KIRITIMATI, Kiribati — 24 October 2026 (Tungaru Press)
The international cruise ship MS Noordam, operated by Holland America Line, is scheduled to visit Kiritimati Island today as part of its extensive journey across the Pacific Ocean.
According to published cruise schedules, the vessel is expected to arrive at Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time and depart at 3:00 p.m., allowing a seven-hour visit to the island.
The cruise ship departed Seattle, Washington, on 11 October 2026, beginning a Pacific voyage that includes destinations in Hawaii, Kiribati, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia.
Before reaching Kiritimati, the vessel visited several Hawaiian destinations, including Honolulu and Kailua-Kona.
The MS Noordam has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,366 guests, making it one of the larger international cruise vessels scheduled to visit the island.
Potential Benefits for Local Tourism
The scheduled visit presents an opportunity to showcase Kiritimati's natural attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality to international travellers.
Local tourism operators, transport providers, handicraft sellers and other small businesses could benefit from visitor spending during the ship's brief stop.
Kiritimati, located in the Line Islands of Kiribati, is internationally recognised for its extensive coral atoll, marine environment, birdlife and recreational fishing opportunities.
Cruise ship visits can also provide valuable international exposure for remote Pacific island destinations seeking to develop their tourism industries.
Continuing Across the Pacific
Following its scheduled departure from Kiritimati, the MS Noordam will continue towards Papeete, Tahiti, where it is expected to arrive on 26 October.
The vessel will subsequently visit other Pacific destinations before reaching Sydney, Australia, on 15 November 2026.
As of publication, the ship's scheduled visit has been confirmed through cruise itinerary information, but its actual arrival, passenger disembarkation and activities on Kiritimati have not yet been independently verified.
Tungaru Press | Connecting Kiribati to the World
