Cruise Ship Calls to Vanuatu in Doubt After Earthquake

Several cruise ship calls to the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu are in doubt after a 7.3 earthquake on Tuesday, Dec. 17, caused widespread destruction. Much of the island is without electricity and many buildings collapsed during the earthquake.

The earthquake was centered 18 miles west of Port Villa, according to NPR.

Several cruise ships are scheduled to visit the city, the largest in Vanuatu, over the next several days including Quantum of the Seas, which is scheduled to stop at Port Vila on Dec. 18 and Dec. 25.

Other cruise ships on the schedule for Port Vila are Carnival Luminosa on Dec. 23, and Queen Elizabeth and National Geographic Orion, both on Dec. 28. Two P&O ships are also due to visit the port before the end of the year.

Carnival Corp., the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, and P&O released the following statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the earthquake that has struck Vanuatu, and our thoughts are with all those affected. We are actively monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with local authorities to make decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests and crew, including adjusting itineraries as needed. If itineraries are adjusted, we will directly notify affected guests and their travel advisors.”

However, according to UK travel site Travel Gossip, Carnival Corp. has since decided to reroute both P&O ships as well as Carnival Luminosa.

Separately, a spokesperson for Cunard also sent a statement: “Queen Elizabeth is currently scheduled to call into Port Vila on December 28th. We are actively evaluating the situation and remain in close contact with local authorities… We will provide updates as more information becomes available and will advise our guests and travel advisors as soon as we are able to.”

A spokesperson for National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions also said the line is currently evaluating the situation.