders.If you hear a tsunami warning siren or experience a long or strong tremor, move to higher ground and follow the instructions of local authorities.

What to do in Port Vila from cruise?

Our most recommended Port Vila Shore excursionsPort Vila: Pepeyo, Blue Lagoon & Eden Tour. … Vanuatu: Blue Lagoon, Eden, and Buggy Adventure. … Glass Bottom Boat tour and Snorkelling Adventure – Port Vila. … Vanuatu Jungle Skybridge. … Efate Round Island Tour. … Port Vila: Small Group Half-Day River Kayaking Tour.