Vila, Vanuatu 

The substantial dock and port area of Port Vila overlooks a natural harbour. There are beautiful coastal views of the city with its clusters of houses and small scale resorts nestled amongst tropical vegetation makes an attractive scene. The harbour is quite active with fishing boats, yachts and speedboats passing between the various nearby islands. Upon arrival into Port Vila you will have the opportunity to visit many of the local market stalls set up for each ships call into this port.

Port Vila is clearly visible from deck and is around 1.5 kilometres from the port. The capital is really just one long street with a few smaller streets intersecting it. The main street Lini Highway has lots of shops some bars and restaurants. Many of the resort hotels with excellent restaurants and bars are easily accessible.

Your ship will dock at Port Vila’s commercial pier about three kilometres from the centre of town.

There are plenty of taxis in Vila (distinguishable by the T on their number plates). At the dock, you’ll find them lined up just outside the port gates. A trip into town in a taxi should cost around $5 Australian. There is a minimum fare and taxis are metered. Make sure the driver switches on the meter or you’ve agreed on a fare if you wish to hire a taxi for an extended journey. Taxi vans/busses (distinguishable by the B on their number plates) will wait until they’re full before heading off, charge around $2 Australian per passenger for the trip into town. You’ll find them outside the port gates, to the right.

Vila has everything: Duty Free goods and competitively-priced indigenous arts, crafts and clothing. The market near the pier where your ship docks is excellent. Most Duty Free stores are located along Lini Highway in the centre of town. Some businesses close for a siesta between 11.30 AM and 1.30 PM.

Please ensure that the items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

For a small city, Vila is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Whether you crave a gourmet meal at a licensed restaurant, a simple snack, a great coffee or Vanuatu’s national dish, laplap, a unique ‘packet’ of local vegetables and meat or fish marinated in coconut milk and wrapped and cooked in the leaves of the laplap plant. The water in Vila is safe to drink. The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises.

With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume this food they do so entirely at their own risk.

Vila’s climate is tropical. The average midday temperature is 29°C (summer) and 25°C (winter). It can be very humid. The wet season is December to March. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Widely accepted in larger stores, restaurants and some cafes.  If you do intent to use Australian Dollars (cash) while ashore, Please note  that shops may accept AUD however if you do  spend money and get Vatu in change you will not be able to exchange this once you are back onboard.

There are public telephones in downtown Vila. Most mobile services will also work in Port Vila also as long as your phone is on global roaming prior to leaving your home country.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Ni-Vanuatu are quite conservative, so please dress modestly. Except on beaches, cover up when walking around Vila (casual clothes, not swimwear).

There is a range of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Port Vila. Subject to availability, tours may be pre reserved prior to your cruise departure on the following link www.pocruises.com.au/cruisepersonaliser or booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk.

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Port Vila or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries, Thank you.