BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands’ cruise tourism sector is entering a new phase of growth, with the 2026–2027 schedules indicating a strong increase in ship arrivals and high-value expedition travel.
A statement from Tourism Solomons yesterday said the news is timely given a joint delegation from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Solomons’ visit to the United States to attend Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.
Tourism Solomons said this is the first time a Solomon Islands team has attended what represents the cruise industry’s most influential and international largest marketplace.
“With several ships having already sailed into Solomon Islands’ waters this year, and more to come, the Solomon Islands’ cruise prospects’ are very much in a forward trajectory.
“Recent visitors include Holland America Line’s MS Noordam and MS Zaandam, Oceania Cruises’ MS Riviera, Ponant Expeditions Le Soleal and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Inspiration.
“And just this month, P&O’s Swan-Hellenic embarked from Honiara on a 13-day itinerary encompassing the Western Province, Makira-Ulawa and Malaita,” said Tourism Solomons.
More vessels are expected later this year, including arrivals by with Ponant Explorations Le Jacques Cartier set to arrive in August followed by Heritage Expeditions’ Heritage Adventurer, Royal Caribbean Group’s Silver Cloud, and Seabourn Cruises Lines’ Seabourn Pursuit arriving between September and October.
The upward trend is expected to continue into 2027, with several cruise operators namely; Seabourn Cruise Lines, Heritage Expeditions and Ponant Explorations all announcing Solomon Islands inclusion in their Melanesian and South Pacific itineraries this year.
Tourism Solomons said supporting this growth is the Millennium Cruise Passenger Terminal at Honiara’s domestic port which opened in December 2024.
“The largest cruise passenger terminal in the South Pacific constructed by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) at a SBD $100 million-plus cost, the terminal was designed to strengthen Honiara’s capacity to handle increasing cruise traffic.
“Features include dedicated arrival and departure lounges, ticketing offices, cafeterias, and essential passenger amenities.
“With direct berthing, secure passenger zones, and seamless access to tour operators, the terminal has quickly become a critical asset in enhancing the Solomon Islands’ cruise readiness.
“Its location directly on the Point Cruz Wharf allows cruise ships to berth alongside, giving visitors immediate access to central Honiara’s markets, museums, shops, cafés, and transport options,” said Tourism Solomons.
Meanwhile, the wider Point Cruz precinct as stated, also serves as the staging area for the country’s most popular shore excursions, including WWII battlefield tours, Bonegi wreck snorkelling, cultural village visits, and Mataniko Falls hikes.
Tourism Solomons said as Solomon Islands prepares to join the global cruise community in Miami this month, the tourism sector’s message is clear.
And that is, with the new ultra-modern infrastructure, proven ship and passenger management and proactive international engagement, Solomon Islands is more than ready to welcome increased ship numbers and primed for a new era of sustainable cruise‑sector expansion.
Tourism Solomons Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dagnal Dereveke said the country is successfully capturing a high-yield segment of the Pacific cruise market, with expedition travellers contributing significantly more to the local economy than traditional mass-market tourists.
“According to benchmark data from the IFC/World Bank and the 2024 SPTO International Visitor Survey, the Solomon Islands benefits from a unique visitor profile.
“While general land-based tourists spend an average of USD1,287 (SBD14,722) during their stay, the cruise sector remains a vital engine for immediate cash flow into local communities.
“Unlike standard cruise models, expedition travellers in the Solomon Islands demonstrate a higher propensity to purchase local tours, traditional handicrafts, and specialised transport, driven by a desire for authentic cultural experiences,” he said.
Tourism Solomons said current estimates place the average onshore spend for these visitors between USD100 (SBD806) and USD150 (SBD1200) per person, per visit with targeted engagement ensuring tourism revenue reaches beyond the ports and directly into the hands of local artisans and operators.
“Based on conservative mid-range projections, an annual flow of 3,000 expedition passengers spending an average of USD125 (SBD1007) each, generates approximately USD375,000 (SBD3,021,756) per year in direct local expenditure,” said Tourism Solomons.
Photo credit: Tourism Solomons
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
