Flight and cruise updates post Cyclone Cook

Flights in and out of the Vanuatu islands have reopened subject to schedule changes, just in time for Easter, however a couple of cruise lines have had a few itinerary changes.

Following the passage of Cyclone Cook this weekend over the Vanuatu islands, Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) is pleased to advise it is business as usual in the islands and hotels and resorts are open as normal.

The ABC reported that overnight Cooke passed through the centre of Grand Terre and 50 kilometres to the south-west of Nourmea.

While a full assessment is still underway VTO is pleased to report that there has been no significant damage to infrastructure and the tourism businesses on Efate (Port Vila), Espiritu Santo, and Tanna are operational as normal.

Airports in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna are open and receiving flights. International and domestic flights are operational. However, all agents and consumers are strongly advised to check with airlines directly before travel for any schedule changes and updates.

Cruise ships were also in the firing line, with a Royal Caribbean spokesperson telling Travel Weekly:

“Voyager of the Seas cancelled her scheduled call to the Isles of Pines in New Caledonia yesterday due to Cyclone Cook.

“The remainder of her 13-night South Pacific itinerary which departed Sydney on 6 April will proceed as scheduled and guests have been informed onboard of the itinerary change and the rationale for the change.

“As always, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our number one priority and we will keep them updated if there are any further changes.”

A spokesperson for Carnival also told us about the latest for Carnival Spirit, cruising in the region.

“Carnival Cruise Line has altered the itinerary for Carnival Spirit to avoid Tropical Cyclone Cook which is active in the South Pacific. Given the extreme weather conditions in the Pacific region, in the interests of guests’ comfort and safety the decision was made on Sunday to change Carnival Spirit’s course.

“The ship is now visiting Moreton Island off the Queensland coast today (April 11) and tomorrow (April 12), with guests able to enjoy the island’s renowned natural beauty and a host of fun activities during their overnight stay.

“Carnival Spirit departed Sydney on Friday April 7 on a seven-night cruise to New Caledonia which was scheduled to call at Noumea on Monday April 10 and Isle of Pines on Tuesday April 11.

“We do not take the decision to change a route lightly, but the safety and wellbeing of guests and crew are always our number one priority. Our thoughts are with the residents of Vanuatu and New Caledonia at this time and we look forward to returning to their shores.”

The Vanuatu tourism industry is now turning its focus to Easter holidaymakers and those on school holiday visits.

Update to Air Vanuatu Flight Re-timings: 

Tuesday

Passengers booked on Monday’s NF10 10/4/17 will now travel
*NF10 11/4/17 Port Vila to Sydney expected to depart at 0840 arriving into Sydney at 1135

Passengers booked on  Mondays NF11 10/4/17 will now travel
*NF11 11/4/17 Sydney to Port Vila expected to depart at 1235 arriving into Port Vila at 1650

Passengers booked on Mondays NF20 10/4/17 will now travel
*NF20A 11/4/17 Port Vila to Espiritu Santo expected to depart at 1750 arriving into Santo at 1825
*NF20A 11/4/17 Espiritu Santo to Brisbane expected to depart at 1910 arriving into Brisbane at 2120

Passengers booked to Espiritu Santo will now be delayed
*NF21A 11/4/17 Brisbane to Espiritu Santo expected to depart 2220 arriving into Espiritu Santo at 0205+1
*NF21A 11/4/17 Espiritu Santo to Port Vila are expected to depart at 0250+1 arriving into 0325+1

Below is the status of the Aircalin flights for Tuesday 11 April 2017: 

– Flight Noumea – Sydney – Noumea :

– SB140 and SB141 between Noumea and Sydney : canceled, a new schedule will be defined according to the status of the cyclone.

– Vol Noumea – Auckland – Noumea :

– SB410 and SB411 between Noumea and Auckland : canceled, a new schedule will be defined according to the status of the cyclone.

And for Wednesday 12 April 2017: 

– Flight Noumea – Tokyo – Noumea :

– SB800 and SB801 between Noumea and Auckland : cancelled, a new schedule will be defined according to the status of the cyclone.