Luganville

Luganville

Vanuatu

Dive into crystalline waters to discover the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, one of the world's most spectacular sunken ships.

💱 Currency Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
🗣 Language Bislama, English, French
🕐 Time Zone VUT (UTC+11)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 66-121 nights
💰 Price Range From $50 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Vanuatu's pristine islands, offering opportunities to explore volcanic landscapes, vibrant local culture, and tropical biodiversity in the South Pacific.

Cruises that visit Luganville

Build Your Day in Luganville

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Deco Stop Lodge Best view in town, Great staff, strong cocktails. Serviced accommodation · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Natangora Cafe Fantastic service and great food! Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Tu Restaurant & Bar Awesome place to hangout at with good food, vibes and amazing service! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
South Pacific WWII Museum Small but very well equipped museum, run by some enthusiastic volunteers. Museum · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Freshwater Plantation - Aore Island Owner and staff are amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Triton Explorers Amazing experience using Triton Exporers. SCUBA tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k
LCM Decent Supermarket, the biggest on Santo on Main street. Grocery store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
smugglers Seafood Restaurant & Bar And they made a delicious vegan stir fry for us. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Attar Bakery and Cafe Good, reasonably priced food. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Bombua Beach House & Restaurant The food was absolutely amazing and the atmosphere was perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Luganville Local Market Filled with local organic produce, and diverse fruits and vegetables. Market · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Hotel Santo Great location,amazing and warm friendly personnel and very fair prices. Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Thai Cuisine Delicious fresh food with a good range of options on the menu. Thai · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Santo Heritage Tours So friendly and lots to see. Tour operator · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Meal Booths Great simple meals for 500 vatu Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
SS Président Coolidge Definitely 5 star, or more! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Deco Stop Restaurant The food and staff were really lovely. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Sandbar They serve various fruit juices, smoothies, cocktails and a range of beers. Barbecue · ★ 5 · 0k
Leweton Cultural Experience The cost of the tour is absurdly low considering the magic you will feel Performing arts group · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Daming Supermarket Good range of frozen foods. Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Starfish Beach Bar Great views of the harbour, great kava buzz, great food :) Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Mango Kava Bar Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Santo Friendly Tours On the day, Sam was friendly, easy to talk to, and genuinely thoughtful. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Gorgonian Garden Dive Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Lopo Store Grocery store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Cave Kava Bar Bar · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Permanently closed
Sunshine Shopping Check out this guy you'll like what you see. Store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
Daming Store Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open now
NEW LOOK Variety store · ★ 5 · 0k
Wong Sze Sing Store Grocery store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM
Wan Top Stoa Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Luganville

About Luganville

Luganville serves as a vibrant port of call in the South Pacific, welcoming passengers from six major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. With 21 upcoming cruises and an average voyage length of 121 nights, this destination attracts travelers seeking extended Pacific adventures that often connect to iconic ports like Sydney, Hobart, Papeete, and beyond. The port experiences peak activity during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of January through March, as well as August and November, making it a well-established stop on longer itineraries.

Stepping ashore in Luganville, cruise passengers discover the authentic charm of Vanuatu's largest island, Espiritu Santo. The port provides easy access to pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and unique island experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the South Pacific. Whether you're seeking relaxation or cultural immersion during your port day, Luganville offers a refreshing contrast to more heavily touristed destinations, making it a memorable highlight on any extended cruise itinerary.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Espiritu Santo's WWII History

Discover the fascinating remnants of World War II scattered across Espiritu Santo island, including sunken ships, abandoned airfields, and military relics. Local guides lead immersive tours through this open-air museum where you'll uncover stories of the Pacific campaign and witness how nature has reclaimed these historic sites over decades.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood at Local Markets

Wander through Luganville's vibrant markets bursting with tropical fruits, fresh-caught fish, and local delicacies. Sample authentic Vanuatuan cuisine at waterfront restaurants serving grilled mahi-mahi and coconut-infused dishes, or grab freshly prepared street food that captures the island's authentic flavors and culinary traditions.

3

Swim in Pristine Blue Holes

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Espiritu Santo's famous blue holes—crystal-clear freshwater cenotes surrounded by lush jungle. These geological wonders offer refreshing swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with some accessible via short hikes through tropical rainforest teeming with native flora and exotic bird species.

4

Shop Local Crafts and Souvenirs

Browse Luganville's charming shops and markets for authentic Vanuatuan handicrafts, including woven baskets, carved wooden masks, and traditional shell jewelry. Support local artisans while discovering unique souvenirs that reflect the island's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions unavailable elsewhere.

5

Witness Traditional Kastom Ceremonies

Immerse yourself in Vanuatu's unique cultural traditions by attending or observing traditional kastom ceremonies and village experiences. Learn about the island's indigenous customs, ancestral practices, and spiritual beliefs through guided cultural tours that showcase the authentic way of life in local communities.

Cruise Lines at Luganville

Cruises Departing From Luganville

Cruises Visiting Luganville

Ship Schedule at Luganville

Luganville Location

Other Cruise Ports in Vanuatu

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Luganville, Vanuatu?

Six major cruise lines operate from Luganville, including MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With 21 upcoming cruises scheduled, you'll have multiple options to choose from for your South Pacific voyage.

When is the best time to cruise from Luganville?

The peak months for cruising from Luganville are January, February, March, August, and November. These months offer the best availability and typically feature favorable weather conditions for exploring the South Pacific region.

How much do cruises from Luganville cost?

Cruise prices from Luganville range from $851.50 to $17,394 per person, depending on the cruise line, itinerary length, cabin type, and season. Ocean cruises from this port offer options for various budgets and travel preferences.

What are the main destinations from Luganville cruises?

Cruises from Luganville typically visit top destinations including Sydney and Hobart in Australia, Papeete in Tahiti, Valparaiso in Chile, and Ushuaia in Argentina. These itineraries showcase some of the most spectacular destinations across the Pacific and Southern Ocean regions.

What can I see and do during a day in port at Luganville?

Luganville offers visitors access to beautiful beaches, tropical gardens, and local markets showcasing Vanuatu's unique culture. You can explore the nearby Espiritu Santo island, visit the Million Dollar Point underwater wreck site for diving, or relax at pristine white-sand beaches and enjoy fresh local cuisine.

How do I get from Luganville port to the city and attractions?

Taxis are readily available at Luganville port for transportation to the city center and nearby attractions. Many cruise lines also offer organized shore excursions that include transportation, making it convenient to explore the island's highlights during your port day.

Is Luganville port a tender port or dock port?

Luganville is primarily a port of call where cruise ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to transport passengers to shore. This is typical for smaller South Pacific ports, so plan accordingly and allow extra time for the tender process when disembarking.