💱
Currency
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
🗣
Language
Bislama, English, French
🕐
Time Zone
VUT (UTC+11)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Apr
🚢
Typical Duration
8-20 nights
💰
Price Range
From $472 pp
⚓
Port Type
Port of Call
🚤
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to the South Pacific islands, offering pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and access to nearby volcanic islands and coral reefs.
Cruises that visit Port Vila
- cruises to Port Vila
- Port Vila sailings
- Port Vila cruises
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 9-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 9-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 9-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 9-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 10-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 13-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 14-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 16-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 18-night Oceania Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Port Vila
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 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Beach Bar
Great spot on the island to have dinner and watch the fire show.
The Stonegrill Restaurant
The service was friendly yet professional, and the food was delicious.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Waterfront Bar & Grill
Great atmosphere, food was great quality and reasonable prices.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Port Vila Main Market
A brilliant display & choice of fresh local produce.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Fung Kuei Duty Free
They had so many things available including Lego.
Au Bon Marché Nambatu
A great shopping centre carrying all your food goods at reasonable prices.
🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM
Vanuatu National Museum
Absolutely worth paying for the guided tour and sand drawing demonstration.
Three Pigs
Delicious food, excellent and attentive service, fabulous atmosphere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Eden On The River
Several activities available, from jumping in the river to cooking lesson
Banyan Beach Bar
It’s located right on the water and the music and ambiance were perfect!
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Cafe Vila
Every single dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.
Poppys On The Lagoon
I stayed in studio room, self contained one.
LaLaLa Restaurant & Bar @ Le Petit Village
The food tastes great and the cocktails are awesome, the view is to die for.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Paradise Cove Resort
The setting, the atmosphere, and the food all came together perfectly.
VAN Japanese Restaurant
Great food, great ambiance, great staff
🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Vanuatu Ecotours
We did the river kayak trip and it was incredible.
The Retreat Seaside Sports Bar & Resort
Great owners/hosts, great food, rooms, and view of the lagoon.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Club Hippique Adventure Park
We had such an amazing experience with Club Hippique Adventure Park!
83 Islands Distillery
Best cocktails on the islands and reasonably priced too.
Watersports Port Vila
Went with 18 month old and was a great activity to do with toddler.
The Summit - Summit Gardens, Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, Sky Bridge, Canyon Rope Swing
To get from zipline to zipline, there is some walking within the jungle.
Tana Russet Plaza
A few nice shops in Vanuatu's only shopping centre and movie cinema.
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Ekasup Cultural Village
I really enjoyed the demonstrations of everyday village life.
Rarru Rentapao River Cascade Tours
A high jump of 4-5m and a smaller jump with rope swing 2-3m.
Delic Restaurant
Every dish we ordered was perfectly cooked and very satisfying.
Akiriki Restaurant
Live music, excellent service and the best Basque cheesecake
Vanuatu Jungle Zipline - Main Office
The zip line was exciting and fun for our family.
Stone Lounge
Outstanding cocktails and amazing service.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Paris Shopping - Duty Free Vanuatu
In contrast, the local sales ladies were very friendly, polite, and helpful.
🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Vila Hope Tours & Transfers
Thanks team, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Vanuatu Cultural Centre
Had potential.
Vanuatu Sky Bridge
Not the steepest or longest but we had fun.
Kava Lounge
Coziest and cleanest place for kava in Port Vila
Yumi Celebrate
Waterfall Bar & Entertainment Precinct
The Waterfall Bar had beautiful people serving and the food was great.
Pikinini Bar
The gents behind the Waterfall Bar and the kava bar are very friendly.
Handicraft Market
Prices are reasonable, but don’t hesitate to negotiate respectfully.
🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Pandanus Vanuatu Ltd
Beautiful handmade local products.
🕐 Opens soon · 9:30 AM
Snorkellers Cove
Friendly staff will provide you with equipment.
Lololima Waterfalls
Very amazing and remote if you get in we believe.
Port Vila Tours
I would definitely do it again.
AURORA KAVA BAR - NAMBURU
One of the best grog sessions I've had 👌🏾
Buggy Fun Vanuatu
It was the best activities of our holiday.
Tebakor shopping centre
Good market with a small enough variety of groceries
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Turtle Bar
Went there twice and had amazing service.
Port Vila Mall
Food and restaurant items are the entire location
🕐 Open now
Imart Store
🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Vanuatu Souvenirs
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Port Vila
Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, has established itself as a vibrant hub in the South Pacific cruise circuit, with nine major cruise lines calling at this tropical destination. Whether you're embarking on an 8-night voyage or enjoying a port of call during a broader Pacific itinerary, you'll find excellent connectivity to popular regional destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Nouméa, and the picturesque Mystery Island. The port's peak season runs from December through April, making it an ideal stop during the Southern Hemisphere summer months.
Stepping ashore in Port Vila, cruise passengers discover a welcoming blend of Melanesian culture and island charm. The waterfront comes alive with local markets and colonial-era architecture, while nearby attractions showcase the islands' rich heritage and natural beauty. With convenient port facilities and easy access to the town center, visitors can make the most of their time exploring this authentic Pacific destination.
Stepping ashore in Port Vila, cruise passengers discover a welcoming blend of Melanesian culture and island charm. The waterfront comes alive with local markets and colonial-era architecture, while nearby attractions showcase the islands' rich heritage and natural beauty. With convenient port facilities and easy access to the town center, visitors can make the most of their time exploring this authentic Pacific destination.
Cruise Lines at Port Vila
- Carnival Cruise Line (55 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (41 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (8 cruises)
- Holland America Line (6 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (4 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (3 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (2 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Port Vila
Cruises Visiting Port Vila
Ship Schedule at Port Vila
Port Vila Location
Other Cruise Ports in Vanuatu
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions in Port Vila?
Port Vila features beaches, markets, cultural centers, and water-based adventures.
When is the best time to visit Port Vila?
Dry season (May–October) offers pleasant weather and calm seas.
Is Port Vila family-friendly?
Yes, with beaches, parks, and kid-friendly activities.