Cruise passengers return to cyclone-hit Vanuatu
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Passengers onboard P&O Cruises‘ Pacific Dawn have become the first cruise tourists visit Vanuatu following the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam last month.
Approximately 1,800 passengers arrived at the country’s capital, Port Vila, on Wednesday 8 April – less than a month after the cyclone wreaked havoc on the island. P&O has previously sent shipments of aid to Vanuatu, and Pacific Dawn’s latest visit also brought supplies to help with the country’s recovery effort.
P&O said there was a “carnival atmosphere” at the wharf in Port Vila, as a band and musicians turned out to welcome the cruise passengers.
“Cruise tourism is a vital component of the Vanuatu economy with two thirds of international visitors arriving by cruise ship,” P&O said in a statement. “The visits are expected to inject vital funds into the local economy and lift locals’ spirits during a time of rebuilding.”
Another P&O ship, Pacific Pearl, is due to arrive in Port Vila on Saturday.
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