Costa Serena Plans Four-Hour Call at Pitcairn Islands

Costa Serena is scheduled to make a four-hour visit to the Pitcairn Islands, where cruise access depends on sea conditions and the capacity of the tiny community.

Pitcairn has no harbour or deep-water port. Ships typically anchor off Bounty Bay, with tenders carrying passengers to a narrow concrete landing ramp when conditions permit. The ship’s master determines whether a landing can proceed, and heavy swell or strong winds may keep passengers aboard for the entire call.

Pitcairn tourism guidance recommends allowing at least five to six hours for tender transfers, safety checks and the steep walk from Bounty Bay up the Hill of Difficulty to Adamstown, the island’s only settlement. Tourism information for cruise operators also says calls are usually confirmed more than a year in advance so the island can prepare.

An economic report on the territory says about a dozen cruise ships visit Pitcairn each year, with only a fraction of their passengers able to land. Reports indicate that when a landing is not possible, Pitcairn residents may instead board the ship to hold a craft market and presentations.