Tristan da Cunha Visitors' Feedback

Australian passenger on the Bark Europa, visiting April 2025

Advance information: From the Europa crew

Reasons for visit: Culture

Unavailable information: More about the history and general life on Tristan.

Landing: Yes, by ship's boat, rated good.

Landing improvements: Make the sea calmer - just joking. It all went pretty well. We were grateful to land.

Highlights: Meeting Shane Green. He took us fishing.

Suggested improvements: I think we had a great experience.

Help available on Tristan: Yes, from Cruise representatives

Response: As you may have already discovered, there is lots of information on this website and elsewhere online about the history and lifestyle on Tristan, although we appreciate that may not be accessible while you are at sea.

German passenger on the MV Hondius, visiting April 2025

Advance information: www.tristandc.com; Wikipedia

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History; Outdoor activities; Remote islands have fascinated me my whole life!

Landing: Yes, by ship's boat, rated excellent

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Internet Café; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post; Independent hiking

Highlights: A dream came true! I hiked on my own and alone to the potato patches and back and was amazed by the incredibly beautiful scenery!

Unavailable information: Number of skeins of wool from the island‘s sheep available in the tourist office shop. I bought the last available skein of wool. Actually I would have bought about 10 if available.

Helpfulness of island guide: When asked, he explained everything.

Response: We are pleased enjoyed your visit, but sorry that we did not have enough island wool available to fulfil your wishes.

United States passenger on the MV Silver Wind, visiting March 2025

Advance information: Cruise Company; Internet.

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History; Outdoor activities.

Landing: No, because of poor harbour conditions.

Unavailable wishes: I placed an order through the website. I look forward to receiving the items in 4 to 6 months. And the wool in 6 months to a year!

Highlights: I enjoyed seeing the island and cruising around it. I wish only that we could have landed.

Suggested improvements: Make the seas calm. :-)
One suggestion: If landing looks 'iffy' you might suggest all passengers place an online order that can then be delivered safely by your RIB. One woman did that, but the rest of us didn't know it was an option.

Helpfulness of island guide: The Administrator was wonderful. I enjoyed his talk and question/answer session.

Further Remarks: The Tristan lobster we had on board was delicious. So was the Yellowtail. Yum!!!! I love your website.

Response: Your suggestion about passengers placing orders online before arrival for delivery to the ship (or to be picked up in person on shore) is an interesting one. However, it is not always possible to guarantee delivery to the ship, because sometimes sea conditions are too rough even for the Search & Rescue RIB. If so, orders would have to follow on by post on the next scheduled ship.

Belgian passenger on the SY Asteria, visiting March 2025

Advance information: https://www.tristandc.com/.

Reasons for visit: Wildlife.

Landing: Yes, by Tristan boat, rated: excellent.

Activities: Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post

Highlights: Highlights were the warm welcome in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas and the landing on Inaccessible.

Suggested improvements: Nothing!

Helpfulness of island guide: Perfect guide.

Further Remarks: TdC is a special place only available to a few! Very envious!

Response: We were glad we were able to arrange a brief visit to Inaccessible for you. Very few people are allowed to land there because of its conservation status.

British crew member on the SY Asteria, visiting March 2025

Advance information: Direct from Island; The team on TdC were great...all info readily available.

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History; Island exploration.

Landing: Yes, by Tristan boat, rated: excellent. Was perfect!

Activities: Guided tours; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Sending Post

Highlights: Arriving exploring ... Sad to depart.

Suggested improvements: Stay longer

Unavailable wishes: Cake with my coffee!.

Helpfulness of islanders: Perfect.

Further Remarks: TdC is a special place only available to a few! Very envious!

Response: We were sad to see you go too. Sorry about the lack of cake. We'll bake one specially for you next time.

Passengers John and Susan Pazera on the MS Seaventure, visiting March 2024

Rather than simply sending us feedback via our online form, John and Susan went the extra mile and published their richly illustrated impressions of Tristan in their own travel blog:

Read their article: Tristan da Cunha: The World’s Most Remote Island Community on their Latitude Adjustment blog.

Response: Thank you John and Susan for such a wonderful write up of your visit to our beautiful island. It was a pleasure getting to know you both as we continued the adventure towards St Helena and beyond. - Philip & Louise Kendall

British passenger on the MS Seaventure, visiting March 2024

Advance information: Cruise company.

Reasons for Visit: Culture.

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Activities: Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post; Independent hiking

Highlights: Walking on my own to the Patches. It was like a dream come true to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the island.

Suggested improvements: If we had known the ladies of the island had their items for sale in the hall many of us would have purchased more things there, but we had already bought things elsewhere.

Response: We are glad you enjoyed your walk to the Patches. We are sorry that you were unable to purchase items in Prince Philip Hall. You should have been given a programme by the ship which listed all island venues that were open on the day of your visit.

English passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Advance information: Cruise Company; Direct from Island.

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History.

Landing: No. Sea conditions not suitable.

Highlights: Sadly disappointed we could not get ashore and you were not allowed to board. However the circumnavigation of your island was fantastic. We certainly will try and get another cruise which visits you.

Unavailable wishes: We will be looking at your online shop.

Helpfulness of islanders: Direct Email communication with yourselves was great.

Further Remarks: Surprised that tendering was not possible. Captain did spend time trying to orientate ship into a safe position but ultimately took decision not safe to do so. However did not understand why you were not allowed to board via the pilot boat. Earlier in our cruise an entertainer was allowed to board the ship via the pilot boat in far greater rough seas.

Response: We share your disappointment. Our newly launched Online Shop makes it easier than ever to buy Tristan handicrafts and souvenirs.

Canadian passenger on the Silver Cloud, visiting March 2024

Reasons for visit: Culture; History; Site of volcanic eruption

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Sending Post; Independent hiking

Highlights: What an enchanting place! It was certainly one of the highlights of our trip and we felt super fortunate to have the beautiful weather. Everyone was welcoming and friendly and proud of their home. We loved the souvenirs and the hand-made crafts!! The two girls who sold us bracelets they made clearly have futures as sales and marketing executives. We would love to return.

Helpfulness of island guides: He was excellent.

Unavailable wishes: I wish we had been told in advance that shopping was cash only, but we were only notified the morning of our disembarkation. We spent all our money (the last of it going to the bracelet girls!) but we would have bought more. It would have been handy to have a printed map.

Further remarks: We had a magical day. We all want to return and hopefully stay for a visit sometime. Loved it! I proudly wear my Tristan hat!

Response: That's fantastic! We're sorry you ran out of cash. You can always top up on handicrafts and souvenirs at our new Online Shop.

German passenger on the cruise ship MV Hondius, visiting April 2023

Advance information: Multiple lectures and movies by one of our expedition staff Leon Glass, who is a resident of Tristan.

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History; Outdoor activities; Birdwatching.

Landing: Yes, by ship's boat. We were lucky with the weather, but only spent one day on the island. I would have liked to have had another day.

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post; Independent hiking.

Highlights: I enjoyed seeing the Island which I was first introduced to by a documentary movie years ago and have wanted to see it ever since. I was saddened to see that the freedom of the islanders has been affected by a dependence on money. Since electricity is now a necessity, maybe it could be generated by renewable means (wind?) rather than diesel, which could be used for emergencies only. That may alleviate one major expense.

Suggested improvements?: No, all was great. There was really no time for more. Maybe if I could have rented a bicycle. Actually I would have liked that!

Further Remarks: The island guides were kind and generous and made our stay very pleasant. All was great! Still waiting for the post cards to arrive!! Hahaha

Response: We're glad you had an enjoyable time with us. The island already has a small solar energy farm, and is considering further renewable energy options.

If we would speed up the postcards if we could, but as you probably know, we only have nine ships per year, and then mail has to pass through the international postal network, which is beyond our control.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Reasons for visit: History.

Landing: No. Captain deemed it unsafe.

Highlights: Sailing around the Island was magnificent and made me want to get off and ashore even more.

Suggested improvements: Being able to get ashore!

Response: We are also disappointed that passengers were unable to land on this occasion.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Advance information: www.tristandc.com, great website!.

Reasons for visit: Culture; History; Wanted to meet fellow Brits and find out more about island life.

Landing: No. Poor harbour conditions.

Highlights: Tristan was one of the main reasons for booking the world cruise on MV Ambience so it was particulary disappointing not to be able to land ashore. Still, I knew that was unlikely given the weather conditions and we did get a circumnavigation - so near and yet so far!

Unavailable wishes: Childish maybe but I really wanted a Tristan fridge magnet as a rarity to add to my collection on the fridge, although I would also have been interested in other craft items.

Further Remarks: Very sad we could not land and say hello to islanders. I was especially looking forward to a drink in the Albatross Arms! Hey-ho! Tristan is such a remote and unique place.

Response: You can view and order fridge magnets, handicrafts and other souvenirs by following the links on our Gift Shop Page.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Reasons for visit: General interest and love of islands.

Landing: No. Poor harbour conditions.

Highlights: Proud to have seen the island. Deeply sad not to set foot on the island, but it wasn't your fault that I didn't

Further Remarks: I'd like to arrange for some postcards to be sent please.

Response: We will send you an email with further information about sending postcards.

British passengers on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History.

Landing: No. Poor harbour conditions.

Remarks: We were very disappointed that we could not visit you on the Island. We appreciate all your hard work in preparing for us. We will order stamps.

Response: We share your disappointment. You can view available stamps and order philatelic products by following the links on our Post Office page.

German passenger on the MS Hamburg, visiting January 2024

Remarks: Hello dear islanders, Tristanians,

Yesterday [14th May 2024], we received our postcard stamped at Tristan da Cunha. Immediately the memories came back to life.

We were guests on the MS Hamburg and really wanted to visit the island in January 2024. The weather was actually perfect for a landing. We were looking forward to delicious lobster slices. Above all, we wanted to observe the adorable Tristan penguins from land. Unfortunately it didn't happen. You just have to accept the ship's crew's decision.

But it was very nice to move the sales stand to the ship so that we could experience the island feeling. In addition to the postcards, we also took a little Tristan penguin with us as a souvenir. We would like to thank you again for your efforts.

We cannot say whether we will have a second opportunity to visit the island. But if it happens, we hope for a landing.

We wish you all all the best and many lovely visitors to your distant island.

Response: We are sorry you could not able to land, but we are glad that that our onboard sales stand was some compensation.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Reasons for visit: Culture; History.

Landing: No. Captain chose not to tender.

Remarks: We are so disappointed for all the islanders, who must have put in such a lot of work up front, for us not to be able to come ashore, or for you to be able to visit us.

I would like to purchase a post card to be sent back home, but not sure how to do this. Can you email instructions please?

Response: We are equally disappointed that we did not get to meet each other. We have emailed you with the details of how we can send postcards on your behalf.

Canadian passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Landing: No. Poor conditions.

Remarks: So sad we could not tender in to enjoy your people and amazing island.

Unavailable wishes: We would like the link to have the post marked cards sent. Where do we order and pay?

Response: We're sorry we didn't meet you. We have emailed with the information about postcards.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Advance information: Cruise Company; looked up information online before the cruise commenced.

Landing: No. Poor conditions.

Remarks: Can I purchase gifts online from your shop to be delivered to the UK?

Response: Yes. Gifts, handicrafts and stamps can be bought online. Follow the links on our Online Store Page to select items, then use the Order Form to email your requirements to us. We have also emailed you with more information.

Filipina crew member on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Advance information: From cruise company

Landing: No. Rough sea swells.

Remarks: Is there any possibility of purchasing fridge magnets and stamps? What would be the process and the cost of it? I highly appreciate your response with regards of this.

Response: Please see our previous response above about buying souvenirs and stamps online. We have also emailed you with more information.

Romanian crew member on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Landing: No. Poor conditions.

Remarks: I would have loved to be able to hike up to the crater or to play a round of golf. Followed by a nice beer at the Albatross of course :)

Response: If the Ambience visits us again in the future, maybe you will be with her and be able to do these things.

British passenger on the MS Ambience, visiting April 2024

Landing: No. Poor conditions.

Highlights: Sorry we couldn’t visit you all in person. It was lovely to see your island in such beautiful weather. We took lots of photos on our trip around.

Response: We were disappointed that the swell prevented ship to shore operations, but we're glad you had good views of the island.

Norwegian passenger on the Seabourn Venture, visiting March 2024

Advance information: Did not search so much in advance. Had heard of the island a long time ago and wanted to go there since.

Reasons for Visit: A wish to only visit the island.

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Highlights: Marvellous. It was fantastic only to walk around after the local guide. The rain did not destroy this. We managed to come ashore; this was the most important.

Helpfulness of island guides: Very OK.

Response: We are glad you had a fantastic time despite the rain.

Dutch crew member on the SV Tecla, visiting March 2024

Advance information: From www.tristandc.com

Unavailable information?: No all perfect

Activities: Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post; Independent hiking

Highlights: Beautiful! Breathtaking scenery! Unbelievable amount of wildlife.

Suggested improvements: None. It was a dream

Unavailable wishes: Our visit was mainly dominated by the weather, so out of everyones hands.

Helpfulness of island guides: Perfect.

Further remarks: Enjoy your beautiful Island.

Response: It was great to be visited by a sailing vessel again.

United States passenger on the Silver Cloud, visiting March 2024

Advance information: From cruise Company

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Help available on Tristan: Yes, from Islanders & Cruise representatives

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping

Highlights: Amazing place! Great "remotest island" sign. Terrific hospital tour.

Helpfulness of island guides: Very quiet man. Only responded to questions with short answers.

Unavailable wishes: We did not know of crayfish factory tour and would have been interested. Any tour extensions into the island's center would have been wonderful.

Response: Thanks for your feedback. We will be giving our guides a refresher before the next cruise ship season.

We are sorry you were unable to go on a factory tour. Unfortunately, it was not possible on the day of your visit because the factory was back loading lobster products to the MFV Edinburgh for export.

You would need to be able to climb 1,000 to 2,000ft high cliffs to visit the centre of the island, weather permitting. Also, it is dangerous and would take far longer than a cruise ship visit allows. Our guided hikes up the 1961 Volcano or out to the Potato Patches are the next best thing.

Australian passengers on the Silver Cloud, visiting March 2024

Reasons for visit: Culture; Wildlife; History; Outdoor activities

Highlights: The beautiful landscape, the friendly locals, playing golf.

Helpfulness of island guides: Very. He was great but I can’t remember his name. Sorry.

Response: No worries!

German passenger on the Silver Cloud, visiting March 2024

Reasons for visit: Wildlife, History

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Sending Post

Highlights: To get a little insight into such a Robinson Crusoe life.

Helpfulness of island guides: Perfect.

Response: We are very glad that you were happy with your visit.

United States passenger on the Seabourn Venture, visiting March 2024

Landing: Yes. By ship's boat; rated excellent.

Activities: Guided tours, Post Office & Tourism Centre, and Independent hiking

Highlights: Wonderful to see the hospital.

Helpfulness of island guides: Very.

Response: We are very fortunate to have an up-to-date hospital on the island.

Danish visitor on the residential yacht The World, visiting February 2024

Activities: Guided tours, Pub/Prince Philip Hall, Post Office & Tourism Centre, Shopping, Sending Post, and Independent hiking

Highlights: After more than 35 years of extensive travel, this was a highlight and a memory I shall treasure forever. We were made so welcome: every interaction was a delight and we are grateful to the openness and kind-heartedness of all Tristanians we met.

Wishes: Nothing - it was perfect! Even the weather!

Helpfulness of island guides: Both were wonderful (Judy and Joe); also lovely Jean at the Thatched House.

Further remarks: Keep up the good work and don't change! Thank you!

Response: We are very glad that you had a memorable visit. It was a pleasure to meet you all.

Bulgarian passenger on the MS Hamburg, visiting January 2024

Advance information: www.tristandc.com.

Reasons for Visit: History

Landing: No. Weather was not bad to disembark but I am afraid we made a wrong decision to come by tender boats instead of zodiacs. Too many people on the cruise anyway and not all equally fit to disembark safely.

Onboard Experience: The local guys who came on board did a great job. Conrad gave an excellent presentation, and I was happy to talk to him after that. He gladly answered my questions! Iris led the souvenir part; actually it was a pretty impressive range of souvenirs. Thank you guys!

Highlights: Tristan was the highlight of my trip but unfortunately we couldn't disemabark and I personally felt bitterly disappointed by this fact ☹   Otherwise the island looked gorgeous from the ship all covered in sunshine!

Wishes: I would have bought a kilo or two of famous Tristan potatoes and bring them home! I'd like to find out more about the local football!

Further remarks: I wish to come back, be able to disembark and stay on the island with you guys! How can be this arranged in the future?

Response: We are sorry you were not able to land, but pleased that we succeeded in giving you a good onboard experience.

The reliable way to land on Tristan is to travel on one of the scheduled ships from Cape Town. However, the number of berths is very limited, the voyage takes about seven days each way, and you need to allow at least one month altogether.

British passenger on the MS Hamburg, visiting January 2024

Advance information: www.tristandc.com. The website is excellent and really informative.

Reasons for Visit: Culture; Wildlife; History

Landing: No. Because the captain decided (wrongly in my view and that of many other passengers) that it was not safe to do so.

Highlights: It was extremely disappointing not to land, especially as the weather conditions were so good. Kelly Green's report refers to the 'elderly people' on board, but there were many who were not elderly, and it should have been possible to allow those who felt able to deal with the landing conditions to do so, while others returned to the ship on the tender. And if the captain really regarded the landing conditions for the tenders as unsafe for everyone, then he had the option of using the zodiacs. Why did he not do so? It was really frustrating, and so disappointing after such a long journey, and in such fine weather.

Souvenirs available onboard: Rated excellent.

Helpfulness of islanders: Conrad Glass gave an excellent talk and it was good to meet him and some other islanders on board the Hamburg. And it was lovely to meet your administrator Philip Kendall and his wife, who came on board to welcome us.

Further Remarks: This was the MS Hamburg's maiden visit to Tristan. Perhaps the captain was poorly prepared for the visit and lacked a clear plan for the landing.

Response: We are glad you had a good experience with the islanders who went on board. We share your frustration at not being allowed land on the island. We thought that the landing conditions were good, but then we are used to working the harbour.

The reason we were given was that many passengers were 'elderly', and they didn't want want let some off and keep some on, which we thought was silly. If we were elderly people who couldn't have made the landing, we wouldn't want to stop all the able bodied people from having the once in a life time experience. Such a shame.

German passenger on the MS Hamburg, visiting January 2024

This feedback was sent in German. We have translated it into English but kept the original in brackets.

Reasons for Visit: Place - People - Lobster dinners - Penguins - Agriculture [Ort - Menschen - Hummeressen - Pinguine - Landwirtschaft]

Landing: No. The decision to use tenders was perhaps a mistake - Zodiacs would have worked better [Nein. Die Wahl vom Tenderboot war vielleicht falsch - Zodiacs wäre besser gegangen]

Highlights: We unfortunately could not land... [Wir konnten ja leider nicht an Land...]

Souvenirs available onboard: Rated excellent.

Helpfulness of islanders: Very good lecture on board [Sehr guter Vortrag an Bord]

Unavailable souvenirs: Penguin ornament from Tristan da Cunha in glass, porcelain or wood [Pinguin aus Tristan da Cunha aus Glas , Porzellan oder Holz]

Unavailable wishes: Looking around, museum, church, shop, agriculture & fields, and lobster dinners [Umschauen , Museum , Kirche , Shop, Landwirtschaft- Felder und Hummeressen]

Response: We are pleased that you liked Conrad Glass's lecture. It is unfortunate that the captain would not let passengers land on the island, especially as the conditions were faovurable.

Swiss passenger on the sailing vessel Bark Europa, visiting March 2023

Activities: Guided tours; Pub/Prince Philip Hall; Post Office & Tourism Centre; Shopping; Sending Post; Independent hiking

Highlights: Nice lunch box!!!

Helpfulness of island guide: He didnt speak so much, it was more like a nice walk through the Patches without speaking, too expensive for that. We had to ask him many questions to get some information. 'Guided' is not the right word.

Response: We are sorry that your hike to the Patches was not as informative as you wished. We will review the tour with our guides.

Montserratian passenger on the cruise ship MV Hondius, visiting April 2023

Advance information: from www.tristandc.com; Cruise Company; Conrad Glass, who was a member of the ship's expedition staff

Highlights: On the final day, all passengers did succeed in landing, but only at Stony Beach. So that was the highlight!

Suggested improvements?: As some crew managed to land at the harbour, I wish the option had been given to the more able-bodied passengers to allow them to attempt to land. We had all signed indemnity papers! But I understand this is the cruise company's decision

Further Remarks: Very disappointed at not being able to land at the settlement. If there is a next time, which I very much doubt, suppose it would have to be on a ship with a helicopter

Response: We were also very disappointed that you were unable to land at the settlement despite repeated attempts. We are pleased, however, that you were able to land at Stony Beach.

German guide on the cruise ship MV Hondius, visiting April 2023

Advance information: from www.tristandc.com; Cruise Company; Nice discussions onboard with Conrad Glass, my fellow Guide. He answered all my questions in detail :-) Thus I was very well prepared for the questions of the passengers. Connie did an excellent job!!!

Landing: There was too much swell for disembarking Hondius safely at the settlement. Finally, we managed a landing in the south of the island which made the passengers happy.

Souvenirs: I think you managed well to make possible as much as the conditions allowed.

Highlights: Impressive landscape and nature. Birders on board were also happy with their observations. Great Zodiac cruises at Inaccessible Island and Gough Island.

Suggested improvements?: No negative points. All limitations were due to the weather conditions. Too much swell to bring the (older) passengers on land, safely. However, no additional Guides were available to come on board, but well understandable as it was Easter, also "family time" here in Germany.

Response: We are glad that our fellow islander Conrad Glass was so helpful.

United States passenger on the cruise ship Silver Cloud, visiting March 2023

Highlights: Amazing visit! We were so lucky to be able to land. All the islanders were helpful and friendly. My husband hiked and visited the crayfish factory while I did the town tour, grabbed a bite at the tourist center and shopped. We loved our experience! We wish we had more time!

Unavailable wishes: We would have enjoyed visiting the pub but it was closed.

Response: We're sorry about the pub being closed.

United States passenger on the cruise ship MS Hanseatic Spirit, visiting December 2022

Suggested improvements: Poor weather blocked the possibility of going ashore :.(((( Arrange better weather - Haha

Some of your residents came on board our ship. It was really great meeting them, they were all very nice!

Souvenirs: rated excellent.

Response: We were equally disappointed that you were unable to land, because we had had no visitors land here for three years. We were pleased to meet passengers on board though, before conditions became too rough even for our seamen.

Canadian passenger on the cruise ship MS Silver Whisper, visiting February 2022

Highlights: Wonderful landscape and friendly people. It was great to see the schoolchildren run down the field to greet us.

We hope to visit again in 2024, on another cruise.

Response: We are sorry you were unable to land on this occasion. We are confident that Covid-19 restrictions will no longer be in place by 2024.

British passenger on the cruise ship MS Silver Explorer, visiting March 2022

Highlights: Wild life which could be seen from the ship and also the zodiacs.

Suggested improvements: So sad not to be able to land it would have been our third visit, we shall have to come back.

Response: Sorry you were third time unlucky. We are hoping that passenger landings will resume before long. We'll look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

United States passenger on the cruise ship MS Silver Whisper, visiting February 2022

We found your island spectacular and hope to set foot on Tristan on our next cruise.

Highlights: Loved our cruise around your lovely island

Suggested improvements: Let us disembark next time if it’s safe to do so.

Response: We are sorry that Covid-19 restrictions prevented from landing on this occasion. We missed meeting passengers. The island very much hopes to resume to normal operations at the beginning of 2023.

Austrian crew member on the yacht Argonaut, visiting February 2020

Advance information: Cape Town sailing community; Have to visit when in the vicinity. How often does one get the chance? Keep up your spirits. You rock!

Highlights: Fascinating island. Beautiful landscape. Beautiful friendly people. Very happy all round

Suggested improvements: Build a yacht basin. Haha.

Cash only premises should be mentioned more specifically on all info material and web site. We were lucky to have had british crew members with pound sterling in their pockets. Otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get on land. We just didn’t realize that card payments are not an option.

Response: Thank you for you suggestion about cash. Our Information for Visiting Ships and Yachts page has been updated accordingly.

German passenger on the cruise ship MV Bremen, visiting December 2019

Highlights: Having a beer at the bar with the islanders :-)

We were lucky enough to have lots of time [because] of bad weather at Nightingale island.

Helpfulness: Very informative

Thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality. I loved it! God bless you! I am so lucky we were able to visit you before the corona crises hit the world!

Response: We are looking forward to receiving visitors again when the risks of COVID-19 have passed.

South African crew member of the yacht Ciao Bella, visiting February 2020

The skipper and his son decided it was too risky to disembark, as our anchor would not hold during the night. It would have been great to have a fixed mooring buoy for visiting yachts so that we could safely disembark and visit the island for a day.

Highlights: The view of the Island as we first saw Tristan through the lifting clouds. The crayfish given to us at sunset by the friendly fishermen.

The Radio operator, the Immigration (lady) official and the Doctor were most pleasant to talk to on the VHF.

I would have bought a T shirt for my wife and two sons. We were unable to disembark from Ciao Bella, so I was very disappointed.

I would love to bring my wife to see the island for a short visit and do some hiking on the island, and just have a peacful holiday on your beautiful island. I would love to show her the Albatrosses and of course eat some crayfish.

Response: The idea of a mooring buoy has been suggested before, but it seems unlikely such a buoy would survive Tristan's winter storms.

You could still buy Tristan T-shirts. They can be purchased from our Online Gift Shop.

German passenger on the cruise ship MV Bremen, visiting December 2019

This feedback was sent in German. We have translated it into English but kept the original in brackets.

Highlights: It was a wonderful, impressive experience. The people were all very friendly and helpful. [Es war ein wunderbares beeindruckendes Erlebnis. Die Menschen waren alle sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.]

Suggestions: They could offer a tasting from the brewery [Sie könnten einen Probiertest von ihrer Brauerei anbieten]

Some outdoor benches to enjoy the landscape [einige Sitzbänke im Freien um die Landschaft zu geniessne]

Helpfulness: Very friendly and pleasant German [sehr freundlich und angenehmdeutsch]

Response: There are already a number of public benches in the village, in Volcanic Park '61, and elsewhere. Unfortunately, some benches were destroyed by the storms in July and November 2019, and could not be replaced before your visit. We would welcome suggestions for places where additional benches would benefit future visitors.

British crew member of the cruise ship MV Silver Cloud, visiting March 2019

Landing by ship's boat, rated poor. It was entirely due to weather conditions that debark wasn't great, and there's nothing anyone can do about that.

Tristan is absolutely stunning. I wish we could have stayed longer.

It is such a shame to see the profusion of wildlife on Gough Island and none on Tristan, doubtless due to introduces species. With a mouse eradication program planned for Gough, maybe one should be planned for Tristan too?

The staff we met were all friendly and knowledgeable.

Response: It is always important to heed the advice of the harbourmaster regarding weather and the swell when undertaking ship to shore transfers.

The Conservation Department and partner organisations are perpetually seeking ways to restore habitats for the benefit of our endemic wildlife.

British passenger on the cruise ship MV Silver Cloud, visiting March 2019

Landing by ship's boat, rated excellent. It couldn't have been better. It was lovely to be welcomed and also to be bade farewell.

Highlights: The friendliness and approachability of the islanders. It was all beautifully peaceful.

The reason a large number of people were on the Silver Cloud was to visit Tristan. It was wonderful that a flexible approach was taken so that we could land.

Argentinian yachtsman on the Endeavour, visiting February 2019

Highlights: Short and sweet. The efficiency and kindness of the people that received me was incredible. I left the island with my heart full of gratitude.

A buoy for yacht would be a great improvement!

I would like to spend more time visiting the isle and meeting with local people.

Response: It is debatable if a mooring buoy could survive Tristan's stronger weather and swells. Calshot Harbour is itself often damaged by winter storms.

Australian crew member of the yacht Pelagic Australis, visiting May 2017

Was always on my Bucket List!!!! I wish we could have stayed longer as I would have loved to hike up to the peak! I also wanted to purchase a Tristan 1 pound coin but sadly I ran out of money... Also wish I had flown the Tristan flag on Pelagic as we departed ... I forgot! It would have looked great in your photo! Everybody on the island was wonderful and helpful during our all too brief visit.

Response: Actually, we don't have a Tristan £1 coin, but there is a £5 coin, which, like our stamps, you can purchase online from the Post Office.

Similarly, if for whatever reason you were unable to buy something from the gift shop during your visit, you can always order items from the Online Store.

Swedish crew member of the motor yacht Cloudbreak, visiting February 2018

I thought it would be amazing to visit such a remote place and it suited our itinerary. Very excited when I made the decision to go.

Highlights: Just being there, walking around relaxing. Chatting with locals at post office/shop.

Brazilian crew member of the yacht Nina Pope, visiting January 2018

We were there for a day and it was very nice. After groceries, we had an amazing lunch and beers, took a hike on the field and on the beach. The weather was clear and colours were just incredible. Finished the day in the very charming Phillip Hall pub.

I wish we could have gone back to the boat a little later, so to have enjoyed the social environment the island has to offer. Our time there was really short to explorer more.

Our guide was really helpful all the time of our stay. Thank you for your attention to us while over there.

German passenger on the cruise ship MV Le Lyrial, visiting March 2018

I am finding it difficult to comment on the quality of the disembarkation process as I managed to get involved in an incident onboard Le Lyrial's Marina. The swell lifted our Zodiac above the Marina, then went down and another passenger and I went into the water when the Zodiac capsized. I was determined not to let this deter me from visiting Tristan da Cunha so after I had been rescued by the Le Lyrial crew I got changed and went on the last Zodiac to the island.

Both, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed walking independently around the town. The highlight was talking to islanders who were very communicative and happy to talk to us once we approached them. I particularly remember talking to a young man who told us about handicrafts being available from the Cafe, my husband and I promptly went there and bought some souvenirs.

We appreciated being able to walk around and to get an impression what island life was like without being pestered by people trying to sell their services.

It sounds silly but we would have been happy to buy T-shirts or windcheaters with a Tristan Logo.

We did not go on a tour but would like to mention two people who left a lasting impression with us. One was the lady in charge of the Tristan House Museum. We actually met her in the street and she was happy to give us an insight into life on the island which was very informative and interesting. The other one was Connie Glass who gave a talk on our ship about Tristan da Cunha. It was captivating, if we had not already been determined to go to Tristan, Connie would have convinced us to go. Connie is a brilliant ambassador for the island, we have read the 'Rockhopper Copper' twice already. I am a senior lecturer at Cologne University of Applied Sciences and I recognize a good speaker when I see (or hear) one. Both, the lady from the Tristan House Museum (whose name I do not know) and Connie Glass do you proud!

I thought that our visit to Tristan da Cunha was the highlight of our 5-week holiday which took us through fascinating parts of South America all the way to Cape Town. With retirement looming large I can well imagine spending more time on the island.

Response: We were sorry to hear about your disembarkation mishap. However, we are glad that you were not harmed and that it did not put you off landing on Tristan. Expedition cruise ships are expert in handling disembarkation in the sort of sea conditions found around Tristan, but even so it is difficult to avoid all accidents.

Australian passenger on the cruise ship MV Silver Cloud, visiting March 2018

Very exciting. A lifelong ambition. Very relieved that we could land. A warm welcome from all. A wonderful visit to Nightingale with the help of the policeman and other conservationists from Tristan. Very informative and amiable.

English passenger on the cruise ship MV Silver Cloud, visiting March 2018

Taking all into account - it went well, so any dramatic improvements would cost a fortune and are not really necessary.

Given that we only had 4 hours, we managed to pack a lot in. I was very pleased to have seen and photographed a Painted Lady butterfly, which was smaller than the European ones and must be a local adaptation. The entire trip was great. Islanders very informative and approachable

Australian passenger on the cruise ship MV Le Lyrial, visiting March 2018

Being able to land was a highlight alone. I loved the story of the history and the isolation and the relaxed lifestyle. We walked back from the patches and the dramatic scenery was also a highlight. We would have liked more time but were happy with what we got.

Not having any of the correct currencies was a negative. We were not advised to bring British pounds or US dollars so were unable to spend any money while we were there. We would happily have spent some money. An Eftpos machine would have been good

Response: You should have received advice from your cruise company about the currencies accepted on Tristan. You can find our own advice on our Visitor Information page. Unfortunately, Tristan's small size means that we are unable to provide credit/debit card services.

Crew member of the research vessel RRS James Clark Ross, visiting March 2018

Landed by Tristan RIB, rated good, but could have done with clearer instructions from the coxswain when embarking onto RIB from JCR and when disembarking from RIB back to JCR.

The tourist centre with post office was fantastic. Fantastic place!

Response: Thank for the feedback. We always aim to improve the safety of ship to shore transfers.

British passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

A wonderful experience and I feel very lucky to have been able to experience having been there. Tea towels are fab. Everyone was lovely. Spent a lot of time talking to Kelly who is a great ambassador for the people of Tristan.

Danish passenger on the cruise ship MV Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

Everybody was most helpful and friendly, and particularly enjoyed the presentations made on board the ship as these provided a much better insight to island life.

The visit itself was the highlight of (and main reason for) the cruise, which started in Miami and ended in Cape Town. The fact that we got to spend two days on and around TDC was an added bonus

United States passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

It was one of the most amazing travel experiences I've ever had!!! I studied geography and have had Tristan on my list of exotic destinations to visit and was so excited to actually set foot on your beautiful and super friendly island, it truly was a dream come true for me and meeting many of the locals was such an awesome experience!!!!

British passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

A fabulous visit. The highlight was actually being able to get to you and land.... Thank you for arranging perfect weather for our second day! Thank you too for all the briefings about life on Tristan. We very much appreciated it all.

Swiss crew member of the yacht Nina Pope, visiting January 2019

It's a dream of each sailor to stop in Tristan da Cunha. We had a beautiful day on this small island between Rio and Cape Town. Tristan da Cunha is really natural place. We enjoyed! Dawn was the best guide we could have... really friendly! Thank you very much, thank you Dawn

Improvements: Pub opening hours.... we had to leave the harbour before 7pm.

Response: Your suggestion regarding the Albatross Bar's opening hours is duly noted.

British passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

Superb. What a wonderful community and atmosphere. How you coped with a virtual doubling of your community was excellent. We would have liked more time on the island. We really appreciated the talks about the island, its community and how it all worked given by your members during our circumnavigation of Inaccessible and Nightingale Island on the following day. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

Improvements: A map of the settlement and Potato Patches. You had lots of signposts but a map or plan would have made it easier to get around.

Response: Maps are available from the Post Office and Tourism Centre.

United States passengers on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

When my wife and I planned our 38 day cruise from Miami to Cape Town, we knew nothing about Tristan which was an amazing surprise and by far the best of many ports we stopped at along the way. Captain Hamish's extreme interest and passion to make the visit made our visit to your home and beautiful island even more memorable. Just a fluke that Tristan was part of the Seabourn Sojourn's itinarary. We really didn't think we would be able to go ashore on such a small island in the middle of the South Atlantic.

The Sojourn's crew worked extremely hard to get all of its passengers who wanted to visit possible.

Highlights: Just coming ashore and witnessing first hand what the Tristan people have accomplished by working as a community team. Additionally I enjoyed hearing the Chef's version of bartering for Lobsters on Tristan. Both the fresh fish and fresh Lobsters the Chef was able to acquire for the benefit of the Sojourn passengers was well worth his efforts and the bounty he used as trade. A great story. We should have spent more time there

Being able to meet some of the Tristan people who boarded the ship was a bonus. Ironically, The Seabourn Sojourn after setting sail for South Africa from Tristan turned around and cruised back to Tristan to seek repair parts to repair the Sojourns IT system. Total return took almost 3 hours to return but whatever the ship obtained helped get the ships system repaired and operating. What a surprise save for such a small island with less than 275 inhabitants. Amazing!!!

Improvements: Taxi service

Response: Taxis can be provided when cruise ships land passengers on Tristan, but only if the ship has asked in advance for them to be made available. This question is asked when Tourism arranges the visit's programme with cruise company.

British passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

We loved our day. We were made to feel most welcome. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful. I hope Seabourn repeat the visit. I'll be there!

British passengers on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

I remember the eruption in 1961 and it has always been a place I wanted to go to. The web site is very informative.

Highlights: We were very lucky that the conditions were favourable. Fantastic. Just to get there was a boyhood dream. To play golf and chat to local people is a day I will cherish forever. We loved playing golf and are now lifelong members.

All the people I met were so helpful and pleased to see us. Just keep doing what you are doing.

Perhaps we will return one day. When I return I would love to trek to the top of the crater and see the heart shaped lake. Also I would love to go ashore at both the other islands. We just had limited time.

New Zealand passenger on the cruise ship MS Seabourn Sojourn, visiting January 2018

Despite being well travelled, I would rate this as an experience not to be missed. We were very privileged to have visited your tiny island and to socialise with you guys. Please keep your island the way it is, a magic unspoiled little paradise away from the worries of the World. Very helpful and welcoming.