Luganville: when your ship stops here
A main street wide enough for four tanks, a museum of the war in the South Pacific, and a famous wreck to dive.
Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.
Luganville is the second largest city in Vanuatu, after Port Vila, on the island of Espiritu Santo, with 17,719 people in the 2020 census. Many people there call it Santo. Wikipedia says it has a strong tourist industry and is a destination for many cruise lines. Our sources do not say where ships tie up, so ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Luganville
Top 3 things to do
1. Boulevard Higinson
The main street, lined mostly with tourist boutiques and general stores. It is unusually wide because during World War II a base commander insisted that four tanks should be able to drive along it side by side. The market along it is popular for its food.
Tip: The port is at one end of the street, which makes it an easy first look.
Source: Wikipedia: Luganville
2. The South Pacific WWII Museum
A museum on the war in the South Pacific, started in 2012. Luganville was a major base for American troops, and Base Button, the largest US base in the South Pacific, was used for maintenance and supply storage.
Tip: Our sources give no address or opening hours, so ask on board how to get there.
Source: Wikipedia: Luganville
3. Diving the SS President Coolidge
Wikipedia names the wreck of the SS President Coolidge and the coral reefs as popular scuba diving sites, part of the town's strength in World War II artifacts and diving.
Tip: This is for certified divers. Our sources give no tour details, so book through the ship or a dive operator you have checked.
Source: Wikipedia: Luganville
What to skip
Trying to do all three in one short call
The main street, the museum and the dive sites are in different places, and our sources give no travel times. On a short call choose one and keep your return time in view.
Source: Wikipedia: Luganville
Before you go ashore
You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.
Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?
Back-to-backs that stop in Luganville
Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Luganville, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:
- Back-to-back cruises from Brisbane 5 back-to-backs with a stop in Luganville
- Back-to-back cruises from Sydney 1 back-to-back with a stop in Luganville
Sources
Find back-to-backs that stop in Luganville
Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Luganville on the way.
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