Celebrity Cruises Expands South Pacific Itineraries with New Calls to Lelepa, Vanuatu

Celebrity Cruises has announced that it will incorporate calls at the new private destination on Lelepa Island in Vanuatu into its South Pacific itineraries. This addition comes as part of an update confirming select voyages for the upcoming 2027–2028 cruise season. The Lelepa destination, slated to open in 2027, will mark the first private cruise island in the Southern Hemisphere, catering primarily to vessels operating from Australia.

The current itinerary plans include two upcoming cruises that will feature Lelepa. One is a round-trip from Sydney, offering visits to both Fiji and Vanuatu, making it unique as the only cruise that links these two destinations within a single voyage. The second itinerary adopts a more traditional South Pacific route, with scheduled stops at Mystery Island, Lelepa, Port Vila, and Lifou over a span of 10 days.

As Royal Caribbean International (RCI) plays a significant role in deploying resources in the region, it is expected that many of their Australian sailings will also include a stop at Lelepa. Currently, Celebrity Cruises has listed only these two itineraries featuring the island, primarily due to its smaller program focused on the South Pacific compared to Royal Caribbean’s expansive offerings.

Celebrity Cruises maintains a wide variety of itineraries in Australia, including trips to Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand. Reports suggest that the cruise line may enhance its South Pacific presence in the future, yet it seems unlikely they will devote as many resources to that region as Royal Caribbean. As such, Royal Caribbean will likely continue as the main operator for voyages to destinations like Lelepa.

As the opening of Lelepa approaches, the cruise industry is observing whether Celebrity Cruises will widen its South Pacific itinerary options or adopt a more varied approach, maintaining a mixed portfolio that occasionally includes the new destination. Celebrity has indicated the potential for increased Australian deployments, possibly through the Celebrity Solstice, although for the 2027–2028 season, the number of sailings for this ship has been somewhat reduced.

More details regarding Celebrity’s deployment strategy are expected later this year when the 2028–2029 itineraries are released, which will clarify whether the cruise line plans to enhance its South Pacific options linked to Lelepa or stick with a broader selection of itineraries.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.