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Port Vila: when your ship stops here

The capital of Vanuatu after the 2024 earthquake: the rebuilt market, the waterfall pools at Mele, and an island with a post office under the sea.

Facts checked Nov 3, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, on the island of Efate. The earthquake of 17 December 2024 did heavy damage to the main wharf and cruise ships stayed away for eight months; they came back in August 2025 with a temporary tender service while the wharf is repaired, so check on board whether your ship docks or tenders. The tourism office says you can walk into town, or use a taxi or minibus, and see the place without a ship tour if you watch the clock.

Sources: Wikipedia: Port Vila; Vanuatu Tourism Office: earthquake updates (as at 7 May 2025); Cruise Industry News, 15 August 2025: Carnival Adventure marks cruising return to Port Vila; Vanuatu Tourism Office: cruise ships in Vanuatu

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Port Vila Market

    The central market of the capital sells vegetables, flowers, jewellery, woodcarvings and souvenirs, and in season mangoes and passion fruit. The 2024 earthquake badly damaged the market building; it reopened on 28 July 2025.

    Tip: It is open Monday to Friday and on Saturday morning, its busiest time, closing at 2 in the afternoon on Saturday.

    Source: Wikipedia: Port Vila Market

  2. 2. Mele Cascades

    A waterfall of about 100 feet (30 m) with natural pools to swim in, about 10 miles (16 km) from the centre by a cruise line's reckoning, so it needs a taxi or minibus. After the earthquake the tourism office listed the lower pools as open again in January 2025.

    Tip: The tourism office names Mele Cascades, the markets and a harbour or island snorkel as the things that fit a ship day well. Bring swimwear and shoes you can get wet.

    Sources: Celebrity Cruises (a cruise line): Port Vila, Vanuatu; Vanuatu Tourism Office: earthquake updates (as at 7 May 2025); Vanuatu Tourism Office: cruise ships in Vanuatu

  3. 3. Hideaway Island

    A small island in Mele Bay on the west side of Efate, with a marine reserve full of tropical fish on its seaward side and a post office under the water, opened on 26 May 2003, where you can post a waterproof card. A boat runs to it from the beach at Mele Bay around the clock.

    Tip: Mele Bay is by the Cascades, so the two go together in one taxi trip.

    Source: Wikipedia: Hideaway Island

What to skip

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 Port Vila

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Port Vila, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 3, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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