The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas made its first-ever visit to Port Vila. The event included a ceremonial plaque exchange between the ship’s captain and Paul Pio, Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The Quantum-class vessel arrived carrying nearly 4,900 passengers, including tourists coming offshore and a group of local students eager to go on board to gain firsthand experience of the global cruise industry. The ship, weighing 168,000 gross tons and stretching roughly 1,141 feet long, is staffed by 1,500 crew members and offers an extensive array of entertainment, dining, and leisure facilities.

Officials and visitors alike witnessed the ceremonial exchange of plaques on the dock, symbolizing a commitment between Vanuatu and Royal Caribbean to maintain a long-term cruise tourism partnership.

Paul Pio, Director of the Department of Tourism, emphasized that the visit was more than a tourist stop. “This is a show of confidence in Vanuatu’s appeal and readiness to host large cruise vessels. The plaque exchange today is a formal commitment that Port Vila is open for cruise business and will continue welcoming these ships in the future,” he said.

Nanise Lapi, Director of Education Services, highlighted the educational opportunity for students accompanying the visit. “The students toured various sections of the ship, from entertainment decks to dining areas, learning firsthand about global cruise tourism operations ,from customer service to logistics. This experience goes beyond sightseeing; it’s about understanding tourism on an international scale,” she said.

The arrival of Anthem of the Seas is seen as a major milestone for Port Vila, not only for the economic boost from nearly 5,000 tourists but also for reinforcing Vanuatu’s strategic direction toward sustainable tourism. Officials hope today’s event will encourage more cruise lines to include Port Vila in their itineraries, providing long-term growth opportunities for local businesses and the hospitality sector.

The ship visit was also a chance for students to witness the operations of a major cruise vessel, including navigation, customer engagement, and entertainment management. This hands-on exposure aligns with Vanuatu’s broader education initiatives to prepare the next generation for careers in tourism and hospitality.

With this first successful call, Port Vila has positioned itself as a must-visit port for major international cruise lines, strengthening Vanuatu’s global tourism profile while offering economic, educational, and cultural benefits to the local community.