Aerial view of Port Vila, Vanuatu, showing turquoise lagoon waters, a forested island with beachfront bungalows and the surrounding town stretching along the coastline.

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Cruises to Port Vila, Vanuatu

View cruises

Things to do in Port Vila

Port Vila is a layered kind of place: rainforest hikes meet beach days, coral reefs meet colonial legacies and the Blue Lagoon waits just a short drive away. It’s the capital of Vanuatu, but don’t expect suits and skylines; this is jungle, ocean and island culture served straight up with a twist.

Explore things to do in Port Vila
01 / 04
  • Close-up of bright green limes in mesh bags and yellow bananas on a market table, surrounded by assorted tropical produce.

    Enjoy local cuisine with fresh tropical fruits, hearty Melanesian dishes and tropical‑flavors right by the waterfront market.

  • Aerial view of Port Vila’s harbor with red-roofed buildings, palm-lined roads and turquoise water surrounding nearby islands.

    Visit historical landmarks like the national museum and town buildings that reflect the blend of colonial and indigenous heritage.

  • Layered waterfalls spilling over green moss and rocks into clear turquoise pools surrounded by dense tropical foliage.

    Explore natural beauty at locations such as Mele Cascades, rainforest trails and the shimmering reef‑fringed coastline.

  • A small thatched-roof hut with bright blue wooden posts stands in a leafy garden surrounded by green foliage and pink flowering bushes.

    Dive into local arts and culture by visiting traditional villages, sand‑drawing demonstrations and Melanesian handicrafts.

01 / 04

Shore excursions to explore in Port Vila

Want to do more than wander? Choose from a range of specially curated Princess shore excursions designed to deliver a lively mix of nature, culture and unforgettable adventure:

01 / 06
  • Aerial view of a shallow turquoise lagoon with coral patches, sandbars and a thin strip of land lined with trees, backed by rolling hills and scattered homes.

    Aqua Quad Safari

    Drive your own Zego Aqua Quad from the harbour outward past million‑dollar waterfront mansions and anchored yachts, then cruise on to Ifira Island for tropical‑fruit refreshment and a quick swim. Continue to Paradise Cove’s coral reef in crystal clear water, then return via Malapoa Peninsula and Fatmaru Bay for more harbor views.

    Learn More
  • Aerial view of Iririki Island surrounded by bright turquoise water and deep blue lagoon, with nearby coastline and forested hills in the background.

    Port Vila Clear Kayak & Snorkel

    Paddle out onto the calm waters of the harbour in a transparent kayak and glide over coral reefs teaming with fish species. It’s like having your own window into the colorful and dynamic world below the surface… because that’s exactly what it is! Drift along the seafront where market houses sell fresh produce and local handicrafts. Finally, snorkel at the Iririki reef in the protected bay for an even more up-close experience.

    Learn More
  • Narrow suspended bridge made of wooden planks stretches over a fast-moving jungle river, surrounded by dense green foliage and hanging vines.

    Bridges of Eden

    This excursion begins with a scenic drive into the lush eco‑garden of Eden on the River just outside Port Vila. After a safety briefing and walk through the forest edge you’ll cross three suspended bridges — one 23 m long, another 52 m 2–4 m above the river and a final 23 m span boasting a dramatic view of the river below. It’s equal parts paradise and height-induced panic (in a good way).

    Learn More
  • Aerial view of Erakor Island surrounded by bright turquoise shallows, coral patches and deeper blue water with lush forest stretching across the neighboring shoreline.

    Ekasup Cultural Village

    Board a minibus into the heart of the Erakor rainforest and meet the chief and warriors of the Ekasup in full regalia at the traditional Melanesian compound. Learn how native herbal medicines are prepared from flora, watch hunting/trapping demos, taste laplap (the local dish) and hear exciting tales of tribal history. Then browse woven handicrafts and refresh yourself with a selection of fresh tropical fruit.

    Learn More
  • Aerial view of a narrow turquoise inlet cutting through lush green rainforest on Vanuatu’s coast, with waves breaking on a rocky shoreline in the distance.

    Port Vila Horse Trek

    Meet a friendly and knowledgeable riding instructor at Club Hippique (a 400‑acre copra plantation surrounded by rainforest and beach). After your skill level has been assessed, you’ll embark on a guided trail ride through hills and rainforest down to a saltwater lagoon. And yes, you can ride your horse right into the water for a refreshing dip before the drive back to port. It’s like the world’s greatest splashpad!

    Learn More
  • Coral rock formations rising from shallow turquoise water along Efate Island’s rugged coast under a bright blue sky.

    Semi‑Sub Reef Exploration

    How about a literal deep dive into what makes Port Vila so special. Board a custom‑built semi‑submersible vessel called the Reef Explorer and take in the underwater world from a viewing room below deck. Or, jump in for a snorkel-assisted closer look at coral reefs and tropical fish species thriving in the clear water off Efate.

    Learn More
01 / 06
Explore all shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Port Vila

As your ship docks at the commercial pier on Wharf Road about three kilometres southwest of town you’ll step into the heart of the action. From the wharf, taxis and buses are readily available so you can drop into the waterfront promenade, taste local dishes, wander the market and launch into excursion mode. If you’re sailing on a Tahiti and South Pacific cruise itinerary this stop delivers a powerful mix of culture, scenery and up-close exploration.

01 / 06
view Fiji

14-Day Fiji & South Pacific

View cruise
Hilo, Hawaii

28-Day Hawaii & South Pacific Crossing

View cruise
Pago Pago, American Samoa

36-Day Hawaii & South Pacific Crossing

View cruise

Discover Port Vila on your next cruise

Visiting Port Vila offers a rare combination of Pacific charm and real exploration. You’ll wander rainforest paths, splash into turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, snorkel coral reefs, enjoy beach life and dive into village culture — all within a short hop from your ship. With Princess Cruises your onboard experience serves as the book‑ends to adventure.

Cruises to Port Vila
Tall tropical waterfall cascading over moss-covered rock with multiple narrow streams and lush green vegetation surrounding the pool below.

Feel the rush as crystal ribbons spill down mossy cliffs deep in Vanuatu’s jungle.

Tropical beach in Vanuatu with tall coconut palms, a thatched-roof cabana, white sand and calm turquoise water backed by lush greenery.

Enjoy the tropical beach in Vanuatu with tall coconut palms, a thatched-roof cabana, white sand and calm turquoise water backed by lush greenery.

a smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover Our Ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting Port Vila port

Cruises to Port Vila FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

01 / 03
  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

    Learn more about transfers
  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
01 / 03

Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

View all deals and promotions
Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

You may also like

Hawaii view

Hawaii cruises

Set sail on a Hawaii cruise with Princess. Explore four iconic islands, from the lush rainforest of Kauai to the famous beaches of Oahu and much more.

LEARN MORE
panama

Panama Canal cruises

Experience a Panama Canal cruise with Princess. Stroll the cobbled streets of colonial towns and journey through the fabled Panama Canal. Book now!

LEARN MORE
South Pacific Cruises

South Pacific cruises

On South Pacific cruises you’ll explore the paradise, cultures and unspoiled beaches of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji & other South Pacific islands.

LEARN MORE
01 / 06