Tourism rebounds in Vanuatu as Port Vila welcomed the first cruise ship back after the devastating December earthquake when Carnival Adventure docked on 8 August 2025. Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter are also due to visit Port Vila this month.

The return of Carnival Cruise Line also marks the Port Vila debut of the rebranded and relaunched Carnival Adventure, formerly Pacific Adventure, after the integration of the P&O Australia fleet.

The Carnival Cruise Line ship arrived with 2,846 guests on board, spending the day in Port Vila on Friday.

The road between the Port Vila CBD and the cruise port remains closed due to a landslide during the earthquake, so a temporary tender berthing arrangement was in place to transport passengers.

The Vanuatu Government organised a welcome ceremony for the guests and crew, who brought a much-needed economic boost to Port Vila.

Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter (formerly P&O’s Pacific Encounter) will also visit Port Vila in August 2025.

Carnival Corporation Senior Vice President & Country Manager Peter Little said: “We are delighted to be returning to Port Vila to bring a much-needed economic boost to the city following the devastating earthquake late last year.”

“The Port Vila community has done it tough without cruise visitors this year, so it’s great Carnival guests can help lift spirits, while spending money with local businesses.”

During the visit, Carnival Adventure Captain Francesco Bencivenga exchanged commemorative plaques in the traditional maritime ceremony to mark the ship’s first visit to the port of call.

For more info, head to carnival.com.au

Armed  police were spotted descending on a ferry terminal in South Hampton, England and dramatically detaining a man in front of stunned cruise passengers today, following a bomb scare. The 63-year-old man claimed to have an explosive device, and upon searching the vessel and surrounding area, nothing was found.

The man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offense and communicating false information. He was released and will have a court hearing on Nov. 8, according to People magazine. At this point in time, there has been no mention of motive. 

Officers were filmed surrounding a van at Southampton port on Saturday as passengers aboard the Ventura, a PandO cruise ship bound for the Canary Islands, were instructed to gather at muster points. Among them was Andy Palmer, an early boarder who was close to the action when police established a 200-meter perimeter, reports Mirror UK. 

From the ship, Mr. Palmer observed the arrest and recounted the moment he learned of the bomb threat. 

He said he had just boarded the ferry and was enjoying “some lunch and a drink” when he saw “a guy being dragged out of his car by six armed policemen.”

A representative for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary verified that officers responded to an incident after receiving reports of a man “claiming to be in possession of an explosive device.”

They reported: “Police are currently on scene at the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton.

“This follows reports of a man claiming to be in possession of an explosive device. The man was arrested and a 200m cordon was put in place while specialist officers searched a lorry at the location.

“Searches have concluded and no such device has been located. We are satisfied that there is no risk to the public, and the cordon will now be lifted.”