Honiara — The Solomon Islands is positioning itself as a key destination for the expedition cruise sector, with forward schedules for 2026–2027 showing increased deployment of small-ship and high-value itineraries.
Recent calls have included expedition and boutique vessels operated by Swan Hellenic, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and Heritage Expeditions, alongside luxury operators such as Seabourn Cruise Line. Further arrivals are scheduled through late 2026 and into 2027 as the destination is increasingly incorporated into Melanesian expedition routes.
The government and tourism authorities are reinforcing this focus by participating in Seatrade Cruise Global, which aims to strengthen ties with expedition cruise operators and planners.
Supporting the growth is the Honiara Cruise Passenger Terminal, opened in late 2024, which enables direct berthing and streamlined access to shore experiences suited to small-ship expedition travel.
These include World War II heritage sites, reef snorkelling at Bonegi, remote island visits and guided cultural encounters, all aligned with demand for immersive, low-impact travel.
Tourism officials said the Solomon Islands is attracting a high-yield expedition segment, with passengers demonstrating a higher propensity to spend on local tours, transport and handicrafts compared with mass-market cruise visitors.
Data referenced from the International Finance Corporation and South Pacific Tourism Organisation indicates average onshore spending of US$100–150 per passenger, with an estimated US$375,000 annually generated from around 3,000 expedition visitors.
Authorities said the focus on small-scale, experience-led cruising positions the Solomon Islands for sustainable growth within the regional expedition cruise market.
Main Pic: SH Minerva leaving Honiara (Swan Hellenic / Dario Ottonello)
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