Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit has anchored in the turquoise waters of Mystery Island this morning, marking a return to business for the picturesque Vanuatu island which has been out of action since Cyclone Pam tore through the region two months ago.
The category five cyclone damaged the island’s jetty, making it impossible for cruise ships to tender passengers to shore.
Over recent weeks, locals have constructed a temporary jetty which will remain in place until a permanent jetty can be installed later this year.
With clear skies and even clearer waters, Carnival Spirit passengers flocked ashore this morning to enjoy a beach day. The call is part of an 11-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney visiting ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
In a show that the island is well and truly open for business, locals from nearby Aneityum made their way to work in boats, setting up market stalls and offering local tours including fish feeding, snorkelling and walking excursions.
Pacific Dawn is scheduled to herald P&O Cruises’ return to the island tomorrow.
SOURCE Carnival Corporation