Cruise ships diverted as second earthquake rattles VanuatuCruise ships diverted as second earthquake rattles Vanuatu

A second earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila Wednesday, following Tuesday’s quake of magnitude 7.4.

According to the Red Cross, 14 people have died and more than 200 injured.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, which was scheduled to call at Port Vila Wednesday, was diverted to Vanuatu’s Mystery Island.

‘Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the devastating earthquake,’ a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

Carnival

A spokesperson for Carnival Corp. & plc said that, given the extensive damage in Port Vila and the current state of emergency, a visit right now is not possible.

The spokesperson said Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will spend an extra day at sea, while Carnival Luminosa will call at Mystery Island.

Pacific Encounter’s 10-day Christmas cruise was due to visit Port Vila on Saturday, Pacific Adventure’s 10-day Christmas cruise was due there on Sunday and Carnival Luminosa’s seven-day Vanuatu voyage was scheduled to visit Monday.

‘Guests on further voyages to Port Vila will be advised on any itinerary changes as soon as more is known,’ the spokesperson said.

Offering assistance

‘We have been in contact with the disaster management effort, both in Vanuatu and Australia, in case our ships can be of assistance.

Related:Earthquake casts uncertainty on cruise calls at Vanuatu’s Port Vila

‘Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster.’