Our first official stop brought us to Mystery Island, Vanuatu. This place is essentially a postcard that came to life—it’s tiny, stunning, and has just enough shade to make you forget you’re sharing the ocean with 1,000 children.
Before we got to the beach, we had to fulfill a family tradition. Back in 2017, we took a hilariously cheesy photo with two locals dressed as cannibals, posing over a giant cooking pot with us as the “daily special.” Naturally, we had to recreate the magic today.
Back in the day, you’d hand them your phone and a couple of bucks, and they’d play along beautifully. Fast forward to 2026: the “Cannibal Tax” has officially been hit by inflation. It’s now $10 USD, and you have to provide your own photographer! Apparently, being the main course is a premium experience these days. Still, it was worth every penny for the laugh—even if I’m pretty sure the pot was a little tighter than it was nine years ago.
While it feels like a deserted paradise today, Mystery Island (known locally as Inyeug) has a fascinating past. During World War II, it served as an auxiliary airstrip for the Allies. Because the island is completely uninhabited—locals from nearby Aneityum consider it “taboo” to live there after dark—it was the perfect stealthy spot for planes. Legend has it the name “Mystery Island” was coined by a cruise line in the 70s to make it sound more alluring, though the real mystery is how they fit a landing strip on a sandbar!
After a couple of hours of soaking up the sun and avoiding being seasoned for dinner, we headed back. Since it’s a tender port, we got to enjoy the “authentic” experience of queuing up to squeeze onto a small boat that shuttles you back to our floating skyscraper.
We capped off the night with the ice show. I honestly cannot say enough about the talent on this ship. Watching these professionals perform triple axels on a moving vessel in the middle of the Pacific is mind-blowing. Meanwhile, I can barely walk across the Lido deck in flip-flops without nearly taking myself out.
Another fantastic day in the books!
May God bless you always!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 