Majority of the passengers onboard Crystal Serenity came ashore during the cruise ship’s visit to Rarotonga on Saturday.

According to Cook Islands Tourism, most visitors opted for taxi tours around the island, while some chose to explore on foot and enjoy their day in paradise.

Cruise Cook Islands managing director Stuart Henry said, “The cruise ship was not in full capacity, as they normally cater up to 740 passengers, but this time around there were 373.”

“This is happening globally, with low capacity at this time of the year,” Henry said.

“But been fortunate at the moment as we have had ships come in after the storms, not cancelled.

“We are getting a couple of smaller expedition ships.”

Frequent vessel Paul Gauguin arrives in Aitutaki today and in Rarotonga tomorrow.

Three cruise ships are scheduled to visit Rarotonga and Aitutaki next month: MSC Poesia (March 1, Rarotonga and March 2, Aitutaki), MS Volendam (March 20, Aitutaki and March 21, Rarotonga), and Hanseatic Spirit (March 28, Rarotonga).

Approximately 11,000 cruise ship passengers arrived in Aitutaki and Rarotonga in 2023.

For Rarotonga alone, there were 6500 visitors and 4500 for Aitutaki. And out of the 38 cruise ships scheduled across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, only 22 were able to land passengers ashore.

For 2024, roughly 34 cruise ship visits are scheduled across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, spread throughout the year.