Experience Vanuatu Culture With Royal Caribbean Ultimate Destinations

“Kastom” And Vanuatu’s Cultural Foundations

“Kastom” is a shared set of ancestral beliefs, customs and practices passed down through generations that guide daily life, laws and spirituality. When you set foot on islands like Efate (where Port Vila, the capital, is located), you’ll see “Kastom” materialize in tangible ways.

Here are some traditions you might notice during your cruise:

● Pigs: Pigs and their tusks serve as traditional currency and the ultimate symbols of wealth, power and prestige in marriages and leadership.

● Other alternative currencies: In Vanuatu, the culture lends itself to the exchange of goods, rather than exclusively relying on money. Woven mats and shell money, known as “Som,” are used in some local transactions and matrimonial ceremonies (rather than for purchasing day-to-day goods). This is particularly prevalent in the Torba Province up north.

● “Nakamal”: Look out for this traditional meeting house with a triangular thatched roof and intricate woven or painted designs, where communities make decisions and discuss affairs.

Vanuatu also has the highest density of living languages on Earth, with over 100 indigenous languages still spoken across its islands. Historically a British-French colony, English and French are official languages; however, Bislama (an English-based Creole) is the most commonly spoken Vanuatu language, uniting residents across their disparate regional dialects.

Ceremonies, Arts And Rituals

Vanuatu is bursting with ceremonial arts and rituals unlike anywhere else on the planet. From the “Naghol,” an annual land-diving ritual on Pentecost Island, where males jump from tall wooden structures with vines tied to their ankles, to the mystical masked Rom dances of Abrym Island, you’re guaranteed a family vacation like no other.

In the markets, you might find slit-gongs, or tam-tams, which are tall wooden drums that symbolize wealth and status, alongside an array of other hand-carved and woven handicrafts. Or, catch a performance of the UNESCO-recognized women’s water music. Here, you’ll see generations of traditional music-making in play, as local women slap and splash the water to form percussive rhythms.

Traditional Cuisine And Vanuatu Kava

The Vanuatuan diet revolves around farming and seafood. You’ll find plenty of “Bunia,” or earth-oven feasts that resemble the Maori hangi, “Tuluk” meat-stuffed cassava, which is a popular street food, and coconut crab. Watch out for the coconut crabs as you’re touring the islands — they climb trees and crack open coconuts with their claws.​

Vanuatu’s national dish is the “Laplap.” It’s a kid-friendly favorite for those cruising with the family and one you won’t want to miss. “Laplap” is a pudding made by grating breadfruit, bananas, taro and yams into a paste, wrapping the mixture in banana leaves, then slow-baking it in a traditional hot-stone earth oven.

There’s also the kava drink, also found throughout the Pacific in places like Fiji and Samoa. This drink is made from pepper root and served in a bowl. Locals pass the bowl around in a circle, each taking a sip, during traditional ceremonies, bonding and conflict resolution.

I’ve tried kava in Samoa (they call it ava there), and it has a relaxing or numbing effect on the body, without impacting the mind. It’s harmless and mild if consumed appropriately and is widely available at local markets; however, because of its “intoxicating” effect, it’s best for kids and adolescents to avoid trying it.

Traditional Customs And Etiquette

Vanuatu is based on an exchange economy. Locally, social relationships and milestones, such as marriages and funerals, are maintained through the ritualized exchange of goods, pigs and food. There’s also a strong presence of hierarchical cultural standing among chiefs and elders, also typical throughout the Pacific. 

While visiting, here are a few pointers to embrace the local way of life:

● Dress modestly: Especially when visiting local villages, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered with casual, conservative clothing. By all means, bring your swimsuit, but keep it for the cruise ship and beaches.

● Respecting elders: Remove hats and sunglasses around elders to acknowledge local “Kastom.” Showing your eyes allows for direct eye contact, which is important for respectful interaction — especially when meeting elders and chiefs.

● Ask before taking photographs: If you want to get a holiday snap of the fascinating sites and people you meet, go for it — just make sure you obtain permission from the person or land-owner first and respect their privacy if they decline.

What Are The Islands Of Vanuatu Like?

​​Vanuatu is located in the ring of fire, which sounds scary, but it just means it has volcanic terrain and occasional earthquake activity — which is super common in the Pacific region. On the islands, you can expect lush rainforests, powdery white sands and flourishing corals. This region provides a peaceful place to go diving and snorkeling, trekking or just relax on the beach, which is perfect for when you’re cruising with the family.  

Some of the best Vanuatu islands to soak up its cultural and natural gems include:

Efate Island

Efate Island is the home of Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. It’s an animated destination, bursting with street-side markets, including Mamas Market, where you can find tam-tams, sample the local bananas or purchase other locally-made crafts.

There’s plenty of nature to explore nearby, such as the Mele Cascades, hidden in the Mele village rainforest, and Pele Island, just a 10-minute boat ride away. Here, you’ll find prime snorkeling grounds just offshore from palm-sprinkled beaches.

Mystery Island

Discover an island that’s uninhabited and untouched by modernization — no electricity, no roads, just genuine unadulterated bliss. That’s not to say there’s nothing to keep you voluntarily glued to Mystery Island in Vanuatu. Head out on a snorkel safari through healthy, thriving corals and visit sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and see if you can catch a glimpse of a seahorse.

Or browse traditional trinkets at small beachside markets hosted by the ni-Vanuatu people. Whatever you do, give yourself permission to slow down and feel what it’s like to experience the pure, uninterrupted Pacific.

Vanuatu And Fiji Combo

If you’re heading over yonder, why not drop another island into your itinerary to see what really makes the Pacific tick? Leaving from Brisbane’s golden coastline, you’ll cruise to popular spots in Vanuatu, then sail over to Suva, Fiji, to add a point of comparison to your Pacific perspective.

In Suva, you can see traditional firewalks, dive to explore renowned World War II shipwrecks and experience yet another slice of Melanesian life.

What’s more, The Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a newly minted Royal Caribbean Ultimate Destination, is hitting the shores of Vanuatu in late 2027, giving travel fanatics one more reason to cruise to this quintessential Melanesian destination.

What’s The Best Way To Visit Vanuatu?

​​Traveling by cruise is the best way to visit Vanuatu. This archipelago nation is super remote, and by planning a cruise, the entire experience becomes hands-off; your itinerary and logistics are taken care of and you get to sit back and take it all in.​

To get to Vanuatu, your best access point is via Australia, flying to Brisbane or Sydney — a bonus if you’re looking for vacation ideas to escape the winter chills in the Northern Hemisphere. From there, you can sail away into almost literally uncharted territories and take a well-deserved break in this Pacific paradise.

See The Best Of Vanuatu’s Deep Traditions And Natural Wonders By Cruise

​​Vanuatu is an unreal cruise vacation destination, enriched with culture and brimming with untouched natural beauty. Now, it’s even more accessible thanks to the upcoming Royal Beach Club Lelepa.